Foreign
Iran ‘accepted the fall of Assad,’ world leaders applaud fall of ‘brutal’ regime
An internal memo viewed by the “NYT” reports the situation as if “Iran accepted the fall of Assad and has lost the will to resist.”
Iran has turned its back and abandoned its ally Syria as opposition forces topple the regime, an exclusive New York Times report on Saturday revealed.
According to an internal memo from a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps that the NYT viewed, the situation in Syria was described as “unbelievable and strange.” It is as if “Iran accepted the fall of Assad and has lost the will to resist,” the memo said.
In addition, Iran’s media had switched from calling the Sunni rebels “infidel terrorists” to “armed groups” and reported that they had so far treated Shiite minorities well, the NYT reported.
Iran has admitted that the current setbacks to the Syrian regime are a challenge for its regional “axis of resistance,” which consists of Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, Iraqi militias, the Syrian regime, and other groups.
According to the exclusive, Iran has supported Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, for decades, helping him survive a civil war that threatened his dynastic rule.
Iran has also been using Syria as a route to supply weapons to Hezbollah in the country’s west.
However, Iran seems to be distancing itself from Assad, potentially abandoning everything it has built and fought to preserve in Syria for the past 40 years, which has been its primary foothold in the Arab world, the report stated.
People gather in the city center, celebrating the anti-regime armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime taking control of the city center of Hama, Syria on December 5, 2024. (credit: Ammar Hatib/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Middle Eastern Reactions
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, “Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country; today, there is hope.”
“The Syrian people cannot do this alone. Turkey attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity. A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively. There should be no desire for revenge. Turkey calls on all actors to act with prudence and to be watchful. Terrorist organizations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria.”
He warned against Syrian rebels working with Kurdish terrorist groups, “The new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbors; it should eliminate threats. Any extension of the outlawed PKK militia cannot be considered a legitimate counterpart in Syria.”
Qatar’s foreign ministry said it was following developments in Syria with interest and called for the preservation of the unity of the state.
“We have been in contact with all actors in the region. We are in constant communication with Turkey and every stakeholder involved,” a Saudi official told Reuters, adding that the kingdom was not aware of Bashar al-Assad’s whereabouts.
Egypt has called on all parties in Syria to preserve the capabilities of the state and national institutions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said.
The foreign ministry affirmed its support for the Syrian people and the country’s sovereignty and unity.
Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it stands by Syrian people and their choices at this “critical stage” after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled.
King Abdullah said Jordan respected the choices of the Syrian people. He urged the avoidance of any conflict in Syria that might lead to chaos and stressed the need to protect the security of his country’s northern neighbor, according to a statement published by the Royal Hashemite Court.
Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem Al-Awadi said Iraq was closely following developments and reaffirmed the importance of not interfering in the internal affairs of Syria, or supporting one party in favour of another.
International reactions
President-elect Donald Trump applauded the fall of the regime and mocked Russia and Iran for losing their core ally. “Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success.”
“President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners,” the White House said in a statement.
“The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need to protect minorities in Syria, “Bashir al Assad has brutally oppressed his own people, has countless lives on his conscience and has driven numerous people to flee Syria, many of whom have also come to Germany. The Syrian people have experienced appalling suffering. The end of Assad’s rule over Syria is, therefore, good news. What matters now is that law and order are quickly restored in Syria. All religious communities, all minorities must enjoy protection now and in the future.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed the message, saying, “The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals – regardless of the guise. We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians. This includes the comprehensive protection of ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds, Alawites or Christians and an inclusive political process that creates a balance between the groups.”
French President Emmanuel Macron harshly condemned the Assad regime, saying, “The barbaric state has fallen. At last.”
UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer said, “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long, and we welcome his departure. Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored. We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days.”
The UK’s Deputy PM Angela Rayner said the British government welcomed the fall of Assad’s regime but was interested in a political solution.”If Assad has gone, that’s a welcome change, but what comes next has to be a political solution, and they have to be working in the interests of the Syrian people.”
Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Minister, said, “The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran. Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners in Syria and in the region.”
The Taliban applauded HTS for liberating the Syrian people, saying, “Afghanistan congratulates the leadership of the movement and the people of Syria on the recent developments, which have resulted in the removal of key factors contributing to conflict & instability. The capital, Damascus, has come under the control of the Syrian people under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and we express hope that the remaining phases of the revolution will be managed effectively to establish a peaceful, unified, & stable governance system.”
More than 90% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, says the UN
Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, a Palestinian official has told the BBC, as the US accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands at meetings in Qatar.
Negotiators have been trying to find a way forward after the first phase of the temporary truce ended on 1 March.
The US proposed to extend the first phase until mid-April, including a further exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
But the unnamed Palestinian official said Israel and Hamas disagreed over key aspects of the deal set out by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff at the indirect talks.
Israel is yet to comment, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he would receive a report from Israel’s negotiating team later on Saturday.
The White House accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands in its response to Witkoff’s proposal.
It would extend the ceasefire into April but delay the negotiation of a permanent end to the war.
A statement from Witkoff’s office and the US National Security Council on Friday said: “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not.”
“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes.”
A Hamas statement seen by the BBC said negotiations had broken down.
Netanyahu’s office had earlier said Israel accepted the US proposal.
It said Hamas remained “firm in its refusal and has not budged a millimetre,” accusing the group of “manipulation and psychological warfare”.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal involving three stages in January, after 15 months of war.
In the first stage, Hamas returned 25 living Israeli hostages, the remains of eight others, and five living Thai hostages. Israel released about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
The deal says stage two will include the remaining living hostages in Gaza exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners.
But both sides currently disagree on the number of hostages due to be released next.
They also disagree on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which the original deal states should be happening by now.
Israel resists this point, while Hamas insists it should happen.
Earlier in March, Israel blocked aid shipments to Gaza and then cut electricity, saying it aimed to put pressure on Hamas.
It is believed that Hamas is still holding up to 24 living hostages in Gaza and the remains of 35 others.
As indirect talks continued on Friday, the group said in a statement it was ready to release the last living Israeli-American hostage it is known to be holding.
Edan Alexander, 21, was serving as an Israeli soldier close to Gaza when he was taken.
Under the terms of the original ceasefire agreement, it was expected that he would have been among the last hostages to be released.
The group also said it would hand over the remains of four other dual nationals captured during the 7 October 2023 attacks.
It did not give further details or make clear what it would demand in return.
Witkoff dismissed the offer, saying Hamas was trying to appear flexible in public while being impractical in private.
The attacks led by Hamas on 7 October 2023 killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, with 251 taken hostage.
The assault triggered an Israeli military offensive that has since killed more than 48,520 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry which are used by the UN and others.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million population has been displaced multiple times.
An estimated 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, healthcare, water, and sanitation systems have collapsed and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.
Pro-Palestinian accounts later tried to share the Israeli man’s whereabouts.
Israeli national Tamir Ohayon was spat at and harassed by two local women while visiting Dublin for a business trip, he shared on Instagram with a video of the interaction.
“My heart is truly broken THIS is Ireland in 2025,” Ohayon shared. “During my business trip to Dublin, me and my co-worker were assaulted by an organized group of girls for simply being Israelis.”
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Ohayon claimed that before the filming began, one of the girls approached him and shared the information she had collected on him – including the hotel he was staying at.
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world. Home to approximately 25 million people, the nation operates under a tightly controlled regime led by the Kim dynasty, where every aspect of life is influenced by the state. From peculiar propaganda stories to extraordinary military policies, North Korea often seems like a nation frozen in time, steeped in strict traditions, unique cultural practices, and an ironclad political ideology.
The global fascination with North Korea lies in its stark contrasts—an ancient Confucian culture juxtaposed with modern autocratic rule, a heavily militarized state, and a controlled economy. While much of its internal workings remain a mystery, certain facts about this nation defy logic and invite curiosity. From surreal laws to bizarre daily life experiences, North Korea offers a glimpse into a world that is completely unlike any other.
In this article, we explore some of the strangest and most intriguing realities of life inside this “hermit kingdom,” shedding light on a country that continues to captivate global attention.
1. Compulsory Loyalty Education
From childhood, North Korean students are taught an unwavering reverence for the ruling Kim dynasty. Their curriculum features propaganda-heavy materials, glorifying their leaders and emphasizing loyalty above all else. This contrasts starkly with global education systems, where diverse perspectives are encouraged.
2. Exclusive Tourism Policies
Tourists visiting North Korea must follow strict itineraries set by the state and are accompanied by government-assigned guides at all times. Photography is regulated, and visitors can only see a curated version of the country. Independent exploration is strictly forbidden, ensuring that the regime’s image remains controlled.
3. The “Single” State-Approved Haircuts
Rumors have circulated that North Korea offers a list of state-approved hairstyles for citizens, with women often required to choose styles reflecting their marital status. While some of these claims may be exaggerated, personal expression in fashion and appearance is minimal.
4. Technology Under Surveillance
North Koreans have access to only a government-controlled intranet, and mobile devices function primarily for calls within the country. Internet access is reserved for elites. Imported smartphones are modified to block external content, ensuring total control over digital communication.
5. The World’s Largest Stadium
North Korea boasts the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, the largest stadium globally, seating up to 150,000 spectators. This facility hosts mass gymnastics and propaganda events, showcasing the regime’s power and unity.
6. Unique Calendar System
North Korea follows the Juche calendar, starting in 1912, the birth year of Kim Il-sung. This makes 2024 the year 113 in North Korea. This calendar is used exclusively within the country, separating it from the rest of the world.
7. Military Dominance in Daily Life
Approximately 4.7% of the population serves in the military, one of the highest ratios worldwide. Military parades and events play a crucial role in showcasing strength and maintaining public loyalty.
8. The Arduous March and Its Legacy
The 1990s famine, known as the « Arduous March, » left an indelible mark on North Korea. Despite improved conditions in recent years, food scarcity remains a pressing issue. Citizens rely on government-controlled distribution systems, with many turning to informal markets.
9. Elite-Only Cities
Pyongyang, the capital, is home to North Korea’s elite. Ordinary citizens need government approval to live or even visit the city. This segregation highlights the stark divide between the privileged and the working class.
10. State-Orchestrated Celebrations
National events, such as the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung’s birthday), are marked with grand displays of patriotism, including parades, performances, and fireworks. Participation is mandatory, demonstrating collective loyalty.
11. The Propaganda Machine
From elaborate murals to operatic performances, North Korea uses art as a medium for political propaganda. Movies and plays glorify the Kim dynasty and depict the West as adversaries.
12. Iconic Architectural Oddities
The Ryugyong Hotel, an unfinished pyramid-shaped skyscraper in Pyongyang, is an architectural curiosity. While incomplete for decades, it symbolizes the country’s ambitious, albeit unfulfilled, aspirations.
13. Restricted International Interactions
Citizens cannot freely interact with foreigners. This isolation fosters a controlled worldview and limits cultural exchange. Keywords like “controlled diplomacy” or “restricted international access” resonate here.
14. Unique Fashion Codes
Clothing choices often reflect social status and conformity. Bright colors or Western-style outfits are rarely seen, as citizens adhere to the regime’s preferred aesthetic.
15. Strict Border Controls
Defection is dangerous, with severe penalties for those caught attempting to flee. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea remains one of the most fortified borders globally.
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