Panorama: Tensions surge between Iran, Israel, climate woes neglected

This week’s newspapers addressed the rehabilitation of foreign mercenaries in Syria and its internal implications, alongside a military escalation between Israel and Iran involving attacks on nuclear facilities. Additionally, warnings about climate change persist.

 Concerns Over Integrating Extremists into the Syrian Army

 On the Syrian issue, newspapers spotlighted the recruitment of mercenaries by the Damascus regime. Al-Arab (London) headlined, “Washington Supports Emergency Rehabilitation of Foreign Fighters in Syrian Forces.” The paper revealed U.S. approval of a Syrian leadership plan to rehabilitate foreign fighters previously aligned with mercenaries. Al-Arab noted that “America agreed to a plan allowing thousands of former opposition extremists to join the national army, provided it’s done transparently.”

 Observers view this as a U.S. emergency measure to monitor these elements rather than expel them.

However, concerns were raised that integrating foreigners into government forces, potentially granting them Syrian citizenship, sends a negative signal domestically. Reports confirm their role in violent attacks on Alawites in Syria’s coastal region and harsh responses to protesters in Druze areas. Their continued presence suggests the regime will remain hardline, even if it takes steps to appear moderate or distance itself from extremists.

 Netanyahu Links Nuclear Strike to WWII Lessons

 Late this week, tensions flared between Israel and Iran. Asharq Al-Awsat headlined, “After Years of Waiting, Netanyahu Executes His Plan.” The paper reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after decades of warning about Iran’s nuclear program, ordered a large-scale airstrike targeting Iranian facilities believed to contribute to nuclear weapons development. The decision followed reports of Iran’s failure to comply with nuclear commitments, per the International Atomic Energy Agency, amid a shifting regional context enabling Israel’s initiative.

In his speech, Netanyahu referenced World War II atrocities to justify the attack, stating Israel “has learned the lessons of history.” The strikes targeted defense systems and the Natanz nuclear site, coordinated with Washington, despite media reports of disagreements between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, who later surprised observers by announcing upcoming nuclear talks with Tehran.

Escalating Climate Disasters Threaten Humanity’s Stability

On another front, Al-Khaleej addressed the climate crisis, headlining, “An Environmental Nightmare That Cannot Wait.” The paper described a series of natural disasters driven by global warming and climate imbalance, including an unprecedented storm in Alexandria, Egypt, with thunderstorms and hail in midsummer, causing significant material losses.

The world also witnessed devastating floods in Pakistan, Nigeria, and the U.S., alongside rising extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and melting ice. The paper warned that “this trajectory threatens food security, biodiversity, and the stability of human societies.” 

 ANHA