Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has announced he will not attend the Arab League Summit in Baghdad this weekend, following controversy sparked by Iraq's invitation to the former rebel-turned-leader, whose return to Iraq, where he fought and was imprisoned, raised concerns.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has announced that he will not attend the Arab League Summit in Baghdad this weekend. Iraq's invitation has sparked controversy over the potential return of the former rebel leader to a country where he once fought and was imprisoned.
According to Syrian state television, Sharaa will be replaced by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, who will lead Syria’s delegation. The main topics of the summit will include Gaza reconstruction and the Palestinian issue.
Sharaa’s decision reflects the mixed results of Syria’s regional relations following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad last year. Sharaa has rapidly strengthened ties with Sunni-majority Gulf Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but has been more cautious with countries like Iraq, which has a Shiite-majority population.
Sharaa fought with Al-Qaeda in Iraq after the U.S. invasion in 2003 and was imprisoned for more than five years before being released in 2011. After his release, he established Al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, which later evolved into the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group in 2016. This group eventually became one of the main forces fighting against Assad’s regime.
Politicians have viewed Sharaa’s absence from the summit as a step toward Iraq distancing itself from Iran and fostering stronger ties with the Arab world. However, analysts have pointed out that tensions remain over Iraq’s move away from Iran and its deeper cooperation with Syria.
Some Syrians have expressed concern that Sharaa could face danger in Iraq. They believe that Iraq's critics, along with Syrian intelligence services, will take these threats seriously.
China has announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips intended for civilian use, the commerce ministry said on Sunday, a move aimed ...
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was willing to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but reiterated that Moscow would...
At least two people have died in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong battered central and eastern regions, bringing torrential rain and powerfu...
Britain is deploying specialists and equipment to Belgium to assist in tackling a series of disruptive drone sightings that have temporarily shut down...
Hundreds of people remained missing on Sunday after a boat sank near the Thailand–Malaysia border, with Malaysian maritime authorities confirming th...
China has announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips intended for civilian use, the commerce ministry said on Sunday, a move aimed at easing supply shortages affecting carmakers and automotive suppliers.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was willing to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but reiterated that Moscow would not compromise on its main conditions for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
At least two people have died in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong battered central and eastern regions, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds that knocked out electricity across much of the Bicol region ahead of its anticipated landfall in northern Luzon.
Britain is deploying specialists and equipment to Belgium to assist in tackling a series of disruptive drone sightings that have temporarily shut down airports, the head of the UK armed forces said on Sunday.
Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead the 2026 Grammy nominations, while K-Pop enters the Song of the Year category for the first time in the award’s history.
Real Madrid, top of LaLiga, is determined to bounce back from their midweek Champions League loss against Liverpool as they face local rivals Rayo Vallecano. Coach Xabi Alonso insists the team is focused on finishing strong before the international break.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned a massive Russian attack involving 450 drones and 45 missiles, targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He called for stronger sanctions against Russia’s energy sector to help end the war.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that no U.S. government official would attend the upcoming Group of 20 summit in South Africa later this month, citing what he described as "human rights abuses" occurring in the country.
Six people have died with one other injured, after a fire broke out in a perfume warehouse in the Dilovasi district of Türkiye on Saturday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was willing to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but reiterated that Moscow would not compromise on its main conditions for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
At least two people have died in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong battered central and eastern regions, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds that knocked out electricity across much of the Bicol region ahead of its anticipated landfall in northern Luzon.
Britain is deploying specialists and equipment to Belgium to assist in tackling a series of disruptive drone sightings that have temporarily shut down airports, the head of the UK armed forces said on Sunday.
Hundreds of people remained missing on Sunday after a boat sank near the Thailand–Malaysia border, with Malaysian maritime authorities confirming that ten survivors and one body had been recovered.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment