BERLIN,—The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) in a statement on Thursday has criticized the promotion of U.S. diplomat Tom Barrack to serve as Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq under President Donald Trump, saying the move worsens conditions for minorities in Syria.

Barrack previously served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and as U.S. ambassador to Turkey.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had first announced the end of his tenure in the Syria envoy role before President Donald Trump later named him to a new position.

Dr. Kamal Sido, Middle East consultant at STP, said minority groups blame Barrack for what they describe as a severe deterioration in their situation.

He said Barrack is seen as supporting Syria’s new Islamist leadership while downplaying alleged abuses against minorities and democratic groups.

Sido also criticized Barrack’s remarks suggesting that democracy is not suitable for the region, calling them concerning and dismissive of people across the Middle East.

He said such statements reflect how Western policy treats Syria and show that democratic aspirations are not being taken seriously.

He said the situation is causing growing distrust in democracy and human rights inside Syria, while the country’s new leadership is becoming more politically accepted despite continued abuses against minorities.

In the Druze province of al-Suwaida, displaced residents remain unable to return home. During violence against the Druze community in southern Syria in July 2025, thousands of homes were burned.

The Syrian regime now reports 7,144 homes destroyed.

Many people were killed in the attacks, and Druze areas outside government control remain isolated. Attacks against Druze civilians on roads leading to Damascus also continue.

In Alawite areas along the Syrian Mediterranean coast, killings and sexual violence against civilians continue, according to the STP.

In Wadi an-Nasara in western Syria, about 150,000 mostly Christian residents are facing growing pressure. Armed Islamist groups are said to move through villages at night, spreading fear among the population.

In Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), Kurdish and Aramaic languages are being systematically removed from public signage and government buildings, despite their official status in the autonomous region.

Many Kurds also fear that agreements with Damascus will not be upheld.

STP also said thousands of Kurds, including former female fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces who fought the Islamic State group, remain imprisoned in Damascus.

The group urged Germany and the European Union not to step back from engagement in Syria and the Middle East, saying instability and authoritarian rule increase the risk of conflict and refugee flows toward Europe.

(With files from The Society for Threatened Peoples | gfbv.de)

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QAMISHLO, Syrian Kurdistan,— Syrian Kurdish political parties and movements on Monday rejected the results of a parliamentary selection process organized by authorities in Damascus in Hasaka on Sunday.

The announcement followed a ballot held a day earlier to choose members of Syria’s national parliament.

Local committees formed by Syria’s electoral commission carried out the process last October to appoint two thirds of a 210 member transitional assembly.

The electoral commission itself was appointed by interim President Ahmed al Sharaa.

The selection process was conducted under a temporary constitution that does not provide for direct elections.

In Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) and the southern province of Sweida, where Druze communities form a majority, were excluded because of tensions with Damascus.

At a press conference in Qamishlo, the main Kurdish city in northeastern Syria, representatives from 21 Kurdish political parties and movements criticized what they described as a centralized appointment system.

The groups included the Democratic Union Party, or PYD, identified as Syria’s strongest Kurdish party.

The representatives said the process reflected exclusion and marginalization through the appointment of selected figures. They stated that the individuals chosen during the process represented only themselves.

The parties and movements said a democratic Syria required an inclusive national political process that ensured fair representation and respected the free will of Syrians.

Before the ballot took place, the same groups said the mechanism failed to create a genuine democratic political system.

Nine representatives were selected on Sunday in Hasaka province, including two who were appointed by proclamation. Two additional representatives were selected in the Kobane area, also known as Ain al Arab, in Aleppo province.

The parliamentary process followed an agreement reached in January between Damascus and Kurdish authorities.

Under the agreement, Kurdish civilian and military institutions operating in northeastern Syria during the civil war would be integrated into the Syrian state.

No selection process was held in Sweida province because of continuing tensions with Damascus after sectarian violence in July last year.

Commenting on the process this month, Druze leader Hikmat al Hijri, who opposes Damascus and oversees armed factions in Sweida, repeated calls for autonomous administration in the province.

He said residents were best suited to manage their affairs and govern the region. Sharaa will appoint the remaining third of the members. Critics described the process as undemocratic.

(With files from AFP)

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HASAKA,— Voting took place Sunday in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), the predominantly Kurdish regions of northeastern Syria, to select representatives for the country’s transitional parliament after an agreement earlier this year to integrate the areas into the central government.

The ballot was part of a process launched last year that has faced criticism from opponents who describe it as undemocratic.

Members of local committees throughout Syria have been voting to choose lawmakers for the assembly, which will serve a renewable mandate of 30 months.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to appoint 70 members to the 210-seat parliament.

The remaining representatives are being selected by local committees that were appointed by the electoral commission. The commission itself was appointed by Sharaa.

State news agency SANA reported that Sunday’s vote involved seven representatives for sections of Hasakeh province.

Two additional seats in the area were filled without a vote because only two candidates sought the positions.

Voting was also underway for two parliamentary seats in the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane, also called Ain al-Arab, in Aleppo province.

In January, authorities in Damascus and Kurdish groups agreed to integrate Kurdish civilian and military institutions into the Syrian state.

During the civil war, the Kurds established a semi-autonomous administration across large areas of northeastern Syria.

The model emphasizes direct democracy, gender equality, secularism, and environmental sustainability. It has been widely recognized for advancing women’s participation in politics and local decision-making.

Several Kurdish parties criticized Sunday’s vote in a statement, saying the system used to form the legislature amounted to “nothing but an appointment process” and did not represent the “free Kurdish will.”

The parties also objected to the allocation of only four seats in the 210-member assembly to Kurds. They called for a larger number of seats to better represent Syria’s Kurdish population.

About two million Kurds live in Syria, most of them in the northeast.

In October 2025, Syria’s electoral commission announced the names of 119 assembly members out of the 140 positions to be filled through the voting process. Damascus has exclude the Kurds.

At that time, seats remained unfilled in Kurdish-held parts of Raqa and Hasaka provinces and in the Druze-majority province of Sweida because of what officials described as security reasons.

After Sunday’s vote, only Sweida, which is allocated three seats, will remain outside the process.

The situation follows sectarian violence in Sweida in July last year and tensions between Damascus and Druze leaders, including Hikmat al-Hijri, regarded as the Druze figure opposed to Damascus.

Last week, Hijri called for autonomous administration in Sweida and for the “right to self-determination.”

(With files from AFP)

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QAMISHLO,— A steady flow of Kurdish applicants filled a registration center set up inside a sports stadium hall in Qamishlo in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), where many gathered to seek Syrian citizenship after decades without legal recognition.

Among them was Firas Ahmad, who said the absence of citizenship had defined his family’s life. Holding papers and waiting in line, the 49-year-old described the limitations he faced.

“A person without citizenship is considered as good as dead,” he told AFP. He said he could not officially register his children or property. His grandfather also lived without citizenship, and the situation continued across generations.

Since last week, stateless Kurds have been arriving at centers across Syria following directions from the interior ministry. The new process allows individuals classified as “unregistered” to apply for citizenship.

Tables inside the hall were covered with forms, identification photos and older documents. Officials worked through long lines, recording details from applicants.

The policy follows a January decree issued by Islamist interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, granting citizenship to Kurds residing in Syria, including those excluded for decades.

The decree also affirms Kurdish cultural rights and recognizes the Kurdish language at the national level.

The announcement came after fighting between Kurdish forces and Syrian government Islamist troops.

Kurdish groups had controlled large areas in the northeast before reaching an agreement to merge their administration into the state.

As part of that arrangement, government troops entered Hasaka and Qamishlo in February.

In March, Kurdish commander Sipan Hamo was named assistant defense minister for the eastern region.

For years, the lack of citizenship limited basic rights. Many Kurds were unable to register births, claim property ownership, travel freely, study or secure employment.

“We suffered greatly,” said Galya Kalash, a mother of five. Speaking in Kurdish, she said her children could not complete school and the family was unable to travel. Their home remains unregistered.

The issue dates back to a 1962 census in Hasaka province that stripped about one fifth of Syria’s Kurds of nationality. Syria’s Kurdish population is estimated at around two million, mainly in the northeast.

Ali Mussa, from the Network of Statelessness Victims in Hasaka, told AFP that about 150,000 people remain without registration. He urged authorities to apply the new rules with flexibility and consider the situation of those living abroad.

He said some refugees in Europe may face difficulties returning due to their legal status or concerns about travel disruptions linked to regional conflict.

Authorities said the registration period is expected to last one month, with the possibility of an extension.

Abdallah al-Abdallah, a government civil affairs official, said obtaining citizenship is the main form of redress for those affected after years without legal status.

At the center, Mohammed Ayo, 56, explained how the lack of citizenship affected his daily life. He said he could not obtain a driver’s license or reserve a hotel room in Damascus because of required approvals.

“You study for many years, and in the end they say you have no certificate,” he said. After completing high school, he was unable to obtain documents needed for university.

He added that stateless individuals were excluded from voting and running for public office.

Established in 2018, the Autonomous Administration in Syrian Kurdistan oversees the region based on a system of democratic confederalism.

The Rojava model focuses on direct public participation, gender equality, secular governance and environmental protection. It has gained recognition for encouraging women to take part in political roles and community-level decision-making.

(With files from AFP)

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DAMASCUS,— Syria on Wednesday started loading its first tanker carrying Iraqi oil at the Baniyas port refinery, state media and an AFP reported, as Iraq faced major limits on exports during the Middle East conflict.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, bringing Iraqi exports to a stop and causing storage tanks to fill quickly, which forced authorities to mostly suspend production.

In early April, Iraq said it began moving oil by truck across Syria to prepare for shipment by sea.

Ahmed Qubbaji, deputy chief executive of the Syrian Petroleum Company, said loading of the first tanker is now underway under an agreement with Iraq to transport crude to Baniyas and then to the terminal for export.

He said about 500,000 tons will be loaded and the process will take at least three days.

Qubbaji said the deal allows Syria to take needed volumes for power plants to produce electricity, with remaining supplies exported.

Dozens of trucks with Iraqi plates entered Tartus and heading toward the refinery and nearby storage tanks.

In March 2026, Iraq’s state oil marketer SOMO finalized deals to supply about 650,000 metric tons of fuel oil per month from April to June, to be transported by truck through Syria, Iraqi energy officials and a SOMO document showed.

Iraq’s oil ministry earlier said exports by truck through Syria had begun. Iraq, a founding member of OPEC, depends on oil exports for about 90 percent of budget revenue.

Before the war began on February 28, most output, about 3.5 million barrels per day, was shipped through the Gulf.

Last month, Iraq said it resumed some exports, up to 250,000 barrels per day, via the Kurdistan pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan port.

The step reflects efforts to manage supply constraints during the conflict and maintain limited export flows.

Officials did not provide further details on future shipments or timelines. They said trucking operations remain active under the agreement between both sides.

Monitoring continues at the port. It also continues at nearby facilities. These sites handle incoming crude supplies on a daily basis.

(With files from AFP | Reuters)

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BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s oil marketing company SOMO has completed agreements to deliver around 650,000 metric tons of fuel oil each month from April through June by truck via Syria, according to Iraqi energy officials and a SOMO document, Reuters reported.

Iraq has not relied on this overland route for many years. Two sources with knowledge of the matter said the end of the Syrian conflict and disruptions tied to the Iran war have made it the most practical route, even with higher expenses.

Two sources said the first group of trucks entered Syria on Tuesday.

The contracts were awarded to four Iraqi traders after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran in late February, leading to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

Output cuts have followed as producers face storage limits due to shipping problems. Three Iraqi energy officials said production from key southern fields has fallen by about 80% to near 800,000 barrels per day.

The officials requested anonymity as they are not permitted to speak publicly.

Before the disruption linked to the Iran war, Iraq exported most of its fuel oil through the Khor al-Zubair port in the Gulf using sea transport.

Shipping by road is more expensive and harder to manage than tanker transport, but officials said options are limited.

The SOMO document indicated that two traders will each receive 720,000 tons of high sulfur fuel oil over three months, with discounts estimated between $160 and $170 per ton.

A third trader will handle 401,000 tons at about $160 per ton, while a fourth secured 90,000 tons at close to $155 per ton.

Supplies will come equally from refineries in the north, center and south, the document showed.

Deliveries are planned each month during the contract period, reflecting changes in transport and regional conditions affecting exports.

(With files from Reuters)

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ABU DHABI/ERBIL,— The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Iran’s missile attacks on military sites in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which killed and wounded dozens of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in a statement the strikes an unprovoked act of terrorism, labeling them a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of international law.

The ministry emphasized its full support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and backed all measures to protect security, safeguard citizens, and maintain stability.

Condolences were extended to the families of the martyrs, the governments, and the people of Iraq and Kurdistan, along with wishes for a rapid recovery for those injured.

Political analysts stressed that the UAE’s condemnation is driven by regional rivalry with Iran.

Henase Karim told iKurd.net News that Tehran has repeatedly striking UAE with missiles and drones since the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

She said the UAE’s statement reflects strategic calculation, not sympathy for the Kurds, noting, “That is why the UAE condemned the attacks, it is about Iran, not about supporting the Kurdish nation, Iran is not a Sunni Arab country.”

Karim also pointed to the UAE’s silence during previous attacks on Kurds in Syrian Kurdistan. In January 2026, Islamist militias under the Syrian interim government killed Kurdish civilians in Aleppo and Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava).

She said, the UAE did not specifically condemn the Syrian government’s attacks and mass killings on the non-Muslim minorities of Druze or Alawites. Instead, the UAE’s public stance has been more aligned with defending Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Human rights organizations tracking the conflict in Syrian Kurdistan report widespread atrocities against Kurdish civilians, including mass executions, sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, and the public sharing of abuse videos on social media.

Gulf Arab media framed Kurdish SDF forces as “terrorists” and separatists, ignoring civilian casualties.

Analysts highlighted that most Arab and Islamic states rarely denounce violence against Syrian Kurds.

Some even praised Syrian president Sharra, aka Golani, militants for killing Kurds.

In response, Iraqi Kurdistan banned several Arabic channels, including Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, and Al Jazeera, citing persistent anti-Kurdish bias.

The UAE’s statement is one of the few public Arab condemnations of attacks affecting Kurdish forces, reflecting geopolitical strategy and its broader opposition to Iran rather than genuine support for Kurdish communities.

The ruling Barzani clan in Iraqi Kurdistan maintains strong ties with UAE ruler and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Reports indicate the Barzani family holds significant investments in the UAE, reinforcing the political and economic links behind the UAE’s stance.

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DAMASCUS,— Hundreds of Syrians gathered Sunday in the capital to protest new restrictions on alcohol sales, highlighting concern among residents that the country’s Islamist-led leadership could limit long-standing secular practices in Damascus.

The protest took place in Bab Touma, a largely Christian district known for its historic streets and mixed population.

Demonstrators from different religious communities assembled in a public square, chanting slogans and holding signs calling for the protection of personal freedoms and minority rights.

“Syrians are united!” protesters shouted, while others carried banners urging authorities to preserve civil liberties. The rally remained peaceful as security forces, heavily armed, surrounded the area and monitored the gathering without intervening.

Isa Qazah, a 45-year-old sculptor who lives in the neighborhood, said the demonstration was about broader principles rather than alcohol itself. He spoke while standing among the narrow stone alleys near the Old City.

“This isn’t about a desire to drink, it’s about the right to choose,” he said. “We’re here to stand up for a principle.”

The protest followed a decree issued last week by the governor of Damascus banning the serving of alcoholic drinks in restaurants and nightclubs across the city.

The order requires businesses to remove alcohol offerings within three months and shift to different licensing if they wish to continue operating.

Authorities said the move was taken at the request of local communities. The decision comes as Syria’s interim leadership faces pressure from conservative factions pushing for stricter religious measures.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has not publicly commented on the issue.

Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, currently leads the interim Islamist government. His background includes involvement with al-Qaeda and ISIS, and he later founded al-Nusra Front, which eventually became Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

More than a year after the removal of former President Bashar Assad, Syria continues to face challenges following 14 years of war and decades of authoritarian rule. The country is still shaping its political and social direction.

Assad, who belongs to the Alawite minority, promoted a secular system that helped secure backing from minority groups in the Sunni-majority country.

While political freedoms were limited under his rule, social practices such as alcohol consumption and nightlife were generally permitted.

Since taking office, al-Sharaa has pledged to unify the country and respect its diversity. So far, his administration has taken limited steps in enforcing social restrictions, but concerns remain among Syria’s various religious and ethnic communities.

Violence has also contributed to tensions. Over the past year, attacks by pro-government Sunni fighters have killed hundreds of people from Alawite and Druze groups, increasing fears among minorities.

Many protesters said the new alcohol rules could deepen divisions. The decree allows limited alcohol sales in three mainly Christian neighborhoods, including Bab Touma, al-Qassaa and Bab Sharqi, but imposes strict conditions.

Businesses in these areas are not allowed to serve alcohol on their premises. Shops may only sell sealed bottles for takeaway. Additional restrictions require vendors to operate at specific distances from mosques, schools, police stations and government buildings.

Some demonstrators said the policy unfairly singles out Christian communities by linking them to what authorities described as violations of public morality.

Fawaz Bahauddin Khawja, a Christian lawyer who attended the rally, questioned the reasoning behind the measure.

“How have our neighborhoods come to violate basic public etiquette? The divisions this creates are both unjust and irresponsible,” he said. “This is the true face of Damascus, united under one banner, the Syrian flag.”

Late Saturday, officials in Damascus issued a statement addressing the criticism. The statement apologized to the Christian community for any misunderstanding and clarified that hotels would not be subject to the same alcohol restrictions.

Authorities also said the regulation does not interfere with personal freedoms, adding that similar controls on alcohol exist in many countries, though enforcement varies.

(With files from AP)

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LONDON,— Global air travel continues to face major disruption after the war in Iran forced the shutdown of key Middle Eastern aviation hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

The closures have left tens of thousands of travelers stranded and forced airlines worldwide to cancel or reduce services.

Airlines across Europe, Asia and North America have adjusted schedules, suspended routes and extended cancellations as the situation affects major flight corridors.

Greece’s Aegean Airlines said it had cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until April 22. Services to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Baghdad remain suspended until May 24. Flights to Dubai are cancelled until April 19 and to Riyadh until April 18.

Latvia’s airBaltic reported that all flights to Tel Aviv are cancelled until April 5, while services to Dubai are suspended until October 24.

Air Canada said it had halted all flights to Tel Aviv until May 2 and cancelled flights to Dubai until March 28.

Spain’s Air Europa confirmed cancellations of all flights to Tel Aviv until April 10.

Air France said flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut are cancelled until March 21. The airline also suspended routes to Dubai and Riyadh until March 20. KLM, part of the same group, said it had suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until March 28, and to Tel Aviv until April 11.

Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific cancelled all passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, along with cargo freighter services to those cities, until April 30.

Delta Air Lines said it had cancelled flights between New York and Tel Aviv until March 31, and return flights until April 1. The airline also delayed the restart of its Atlanta to Tel Aviv service. Flights to Tel Aviv are now paused until August 4, with return flights suspended until August 5.

El Al Israel Airlines said regular flight operations were cancelled until March 21.

Emirates said it is operating a reduced schedule after a partial reopening of regional airspace. Etihad Airways also reported a limited commercial schedule between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations.

Finnair cancelled flights to Dubai until March 29 and to Doha until April 2. The airline said it continues to avoid airspace over Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel.

Saudi budget carrier Flynas extended its suspension of flights to several destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria until March 31.

International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways, extended cancellations of flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31. Flights to Doha are cancelled until April 30. The group also added flights to Bangkok and Singapore, while services to Abu Dhabi remain suspended until later in the year.

India’s IndiGo said it had suspended operations to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah until March 28.

Japan Airlines said it had halted Tokyo to Doha flights until March 31 and return flights until April 1.

Poland’s LOT said flights to Dubai are cancelled until March 28 and to Tel Aviv until April 18. Flights to Riyadh are suspended until March 24, while services to Beirut are cancelled from March 31 through April 30.

Germany’s Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways, said it had suspended flights to Tel Aviv until April 9. Flights to Beirut, Dubai, Amman, Erbil, Dammam and Abu Dhabi are cancelled until March 28. Services to Tehran are suspended until April 30 and to Riyadh until April 5 for operational reasons.

Malaysia Airlines said it had suspended all flights to Doha until March 28.

Norwegian Air said it plans to begin flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut from June 15, later than previously scheduled dates in early April.

Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, Amman, Beirut, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah until April 12. Flights to Riyadh are cancelled until March 23.

Qatar Airways said it would operate a revised and limited schedule between March 18 and March 28.

Turkey’s transport ministry said Turkish Airlines had cancelled flights to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dammam until March 19. Flights to Iran are cancelled until March 20.

Wizz Air said it had suspended flights to Israel until March 29. Services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah from mainland Europe are cancelled until mid September.

(With files from Reuters)

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DAMASCUS,— Syria’s defence ministry announced Tuesday that Sipan Hamo, a senior commander of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units YPG, has been named deputy defence minister for the country’s eastern region.

A ministry official said in a statement, “Sipan Hamo has been appointed Assistant Minister of Defence for the eastern region.”

The appointment comes as part of a U.S.-mediated integration deal signed on January 29, 2026 between Syrian Democratic Forces commander, Geneal Mazloum Abdi, and Syrian interim Islamist President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The YPG is the main force within the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which controlled nearly a third of Syria before government Islamist forces launched a rapid offensive in January, reclaiming large parts of the territory.

Hamo is considered a key figure in talks with the SDF’s future and its integration into a new national army after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024.

The YPG serves as the de facto military of the Kurdish administration in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava).

In mid-January, Hamo told local media that the Kurds were not seeking secession and emphasized that they envisioned their future within Syria.

(With files from Reuters)

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