ANKARA/AMMAN: Turkey will send more troops into Syria’s Idlib province after striking a deal with Russia that has averted a government offensive and delighted rebels who said it kept the area out of President Bashar Assad’s hands.
The deal unveiled on Monday by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Assad’s most powerful ally, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will create a demilitarised zone from which “radical” rebels must withdraw by the middle of next month.
Damascus also welcomed the agreement but vowed to continue its efforts to recover “every inch” of Syria. Iran, Assad’s other main ally, said that “responsible diplomacy” had averted a war in Idlib “with a firm commitment to fight extremist terror.”
The agreement halted a threatened Syrian government offensive. The United Nations had warned such an attack would create a humanitarian catastrophe in the Idlib region, home to about 3 million people.
The Idlib region and adjoining territory north of Aleppo represent the opposition’s last big foothold in Syria. Assad has recovered most of the areas once held by the rebels, with decisive military support from Iran and Russia.
But his plans to recover the northwest have been complicated by Turkey’s role on the ground. It has soldiers at 12 locations in Idlib and supplies weapons to some of the rebels.
Erdogan had feared another exodus of refugees to join the 3.5 million already in Turkey, and warned against any attack.
In striking the deal, Russia appears — at least for now — to have put its ties with Turkey ahead of advancing the goal of bringing all Syria back under Assad’s rule.
That goal is also obstructed by the presence of US forces in the quarter of Syria east of the Euphrates that is held by an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, and at a base near the borders with Jordan and Iraq.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis played down any notion the Turkey-Russia agreement had resolved the situation in Idlib.
“Idlib is one of the most complex problems in a complex theater (of conflict) right now. So I’m quite sure it’s not all sorted,” Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.
Analysts cautioned that implementation of the deal faced big challenges, notably how to separate extremists from other rebels — a goal Ankara has been struggling to achieve.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the “moderate opposition” would keep its weapons and the “region will be cleared of radicals.” Turkey would “make additional troop deployments” and its 12 observation posts would remain.
The deal was “very important for the political resolution in Syria.” “If this (Idlib) had been lost too, there would be no opposition anymore,” he said.
Mustafa Sejari, a Free Syria Army (FSA) official, said the deal “buries Assad’s dreams of imposing his full control over Syria.”
Yahya Al-Aridi, spokesman for the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission, expressed hope a government offensive was now off the table for good.
The Syrian government, in a statement published by state media, said it welcomed any agreement that spared blood. It also said the deal had a specific time frame, which it did not detail.
“I see it as a test of the extent of Turkey’s ability to implement this decision,” Ali Abdul Karim, Syria’s ambassador to Lebanon, said in an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed TV. “We do not trust Turkey ... but it’s useful for Turkey to be able to carry out this fight to rid these groups from their weapons.”
’Catastrophe averted’
Moscow said the deal “confirmed the ability of both Moscow and Ankara to compromise ... in the interests of the ultimate goal of a Syrian settlement by political and diplomatic means.”
“Is this merely a stay of execution? Or is it the beginning of a reprieve?” UN aid chief Mark Lowcock asked during a monthly meeting of the UN Security Council on Syria.
The demilitarised zone will be monitored by Russian and Turkish forces, the countries’ leaders said.
Neither Russia nor Turkey has explained how it plans to differentiate “radically minded” rebels from other anti-Assad groups. It was also not immediately clear how much of the city of Idlib fell within the zone.
Putin said the decision was to establish by Oct. 15 a demilitarised area 15 to 20 km (10-12 miles) deep along the contact line between rebel and government fighters.
Naji Abu Hufaiza, spokesman for the National Front for Liberation, said he did not have details of the agreement, but added that while he saw it as a success for Turkish diplomacy, his group did not trust Russia to uphold it.
Idlib is held by an array of rebels. The most powerful is Tahrir Al-Sham, an amalgamation of Islamist groups dominated by the former Nusra Front — an Al-Qaeda affiliate until 2016.
Other Islamists, and groups fighting as the Free Syrian Army banner, are now gathered with Turkish backing under the banner of the “National Front for Liberation.”
The area is also the last major haven for foreign extremists who came to Syria to fight the Alawite-led Assad government.
Putin said that, at Erdogan’s suggestion, by Oct. 10, all opposition heavy weapons, mortars, tanks, rocket systems would also be removed from the demilitarised zone.
Earlier this month, Putin publicly rebuffed a proposal from Erdogan for a truce when the two met along with Iran’s president at a summit in Tehran.
Syria’s Idlib spared attack, Turkey to send in more troops
Syria’s Idlib spared attack, Turkey to send in more troops
- Damascus also welcomed the agreement but vowed to continue its efforts to recover “every inch” of Syria
- The Idlib region and adjoining territory north of Aleppo represent the opposition’s last big foothold in Syria
Security forces confiscate illegal weapons in operation in Pakistani district wracked by sectarian feuds
- At least 150 people have been killed in Kurram district since sectarian clashes broke out in November
- Road closures and continued fighting have disrupted people’s access to medicine, food, fuel, education, work
ISLAMABAD: An armed crackdown in the northwestern Pakistani district of Kurram that has been marred by sectarian clashes since November continued on Wednesday, with state media reporting that security forces had confiscated a large cache of illegal weapons in a search and clearance operation.
Kurram, a tribal district of around 600,000 where federal and provincial authorities have traditionally exerted limited control, has frequently experienced violence between its Sunni and Shiite communities over land and power. Travelers to and from the area often ride in convoys escorted by security officials.
The latest feuding started on Nov. 21 when gunmen ambushed a vehicle convoy and killed 52 people, mostly Shiites. The assault triggered road closures and other measures that have disrupted people’s access to medicine, food, fuel, education, and work and created a humanitarian crisis in the area, where authorities say at least 150 people have been killed in two months of feuding.
Media widely reported on Monday that Pakistani security forces had launched a “large-scale” operation targeting militants in the restive northwestern district bordering Afghanistan, after unidentified gunmen ambushed and burned aid trucks on Friday, killing up to 10 people.
“In a joint search and clearance operation by the district administration, police and security forces in the conflict-affected area of Bagan, district Kurram, a significant number of illegal weapons were recovered,” the Associated Press of Pakistan said. “Strict action would continue against elements involved in any unlawful activities.”
Violence has persisted in the region despite a peace agreement signed between the warring tribes on Jan. 1 under which both sides had committed to demolishing bunkers and handing over heavy weapons to authorities within two weeks.
Feuding tribes have been engaging in battles with machine guns and heavy weapons, isolating the remote, mountainous Kurram region. Parachinar is the main town in Kurram and a main road that connects the town to Peshawar, the provincial capital of the larger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has been blocked since sectarian fighting began in November.
Provincial and federal authorities have been supplying relief goods and evacuating the injured and ailing from Kurram to Peshawar via helicopters since last month.
Shiite Muslims dominate parts of Kurram, although they are a minority in the rest of Pakistan, which is majority Sunni. The area has a history of sectarian conflict.
Saudi Arabia, Gulf region ‘well positioned’ to take lead on global energy transition, says S&P executive
- Under President Donald Trump’s renewed leadership, energy policy in the US is expected to shift toward an emphasis on increasing crude and gas production
DAVOS: The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, is poised to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition, according to Mark Eramo, co-president of S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Speaking to Arab News at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Eramo highlighted the region’s growing renewable energy capabilities and its potential to balance traditional energy demands with advancing sustainability goals.
“The renewable energy capabilities in the Middle East are primed to be part of the energy transition and will also continue to support what we would now call traditional energy as it’s needed,” Eramo said.
He emphasized the ongoing importance of energy affordability and security, noting their priority for governments worldwide.
Eramo said Saudi Arabia, with its growing investments in the renewable energy sector, as well as ammonia production for hydrogen, is poised to emerge as a worldwide leader, adding: “The Kingdom is really positioned well to be an energy transition provider and take a global leadership role in that.”
With this in mind, Eramo highlighted S&P’s significant footprint in the Middle East and said the organization was in the process of expanding its presence in the region, something he said he was “excited about.”
He continued: “I manage S&P Global Commodity Insights and watch closely what is happening in Saudi Arabia and the region is near and dear to the work that we do. It’s a fundamental part of what we’re doing, whether it be downstream chemicals or just fundamental oil and gas and renewable energy. So, our plan is to increase our footprint in the region and be there.”
Eramo also reflected on the global energy outlook, touching on the implications of potential US policy shifts.
Under President Donald Trump’s renewed leadership, energy policy in the US is expected to shift toward an emphasis on increasing crude and gas production and expanding export terminal capacity, something which was paused under the administration of Joe Biden.
Citing that Trump this week declared an “energy emergency” in the US, Eramo said that the new administration’s focus on lower energy prices would aim to curb inflation and prioritize security.
Globally, he also noted the varied and pragmatic approach to the pace of energy transition, shaped by differing regional priorities.
“There are challenges in Europe, Asia Pacific, and South Asia. Each country, whether it’s China or India, will respond differently,” he said.
“It’s not about whether energy transition is over but understanding that it’s been going on for decades, driven by carbon emission reductions and fuel efficiency advancements,” he added.
Eramo acknowledged the historical resilience of energy players in navigating geopolitical uncertainties, especially in the Middle East in the past two years.
“I think there’s a long history of geopolitical turmoil in different parts of the world, and I think the major players in energy supply, including in the Middle East, have always found a way to work with their partners — whether in Europe, APAC (Asia-Pacific) or in the Americas — to navigate those waters and respond accordingly,” he said.
Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City unite on mental health initiative
- Three-year program will research esports, including anti-doping in e-sports and the importance of physical activity for gamers
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City have agreed to collaborate on implementing physical and mental wellbeing initiatives, developing health programs and conducting advanced research for electronic sports players.
Specific areas of joint focus include groundbreaking research into anti-doping in e-sports, the importance of physical activity for e-sports athletes and preventing and managing injuries. A medical committee will be established to combat doping.
The agreement, which aligns with the aims of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, will last for three years and is one of the first of its kind in the world.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in e-sports governance and integrating health and wellness into e-sports. The words innovative and groundbreaking are often overused but it is impossible to overstate how important this MoU could be for implementing physical and mental wellbeing initiatives not just in our nation, but in our industry. This is particularly prevalent considering that there remains a lingering public perception among some that gaming is an unhealthy pastime.
“As a global-leading federation, we at SEF relish the responsibility of enhancing best practice in gaming and e-sports and improving the lives of our community, and feel this collaboration is full proof of that in action. The MoU advances public health, fosters innovation and fully focuses on e-sports excellence and the health requirements that are vital to ensure e-sports excellence.”
The work achieved through the agreement will go towards the aims of Saudi Arabia’s National and Gaming Esports Strategy, which has ambitions to make the country a global hub for the gaming industry by 2030.
The research into anti-doping in e-sports is especially groundbreaking. As part of that, the agreement will help establish what exactly is doping in e-sports and how to combat it. Currently, the e-sports industry lacks consistent anti-doping standards, with few organizations adhering to any guidelines, and those that do often follow fragmented and inconsistent practices. It is hoped that the research by SEF and KSUMC could in time develop specific e-sports processes and guidelines on anti-doping.
The MoU will also help with the future implementation of health-related regulatory issues in e-sports as a global industry. It will help encourage healthy practices among gamers not just in Saudi Arabia but, when the research is shared, the wider world.
In addition, the agreement will assist all those in the SEF Career Pathway Strategy, which is implemented through the SEF Academy and the member clubs in Saudi Arabia. All professional, semi-professional, retired, youth and amateur players — male and female will benefit from the work conducted through the SEF and KSUMC.
Jordanian FM says Saudi Arabia plays key role in bringing comprehensive peace to Middle East
DAVOS: Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi said Saudi Arabia is playing a key role in bringing peace to the Middle East region and called for a two-state solution at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
Al-Safadi said the only way to maintain security in the region is to have strong leadership.
“There is a moment of opportunity in the region with everything happening in Lebanon and Syria; we should not leave leadership up to radicals,” he said.
A lasting ceasefire is Jordan’s main priority at the moment, explained Al-Safadi.
“Getting the ceasefire to hold is our priority, then flooding Gaza with immediate aid is necessary, then we can focus on other things like education and rebuilding the city,” he added.
Al-Safadi credited US President Donald Trump and his administration with ensuring the ceasefire in Gaza would happen.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that included an exchange of hostages from both sides took effect on Sunday.
The plan was originally outlined by former President Joe Biden in May and was pushed through after unusual joint diplomacy by Biden and Trump envoys.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel must withdraw its troops from central Gaza and permit the return of Palestinians to the north during an initial six-week phase, in which some hostages will be released.
Starting from the 16th day of the ceasefire, the two sides are set to negotiate a second phase, which is expected to include a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Reconstruction, expected to cost billions of dollars and last for years, would only begin in a third and final phase.
Fifteen months of war have left Gaza a wasteland of rubble, bombed-out buildings and makeshift encampments, with hundreds of thousands of desperate people sheltering from the winter cold and living on whatever aid can reach them. More than 46,000 people have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Omar Offendum reflects on identity ahead of Quoz Art Fest performance of ‘From a free Syria’
- Syrian-American rapper blends classic hip-hop, Arab poetry
- Trying to challenge ‘stereotypes’ of Arabs, Muslims, he says
DUBAI: Returning to the UAE after his debut performance in AlSerkal in 2009, Syrian-American artist Omar Offendum will take to the stage at the Quoz Arts Fest on Jan. 26.
Speaking to Arab News recently, the New-York based rapper said he was excited about performing in the Arab world, and being able to say he is “from a free Syria” for the first time.
Offendum is also a spoken-word poet and recently described himself as a theatrical storyteller.
“When I’m on stage, I’m not just singing songs or just reciting poetry, I’m bridging all of that with storytelling. And I find myself really comfortable in theater spaces now.
“As much as I love a big festival, I find what’s really unique about theater is people enter the space with the understanding that you are being sort of transported into an imaginary time and place,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from artists including Bob Marley, Sade, Sabah Fakhri and Feyrouz, Offendum’s music blends classic hip-hop and elements from traditional Arab culture.
“What was unique to me in my upbringing was that it wasn’t just musicians, it was poets. Nizar Qabbani, for me, was foundational. Every album I’ve made, there’s been translations of Nizar Qabbani’s work.
I’m always reciting his poetry on stage. I think what’s really special about being an artist is that when you do it with a desire to be authentic and genuine.”
Offendum’s music is often a form of social commentary reflecting on current or past events. He said sometimes “you need a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down” and his music does that.
“I think music speaks to a different dimension in our heart and in our mind. There’s emotion and there’s meaning in music just as much as there are in words,” he explained.
But success did not come easy for the Saudi Arabia-born rapper. Offendum said he faced many challenges as an Arab after moving to Los Angeles.
He recalled an experience where he was offered voice-over work that depicted harmful stereotypes of Arabs.
“My friend was shocked that I rejected a large sum of money but I said of course not. I’m actively trying to use my voice to change the perception of Arabs and Muslims in the media,” he said.
Offendum said he remains full of passion and drive. “The fact that I’m 43 and I’m still doing what I love and I’m excited and passionate about it ... tells me that I’ve made it.”
Although New York holds a special place in Offendum’s heart, he hopes to perform in his birthplace of Saudi Arabia and homeland of Syria.
