Destruction of Syrian economy by war and sanctions preventing return of refugees, claims Assad
Nearly half of Syria’s pre-war population of a little over 20 million was displaced due to the war which began in 2011. Almost six million of those displaced have become refugees, mostly in neighboring countries
ASHA workers in India’s Bihar demand fair pay, pensions
ASHAs are trained female health workers who perform a range of tasks and act as key intermediaries between the village community and the public health system
South African police attack and arrest striking workers at Ekapa diamond mines
Hundreds of NUMSA members began a strike at the Ekapa diamond mines on August 7. On August 10, police forces arrested 43 striking workers after attacking the picket line with water cannons and tear gas
At least 27 migrants expelled from Tunisia found dead in Libyan desert
Xenophobic violence against Sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia has skyrocketed following the president’s comments that their presence is unwanted
Prisoners launch hunger strike in Bahrain
The strike was launched at the Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center, which is mainly used to imprison government critics, dissidents, human rights activists and pro-democracy campaigners
Houthis express concern about US troops surge in West Asia
The US has supported the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in the war in Yemen by providing armament and technical support. It has also helped in implementing the Saudi sea blockade by seizing some Yemen-bound ships
Over 800 academics join their voices in saying: the Israeli occupation of Palestine is apartheid
The letter has garnered as many as 800 signatures since first being released on Friday last week. It is being hailed as a significant development, particularly due to the large number of Jewish intellectuals who have signed onto it
Warring parties in Yemen resume Oman-mediated peace talks to end the war
The peace talks had been suspended in July after the two sides could not reach an agreement on a number of economic and humanitarian issues