UN envoy warns against Syria collapse at crisis talks Posted on 14/12/2024 In the meeting with Geir Pedersen (front right), Anthony Blinken said the UN “plays a critical role” in humanitarian assistance and protecting minorities in Syria. (AP pic) AQABA: A UN envoy on Saturday urged foreign powers to work to avoid a collapse of vital Syrian institutions following the downfall of leader Bashar al-Assad, as diplomats gathered in Jordan for a conference on the crisis. Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, also backed a “credible and inclusive” political process to form the next government as he met US secretary of state Antony Blinken. “We need to make sure that state institutions do not collapse, and that we get in humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible,” Pedersen said. “If we can achieve that, perhaps there is a new opportunity for the Syrian people.” Top Arab, Turkish, EU and US diplomats are holding talks in the Jordanian Red Sea resort city of Aqaba less than a week after Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad. Blinken, on a trip in which he has met the leaders of Jordan, Turkey and Iraq, has repeatedly called for an “inclusive” process that reflects all the diverse ethnic and religious communities in Syria. News
Fifa chief hails women-only crowd at Iranian top-flight clash Posted on 20/12/2024 The Iranian Pro League clash at Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan stadium was played in front of a crowd made up exclusively of women and girls. (Persepolis FC pic) TEHRAN: Fifa president Gianni Infantino has offered “heartfelt gratitude” to Iranian authorities for allowing tens of thousands of female fans to attend a… Read More
Iran’s president criticises new hijab law Posted on 03/12/2024 Women in Iran have been required to cover their hair in public since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. (EPA Images pic) TEHRAN: Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed doubts about new legislation imposing tougher penalties on women who flout mandatory hijab regulations. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women in Iran have… Read More
Two killed in US school shooting, student suspect also dead Posted on 17/12/2024 Emergency vehicles lined up outside Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, after multiple injuries were reported in a shooting. (AP pic) WASHINGTON: A student opened fire Monday at a school in the northern US state of Wisconsin, killing at least two people and injuring several others before apparently taking their… Read More