Tag: Syria

Water conflicts in the Middle East region to watch in 2025

Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and more frequent droughts amplify existing disputes. Water scarcity can fuel unrest, as seen in Iran’s Khuzestan protests, and can undermine fragile peace deals in post-conflict states like Libya and Yemen.

Arab agricultural land is on the brink

Across the Arab world, croplands face a perfect storm of stressors. Excessive fertilizers and pesticides erode soil ecology. Poor drainage and over-irrigation drive salinization, leaving fields crusted with salt. Rising temperatures, dwindling groundwater, and more frequent sand-and-dust storms—all amplified by climate change—compound the crisis.

Types of seed banks and how they work in hot climates

You may have heard about the doomsday Svalbard Global Seed Vault but there are smaller versions of seed banks all over the world. The seed banks in the Middle East protect ancient seeds like wheat, chick peas, fava beans, and sesame.

Why Turkey earthquakes don’t hit Israel? It’s the Dead Sea Fault

The researchers add that the meeting area between the Dead Sea and East Anatolian Faults may be considered a natural laboratory for studying the processes in which tectonic junctions are formed between plate boundaries.

How nations can avoid climate refugees

Millions of people were displaced during the Syrian civil war, a conflict created by drought. Hundreds of thousands died. In the best scenario the world won't move to Europe or America. People around the world will be able to adapt in place.

Ancient potters in Syria were child laborers

In ancient times in Syria kids were the potters

Iraq clocks world’s hottest record at 48.7°C (119.7°F)

The Placerville station's data showed that there are 15 cities worldwide registering extremely high temperatures due to climate change.

The Islamic State blew up Palmyra in Syria: a plan to protect what’s left

The return of the Palmyra community is crucial, the article authors write, "not only because they are a source of labor and practical expertise, but also due to their collective memory and ownership of the site. They are a part of its story."

Syrian first lady Asma al-Assad has leukemia: her video about it

London born and bred, Asma al-Assad, the first lady to the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has announced she has acute myeloid leukemia.

Arab Energy Fund commits $1 billion to energy transition and decarbonization

The Arab Energy Fund, previously known as the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP), has announced a significant commitment of $1 billion to drive energy transition and decarbonization efforts.

Meet the Queen of Captagon

The Syrian president's wife, who has been accused of playing a major role in the crimes of her husband and his regime during Syria's 12-year war, can be seen picking flowers and smiling in photos shared in May by Agence France-Presse. She's now rebranding in China and the United Arab Emirates.

Know your fig varieties from Syria, Lebanon and Iran

The strong grey trunk, the wide velvety leaves, the sticky itchy white milk resin that leaks from the cracked leaves, its round crimson fruits with their bellies filled with honeyed goodness. In my opinion, nothing beats a fig tree.