From Jihadist to Statesman: A Historic U.N. Debut
In a truly astonishing moment, Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara addressed the U.N. General Assembly, marking the first time a Syrian leader has done so since 1967. This appearance represents a dramatic shift for al-Shara, who was once known as a rebel commander with ties to Al Qaeda and remains officially designated as a terrorist by both the U.S. and the U.N.
During his concise speech, he spoke of Syria’s journey through decades of oppression under former President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to transforming Syria’s international image.
“Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace for Syria and the region,” declared al-Shara, who led the opposition forces that successfully ended the Assad family’s long-standing rule last December.
He also reiterated his recent proposals for dialogue with Israel, despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes within Syria since his ascent to power.
“Israeli strikes and attacks against my country continue, and Israeli policies contradict the international supporting position for Syria, which threatens new crises and struggles in our region,” al-Shara stated.
He affirmed, “In the face of this aggression,” he added, “Syria is committed to dialogue.”
Concluding his approximately eight-minute address—one of the shortest at this year’s U.N. meeting—al-Shara voiced strong solidarity with the people of Gaza. “The suffering Syria endured, we wish upon no one,” he asserted. “For this reason, we stand firmly with the people of Gaza.”
A Deeper Look at Syria’s Leader: For those interested in understanding the complex journey of Ahmed al-Shara, an in-depth profile by a colleague who has met him twice offers significant insights into his past and current role.
Zelensky’s Urgent Call for Support
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to world leaders at the U.N. for increased military assistance to counter Russia’s aggression.
“International law does not fully function without powerful friends ready to defend it,” he argued. “Even having friends won’t work without weapons. The only guarantee of security is friends and weapons.”
Zelensky’s impassioned plea, which included warnings about the looming threat of drone-based warfare, followed President Trump’s surprising reversal of stance. Trump had indicated that Ukraine could reclaim all its Russian-occupied territory, a sudden shift that left many Ukrainians pondering its implications.
Other Key Developments at the U.N.:
- China’s President Xi Jinping announced, for the first time, a specific target for reducing his nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned actions by Israel and the U.S., reaffirming that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
ASK A CORRESPONDENT
Throughout this week, Ana Swanson, our Washington-based correspondent covering trade and international economics, is answering your pressing questions about tariffs. A big thank you to all the readers who submitted inquiries.
“One of the main justifications from the Trump administration for the tariff regime is that it will return manufacturing to the U.S. Is there any evidence of this starting to occur?” — Anthony Bernard-Sasges, Rhode Island, U.S.
Ana: Currently, there’s no clear data indicating a significant resurgence in U.S. manufacturing. However, it’s still early to fully assess the impact of tariffs, and the available indicators are somewhat ambiguous. This allows both proponents and critics of tariffs to selectively present figures that support their respective viewpoints.
The Trump administration has highlighted substantial investment commitments by companies as proof that manufacturing is indeed returning to the U.S. Conversely, critics argue that many of these pledges might not materialize, and that tariffs can actually harm manufacturers by increasing the cost of essential materials like metals and components.
As of now, factory employment continues its downward trend, and new factory construction spending in the U.S. has notably decreased since 2024, when it experienced a boost from clean energy and chip manufacturing subsidies.
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MORE TOP NEWS
Below is a quick overview of other significant events:
- One million residents in Guangdong, southern China, were evacuated ahead of Typhoon Ragasa‘s landfall. Tragically, at least 18 lives have been lost along its destructive path. Photographs captured the devastation following a dam failure in Taiwan.
- A shooting at an immigration facility in Texas resulted in one detainee dead and two others wounded. The assailant later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- An Israeli airstrike near a Gaza City market reportedly killed nearly two dozen Palestinians, according to a local rescue service. The Israeli military stated it targeted two “Hamas terrorists.”
- The Trump administration plans to revoke visas and deport individuals it deems to have downplayed the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
- Germany is actively recruiting skilled Indian workers, potentially capitalizing on the uncertainty caused by the Trump administration’s newly announced visa fees.
- The Danish prime minister traveled to Greenland to personally apologize to Greenlandic women for Denmark’s decades-long program of forced birth control.
- Malawi’s president, Lazarus Chakwera, conceded defeat in an election, paving the way for Peter Mutharika’s return to power.
- Following pressure from Chinese and Thai officials to censor an art exhibition critical of the Chinese government, the Bangkok museum’s curator sought refuge in London.
- Chinese architect Kongjian Yu, renowned for his “sponge cities” concept, tragically died with three others in a plane crash in Brazil.
- NASA launched a new mission to study the colossal magnetic bubble that envelops our solar system.
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
Football: FIFA is considering expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, coinciding with its 100th anniversary.
Formula 1: Is Max Verstappen a serious contender for this season’s championship? Several questions were addressed by The Athletic.
Golf: Bethpage Black, slated to host the 2025 Ryder Cup, is known as one of the most challenging courses globally.
MORNING READ: Hernán Cortés’ Forgotten Legacy in Mexico City
Five centuries ago, Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztecs and claimed Mexico for Spain. Yet, unlike other revered historical figures in Mexico, the conquistador’s tomb lies in neglect. His unkempt resting place, a simple tomb in a stone wall, highlights the ongoing debate surrounding colonialism, Mexican nationalism, and the nation’s complex relationship with Spain. Discover more about this compelling historical narrative.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
- Overtourism: Following a volcanic eruption in 2010, Iceland became a popular tourist spot. However, many locals now express concerns about the overwhelming influx of visitors.
- Milan Fashion: The enigmatic designer Demna made a notable debut at Gucci, combining a film presentation with a runway show, generating considerable buzz.
- Shrekking: Social media users have coined a new term for the phenomenon of “dating down,” sparking online discussions.
ARTS AND IDEAS: Unraveling a Rembrandt Mystery
A careful observer of Rembrandt’s monumental group portrait, “The Night Watch,” will spot a dog in the lower right corner. Researchers at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum have now traced Rembrandt’s inspiration for this canine companion to a drawing by another artist. The specific breed of the dog, however, remains a fascinating enigma. Learn more about this artistic discovery.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Cook: This delightful rice dish, featuring tender crab meat, is a special treat.
- Treat: Can ginger genuinely alleviate an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting?
- Learn: Experts have shared valuable longevity advice specifically for women.
- Play: Challenge yourself with Spelling Bee, the Mini Crossword, Wordle, and Sudoku. Explore all our engaging games for more fun.
That’s all for today’s briefing. We’ll connect again tomorrow. — Parin
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