Saudi Arabia, Qatar Pledge Support for Syria’s Public Sector

SPA
SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Pledge Support for Syria’s Public Sector

SPA
SPA

Saudi Arabia and Qatar said they would provide $89 million in joint financial support to help pay the salaries of public sector employees in Syria for three months, in a move aimed at keeping basic services running and easing pressure on the war-ravaged country’s budget.

The Saudi Fund for Development and the Qatar Fund for Development will channel the aid through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The funds are intended to bolster livelihoods, promote inclusive economic recovery and strengthen Syria’s financial systems as part of longer-term sustainable development goals, the report said.

The announcement highlighted that the assistance forms part of broader efforts to foster growth opportunities, support social stability and underpin Syria’s path to recovery after more than a decade of conflict.

Saudi Arabia has previously stepped in to help Syria by covering arrears owed to the World Bank and backing the country’s power sector, alongside efforts that contributed to the lifting of US sanctions on Damascus, said SPA.



Saudi Crown Prince, French President Discuss Regional Developments 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, French President Discuss Regional Developments 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Monday a telephone call from French President Emmanuel Macron.

They discussed regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability.

They reviewed bilateral relations and the existing cooperation between their two countries in a number of fields, in addition to discussing several issues of common interest.


Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
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Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 

Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 24 people, including prominent preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan, according to an official decree published in the Kuwait Al-Youm gazette.

Decree No. 227 of 2025 stated that Al Suwaidan’s Kuwaiti nationality, along with that of any dependents who obtained it through him, is to be withdrawn.

The decree was issued from Seif Palace and signed by the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, upon the recommendation of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and after Cabinet approval.

The order did not cite the legal grounds for the decision, though Kuwaiti authorities have previously said citizenship may be revoked in cases involving fraud, criminal activity or threats to state security.

About 60,000 people have been stripped of nationality since the establishment of the Higher Committee for Citizenship Affairs in Kuwait.

Born in 1953, Al Suwaidan is rather considered a media figure affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood than as a thinker and researcher in Islamic history and personal development.

He moved to the United States at age 17, where he spent two decades and earned a PhD.

Earlier, Al Suwaidan has faced accusations of insulting sister countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

On July 30, 2024, the Criminal Court has acquitted Al Suwaidan of insulting the two states, but the Public Prosecutor later appealed the verdict

 


‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
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‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched in Riyadh on Sunday its specialized program titled “Tactical Intelligence,” with the participation of 22 trainees from 11 member states.

Offered by Saudi Arabia, the program includes a set of advanced training modules covering the concept and cycle of tactical intelligence, decision-making support requirements, as well as information analysis methods, said IMCTC.

The five-day program, running from December 7 to 11, aims to develop participants’ skills in intelligence analysis, assessing intelligence and supporting military operations to counter modern security challenges.

Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Nigeria, Guinea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan and Senegal.

IMCTC Secretary General Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Moghedi said the training is part of a strategic vision that aims to build sustainable abilities and raise the readiness of military cadres of the member countries to boost their capabilities in countering challenges and various terrorist threats.

He praised the support from Saudi Arabia, where the IMCTC is based, saying the training programs are being fully funded by the Kingdom, which underscores is pioneering role and firm commitment to supporting security and stability.