State Dept expected to meet with Syria’s foreign minister in NY

Simona FoltynBBC World ServiceReporting fromIraqi KurdistanPhil CallerFor generations Sherwen Sergeli and his family have made a living from his village's land, but that's now under threatNestled in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan sits the picturesque village of Sergele. For generations villagers have made a living growing pomegranates, almonds and peaches and foraging in the surrounding forests for wild fruits and spices.But Sergele, located 16km (10 miles) from the border with Turkey, has become increasingly surrounded...

The United Nations, anticipating significant cuts to U.S. contributions under President Trump, has instructed its departments to propose budget cuts and staff relocations by May 15. This directive, part of an initiative called UN80 aimed at improving efficiency, comes amid financial challenges exacerbated by reduced contributions from major donors and a cash-flow crisis. U.N. officials expect a 20% budget reduction for 2026, translating to billions in losses, prompting agencies like UNICEF to consider relocating staff...

Unconfirmed reports indicate that unidentified individuals broke into the mausoleum of former Syrian president Hafez Assad in Qardaha and removed his remains, leaving the site heavily damaged and burnt. The current location of Assad's remains is unknown, coinciding with increased violence against the Alawite sect amid the rise of a Sunni-led government. In December 2024, following the overthrow of the Assad regime, rebels set fire to the mausoleum, symbolizing the decline of the Assad dynasty...

The Revolutionary Guard has distanced itself from a recent blast amid accusations that the cargo involved contained military-grade materials associated with Iran's missile program. This distancing comes as criticism grows over conflicting official accounts and the government's response following the disaster. The situation highlights tensions surrounding accountability and transparency in the aftermath of the incident. Full Article

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to secure victory in the Gaza war and the return of hostages during a video statement on Memorial Day, emphasizing the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and civilians. As sirens marked a moment of silence for the dead, Netanyahu and Armed Forces Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir reaffirmed their commitment to intensify efforts to retrieve the remaining 58 hostages from Gaza, with the conflict holding renewed significance since the Hamas attack...

In an interview with The Media Line, Gen. Amir Avivi indicated a possible Israeli role in a chemical strike on Iranian rocket fuel, emphasizing it was a planned attack. He cautioned against trusting Iran in upcoming US-Iran negotiations, urging President Trump to decisively confront Iran's nuclear ambitions and proposing a significant airstrike to cripple its military response. Regarding the Gaza conflict, Avivi reaffirmed Israel's goals to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, stressing...