President Barzani and Ahmed al-Sharaa Discuss Latest Political Developments in Syria
ARK News.. The Syrian President, Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa, held a phone call on Friday, January 9, 2026, with President Masoud Barzani.
During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest political developments in Syria and the changes taking place in the region, emphasizing the importance of stability and continued coordination. President al-Sharaa affirmed that the Kurds are an integral and essential component of the Syrian people, stressing the Syrian state’s full commitment to guaranteeing all national, political, and civil rights of the Kurds, as well as those of all other components in Syria, on an equal basis and without discrimination.
For his part, President Barzani expressed his appreciation for President al-Sharaa’s vision and reaffirmed his support for the will and aspirations of the Syrian people to build an inclusive state that brings together all parties and components as equal partners. He also stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination in a way that serves the interests of all sides and safeguards civil peace.
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Masrour Barzani: We Reject Any Pretext That Allows “Ethnic Cleansing” Against Kurds in Aleppo
ARK News.. The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, expressed deep concern over the attacks targeting Kurdish neighborhoods in the Syrian city of Aleppo, warning of attempts to “alter the demographic makeup of the area” and endanger civilian lives.
In an official statement, Masrour Barzani said: “Targeting Kurds in Aleppo constitutes a direct threat to the lives of defenseless civilians and a clear attempt to bring about demographic change in the region,” adding that these developments “raise serious questions about the responsibility of the authorities in Damascus and the conscience of the international community.”
He stressed that war and violence are not solutions to any problem, firmly rejecting the use of any pretext to permit “ethnic cleansing,” noting that the military escalation against civilians in Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo has become a source of grave concern for the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The Prime Minister called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, safeguard civilian lives, and resort to dialogue and negotiations as the only viable path to resolving the ongoing crises.
In conclusion, Masrour Barzani expressed hope that Syria’s current governing authorities would rise to the level of responsibility by adopting an inclusive, democratic approach that represents all components of the Syrian people without exception.
Masrour Barzani
Kurdistan Region
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President Barzani: There Are Threats of Ethnic Cleansing Against Kurds in Aleppo
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani stressed that political disputes “must not endanger the lives of civilians or lead to ethnic cleansing against the Kurdish people,” warning that such acts would constitute “crimes against humanity with grave and far-reaching consequences.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, addressing the events in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods, President Barzani noted that the political changes in Syria have created a valuable opportunity to develop an appropriate roadmap that ensures respect for the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in Syria and addresses all outstanding disputes.
He added: “From this standpoint, we have made sustained efforts with all parties, driven by our belief that all disagreements and problems must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.”
President Barzani warned that “the dangerous situation and the ongoing fighting and violence in the city of Aleppo are a source of deep concern and pose a serious threat to the lives of civilians and innocent citizens, amid threats of ethnic cleansing against the Kurds in that area.”
Full Text of the Message:
Message from President Barzani
In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,
The political changes in Syria have created a valuable opportunity to develop an appropriate roadmap that ensures respect for the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in Syria and addresses all disputed issues.
From this perspective, we have made tireless efforts with all parties, believing firmly that all disagreements and problems must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means. Nevertheless, the grave situation and the ongoing fighting and violence in the city of Aleppo are deeply concerning and pose a serious threat to the lives of civilians and innocent citizens, amid threats of ethnic cleansing against the Kurds in that region.
Accordingly, I call on the authorities in Syria not to turn a political dispute into an ethnic conflict, and not to allow Kurdish citizens in Aleppo to face pressure, repression, or displacement from the land of their forefathers, or to fall victim to ethnic cleansing.
I also call on Kurdish parties, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to do everything possible to halt the fighting and clashes, prevent further bloodshed, and work seriously toward adopting dialogue and negotiation as the means to resolve disputes.
Political disagreements must not become a pretext for endangering civilian lives or committing ethnic cleansing against the Kurdish people. Such acts constitute crimes against humanity and carry dangerous consequences that must not be underestimated.
Masoud Barzani
January 7, 2026
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Statement from the Kurdish National Council regarding developments in the city of Aleppo
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNC) expressed deep concern over the ongoing clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods of Aleppo, warning that the Syrian army’s designation of the two areas as military zones and calls for the evacuation of civilians constitute a dangerous indicator that could lead to further civilian casualties and repercussions extending to other parts of Syria.
In a statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Council on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the KNC called on all parties to immediately halt military operations, resort to dialogue, lift the siege on the two neighborhoods, and allow the entry of humanitarian and medical aid to treat the wounded.
Full Statement Press Statement on the Developments in the City of Aleppo
The General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council in Syria expresses its grave concern over the ongoing clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods, which are predominantly Kurdish areas in the city of Aleppo and home to tens of thousands of civilians.
The artillery and rocket shelling of the two neighborhoods, along with continued fighting in civilian areas since yesterday, has resulted in civilian casualties, dozens of injuries, and the displacement of thousands of families from the two neighborhoods and surrounding areas.
This development threatens to further aggravate the humanitarian and security situation in the city. Furthermore, the classification of the two neighborhoods as military zones by the Syrian army, and calls for their evacuation of civilians, represent a serious and dangerous development that could lead to additional civilian deaths and wider repercussions across different regions of Syria.
In this context, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We call on all parties to immediately cease military operations, lift the siege on the two neighborhoods, and allow humanitarian and medical assistance to enter in order to treat the injured. We also urge all sides to resort to dialogue, halt media escalation, ensure the protection of civilians, and avoid dragging residential neighborhoods into military confrontations.
Moreover, we stress the necessity for the Syrian administration to initiate a comprehensive political process that addresses outstanding issues and constitutionally safeguards the rights of Syria’s components, foremost among them the rights of the Kurdish people, in a manner that contributes to stability and the building of sustainable peace in Syria.
General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council in Syria
January 7, 2026 Qamishlo
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Kurdish Rights Network and Human Rights Organizations Condemn Shelling of Residential Neighborhoods in Aleppo
ARK News.. A Kurdish human rights network, along with several Syrian Kurdish human rights organizations, has issued a statement condemning the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods, as well as Deir Hafer in Aleppo.
Statement text:
We, the undersigned Syrian human rights organizations, are following with grave concern the targeting of residential neighborhoods in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya in the city of Aleppo by Syrian factions affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
This indiscriminate shelling has, so far, resulted in the killing of five people and the injury of 30 civilians, including women and children. The attacks on both neighborhoods are continuing at an intense pace, in addition to the destruction of homes and civilian property, the disruption of essential services and the continuation of a siege that obstructs the delivery of humanitarian aid and the access of medical teams to civilians.
Tanks and heavy military vehicles have also been deployed on the outskirts of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya and used to carry out heavy weapons shelling against civilian residential areas. This dangerous military escalation places the lives of thousands of civilians at direct risk and underscores the systematic nature of these attacks, constituting a serious violation of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution enshrined in international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, some Saudi, Qatari, and Turkish media outlets are contributing to the distortion of facts and fueling tensions through inciting rhetoric and biased, misleading coverage, as if they view the continuation of Syrian infighting as an end in itself rather than a humanitarian tragedy that demands condemnation and an immediate halt.
The town of Deir Hafer in eastern rural Aleppo has also been targeted, and the Deir Hafer road— a vital artery linking the city of Aleppo with areas east of the Euphrates— has been cut off. This has disrupted civilian movement and the delivery of humanitarian assistance, further exacerbating the suffering of the population.
These systematic attacks constitute flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, including:
• The direct targeting of civilians, in violation of Article 8 of the Rome Statute.
• Indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas, in breach of the rules of distinction between civilians and military objectives set out in the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.
• Causing excessive harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure beyond any legitimate military advantage.
• Obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilian populations, in violation of international laws, conventions, and humanitarian and ethical norms.
As Syrian human rights organizations committed to defending human rights, we express our full solidarity with the families of innocent victims, wish a speedy recovery to all those injured, and categorically condemn and denounce all forms of violence, killing, and military attacks on safe residential neighborhoods, regardless of their sources or justifications.
We hold the Syrian Interim Government fully legally and morally responsible for these actions and call on the international community to assume its responsibilities in protecting civilians and ensuring fair accountability for all those responsible.
Our urgent demands are as follows:
• An immediate halt to all shelling and military attacks on civilian areas and the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
• Unhindered access for humanitarian and medical organizations to assist the wounded and displaced.
• The establishment of an independent international investigative committee to document violations and hold all perpetrators accountable under international law.
• An urgent return to political and humanitarian dialogue to ensure civilian protection and put an end to violations of international law.
Qamishli – Syria
06 January 2026
Signatory Organizations:
1. Kurdish Human Rights Network in Syria
2. Human Rights Organization in Syria – MAF
3. Kurdish Committee for Human Rights in Syria (Rasd)
4. Organization for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience in Syria (Rawanga)
5. Kurdish Human Rights Organization in Syria (DAD)
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Kurdistan Democratic Party, Fouad Hussein, Nawzad Hadi, President of Iraq
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has put forward two candidates for the post of President of the Republic of Iraq.
According to available information, Fouad Hussein and Nawzad Hadi are the KDP’s official nominees for the presidency.
Mechanism for Electing the President in Parliament
The process of electing the President of the Republic follows several constitutional and legal stages within the Iraqi Council of Representatives:
Legal Quorum: A special parliamentary session must be convened with the attendance of two-thirds of the total members of parliament (219 out of 329 MPs).
First Round: A candidate wins if they secure two-thirds of the votes of all MPs (219 votes), in accordance with Article 70 of the Iraqi Constitution.
Second Round: If no candidate achieves the required majority in the first round, the contest is limited to the two candidates with the highest number of votes. The winner is then the candidate who obtains a simple majority (the higher number of votes).
Oath of Office: The elected president takes the constitutional oath immediately after the announcement of results, officially assuming office.
It is worth noting that the position of President of the Republic, which has traditionally been allocated to the Kurdish component under the political convention followed since 2003, represents the sovereignty of the state, serves as the guardian of the constitution, and symbolizes the unity of Iraq’s territory. The presidential term lasts four years, renewable once only.
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President Barzani Receives a Delegation from the Al-Sadiqoun Movement
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani received, on Monday January 5, 2026, in Pirmam, a delegation from the al-Sadiqoun Movement, headed by Dr. Naim al-Aboudi, Deputy Secretary-General of the movement.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the political situation in Iraq, the steps being taken in the post-election phase, as well as ways to enhance coordination and cooperation among political forces.
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Trump: Iran Will Face a “Very Strong Strike”
ARK News.. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that it would face a “very strong strike” from the United States if more protesters are killed during demonstrations that have entered their second week over deteriorating living conditions.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said: “We are watching the situation very closely. If they start killing people like they did in the past, I think they will receive a very strong strike from the United States.”
The protests, sparked by worsening economic conditions, began with a strike by shop owners in Tehran on December 28, 2025.
At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the protests began, according to figures based on official reports.
These demonstrations are considered the most significant in Iran since the protests that erupted in September 2022 and lasted for months, following the death of young woman Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.
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Syrian and Israeli Officials to Meet in Paris
ARK News.. A U.S. news website has revealed that senior Syrian and Israeli officials are set to meet in the French capital, Paris, on Monday, as part of renewed talks on a potential security agreement between the two sides.
The American outlet Axios reported on Sunday, January 4, 2026, citing an Israeli source, that delegations from Syria and Israel will convene in Paris to continue negotiations on security arrangements. The talks are expected to last two days and will be mediated by U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack. The Syrian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
According to the source, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, will head the Israeli negotiating team, replacing Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and will be joined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military adviser.
The source noted that the resumption of negotiations came at the direct request of U.S. President Donald Trump during his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu last week.
Axios added that Israel has put forward a proposal that includes the establishment of buffer security zones southwest of Damascus and the imposition of a no-fly restriction on Syrian aircraft in areas near the border. In return, Israeli forces would withdraw from Syrian territories they recently entered, while maintaining a strategic presence at specific locations, such as Mount Hermon.
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Nearly 400 Employees Dismissed from the Construction and Development Sector in Homs
ARK News.. A Syrian human rights source has revealed that the Syrian interim government has issued a decision to dismiss hundreds of employees in the city of Homs.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the interim government on Monday, January 5, 2026, issued a decision to dismiss approximately 400 employees working in the construction and development sector in Homs.
The source indicated that most of the dismissed employees have long professional experience ranging between 15 and 25 years of service, noting that the decision was justified on the grounds of “lack of need.”
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added that, so far, no official statement has been released clarifying the criteria adopted by the government in implementing the dismissals, nor the compensatory measures planned for those affected.
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