Syria joins U.S.-led anti‑ISIS coalition as Washington restores ties and pauses sanctions; Damascus insists operations on its soil be coordinated ()

The U.S. said Damascus has entered the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and that diplomatic relations are being restored after an unprecedented White House meeting with Syria’s president Ahmed al‑Sharah. Sanctions are paused while the administration seeks congressional action, and both sides signaled red lines and ambitions.

"The United States says Syria is joining the global coalition to defeat Islamic State jihadists and is resuming diplomatic relations with Washington." "The United States says Syria is joining the global coalition to defeat Islamic State jihadists and is resuming diplomatic relations with Washington."

"Officials in Washington say Syria has joined the coalition after its president, Ahmed al-Sharah, met Donald Trump at the White House." "Officials in Washington say Syria has joined the coalition after its president, Ahmed al-Sharah, met Donald Trump at the White House."

"The two countries have also resumed diplomatic relations." "The two countries have also resumed diplomatic relations."

Sanctions relief is being used as leverage, pending Capitol Hill’s sign‑off.

"« Le département d'État américain annonce une nouvelle pause des sanctions contre la Syrie, en attendant que le Congrès les lève. »" "“The U.S. State Department announces a new pause in sanctions against Syria, pending Congress lifting them.”"

"they need the U.S. Congress to lift the sanctions that were imposed on the Assad regime for its human-rights record" "they need the U.S. Congress to lift the sanctions that were imposed on the Assad regime for its human-rights record"

President Trump framed the outreach in personal and regional terms.

"'He comes from a very tough place and he's a tough guy,' ... 'I liked him; I get along with him... We have to make Syria work. Syria is a big part of the Middle East.'" "'He comes from a very tough place and he's a tough guy,' ... 'I liked him; I get along with him... We have to make Syria work. Syria is a big part of the Middle East.'"

Damascus cautioned that any foreign troop movements must be agreed with the Syrian government, and that its entry to the coalition is political for now.

"« أي تحرك عسكري على الأرض السورية، سواء للولايات المتحدة أو غيرها، يتم بالتعاون والتفاهم مع الحكومة السورية. »" "“Any military move on Syrian soil, whether by the United States or others, will be done in cooperation and understanding with the Syrian government.”"

"« الموقف مع التحالف الدولي ضد تنظيم الدولة سياسي ولا يتضمن أي بنود عسكرية. »" "“Our stance with the international coalition against IS is political and does not include any military clauses.”"

European outlets flagged security ambitions floated in Washington.

"« Les Américains envisagent d'installer une base militaire près de la capitale syrienne. »" "“The Americans are considering setting up a military base near the Syrian capital.”"

Analysts warned of unresolved internal risks.

"The best possible run at trying to stabilise and secure Syria faces huge challenges... The issue of integrating the Kurds... still hasn't been solved... The risks of a slide back into despotism and sectarian bloodshed remain very high in Syria." "The best possible run at trying to stabilise and secure Syria faces huge challenges... The issue of integrating the Kurds... still hasn't been solved... The risks of a slide back into despotism and sectarian bloodshed remain very high in Syria."

Senate passes deal to end 41‑day U.S. shutdown; House vote next as travel chaos and aid cutbacks bite ()

The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap to reopen the federal government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history, sending the bill to the Republican‑led House for an expected mid‑week vote. The closure has stalled services, snarled airports, and strained social programs.

"The U.S. Senate voted in favor of a compromise funding package to temporarily reopen the government." "The U.S. Senate voted in favor of a compromise funding package to temporarily reopen the government."

"The stopgap funding bill will now go to the House of Representatives... Lawmakers are expected to approve the measure either on Wednesday or Thursday, meaning the government will reopen by next weekend." "The stopgap funding bill will now go to the House of Representatives... Lawmakers are expected to approve the measure either on Wednesday or Thursday, meaning the government will reopen by next weekend."

The toll has been stark for workers, travelers and low‑income households.

"The shutdown, which lasted 41 days, left government services suspended" "The shutdown, which lasted 41 days, left government services suspended"

"More than 6,000 flights were delayed and nearly 2,000 were cancelled on Monday alone." "More than 6,000 flights were delayed and nearly 2,000 were cancelled on Monday alone."

"cutbacks in food aid programs—what are known here as food stamps—for about 42 million low-income Americans who rely on those handouts" "cutbacks in food aid programs—what are known here as food stamps—for about 42 million low-income Americans who rely on those handouts"

"we've had more than a million government employees affected by the shutdown." "we've had more than a million government employees affected by the shutdown."

Markets rallied on hopes of a resolution.

"Markets kicked the week off in the green, with US stocks in positive territory after Senate lawmakers took a critical step towards a potential deal to end the government shutdown" "Markets kicked the week off in the green, with US stocks in positive territory after Senate lawmakers took a critical step towards a potential deal to end the government shutdown"

"Tech stocks led the gains overnight, with the NASDAQ up more than 2%" "Tech stocks led the gains overnight, with the NASDAQ up more than 2%"

U.S. moves Gaza “phase two” to the UN: draft backs transitional authority, international force, phased IDF pullout, full aid access ()

Washington has circulated a revised UN Security Council draft endorsing its Gaza plan, layering governance, security and humanitarian pillars—while sensitive talks continue over safe passage or surrender for Rafah tunnel combatants.

"« تؤكد التزامها بتطبيق كامل ودقيق للاتفاق، ومصادر دبلوماسية تؤكد للجزيرة أن واشنطن وزّعت مشروع قرار في مجلس الأمن يؤيد خطة ترامب في غزة ويتضمن إنشاء هيئة حكم انتقالية. »" "“Diplomatic sources tell Al Jazeera that Washington has circulated a Security Council draft endorsing Trump’s plan in Gaza and creating a transitional governing authority.”"

"« يؤيد خطة ترامب في غزة ويتضمن إنشاء هيئة حكم انتقالية وقوة دولية وانسحاباً إسرائيلياً مرحلياً واستئنافاً كاملاً لإدخال المساعدات. »" "“It includes a transitional authority, an international force, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and a full resumption of aid deliveries.”"

"« ... مشروع القرار يجيز إنشاء قوة دولية لتحقيق الاستقرار في غزة تحت قيادة موحدة وتعمل مع مصر وإسرائيل والشرطة الفلسطينية. »" "“The draft authorizes an international stabilization force under unified command working with Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian police.”"

"« يدعو إلى الاستئناف الكامل للمساعدات الإنسانية إلى غزة بالتنسيق مع الأمم المتحدة واللجنة الدولية للصليب الأحمر والهلال الأحمر. »" "“It calls for the full resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza coordinated with the UN, the ICRC and the Red Crescent.”"

In Jerusalem, U.S. and Israeli officials discussed the second phase—Hamas disarmament, demilitarization, and an international stabilization force.

"In Jerusalem berieten USA und Israel über die weiteren Schritte des Gaza-Friedensplans." "In Jerusalem the U.S. and Israel discussed next steps of the Gaza peace plan."

"Diese sähe die Entwaffnung der Hamas, die Entmilitarisierung des Gazastreifens und die Schaffung einer internationalen Stabilisierungstruppe vor." "This envisages Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s demilitarization and creation of an international stabilization force."

Proposals for Rafah’s tunnel fighters range from safe corridors to surrender and detention, with U.S. pressure acknowledged.

"« قدّم مقترحًا بسحبهم من مناطق انتشار الجيش الإسرائيلي خلف الخط الأصفر في غزة لتفادي أي احتكاك معهم. »" "“A proposal was presented to withdraw them behind the ‘yellow line’ to avoid clashes with Israeli forces.”"

"« وفق المقترح تتعهد إسرائيل بعدم قتل عناصر حماس مقابل استسلامهم واعتقالهم والتحقيق معهم في إسرائيل. »" "“Under the proposal, Israel would pledge not to kill Hamas members in exchange for their surrender and for arrest and investigation in Israel.”"

Israel has signaled concerns over who would serve in the multinational force.

"« ...وبالذات منع تركيا، هذان الأمران مهمان لإسرائيل على المستوى السياسي والأمني. »" "“Preventing certain countries’ participation—especially excluding Turkey—is important to Israel politically and for security.”"

Deadly car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort triggers nationwide high alert; NSG and NIA lead probe under terror laws ()

India placed Delhi and multiple states on high alert after a rush‑hour explosion near the Red Fort metro junction killed at least eight and injured many, with elite teams deployed and embassies issuing advisories.

"An explosion in the Indian capital, Delhi, has killed at least eight people and injured many others." "An explosion in the Indian capital, Delhi, has killed at least eight people and injured many others."

"The explosion took place at 6:55 p.m. local time." "The explosion took place at 6:55 p.m. local time."

"There were passengers inside the moving vehicle." "There were passengers inside the moving vehicle."

"The Delhi Fire Service has confirmed at least six cars caught fire in the vicinity..." "The Delhi Fire Service has confirmed at least six cars caught fire in the vicinity..."

Investigators opened a case under anti‑terror and explosives statutes, deploying national agencies to the scene.

"Delhi Police has registered a case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act and other relevant provisions." "Delhi Police has registered a case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act and other relevant provisions."

"दिल्ली क्राइम ब्रांच और दिल्ली स्पेशल ब्रांच की टीमें स्थान पर पहुँच गईं... एनसीबी और एनआईए की टीमें भी साथ हैं." "Delhi Crime Branch and Special Branch teams reached the site... NCB and NIA teams are also on scene."

Security was tightened around critical sites across the capital region.

"दिल्ली मेट्रो, लाल किला, सरकारी भवन और आइजीआई हवाई अड्डे सहित राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र के सभी प्रतिष्ठानों को CISF द्वारा हाई अलर्ट पर रखा गया है." "The CISF placed all installations it guards in the NCR—Delhi Metro, Red Fort, government buildings and IGI Airport—on high alert."

Top officials visited, and foreign missions urged caution.

"Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the blast... he told the media the incident is being investigated from all angles." "Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the blast... he told the media the incident is being investigated from all angles."

"The U.S. Embassy in India ... advising them to avoid areas around Delhi's Red Fort and Chandni Chowk" "The U.S. Embassy in India ... advising them to avoid areas around Delhi's Red Fort and Chandni Chowk"

Authorities in neighboring states also went on alert.

"पंजाब में रेड अलर्ट जारी किया गया है।" "A red alert has been issued in Punjab."

Japan makes history with first female prime minister; Tokyo protests after Chinese consul’s “cut off that dirty neck” post ()

Japan elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, even as Tokyo lodged a formal protest with Beijing after a senior Chinese diplomat posted a threat online in response to her Taiwan comments.

"Let's begin this hour with a significant moment for Japan and Japanese politics. Japan has just voted in its first female prime minister." "Let's begin this hour with a significant moment for Japan and Japanese politics. Japan has just voted in its first female prime minister."

"Japan has lodged a protest with Beijing after a senior Chinese diplomat appeared to threaten Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her recent comments on Taiwan." "Japan has lodged a protest with Beijing after a senior Chinese diplomat appeared to threaten Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her recent comments on Taiwan."

"The Chinese Consul-General in Osaka posted on social media saying 'he would cut off that dirty neck,' sharing an article with Ms Takaichi's remarks to Parliament that Japan could help in any defence of the island." "The Chinese Consul-General in Osaka posted on social media saying 'he would cut off that dirty neck,' sharing an article with Ms Takaichi's remarks to Parliament that Japan could help in any defence of the island."

French radio underscored the episode’s sensitivity and alliance context.

"« La menace a été formulée contre Sanae Takaichi, la première ministre japonaise, après une déclaration sur Taïwan, signe que le sujet est hautement sensible. »" "“The threat was made against Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, after a statement on Taiwan—sign that the issue is highly sensitive.”"

"« Elle avait évoqué la possibilité d'aider les États-Unis en cas de tension grave dans le détroit de Taïwan. 54 000 soldats américains se trouvent sur le sol japonais... »" "“She had raised the possibility of helping the United States in the event of serious tension in the Taiwan Strait. Fifty‑four thousand U.S. troops are on Japanese soil...”"

The offending post was later deleted, but the diplomatic rift remains.

"« Sans hésitation, le commentaire sur X du consul général de Chine à Osaka a provoqué la colère de Tokyo. »" "“Without hesitation, the comment on X by China’s consul‑general in Osaka provoked Tokyo’s anger.”"

"« Coupez cette sale tête sans hésitation. »" "“Cut off that dirty head without hesitation.”"