Syrian President Bashar Al Assad issued a decree forming a new government on Tuesday, keeping many of the same faces but appointing Amr Salem as internal trade and consumer protection minister, Syria's state news agency Sana said.
Mr Assad was re-elected by a 95 per cent landslide for a fourth seven-year term in May in a vote the international community has said lacks legitimacy.
The Cabinet is made up of 29 members led by Prime Minister Hussein Arnous, who was reappointed last month. A new information minister was also named, while the defence, economy and foreign affairs ministers remain the same.
In the lead-up to his appointment, Mr Salem published a scathing rebuke on his Facebook page of officials neglecting to regularly maintain power stations, and criticised those who “hide behind routine” and show “laziness” when performing their duties.
“Those who believe that standing by the Syrian Army in the current battle gives them the right to offend citizens, the state, and public order … are no different than terrorists,” he wrote on Friday.
“We will deal with them firmly and without hesitation.”
He also proposed “solutions” to problems such as higher bread prices and electricity shortages, exacerbated by a crumbling economy, international sanctions and a financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon.
Human Rights Watch said in a January situation report that ordinary Syrians had been unable “to procure food, essential drugs, and other basic necessities".
“As a result, more than 9.3 million Syrians have become food insecure and over 80 per cent of Syrians live below the poverty line," it said.
Hunger in the country has reached “record highs”, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the General Assembly in March.
European Union High Representative Josep Borrell said May's election undermined efforts to end 10 years on conflict in the country.
“The elections that took place in Syria on May 26 met none of the criteria of a genuinely democratic vote, do not contribute to the settlement of the conflict,” he said the day after the poll.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
West Asia rugby, season 2017/18 - Roll of Honour
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
