Syrian Opposition Coalition Arrives in Riyadhhttps://english.aawsat.com/home/article/994691/syrian-opposition-coalition-arrives-riyadh
Syrian Opposition Coalition Arrives in Riyadh
Syria's High Negotiations Committee attends a meeting with the UN Syria envoy during Syria peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, February 27, 2017. (Reuters)
Syria's High Negotiations Committee attends a meeting with the UN Syria envoy during Syria peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, February 27, 2017. (Reuters)
The Syrian National Coalition for Opposition (SNC), chaired by Riad Seif, arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for talks with Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on various issues related to the Syrian crisis.
A few days earlier, Saudi Arabia reiterated its position on the Syrian war and its commitment to the Geneva 1 outcomes as a basis for a solution that ensures regime head Bashar al-Assad does not remain in power.
Member of the political committee of the SNC Hadi al-Bahra said that the meeting with Jubeir was scheduled a while ago, hinting that it had nothing to do with the minister’s recent statements, which were later denied by the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
Bahra told Asharq Al-Awsat that the agenda of the meeting will cover recent political developments in Syria, including the issue of the de-escalation zones.
He added that the meeting with Jubeir is not linked to the expanded meeting scheduled in mid-August between Syria’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC), Moscow and Cairo and hosted by Riyadh.
So far, it has not been confirmed whether representatives of the Syrian opposition who participated in Cairo and Moscow conferences will attend the Riyadh talks.
Bahra said that HNC sent separate invitations to Cairo and Moscow, but he did not confirm if they received official responses.
The HNC hopes that the anticipated Riyadh meeting will unite positions on Assad leaving power.
Bahra admitted that Syrian opposition has a lot to achieve, especially regarding the Geneva talks, adding that there are serious attempts to come out with united positions.
“The foundation of the cause is to have united positions on all issues that ensure the success of the Geneva conference,” he added.
Bahra reiterated that the HNC intends to continue with the political negotiations dealing with the core of the Syrian crisis, which is the political transition. He stressed that it does not want to repeat the mistakes committed in Yemen and other areas.
“Everyone knows the foundations of a successful political transition and how to proceed. So, we must deal with all international changes, while making sure no more time is wasted,” he explained.
Bahra stressed that Assad’s departure is one of the main conditions of the political transition.
World’s Oceans Break June Heat Record, Says EU Monitorhttps://english.aawsat.com/varieties/5290743-world%E2%80%99s-oceans-break-june-heat-record-says-eu-monitor
The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, as seen from Huntington Beach, California, US, June 29, 2026. (Reuters)
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World’s Oceans Break June Heat Record, Says EU Monitor
The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, as seen from Huntington Beach, California, US, June 29, 2026. (Reuters)
The world's oceans just experienced their hottest June on record and could set fresh highs in the months ahead as El Nino and climate change drive temperatures even higher, scientists said Wednesday.
Global average sea surface temperatures in June were 20.98C, beating the previous records of 2023 and 2024, according to the European Union's Copernicus Marine Service.
The record capped six months of near unprecedented ocean warmth in 2026, with prolonged marine heatwaves, the service said. Average sea temperatures in the first half of the year were 20.04C, slightly below the high set in the same period in 2024.
And scientists said the onset of a potentially powerful El Nino weather pattern could boost global heat in the oceans and atmosphere even further in 2026 and into next year.
"Current conditions could indicate the beginning of a new phase, leading, once more, to uncharted territory," said Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus Climate Change Service, the EU's climate monitor.
"With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Nino on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months," Buontempo said in a statement.
El Nino is marked by unusually warm waters in parts of the Pacific Ocean, releasing more heat into the atmosphere and influencing wind, cloud and weather patterns around the globe.
This can raise the risk of weather extremes ranging from floods in Peru to droughts in parts of Africa and wildfires in Australia.
But it can also cause a temporary spike in global temperatures, compounding the long-term warming caused by humanity's burning of fossil fuels.
Land and sea temperatures reached an all-time high in 2024 at the tail end of the last El Nino.
"With the arrival and the onset of an El Nino year ... we can expect that 2026 will be amongst the warmest (ever) recorded," Simon Van Gennip, lead Oceanographer for the Copernicus Marine Service, said in a news briefing.
"This is due to El Nino ... but also from the warming due to the greenhouse gas emissions we continue to provide for the atmosphere," Van Gennip said.
- 'Deepening crisis' -
The report follows a warning issued in a major UN scientific assessment last month which declared that the world's oceans were in a "deepening crisis" as seas were warming and rising faster.
Oceans are a key regulator of Earth's climate because they absorb some 90 percent of the excess heat caused by humanity's release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
Warmer oceans increase moisture in the atmosphere, providing fuel for tropical cyclones and destructive rainfall.
Hotter seas also directly contribute to sea level rise -- water expands when it warms up -- and create unbearable conditions for tropical reefs, whose corals can bleach and die during prolonged marine heatwaves.
The first six months of the year were marked by widespread marine heatwaves that affected around 82 percent of the world's oceans, the second-largest extent after 2024, according to Copernicus Marine Service.
Marine heatwaves -- prolonged periods of unusually high sea temperatures -- can affect weather, trigger coral bleaching and prove fatal for marine wildlife.
- Global heat -
Global sea surface temperatures varied in the first half of the year, according to the service, which is run by Mercator Ocean International, an EU-backed non-profit organization.
The Mediterranean broke its June record at 24.3C, surpassing the previous highs set in 2023 and 2025. Marine heatwaves hit 98 percent of the basin during the first six months of the year.
A marine heatwave affecting the northwestern Mediterranean broke a record intensity measurement on Monday after a week that saw temperature records tumble in Europe, a Spanish climate institute said.
The tropical Pacific also had its hottest June ever at 27.26C.
The region matched its 2016 record for the January-to-June period, with the strongest and most persistent warming in the western equatorial Pacific and off the coasts of Peru and California.
Belgium Looks to Avoid Fate of Fellow European Teams in Knockout Round Match Against Senegalhttps://english.aawsat.com/sports/5290742-belgium-looks-avoid-fate-fellow-european-teams-knockout-round-match-against-senegal
Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, attends a press conference after the training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Belgium Looks to Avoid Fate of Fellow European Teams in Knockout Round Match Against Senegal
Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, attends a press conference after the training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
By advancing to the knockout round atop Group G, Belgium has already improved upon its woeful performance at the World Cup four years ago.
After a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Belgium did not advance past the group stage in 2022 in Qatar. With its 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday night, Belgium won its group and achieved what coach Rudi Garcia wanted from his club.
Ahead of Wednesday’s knockout round match against Senegal, Garcia expressed satisfaction with his group’s accomplishments, as well as a desire for more. Belgium won one game and played to two draws in group play.
“We wanted to finish first in the group stage and we succeeded,” Garcia said in French. “Of course we wanted to win more — we know the story of our World Cup so far. Now it is time for the knockout phase. Senegal is a big team. But, you have to beat them, too, if you want to go far in a World Cup.”
For Belgium’s participation in the tournament to be considered a success, it must first get by a Senegal team that finished third in Group I with three points and a plus-2 goal differential. The African team navigated one of the toughest groups in the tournament, one that featured favorite France and the Erling Haaland-led Norway.
“We know it will be a tough match,” Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku said Monday in French. “Senegal has a lot of top-level players, and the coach is, too. I think it’s 50-50. We really shouldn’t underestimate them.”
Given what transpired in the round of 32 shortly after Lukaku’s comments, Belgium would be wise to heed his warning. Germany lost to unheralded Paraguay on penalties while Morocco sent the Netherlands to its earliest World Cup exit on Monday night.
Belgium is aware that even as the odds-on pick to beat Senegal, it must be careful on Wednesday. Otherwise, it could fall victim to the same fate as its European counterparts.
“It doesn’t matter who the favorite is,” said Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere. “We have confidence and need to be sharp. Yesterday showed that it doesn’t matter if you are the favorite.”
Senegal, meanwhile, hopes it has the offensive firepower to score against stingy Belgium, which has allowed two goals in three games with star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in net. Led by Sadio Mane, Senegal is coming off a 5-0 rout of Iraq.
But Senegal will also be short-handed on the defensive side. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who was injured in a 3-2 loss to Norway in group play, will not be available Wednesday, according to coach Pape Thiaw. Reserve Mory Diaw, who started in Mendy’s place against Iraq, is likely to do so again.
“Mory had a great performance,” Thiaw said in French. “He kept a clean sheet and I think (as) the goalkeeper tomorrow, we hope that we’ll also come up with a clean sheet.”
Even if Senegal has to turn to Diaw, Thiaw is confident his side can pull off an upset, much like both Paraguay and Morocco did Monday.
“It’s not because you finished top of your group that you’re not going to be knocked out in the next round,” Thiaw said. “That’s exactly what happened with the Netherlands. It’s another tournament starting. We are looking for the win tomorrow so that we can continue our journey.”
Center back Zeno Debast, who has not appeared in a World Cup match this summer due to injury, will be available for Wednesday’s match, but is not expected to start, according to Garcia.
Debast participated in his first training session Monday after he had an MRI on Saturday for a left leg injury. He practiced again Tuesday with tape on his left knee.
“Zeno Debast is with the group, but tomorrow is still too soon,” Garcia said. “He is making progress, though. He still needs time to get fully fit, as was anticipated. I am very satisfied with the defenders we have already called upon.”
The Afghan Women Farmers Keeping Their Village Alivehttps://english.aawsat.com/features/5290739-afghan-women-farmers-keeping-their-village-alive
This photograph taken on June 8, 2026 shows Afghan woman farmer Habiba (R) working at a field in the Eshtiwi village of Afghanistan's Parun district. (AFP)
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The Afghan Women Farmers Keeping Their Village Alive
This photograph taken on June 8, 2026 shows Afghan woman farmer Habiba (R) working at a field in the Eshtiwi village of Afghanistan's Parun district. (AFP)
In a remote province of northeastern Afghanistan, women farmers are playing a vital role in their community's survival among the snow-capped mountains.
The fields of Eshtiwi show only the first faint signs of growth in June, with small green sprouts emerging around the village.
Habiba, who spoke to AFP while busy weeding, is proud to have been farming in Nuristan province for decades.
"Since I was eight years old, I've been going to the field with my mother," said the 46-year-old, who only has one name.
"When we harvest wheat, beans, potatoes and corn in the fields in autumn and bring them back home, we feel happy," she added.
In Afghanistan, women are generally allowed to farm despite being banned by the Taliban government from most employment.
Mohammad Yahya Faizi, a 34-year-old agriculture graduate, said he respects the women's work.
"We would not have food anymore in the middle of the winter" without their work, he said.
Eshtiwi in summertime is only reachable by a dirt track and, before AFP's visit, it had been years since international media had reached the village.
Faizi said "tasks have been divided between men and women" for generations in the Parun Valley, where residents speak their own dialect.
"Women are busy with agriculture, planting, watering and cooking at home," said Faizi, a village farmer who volunteers with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Men help with animal-drawn ploughs, handle livestock, and gather firewood for winter, when snow cuts the village off from the outside world for almost six months.
Habiba's day starts at around 4:00 am, when she gets up to pray before preparing breakfast with her daughters on a wood-fired stove.
She makes bread using flour from her wheat, together with red beans from her fields, to eat alongside butter and dried yoghurt made by her husband.
The room, which doubles as a kitchen and bedroom, was decorated with flowers drawn by Habiba's 11-year-old daughter, Nahida, who was practicing English that she had learnt at the village school.
While her mother never had the chance to go to school, Nahida's education will soon stop as girls nationwide are banned from education beyond the age of 12.
This photograph taken on June 8, 2026 shows a river flowing past houses at the Eshtiwi village in Afghanistan's Parun district. (AFP)
- 'Unrecognized' -
FAO has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, with the agency highlighting how "unrecognized" their vital role is in supporting food security.
This is particularly true in Afghanistan, where almost a third of the population needs emergency food aid according to the UN.
Bibi Jan, a 70-year-old who grows beans and potatoes, said farming can be grueling.
"We have to work hard, our hands peel... but there are children to feed," she said.
Habiba dreams of having a tractor, but it is too expensive; there is only one in the village that a family rents out to those who can afford it.
"I'm not that strong; my back and my legs hurt," she said.
Najia, who requested her surname not be used for privacy reasons, agreed local farmers need more tools as well as opportunities to trade.
"Farming is a great profession; it's not just for men," said the 28-year-old, who went to university in Pakistan.
The farmers often have surplus crops, she said, but "there is no structured market to sell our produce."
Being in such a remote area makes it impossible to sell direct to customers, and there are only limited options to meet traders who pass through.
"I sell my potatoes for 70 afghanis ($1.10) for seven kilos (15 pounds), but I would need 150 afghanis" to earn a decent income, Najia said.
This photograph taken on June 8, 2026 shows an Afghan woman farmer working at a field in the Eshtiwi village of Afghanistan's Parun district. (AFP)
- 'Help each other' -
Storage units have been financed by the UN, to allow harvests to be kept and sold when the market improves, and some of the women have received better seeds.
FAO has also introduced agroforestry -- the combination of trees and crops on the same plot -- to diversify their income.
Faizi said that the village, which once produced only apples and walnuts, now has cherry, pear, and peach trees, among others.
But climate change is a big concern, with less predictable snow and rain, or bringing floods that destroy the crops.
The UN Development Program has found that Afghanistan is among a group of countries that "have contributed the least to global warming yet bear its heaviest costs".
For Najia, the weather was a further challenge: "We can't predict it; it just hits us."
But despite the difficulties, she said women love working outdoors together.
"We can help each other," she said, while also providing the village with nutritious food.
"What we grow with our own hands is very healthy."
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