Syria on brink of chaos again amid escalating global humanitarian crises
Syria is plunging into a new wave of security chaos, with international warnings about the potential explosion of internal tensions and a slide toward civil war. Meanwhile, the global humanitarian tragedy is worsening, as the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) hits a new record high, according to UN reports. This reflects the intensification of crises and the exposure of the global humanitarian system to successive waves of displacement and conflict.
This morning’s newspapers highlighted the chaos unfolding in Syria and the mounting humanitarian challenges linked to internal displacement worldwide.
Turkish concerns fuel fears of Syria’s slide into widespread security chaos
According to the London-based Al-Arab newspaper, a security meeting chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was held at a critical moment for the Syrian scene, following a series of attacks targeting areas inhabited by Druze and Alawite minorities. The paper noted that these attacks, allegedly carried out by government-affiliated or security-backed armed groups, have raised fears of a broader explosion of violence in the country.
Al-Arab added that some observers believe the Syrian regime is increasingly unable to control extremists within its institutions, opening the door to potential protest movements that could involve armed confrontations by minority groups if the government remains silent.
The paper also pointed out that Ankara is trying to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. It views its support for the Syrian regime as a way to thwart what it believes are Iranian and Israeli attempts to exploit sectarian tensions, using media campaigns and incitement of minorities against the Syrian government.
Regarding the Kurdish issue, Al-Arab stated that Turkey has emphasized the need for the Damascus authorities to honor their agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes integrating the SDF into the Syrian army. Erdogan stressed that Turkey is closely monitoring this file, warning that ignoring it could cause renewed tension in eastern Syria.
The newspaper also reported warnings from international figures about an imminent collapse in Syria. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio warned of the possibility of a full-scale civil war, while UN envoy Geir Pedersen highlighted the country’s “dangerous fragility,” calling for urgent efforts to address the growing divisions and escalating violence.
Internal displacement on the rise
In a separate report, the editorial of Al-Khaleej newspaper (UAE) focused on the global internal displacement crisis, pointing out that 2024 has seen an unprecedented record in the number of internally displaced people, according to a report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), a Norwegian organization working with governments and the UN. The number of displaced persons reached 83.4 million, an increase of 7.5 million from 2023.
The newspaper noted that displacement is not only linked to conflict but is also significantly driven by natural disasters. About 46 million people were displaced due to disasters, double the average annual number over the past decade. A total of 29 countries and territories recorded unprecedented levels of displacement, amid increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Hurricanes alone accounted for more than half of these cases.
Al-Khaleej emphasized that responding to the consequences of disasters requires enhancing the capacity of local authorities, which calls for logistical and financial support, especially in poorer countries. The newspaper renewed its call for international organizations and donor countries to increase development aid to confront these escalating humanitarian crises.
A-H
ANHA
