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Syria is fighting war against Wahabism, says Ambassador

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Officers from US, UK, Turkey and Israel are helping terror groups, he alleges

Exclusive interview with APN

~By M. Ahmad Kazmi

Syria has been engaged in war against terrorist groups including Daesh (IS) and Nusra Front for last several years. It was preceded by anti President Bashar al-Assad protests widely covered by Arab media. Syrian Army, Iranian military advisors and Hezbollah fighters along with Russian Air force have almost been successful in demolishing Daesh (IS) Caliphate in recent months. Russia has also been supportive of Syrian government at international forums to reverse the whole narrative against Damascus.

Riad Kamel Abbas, the Syrian Ambassador to India is a very active diplomat in the capital. During his years in Delhi he has successfully strengthened friendly ties with Indian government and the people.

Ambassador Riad Kamel Abbas was kind enough to accept APN’s request for an exclusive interview. During the interview he described the ground situation and unveiled the conspiracies hatched by US, Israel and Saudi Arabia against his country. Here are the excerpts:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509970872954{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #d3d3d3 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]What is the overall situation in war against terrorism in Syria?

Thank God, we have liberated 95% percent of our ground from terror groups which is under our army’s control. There are only few areas  like Al-Bukamal, parts of Raqqa and Idlib left for getting liberated. And of course there are few sleeper cells around. I am sure we will defeat them soon, may be before the end of this year.

What is the situation on Raqqa front ?

The Americans have deleted Raqqa from the map killing more than 100,000 civilians.  All the hostages in the prison were killed. Americans did not like our agencies to investigate and interrogate the people in Daesh custody.

I assure that American, British, Turkish and Israeli officers were leading the IS army on the ground that is why America sent their aircraft and take IS leaders and their officers and transported them from Syria to Myanmar, Afghanistan, Libya and other countries to create other problems. Daesh  top leader is under the American control.

US is now supporting its allies on the ground to conduct big battle against Syrian army on Iraq border. Their objective is to keep Syrian army away from their Iraqi counterparts. Their aim is to close the Syrian border with Iraq and stopping their access to Iran.

We are fighting against terrorism on behalf of the whole world. However, Iran, Russia and Hizbollah are on our side. Syrian army has taken its responsibility and is determined to liberate all Syrian territories from the enemies.

And in al-Bukamal, (near Iraq border) the city is under our army’s siege. America and their allies have been supporting the terrorists. I am sure that this area is filled with (army) officers from UK, US, Israel and important IS leaders. Some arrested IS leaders have accepted this during the interrogation.

America is behind any terrorist operation in the world. All terrorist operation are committed by people with Wahabi ideology of Saudi Arabia which is a US puppy.

That means Saudis follow US instructions and terror attacks were conducted by them. Even bomb blasts in America are done by their intelligence agencies to influence public opinion. Where there is American finger there is trouble in the world.

US creates problem in any country which is against American policy.  They are behind any terrorist group on earth. And they have created the problem in Myanmar.

What is Israeli role in Syria?  Recently there were Israeli airstrikes near Damascus?

Israel is behind all happenings in Arab countries. Israeli PM supports terror groups in Syria and especially on the Israeli border. All those terror groups are being helped by weapons, money and even their injured are being treated at hospitals in Tel Aviv. Their aim is to cut links between Iran and Syria.

But now time is changing. Now we are ready if Israel begins war we will respond with tough reaction. We have nothing to lose now. We have lost everything and that is the good time for us to make Israel crying and lose their infrastructure and their people in the Israeli territory. Now our army responds to every Israeli attack. And if Israel begins the war against Syria it will be the last war for Israel.

Now if war starts there will be no Israel on the map as there is consensus among Muslims because of the crazy Israeli policy in the area.

And you have seen that Hezbollah leader (Hasan Nasrullah) has recently announced that if war begins with Israel all Muslims will come for fighting  holy war against Zionists.

In 2012, American intelligence instructed to Bandar Bin Sultan, the former intelligence chief of Saudi Arabia to create sleeper cells in Myanmar. Bandar called Hafiz Taha from Myanmar for the purpose. The aim was to exert pressure on Myanmar and China. They wanted to move their focus from West Asia to East Asia for controlling mineral resources in those areas.

Is there any change in Qatar’s policy towards Syria after having trouble with Saudi Arabia?

After their trouble with Saudi Arabia Muhammed bin Jasim, former foreign minister of Qatar has recently admitted that they supported terror groups in Syria under American instructions and under the eyes of Turkish intelligence and funded by Saudi Arabia. He vindicated our position that the terror groups were not fighting for democracy. Now we don’t need to say what is happening in Syria. They are admitting themselves and accusing each other for supporting terror groups.

We will not forgive those who were involved in Syrian bloodshed. We will never forgive, maybe we forget, but never forgive.

Some people blame that your government has been involved in atrocities against majority Sunni community because of Iranian and Hezbollah influence?

This is a very sensitive issue. Generally I don’t speak on sectarian issues but I will give you an overview. Yes there are about 75% Sunnis in the country. Syria is a secular country and nobody speaks about sectarian issues. If our President is Alawite his wife is Sunni. Two deputy presidents belong to Sunni community. Prime minister, defense, foreign, and home ministers are all Sunnis. Twenty-five out of  30 ministers belong to Sunni community. How the government can fight against Sunni community. All sections of Syrian society have  in fact joined hands to fight against Wahabism.

If the opponents’ claim of sectarian war in the country, why they don’t support a free elections with their observers on the ground. If our president and army is against the majority Sunni community then President Bashar al-Assad will not win the election. Whey they don’t ask for free election in Syria?

All Syrian communities support President against Wahabism. That is why there is no sectarian or civil war in Syria. We are fighting against the foreigners who entered into Syria through Turkey to fight against our government. That means we are fighting against cross border terrorism. We are fighting against Saudi, Qatari and European people who are fighting against our government.

This is a big mistake analysts have committed regarding Syria.

The fighting in Syria is between Hanafi and Wahabi ideology. There is no civilian war or sectarian war. Our defense minister belongs to Sunni community from Hama city. In fact Sunni people are fighting against Wahabi terrorists.

Having passed through war-like situation since 2011, how international community is behaving with Syria?

In the beginning there was some confusion among world leaders. It was considered as if it was a pro-democracy movement. At that time more than 100 countries were against Syrian government. But now they have discovered they the situation was otherwise. Now there are only two-three countries with Wahabi ideaology who can’t come back.  What they will tell to their own people? Now we are in good position and enjoy  support from BRICS countries.

Recently Chief of European intelligence visited Syria begging cooperation from our intelligence. He asked us not to allow their citizens to return home, instead finish them on the ground. Against this favor he offered all help. Now situation is improving and we are close to achieve our goal.

What about India ? Did India cooperating with Syria by sharing intelligence or some other means during Syria’s tough time?

We have cordial relations with India since the independence of our country. There is good cooperation between the two countries including intelligence. But I am not going into the details. Indian stand about Syrian issue was very good and valuable. India has been very clear in asking resolution of the issue by Syrians and favoring political solution without external intervention. That is enough for us. If all countries behave like India we will have no problem in Syria. We thank India for keeping its Ambassador and mission open in Damascus. For other countries time is gone. That is why we prefer India than others.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Lok Sabha clears bill to levy cess on pan masala and similar goods for health, security funding

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to impose a cess on pan masala manufacturing units, aiming to create a dedicated revenue source for public health and national security initiatives.

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Nirmala Sitharaman

The Lok Sabha has approved the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, paving the way for a new cess on pan masala manufacturing units. The legislation aims to generate dedicated funds for strengthening national security and improving public health, both areas identified as critical national priorities.

Bill aims to create predictable funding stream

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, responding to the debate before the bill was passed by voice vote, said that the cess will be shared with states because public health falls under the state list.

The new cess will be applied over and above the GST, based on production capacity and machinery used in units manufacturing pan masala and similar goods. The minister clarified that this cess will not affect GST revenue, and that pan masala already attracts the maximum GST slab of 40 per cent.

According to the bill text, the objective is to build a “dedicated and predictable resource stream” to support expenditure related to health and national security.

Sitharaman also mentioned that cess collection as a percentage of gross total revenue currently stands at 6.1 per cent, lower than the 7 per cent average between 2010 and 2014.

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India News

Simone Tata passes away at 95: A look at the visionary who shaped Lakme and modern retail

Simone Tata, the pioneering business leader who built Lakme and helped shape India’s modern retail sector, passed away at 95. Here’s a look at her legacy.

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simone tata

Ratan Tata’s stepmother and celebrated business leader Simone Tata passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 95. Known for her pioneering role in building Lakme and transforming India’s retail landscape, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy that redefined Indian consumer culture.

A legacy that shaped Indian business

Simone Tata, born in Geneva in 1930, first came to India at the age of 23. Two years later, in 1955, she married Naval H. Tata and gradually became an integral part of the Tata family’s business vision. Her journey with the Tata Group began in the 1960s, when she was appointed to Lakme—then under Tata Oil Mills.

Under her leadership, Lakme quickly grew into one of India’s most trusted cosmetic brands. She rose to the position of managing director and later chairperson, introducing global formulations and modernising beauty products for the Indian market. Lakme’s rise was also rooted in a strong national vision—launched on former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s suggestion to reduce foreign exchange spent on imported makeup.

Transforming retail through Trent and Westside

After Lakme was sold to Hindustan Lever Limited in 1966, Simone moved to Trent, where she helped build one of India’s earliest modern retail chains. This later gave birth to Westside, a brand that has become synonymous with contemporary Indian shopping culture.

She also played a key role in philanthropic initiatives, guiding organisations such as the Sir Ratan Tata Institute and supporting cultural and children-focused foundations.

Family, personal life and final farewell

Simone Tata is survived by her son Noel, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah. She also drew public attention in recent years for being the only member of the Tata family to attend Cyrus Mistry’s funeral, despite the widely known strained ties between the families.

Her funeral will take place on Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church in Colaba, Mumbai.

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India News

Centre orders probe into IndiGo crisis, expects normal flight operations in three days

Amid record cancellations by IndiGo, the Centre has ordered a high-level inquiry and expects flight schedules to stabilise by Saturday, with full normalcy in three days.

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indigo

The Centre has initiated a high-level inquiry into the massive disruption of IndiGo’s operations, with the government projecting that flight schedules will begin stabilising by Saturday and full normalisation is expected within three days. The announcement comes as cancellations by the airline crossed 500 for the second consecutive day, severely impacting passengers across major airports.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government has directed urgent measures to ensure swift restoration of services. Within minutes of his statement, the aviation regulator DGCA announced the formation of a four-member committee to examine the circumstances leading to the delays and cancellations.

DGCA forms committee as cancellations spark scrutiny

The DGCA said IndiGo was given sufficient time to implement revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), yet the airline recorded the highest number of cancellations in November. The regulator added that the pattern suggested gaps in the carrier’s internal oversight and preparedness, warranting an independent probe.

The committee will review the sequence of events that triggered disruptions and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

Flight duty rules relaxed; minister defends move

Amid criticism from the Opposition and experts, the DGCA temporarily suspended certain FDTL rules, increasing pilot duty limits from 12 to 14 hours. The changes were widely questioned, with allegations that the government was yielding to pressure from IndiGo.

Naidu defended the decision, stating the move was taken solely to safeguard passengers and that safety standards would not be compromised.
He reiterated that passenger care and convenience remain the top priority.

Assurance of refunds, real-time updates, and support

Highlighting steps taken to ease passenger distress, the minister said airlines must:

  • Provide accurate, real-time updates before travellers leave for airports
  • Initiate automatic refunds for cancelled flights without requiring follow-ups
  • Arrange hotel accommodation for passengers stranded for extended periods

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities have been accorded special priority, including access to lounges and additional assistance. Refreshments and essential services are to be provided to all affected travellers.

Inquiry to determine accountability

The government said the high-level probe will identify what went wrong at IndiGo, establish responsibility, and recommend systemic corrections to ensure such disruptions do not occur again.

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