International
US Congress Repeals Caesar Act, Paving Way for Syria’s Economic Recovery, Global Reintegration
US Congress Repeals Caesar Act, Paving Way for Syria’s Economic Recovery, Global Reintegration
RIYADH — A pivotal step toward Syria’s economic recovery and reintegration into the global community was taken on December 17, 2025, when the US Congress voted to permanently repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. Analysts say the repeal removes a major barrier to foreign investment and post-conflict reconstruction in Syria, which has faced years of international isolation.
The move follows a Saudi-led initiative to reengage Syria after the fall of Bashar Assad. Experts note that Saudi Arabia played a critical role in restoring Syria’s ties with the international community, supporting the interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa as he assumed leadership after Assad’s departure on December 8, 2024.
“Saudi Arabia believed that bringing Syria back into the Arab fold was the right path forward,” said Ghassan Ibrahim, head of the London-based Global Arab Network. “It required strong support, lifting sanctions, and reconnecting Syria with the United States.”
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The repeal was the culmination of months of diplomatic efforts, beginning with a historic meeting in Riyadh in May 2025 involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, US President Donald Trump, and President Al-Sharaa. Following the meeting, the Trump administration gradually lifted sanctions, initially via a 180-day waiver to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction, and later through an executive order terminating the broader US sanctions program.
Sanctions relief is expected to unlock significant Syrian assets abroad, estimated at around $400 million, while encouraging foreign investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, telecoms, tourism, and healthcare. Since July, Syria has hosted investment forums and signed deals worth billions of dollars with Saudi Arabia, Dubai Ports World, Turkey, Qatar, and US firms, signaling a renewed economic opening.
“The repeal of the Caesar Act allows Syria to move to the next phase: reconstructing the country, ensuring stability, and attracting international capital,” Ibrahim said. However, experts caution that banking reforms, anti-money laundering measures, political stability, and security improvements remain crucial for sustainable investment.
President Al-Sharaa welcomed the repeal, posting on X that a “new phase of reconstruction has begun,” emphasizing cooperation with regional and international partners to restore Syria’s place in the global economy.
The World Bank estimates that Syria’s reconstruction will cost between $140 billion and $345 billion, highlighting the scale of investment needed. Observers say the repeal of the Caesar Act is a necessary first step toward stability, prosperity, and reintegration of Syria after years of conflict and sanctions.
US Congress Repeals Caesar Act, Paving Way for Syria’s Economic Recovery, Global Reintegration
ARAB NEWS
International
Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation
Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation
A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by US federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday morning during a sweeping immigration enforcement operation, marking the second fatal shooting by federal authorities in the city in recent weeks.
Officials said the incident occurred near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street, where Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol agents were conducting operations linked to federal immigration enforcement. Authorities claim the man allegedly approached officers with a firearm, prompting agents to fire in self-defense. The victim, a licensed gun owner and U.S. citizen, was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The shooting has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Minneapolis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the operation “horrific” and urged the federal government to withdraw agents, warning that the enforcement actions are destabilizing communities.
This incident follows the fatal shooting of Renée Good on January 7 during a previous ICE operation, whose death was later ruled a homicide by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. Community leaders and lawmakers have criticised the federal immigration crackdown, calling for increased accountability and oversight of federal agents.
Political figures including U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representative Nikki Budzinski have condemned the operations, demanding transparency and stronger regulations to prevent further loss of life. The shootings have intensified debates over the use of force by federal law enforcement, the role of ICE, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties in the United States.
Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation
International
Brazil’s Lula Accuses US President Trump of Seeking to Create ‘New UN’
Brazil’s Lula Accuses US President Trump of Seeking to Create ‘New UN’
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to establish a “new United Nations”, warning that the move could weaken existing multilateral institutions and destabilise the global diplomatic order.
Lula made the remarks while addressing supporters in Brazil, reacting to Trump’s proposal for a new international body reportedly aimed at managing global conflicts outside the traditional United Nations framework. According to the Brazilian leader, such an initiative risks undermining the UN Charter, replacing collective decision-making with unilateral influence dominated by powerful states.
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The criticism follows Trump’s recent unveiling of a proposed “Board of Peace”, which he has promoted as a more effective alternative to the UN in resolving global crises. Lula argued that instead of creating parallel structures, world powers should focus on reforming the United Nations, particularly by expanding the UN Security Council to better represent Africa, Latin America and the Global South.
Lula warned that the world is entering a “very dangerous moment” where multilateralism is being challenged by selective alliances and power blocs. He stressed that peace and stability can only be sustained through inclusive global dialogue, not through institutions controlled by a few countries.
The comments come amid broader geopolitical shifts, with several Global South leaders expressing concern over growing pressure on international institutions. China has also reaffirmed its support for the central role of the United Nations, aligning with Brazil’s position that global governance must remain balanced and rules-based.
Analysts say Lula’s remarks highlight widening divisions over the future of global governance, as debates intensify around reforming the UN versus creating alternative international platforms championed by major powers.
Brazil’s Lula Accuses US President Trump of Seeking to Create ‘New UN’
International
Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing
Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing
A deadly landslide in West Java, Indonesia has claimed the lives of at least seven people and left more than 80 others missing, authorities confirmed, as search and rescue teams battle treacherous conditions to reach potential survivors.
The disaster struck West Bandung early Saturday following days of heavy rainfall, causing steep slopes to collapse and bury several villages under mud and debris. Homes, roads, and critical infrastructure were severely damaged, with many residents forced to flee for safety.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed hundreds of rescuers, including army personnel and volunteers, to comb through the affected areas. Officials warned that the ongoing torrential rains and unstable terrain heighten the risk of additional slides, making the operation dangerous.
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Authorities reported that dozens of houses were swallowed by the landslide, and while some residents escaped, many remain trapped under thick layers of mud. Meteorological experts had previously issued warnings of persistent heavy rainfall across West Java, a region prone to landslides and flash floods during the rainy season.
Local governments have ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas and continue to monitor the region’s slope stability. Officials emphasized the urgent need for residents to heed warnings and remain cautious as rescue efforts intensify.
The landslide adds to Indonesia’s ongoing challenges with natural disasters, especially during the rainy season, when floods and landslides frequently strike the archipelago, causing widespread damage and fatalities.
Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing
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