Oil prices have surged following the collapse of the Syrian government, a development that has destabilized the Middle East and dealt significant blows to its long-time backers, Russia and Iran. Brent crude climbed toward $72 a barrel, while Texas Intermediate surpassed $67. Former President Donald Trump has reignited his rallying cry to "drill, baby, drill," promising to halve energy costs. This approach has raised alarms among emerging market oil producers reliant on dollar earnings, while offering hope to poorer oil-importing nations. Meanwhile, the power vacuum left by Bashar al-Assad’s fall has sparked competition among various factions, raising fears of escalating violence akin to the turmoil in post-revolution Libya and Iraq.
Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, and several Nordic countries announced on Monday that they would suspend all pending asylum requests from Syrians, following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, News.az reports citing Gulf Today.
Syria's economy shrank by 85% over nearly 14 years of civil war, which devastated infrastructure and triggered hyperinflation. The challenges ahead are immense, and recovery will require substantial support from the international community, News.az reports citing Deutsche Welle.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned on Monday a "horrific act" in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, which led to the deaths of more than 180 people, the majority of whom were elderly, News.az reports citing foreign media.
The head of the UN refugee agency urged "patience and vigilance" on Monday regarding the return of Syrian refugees to their home country following the ousting of President Bashar Al-Assad, News.az reports citing foreign media.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for the "anxiety and inconvenience" caused to the South Korean people but did not offer his resignation, News.az reports citing foreign media.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Moscow's commitment to strengthening the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and enhancing its influence on the global stage, News.az reports citing TASS.
Ukraine intends to convene a meeting with its key European allies in December to align their positions and ensure Kyiv is strategically strong both on the battlefield and in any potential negotiations, according to the presidential spokesman on Monday, News.az reports citing Reuters.
On Monday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Israel’s military aggression against Lebanon, reiterating Islamabad's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, News.az reports citing foreign media.
A UK company has led a new project in Saudi Arabia to initiate the world's first commercial production of carbon fibre enhanced with graphene, News.az reports citing BBC.
