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.
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Türkiye and Syria plan to increase annual bilateral trade to $5 billion within the next two years, officials from both countries said on Tuesday, as they seek to deepen economic ties and support Syria's recovery.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
A second group of Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State group has departed a refugee camp in north-east Syria and may return to Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday.
Trade between the United Arab Emirates and Syria more than doubled in 2025, a UAE minister said on Tuesday during an investment forum in Damascus that reflected rapidly improving ties between the two countries.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celebrations across New York City.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
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