Lucas Chapman
Georgia, Syria
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Investigations, geopolitics, daily life, culture, history, women's issues, conflict and displacement
Articles by Lucas Chapman
Why returning to Syria is only the first step towards rebuilding lives shattered by war
Millions of Syrians are returning, but shattered homes, scarce jobs and weak services are testing hopes of a fresh start Returnees say rebuilding lives requires far more than crossing the border as Syria struggles with reconstruction needs WASHINGTON D.C.: When Jihan Hamad Al-Khalaf and her extended family decided to leave Turkiye and return to Syria, there was little debate among them. Five of the seven related families had been away since 2013, while the other two left in 2018.
Analysis: Can Iraq transform itself from regional battleground to diplomatic broker?
WASHINGTON: After months of a regional war that has left Iraq once again caught between Iran, the Gulf and the US, Baghdad is attempting an ambitious diplomatic pivot — hosting talks it hopes will transform the country from a battleground into a broker. The proposal, announced by Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, would bring together Iraq, Iran, and the six GCC states to discuss regional security and economic partnerships.
The Struggles & Triumphs of People with Disabilities in Rojava
Liberating a place politically is a quicker and easier process than solving all of its problems socially, which can be culturally rooted and require a transformation in mindsets. Since the first cities of Rojava began to free themselves from the Syrian regime in 2011, there have been several simultaneous movements pushing for the rights of oppressed groups in Rojava.
What foiled Taylor Swift concert attack plot says about Daesh threat to Europe
ATHENS: Taylor Swift fans were left disappointed earlier this month by news that the American pop star’s long-awaited tour dates in the Austrian capital, Vienna, were to be canceled owing to a terrorist threat to the concert venue by Daesh sympathizers. On Aug. 7, Austrian authorities arrested three youths, aged 19, 17 and 15, who they claimed were involved in, or had knowledge of, a terrorist plot to attack the Ernst Happel Stadium where Swift was due to perform over the Aug. 8-10 period.
Celebrating Rojava on the Streets of Vienna
On the 12th anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, Kurds and their supporters held the 2nd annual Rojava Street Festival in Vienna. For two days, Kurds and their friends took to the streets of Austria’s capital city. The first day of the festival was held outside the Kurdish Democratic Society Center of Vienna, stretching over two blocks. The streets thumped with the sound of Kurdish artists singing traditional songs and the melodies of traditional Kurdish instruments such as the tambur.
What the attempt on Donald Trump’s life means for US politics, foreign policy and the Middle East
Special 1 / 2 With his fist raised in a salute of defiance, a wounded Trump entered the iconography of American history in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Everything Felt Possible: Remembering Leila Mustafa
What does it mean to repair a destroyed city? Is it merely the construction of buildings or the restoration of collective hope? Leila Mustafa, former co-chair of the Autonomous Administration-affiliated Raqqa Civil Council, passed away from medical complications on November 23rd this year. For six years, Mustafa had worked tirelessly to rebuild from the ashes a once-great city that had been first defiled as the capital of ISIS and then reduced to a heap of rubble.
How Israel-Hamas war in Gaza compounds global crisis of proliferating conflicts
Analysis Palestinians head to the southern part of the Gaza Strip, fleeing the fighting between Israel and Hamas.
What experiences of devastated Middle East cities signify for Gaza’s postwar recovery
Special Palestinians check the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, on November 1, 2023.
Traumatized by Turkish Airstrikes: Testimonies from Rojava
Children searching around for their father’s head. Cats running away from homes and refusing to return. Fires so bright they turn the night into day and resemble the surface of the sun. Terrified children who have gone mute out of fear. Fainting mothers who awake and do not recognize their children. Six young friends lying dead together in the street with nobody to retrieve them. Parents finding their son with only half his face.
AI needs ‘guardrails’: UN deputy secretary-general
NEW YORK CITY: While artificial intelligence had great potential benefits, it must have safeguards, the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Tuesday. Speaking at a press briefing on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, Mohammed told Arab News: “The new era of technology is of great concern to us.
Global development must be equitable: Indian FM
Saudi Arabia praises contribution of Filipinos to Kingdom’s development /node/2380856/world September 26, 2023 18:01 Saudi Arabia praises contribution of Filipinos to Kingdom’s development Workers from the country began to arrive in the Kingdom in the early 1970s President is expected to visit KSA in October MANILA: The Saudi ambassador to the Philippines has praised the contribution of Filipinos to the development of the Kingdom during celebrations in Manila to mark the Kingdom’s National Day.
Djibouti FM calls for international financial reform in UNGA speech
NEW YORK: The world must commit to reform of the international financial structure to enable developing nations to grow and reach development goals, Djibouti’s foreign minister told the UN General Assembly on Saturday. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf criticized what analysts sometimes call “minilateralism” — the tendency of countries to group together in clubs — saying it erodes inclusive multilateralism.
Saudi FM calls for peaceful solutions to multiple world crises
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister called for peaceful solutions to multiple world crises during his address to the 78th UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday.
Egyptian FM stresses importance of ‘climate justice’ at UN General Assembly
NEW YORK: The international community must honor the climate action pledges it made at last year’s COP27 summit, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Saturday.
World Bank urges collaborative economic reform in Pakistan ahead of national elections
ISLAMABAD: A leading international financial institution has urged politicians and policymakers in Pakistan to jointly develop an economic reform program and work toward climate-resilient and sustainable development at a time when the upcoming general elections are fast approaching in January.
Pakistan’s interim administration says fuel price reduction likely in upcoming fortnightly review
KARACHI: Pakistan’s caretaker information minister Murtaza Solangi said Saturday the government might be able to reduce fuel prices in the country during the next fortnightly review due to the relative increase in the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar in recent weeks.
Bahrain making progress for human rights, says FM
NEW YORK CITY: Bahrain has grown immensely in diplomatic cooperation, human rights, tolerance, and social progress, Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif Al-Zayani said on Friday. The minister referenced the signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement between the US and Bahrain, signed last week, which will enhance coordination between the two countries in defense, security, technology and investment.
UK deputy PM warns of risks of AI in UN speech
NEW YORK CITY: Oliver Dowden, deputy prime minister of the UK, warned world leaders of the risks of the use of artificial intelligence during his speech at the general debate of the 78th UN General Assembly on Friday. In his opening remarks, Dowden strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling it “the most heinous assault imaginable on everything this organization stands for and was founded to prevent,” and reiterating the UK’s support for Ukraine.
Pakistani FM ‘hopeful’ flood aid promises will be fulfilled Original
NEW YORK: Pakistan is “hopeful” that pledged reconstruction funding to rebuild parts of the country damaged by floods last year will be disbursed soon, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said on Friday. At a press conference during the UN General Assembly in New York, he told Arab News: “Pakistan is one of the worst affected as far as climate change is concerned because it has affected about 33 million people.
Pakistani FM ‘hopeful’ flood aid promises will be fulfilled
NEW YORK: Pakistan is “hopeful” that pledged reconstruction funding to rebuild parts of the country damaged by floods last year will be disbursed soon, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said on Friday. At a press conference during the UN General Assembly in New York, he told Arab News: “Pakistan is one of the worst affected as far as climate change is concerned because it has affected about 33 million people.
Beijing committed to territorial reunification: VP
NEW YORK: Beijing aims to reunify all Chinese territory, including Taiwan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng told the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. “China stays committed to safeguarding sovereignty. There’s only one China, and the government is the sole legal government representing China,” he said.
From Syria to Sudan, refugee agencies need money, access and an end to fighting, UNHCR official tells Arab News
Bahrain making progress for human rights, says FM /node/2379081/middle-east September 23, 2023 11:21 Bahrain making progress for human rights, says FM Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement with the US last week Bahraini minister stressed the importance of diplomatic and economic cooperation between countries NEW YORK CITY: Bahrain has grown immensely in diplomatic cooperation, human rights, tolerance, and social progress, Bahraini Minister of Foreign...
Beijing committed to territorial reunification: VP
NEW YORK: Beijing aims to reunify all Chinese territory, including Taiwan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng told the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. “China stays committed to safeguarding sovereignty. There’s only one China, and the government is the sole legal government representing China,” he said.
Mideast peace only possible when Palestinians get full rights: Abbas
Morocco sets aside nearly $12 bn for quake recovery /node/2378246/middle-east September 21, 2023 22:05 Morocco sets aside nearly $12 bn for quake recovery Fund to be used for reconstruction in places affected by the September 8 earthquake RABAT: Quake-hit Morocco’s government announced on Wednesday a budget of more than $11 billion for reconstruction, rehousing and socio-economic development of areas hit by the deadly disaster.
From Syria to Sudan, refugee agencies need money, access and an end to fighting, UNHCR official tells Arab News
NEW YORK: With every passing year, the global displacement crisis becomes more and more severe. The number of people forced to flee their homes crossed the 110 million mark in May this year, yet there seems to be no end in sight to the phenomenon. From the Mediterranean and the Andaman seas to the English Channel and the US-Mexico border, refugees and migrants have been dying in their thousands every year attempting dangerous sea crossings and land routes.
International community must help stop Houthi militias: Yemeni president
NEW YORK: The world must do more to stop the flow of arms and resources to Iran-backed Houthi militias, Rashid Al-Alimi, the chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, said on Thursday. Al-Alimi, the opening speaker at the 8th plenary meeting of the 78th UN General Assembly’s general debate in New York, strongly condemned human rights violations committed by the Houthis since the conflict erupted in Yemen almost a decade ago.
Qatar prepared to become international mediator: Foreign Ministry
New York: Qatar is prepared to take on the role of an international mediator in the wake of the recent Doha-brokered prisoner swap deal between Iran and the US, the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Wednesday.
Baghdad trying to resolve dispute with Kurdistan: Iraqi PM
For many displaced by clashes in Lebanon’s largest Palestinian camp, return is not an option /node/2377481/middle-east September 20, 2023 21:51 For many displaced by clashes in Lebanon’s largest Palestinian camp, return is not an option Some have lost their houses, while others do not trust that the calm will hold For many, it’s not the first time they have been forced to flee their homes SEBLINE, Lebanon: Nearly a week after a cease-fire agreement between warring factions in Lebanon’s...
UAE adviser: We are shifting from geopolitical to geoeconomic diplomacy
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif will not forget agony Bosnian Muslims endured in 1990s, says grand imam /node/2377421/middle-east September 20, 2023 20:20 Al-Azhar Al-Sharif will not forget agony Bosnian Muslims endured in 1990s, says grand imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb told Thabet Subasic, the Balkans country’s ambassador to Egypt: ‘The suffering of the Bosnian people is still fresh in mind’ The envoy extended an official invitation to Al-Tayyeb to visit his country and participate in the events next year...
Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gives a rousing performance in New York Original
NEW YORK: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir performed on Sunday at the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert, a collaborative effort between the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Saudi Music Commission, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture, was the Saudi National Orchestra’s debut event in the US.
Does Israeli PM Netanyahu care as Palestinians in the West Bank reel from Jewish settler violence?
DUBAI: Anti-Palestinian violence committed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has skyrocketed in the past year, with more than 100 incidents reported by the UN this month alone and more than 400 people driven from their homes since the start of the year. As properties are destroyed and young men fall victim to armed settler attacks, the question on the lips of many Palestinians and their international supporters is this: Does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu care?
Does Israeli PM Netanyahu care as Palestinians in the West Bank reel from Jewish settler violence?
DUBAI: Anti-Palestinian violence committed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has skyrocketed in the past year, with more than 100 incidents reported by the UN this month alone and more than 400 people driven from their homes since the start of the year. As properties are destroyed and young men fall victim to armed settler attacks, the question on the lips of many Palestinians and their international supporters is this: Does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu care?
Northeast Syria's Industrial Revolution: Advances and Challenges – Kurdish Peace Institute
Northeast Syria, or West Kurdistan (Rojava), has faced structural economic neglect compared to other parts of the country for decades. From the earliest days of the Syrian Arab Republic’s existence, the region was designated as the breadbasket of the country, with agriculture as its primary product. Nearly all of Syria’s industry was concentrated in larger cities, mainly Aleppo and Damascus. These cities boasted large industrial zones with massive factories.
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