From Jihadist to Global Statesman
In a remarkable turn of events, President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria addressed the U.N. General Assembly yesterday, marking the first time a Syrian leader has done so since 1967. This appearance is particularly striking given al-Shara’s past as a rebel leader with ties to Al Qaeda, a designation that still keeps him on the U.S. and U.N. terrorist lists.
During his speech, al-Shara recounted Syria’s decades of suffering under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to transforming Syria’s international standing.
Declaring a new chapter for his nation, al-Shara stated, “Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace for Syria and the region.” He led the opposition forces that successfully ended the Assad family’s long-standing rule last December.
Al-Shara also extended an olive branch to Israel, calling for dialogue despite ongoing airstrikes in Syria since his ascent to power. He expressed concern, saying, “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.”
He affirmed, “In the face of this aggression, Syria is committed to dialogue.” Concluding his concise, eight-minute address – one of the shortest at this year’s U.N. meeting – al-Shara voiced solidarity with the people of Gaza: “The suffering Syria endured, we wish upon no one. For this reason, we stand firmly with the people of Gaza.”
For a deeper understanding of Syria’s complex leader, journalist Ben Hubbard, who’s met al-Shara twice, has penned an insightful profile.
Zelensky’s Urgent Call for Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used the U.N. platform to issue a powerful plea for increased military assistance in his nation’s fight against Russia. He emphasized, “International law does not fully function without powerful friends ready to defend it. Even having friends won’t work without weapons. The only guarantee of security is friends and weapons.”
Zelensky’s urgent appeal, coupled with warnings about the dawn of a new era of drone warfare, came just a day after former President Trump’s surprising declaration that Ukraine could fully reclaim its territory. This sudden policy shift left many Ukrainians uncertain how to react.
Elsewhere at the U.N. General Assembly:
-
For the first time, China’s President Xi Jinping unveiled a comprehensive target for reducing his country’s greenhouse gas emissions, a first for the nation.
-
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned attacks by Israel and the U.S., asserting that Iran has no ambitions to develop a nuclear bomb.
ASK A CORRESPONDENT
Throughout this week, Ana Swanson, who covers trade and international economics from Washington, is fielding your questions about tariffs. A big thank you to all the readers who submitted inquiries.
Question from Anthony Bernard-Sasges, Rhode Island, U.S.: “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?”
Ana’s Answer: “A clear manufacturing resurgence is not yet evident in the data. However, it’s still early for tariffs to show their full impact, and there are conflicting indicators that allow both supporters and critics to select figures that bolster their arguments.”
“The Trump administration highlights significant investment pledges by companies as proof of manufacturing’s return. Conversely, critics argue that many of these commitments might never materialize, and tariffs often harm manufacturers by increasing the cost of essential materials like metals and components.”
“To date, factory employment continues its decline, and new factory construction spending in the U.S. has significantly dropped compared to 2024, when it was boosted by clean energy and chip manufacturing subsidies.”
Your feedback on this newsletter is highly valued. Please consider taking our brief survey.
MORE TOP NEWS
-
Over a million residents in Guangdong, southern China, were evacuated as Typhoon Ragasa made landfall, leaving at least 21 dead in its wake. Devastating images captured the aftermath of a dam failure in Taiwan.
-
A tragic incident unfolded at an immigration facility in Texas when a gunman opened fire, killing one detainee and injuring two others before taking his own life. The latest updates are available.
-
In Gaza City, an Israeli airstrike near a market reportedly killed almost two dozen Palestinians, according to a local rescue service. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted two “Hamas terrorists.”
-
The Trump administration intends to revoke visas and deport individuals who have “trivialized” the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
-
Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show, condemning threats to free speech as “anti-American.”
-
Germany is actively seeking skilled Indian workers, who may be reconsidering their options due to the Trump administration’s recently announced visa fees.
-
Malawi’s president, Lazarus Chakwera, conceded defeat in the recent election, paving the way for Peter Mutharika to reclaim power.
-
A tunnel collapse in Thailand, likely caused by a burst pipe, created a large sinkhole in a bustling Bangkok road.
-
Following pressure from Chinese and Thai officials to censor an art exhibition critical of the Chinese government, the Thai museum’s curator sought refuge in London.
-
The renowned Chinese architect Kongjian Yu, celebrated for his “sponge cities” concept, tragically died along with three others in a plane crash in Brazil.
-
NASA has commenced a new mission to investigate the immense magnetic bubble that envelops our solar system.
SPORTS NEWS
Football: FIFA is considering expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, commemorating the competition’s centennial.
Formula 1: Is Max Verstappen truly a contender for the championship title this season? The Athletic provides answers to this and other pressing questions.
Golf: Bethpage Black, set to host the 2025 Ryder Cup, is notoriously one of the most challenging golf courses globally.
MORNING READ
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 has fallen into obscurity and neglect.
The forgotten state of Cortés’s resting place, a simple tomb in a stone wall, highlights ongoing debates about colonialism, Mexican nationalism, and the complex relationship between Mexico and Spain. Discover the full story.
Lives Lived: Claudia Cardinale, the iconic leading lady of 1960s Italian cinema, known for films like “8½” and “The Leopard,” passed away at 87.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
-
Overtourism: Since a volcanic eruption in 2010 transformed Iceland into a major tourist destination, many locals feel they have experienced enough of the tourism boom.
-
Milan Fashion: The celebrated mononymic designer Demna marked his debut at Gucci with a captivating movie, a runway show, and considerable industry buzz.
-
Shrekking: Social media users have coined this new term to describe “dating down,” referring to dating someone perceived as less intelligent.
ARTS AND IDEAS
Solving a Rembrandt Mystery
A casual glance at Rembrandt’s monumental group portrait, “The Night Watch,” might not reveal it, but look closely at the lower right-hand corner, and you’ll spot a dog.
Now, researchers at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, where the painting resides, have uncovered the source of Rembrandt’s canine inspiration: a drawing by another artist. The specific breed of the dog, however, remains a captivating enigma. Find out more.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Cook: This exquisite rice dish is elevated by tender lumps of crab.
Read: The Booker Prize shortlist for this year was announced in London. Discover the authors who made the cut.
Treat: Can ginger truly alleviate an upset stomach?
Learn: Experts shared valuable longevity advice specifically for women.
Play: Engage your mind with Spelling Bee, the Mini Crossword, Wordle, and Sudoku. Explore all our games here.
That’s all for today. See you tomorrow. — Parin
We value your input. Please send your suggestions to briefing@nytimes.com.