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Syria

Israel’s Eyes on Türkiye: Erdoğan’s Strategy and Regional Tensions

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 19, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Fatih Erbakan Accused of Being “Israel’s Man” Amidst Syrian Developments

Recent political discourse has seen Fatih Erbakan,leader of the Saadet Party,being labeled “Israel’s man” by some,with specific allegations directed towards Syrian President Ahmet Şara. This has led to questions about weather Erbakan views Israel’s recent attacks on Syria as a form of “fighting.”

Öcalan’s stance on Israel Under Scrutiny

Dem Party Deputy Cengiz Çandar has raised concerns about a potential “Kurdisrail” alliance if Turkey does not act swiftly, suggesting that such a growth coudl pose a threat to Turkey after Iran. Çandar highlighted Abdullah Öcalan‘s position as an “anti-Israeli” as Turkey’s greatest chance in this context.The article questions the timing of Çandar’s emphasis on Öcalan’s anti-Israeli stance, notably in light of ongoing parliamentary discussions regarding terrorism threats to Turkey. It notes that Öcalan’s position on this matter has remained consistent for the past 15 years, prompting speculation about Çandar’s motivations for bringing it up now, especially considering the removal of the US shield for groups like Kandil and Dem under the Trump administration. The author expresses curiosity about Öcalan’s potential response to these questions.

Image related to Turkish education system

Allegations of Exam Irregularities in Turkish Education System

The article touches upon allegations of corruption within the education system, specifically referencing a university diploma fraud suspect and concerns surrounding high school exams. It highlights that out of 719 students who achieved perfect scores in Türkiye, 63 were graduates of Imam Hatip Secondary Schools, suggesting this data is being used as the primary evidence in investigations.

July 19, 2025 0 comments

World

Suida Conflict: Violence, Israeli Intervention, and Druze Concerns

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 19, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Syrian Government Forces Face Resistance in Suweida as Druze Leader Warns Against Intervention

Tensions are escalating in Syria’s Suweida province as local Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al Higri has voiced strong opposition to the potential deployment of government forces into the region. Sheikh Al Higri stated his distrust of these forces, citing their alleged support for Bedouin tribes. This sentiment is echoed by representatives of Arab tribes, who have reportedly mobilized tens of thousands of fighters to support the Bedouins and have warned the government against interference.

Despite localized clashes, residents and the local Suweida 24 news channel report a general state of calm within the city of Suweida, home to approximately 400,000 people, predominantly Druze.The province has historically maintained a degree of autonomy throughout the Syrian Civil War. While many Suweida residents previously supported President bashar Assad, a growing distrust of the current transitional government in Damascus, perceived as being dominated by Sunni Islamists, is now evident.

In parallel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed Israel’s commitment to defending the Druze community, a minority group holding a distinct status within Israeli society. Unlike Arab citizens, Muslims, and Christians, Druze individuals serve in the Israeli military and hold notable positions within the country, according to reports from BTA.

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of complex regional dynamics and ancient allegiances, with the Druze population navigating shifting political landscapes and seeking to preserve their autonomy and security.

This happened Dnes, for the crucial day of us, follow us and in Google News Showcase.

July 19, 2025 0 comments

World

US Envoy Signals Shift in Approach to Hezbollah, Raising Concerns in Washington

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 19, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Here’s a breakdown of teh key issues and concerns presented in the text:

1. Attacks on the Bekaa Valley and Hezbollah‘s stance on Dialogue:

The Problem: Attacks in the Bekaa Valley have resulted in 12 deaths. hezbollah’s Position: Hezbollah has stated that these attacks, along with Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory, must end before they will participate in dialogue about their weapons arsenal.
impact: The persistence of these attacks hinders efforts to initiate government dialogue with Hezbollah on disarmament.

2. Syria and the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Threat:

Hezbollah’s Perception: Hezbollah and the broader Lebanese Shiite community view the HTS-lead government in Syria as a significant and perhaps existential threat.
Reasons for the Threat:
HTS’s Salafi-Jihadi roots and anti-Shiite ideology.
Sectarian massacres committed by HTS-affiliated forces in post-Assad Syria.
Context of Syrian Developments:
The spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community accused government-affiliated forces of indiscriminate attacks in Suwayda.
Israel conducted a large air campaign in Suwayda and Damascus, targeting the Defense Ministry and Presidential Palace, with the stated purpose of protecting the Druze minority.

3. U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack’s Statements and Concerns about Syrian Hegemony:

barrack’s Warning: In an interview, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack warned that Lebanon risks becoming “Bilad Al Sham” again if it doesn’t address Hezbollah’s disarmament.
“Bilad Al Sham” Meaning: This refers to the past region of “Greater Syria,” which once included Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s Interpretation: Hezbollah officials view Barrack’s statements, especially given his assignment to the Lebanon file along with Syria, as a potential indication of Washington’s intention to impose Syrian trusteeship over Lebanon, similar to the past under the Assad dynasty.
Impact of Barrack’s Statements: These statements have amplified Hezbollah’s existing fears of Syria regaining an outsized role in Lebanon.
Broader Implications: If the U.S. considers giving Syria significant influence in Lebanon under an HTS-led government, it could:
Undermine disarmament efforts with Hezbollah.
* Potentially ignite sectarian conflict.

In essence, the text highlights a complex interplay of regional security concerns, sectarian tensions, and diplomatic maneuvering that are impacting Lebanon’s internal stability and its relationship with both Hezbollah and the international community. The attacks in the Bekaa, the perceived threat from HTS in Syria, and the implications of U.S. envoy statements all contribute to a volatile situation that complicates any attempts at disarmament and dialogue.

July 19, 2025 0 comments

News

Walid Jumblatt calls for a ceasefire in As -Suwayda in preparation for a dialogue that ends the crisis

by David Harrison – Chief Editor July 18, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Druze Leader Calls for Syrian Ceasefire

Jumblatt Urges Dialogue to Resolve Sweida Crisis Amidst Regional Tensions

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria’s southern Sweida province. His plea aims to pave the way for dialogue between local community representatives and the Syrian state to de-escalate the ongoing crisis.

Investigation Demanded for Sweida Events

Jumblatt also advocated for the establishment of an independent committee to investigate recent events in Sweida. He affirmed the province’s status as “an integral part of Syria,” pushing back against any calls for separatism.

These statements were made during an emergency session of the General Assembly of the Druze Almohads Doctrine Council in Beirut. The meeting addressed the repercussions of the deteriorating conditions in Sweida and sought to formulate a unified response.

“I suggest a ceasefire in southern Syria to enter a dialogue between the state and the Sweida activities,”

—Walid Jumblatt

He further demanded accountability for the treatment of individuals in Sweida, including the Bedouin community, stating, “I also called for the formation of an investigation committee regarding what our people were exposed to in Sweida, including our people from the Bedouins.”

Regional Aggression Condemned

Simultaneously, Jumblatt denounced recent Israeli attacks on Syria and its persistent daily aggressions against Lebanon. Last Sunday, violent clashes erupted between Bedouin and Druze factions in Sweida, requiring intervention from the army and security forces to restore order.

Israel reportedly exploited these conditions, escalating its raids across four Syrian governorates, including strikes targeting military headquarters in Damascus. The number of civilian casualties in Syria continues to be a grave concern, with reports indicating over 500,000 deaths since 2011, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) July 1, 2024.

“We must arbitrate the mind before launching positions or condemnations about what is happening in Syria.”

—Walid Jumblatt

Jumblatt specifically rejected calls for Sweida’s secession, reiterating its integral status within Syria. He criticized certain Druze political factions in Sweida whose actions, he believes, exacerbated the current crisis.

Drawing a historical parallel, Jumblatt invoked the legacy of Druze leader Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash, who left Sweida for Jordan in 1954 to prevent Syria from descending into civil war. “Today we miss the likes of these leaders in Sweida,” he lamented.

The Lebanese leader emphasized the need for wisdom and strong leadership reminiscent of past figures to navigate the complex situation in Sweida.

July 18, 2025 0 comments

News

Syria: Druze-Bedouin Clashes Escalate Amid Humanitarian Crisis

by Emma Walker – News Editor July 18, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Druze and Bedouin Communities in Syria Experience escalating Tensions

Beirut, Lebanon – Sectarian clashes have erupted in Syria’s Sweida province, a region predominantly inhabited by the Druze religious sect, which originated as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam.Over half of the world’s approximately one million Druze reside in Syria, with significant populations also in Lebanon and Israel, including the Golan Heights.

The recent escalation in Sweida began when members of a local Bedouin tribe, who are Sunni Muslims and have historically experienced intermittent conflicts with the Druze, established a checkpoint. According too reports, they attacked and robbed a Druze man, leading to a cycle of retaliatory attacks and kidnappings between the two communities.

Syrian researcher Ahmed Aba Zeid, who specializes in armed groups in southern syria, stated that there is “no specific reason” for the historical tensions between the groups, attributing them to broader social problems within Syria. He also suggested that the Syrian state may have exploited the recent incident to alter the situation in Sweida,inadvertently intensifying the conflict.

In response to the escalating violence,members of the Druze community in Israel have called for intervention to protect their co-religionists in Syria. Though, Druze leaders elsewhere in the region have rejected any form of Israeli involvement.Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Lebanon, expressed concern that the sectarian clashes in syria could provide a pretext for Israeli intervention and destabilize the region. He emphasized that the Druze community would not seek protection from Israel, which he believes is detrimental to their history and identity. Al-Muna urged all parties to adhere to a recently brokered ceasefire and advocated for national dialog to address inter-community issues in Syria.

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Joumblatt, who played a role in mediating the ceasefire, also called for the establishment of an investigative committee to examine violations against both Druze and Bedouin populations in Syria.

July 18, 2025 0 comments

Health

Syria: Soueida Clashes, Druze Concerns, Israel Aid, UN Plea

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 18, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Syrian Government Withdraws from Soueida Amid Clashes, Israel Pledges Aid to Druze Minority

Table of Contents

Syrian Government Withdraws from Soueida Amid Clashes, Israel Pledges Aid to Druze Minority
- Evergreen Insights: The Druze in Syria
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Soueida Situation

By World Today News Staff

November 10, 2023

The Syrian government has withdrawn its forces from the city of Soueida, a move aimed at preventing an escalation of conflict, according to local official Mr. Chareh.This advancement comes as Israel pledges humanitarian aid to the Druze minority in Syria, highlighting the region’s complex geopolitical landscape. the situation remains tense, with ongoing reports of clashes and calls for a cessation of violence.

A ceasefire was reportedly established, but the Syrian presidency later accused Druze fighters of violating its terms. The following morning, exchanges of fire were heard at the entrances to Soueida, pitting tribal fighters aligned with the authorities against Druze groups, according to reports from combatants and a non-governmental institution. AFP correspondents confirmed hearing the sounds of gunfire in and around the city.

In response to the unfolding crisis, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Saar, announced on Friday that the nation would provide humanitarian assistance to the Druze population in Syria. This aid is expected to include essential food and medical supplies, underscoring international concern for the well-being of the minority group.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,Volker Türk,also issued a statement on Friday,urging an immediate end to the bloodshed and violence. He emphasized the critical need to ensure the protection of all individuals in the affected areas, calling for absolute adherence to human rights principles.

The ongoing situation in Soueida highlights the delicate balance of power and the humanitarian challenges faced by minority communities in the region. Understanding the ancient context of the druze population and their relationship with regional powers is crucial to grasping the current dynamics.

Evergreen Insights: The Druze in Syria

The Druze are a distinct ethnoreligious group with a significant presence in Syria,especially in the soueida governorate. Historically, they have navigated complex relationships with various governing powers and neighboring countries, ofen seeking to maintain their autonomy and protect their community.

Their unique religious beliefs and cultural practices have sometimes led to them being misunderstood or targeted. The current events underscore the ongoing need for international attention to the protection of minority rights and the prevention of humanitarian crises in conflict zones.

For more information on the Druze community and their history, consult resources from reputable academic institutions or international organizations focused on minority affairs. Understanding the historical context is key to comprehending the current events in Soueida.

Britannica: Druze

Al Jazeera: Syria’s Druze minority faces growing unrest

Frequently Asked Questions About the Soueida Situation

What is the primary concern regarding the Druze in Syria?: The primary concern is the protection of the Druze minority amidst escalating conflict and potential humanitarian crises in the Soueida region.
Why did the Syrian government withdraw forces from Soueida?: the Syrian government withdrew its forces from Soueida to avoid an “open war” and de-escalate tensions in the region.
What role is Israel playing in the Soueida situation?: Israel has pledged to send humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to the Druze minority in Syria.
Have there been any violations of the ceasefire in Soueida?: Yes, the Syrian presidency accused Druze fighters of violating the ceasefire shortly after it was concluded.
What is the UN’s stance on the violence in Soueida?: the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate cessation of bloodshed and violence, emphasizing the protection of all people.
What are the historical challenges faced by the Druze community in Syria?

July 18, 2025 0 comments

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