Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
Toni Ettel, FAO’s representative in Syria, told Reuters that the agency expects a wheat shortfall of 2.7 million tonnes this year — enough to feed 16.3 million people for a year.
For years, under President Bashar al-Assad, Syria relied on wheat imports from Russia to support bread subsidies during droughts. But after Assad was ousted, Moscow stopped wheat shipments, citing uncertainty about Syria’s new government.
Farmers like Asaad Ezzeldin in Aleppo have seen their crops fail due to lack of rain and irrigation. The agriculture sector is already weakened after 13 years of war and heavy bombing.
In a surprise move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week plans to lift all sanctions on Syria, with some relief expected soon. This could help Syria’s agriculture recover by allowing funds for irrigation and rebuilding infrastructure, Ettel said.
Following this move The EU has also officially announced the lifting of its broad economic sanctions on Syria, aiming to support the country’s reconstruction and recovery.
The removal of sanctions on Syria is seen as a turning point, offering hope for progress in key sectors like agriculture. With restrictions lifted, Syrian farmers may soon gain access to vital resources such as irrigation technology, fuel, and investment—essential for rebuilding after years of war and drought. While targeted sanctions tied to the Assad regime and security risks remain, the broader move signals international support for Syria’s recovery and political transition.
Syria’s new government has long pushed to remove sanctions that isolated its economy, making it heavily dependent on Russia and Iran.
Following the announcement of the extension of the Canada-led NATO mission in Latvia, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said that cooperation withi...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that Türkiye, Gulf states or European nations could host potential talks with Russian Preside...
Space X will attempt to launch its super heavy booster rocket, Starship tonight after it was postponed on Monday night due to weather conditions at it...
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to commence denuclearization talks with Russia and China, revisiting an issue he raised earlier as he al...
Belgium’s prime minister Bart De Wever has called for Russian assets frozen since the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine to remain in the Euroclear sec...
Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections under the new Islamist administration next month, but several provinces will be excluded due to ongoing security concerns.
Türkiye says it will send military experts to Syria, aimed at assessing defence needs and drawing up a joint plan for restructuring the Syrian Armed Forces.
Syria and Israel aim to boost stability in southern Syria and the broader region according to reports.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Afghanistan’s interim administration on Tuesday unveiled a five-year “Development Strategy” aimed at creating jobs and promoting balanced development.
Libya’s Presidency Council chief Mohamed al-Menfi met on Tuesday in Tripoli with U.S. chargé d’affaires Jeremy Berndt to discuss ways to accelerate the country’s political process and lay the groundwork for national elections.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position, citing allegations of mortgage fraud.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on 26 August that U.S. colleges would face serious challenges without Chinese students.
The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved a new prime minister, marking a key step in the formation of the country’s ruling coalition.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment