United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Syria on Saturday for the first time in 17 years, marking a significant moment in the country’s efforts to rebuild after more than a decade of conflict. During his visit to Damascus, Guterres met Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa and pledged continued UN support for reconstruction, humanitarian recovery and long-term stability as Syria works to recover from years of war. President Sharaa welcomed Guterres at the presidential palace, where the two leaders held talks focused on rebuilding the country and strengthening cooperation with the United Nations. Speaking after the meeting alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani, Guterres said no nation can recover from a devastating conflict without international assistance. He stressed that the global community has a responsibility to help Syria restore its economy, rebuild damaged infrastructure and create conditions for lasting peace. Foreign Minister Shaibani called on the international community, particularly the European Union, to increase financial and technical support for Syria’s recovery. He said discussions with Guterres also covered plans to expand UN assistance for reconstruction projects and support the government’s efforts to gradually close displacement camps as security conditions improve. Regional security was another major topic during the visit. Guterres expressed concern over the situation in the Golan Heights, describing recent developments as unacceptable. Syrian officials repeated their demand for Israeli forces to withdraw immediately from the United Nations monitored buffer zone where troops have been stationed since 2024. Damascus has also called for a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement that previously governed military positions in the area. The visit is being viewed as another important step in Syria’s return to the international stage following the removal of former president Bashar al Assad in late 2024. The end of Assad’s rule brought an end to a civil war that began in 2011 and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths while forcing millions of Syrians to flee their homes. At the time, Guterres described the political transition as a hopeful moment for both Syria and the wider region. Before arriving in Damascus, the UN chief described his trip as a visit of solidarity and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this critical period. He is expected to spend several days in the country, meeting senior government officials, representatives of civil society and humanitarian organizations. Guterres is also scheduled to address Syria’s parliament, where he is expected to speak about the country’s opportunity to build a more stable, inclusive and prosperous future after years of conflict. The visit comes as Syria continues to rebuild diplomatic ties with countries around the world. President Sharaa’s administration has sought to strengthen relations beyond the country’s traditional allies while encouraging international investment and cooperation. Since taking office, the government has focused on restoring Syria’s place in regional and global affairs after years of political isolation. Recent diplomatic developments have reflected that effort. Last year, Sharaa became the first Syrian president in decades to address the United Nations General Assembly. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced plans to remove Syria from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism after Washington lifted most of its sanctions on the country. Despite these diplomatic gains, security concerns remain. Guterres’ visit follows recent bomb explosions near a hotel in Damascus that had hosted French President Emmanuel Macron during his landmark visit, the first by a European Union head of state since Syria’s political transition. The incidents highlighted the continuing security challenges facing the country as it moves through a delicate rebuilding process. During his stay, Guterres is also expected to visit the UN peacekeeping mission responsible for monitoring the buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces. The mission has operated in the area for decades and continues to play a key role in maintaining stability along the disputed frontier. His visit underscores the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery while encouraging dialogue, regional stability and international cooperation.

BERLIN: Germany is considering tougher rules for workers taking sick leave, but researchers warn that stricter requirements may not address the deeper reasons behind the country’s high absenteeism. German employees took an average of around 22 sick days in 2024. The figure is among the highest reported internationally. The government’s proposed changes are part of a wider effort to improve productivity. Germany is dealing with an ageing population and years of weak economic growth. Under the proposed changes, employers could require workers to provide a medical certificate from the first day of absence. Telephone-based sick notes could also be scrapped. However, researchers say the debate should focus on why workers are becoming ill rather than simply making it harder to take sick leave. Healthcare, education and social services are among the sectors reporting the highest levels of absenteeism. Workers in these fields often face heavy workloads. They also deal with staff shortages, emotional pressure and difficult working conditions. BKK data shows that women working in healthcare and social work took an average of 27 sick days in 2024. Teachers recorded around 24 days. The figures were lower in several other sectors. Workers in finance averaged about 18 days, while employees in communications recorded around 16 days. Researchers say mental health is an important part of the problem. Mental health-related cases represent a relatively small share of total sickness cases. However, they often result in much longer absences. Data from AOK shows that sick-leave days linked to mental health problems have increased by 47% since 2014. Mental health conditions are now one of the biggest causes of prolonged absence after respiratory illnesses. Experts say burnout and exhaustion can develop without reaching the level of a diagnosed mental disorder. Healthcare workers and teachers are particularly exposed to these pressures. They carry significant responsibilities while dealing with emotional and sometimes physical challenges. Teachers have reported violence and aggressive behaviour in schools. A 2024 survey found that almost half had experienced psychological or physical violence among pupils at their schools. More than one-third also reported feeling emotionally exhausted several times a week. Nursing faces similar difficulties. Germany has a shortage of healthcare workers, but studies indicate that wage growth has remained limited in some hospitals and public institutions. Researchers describe the situation as an imbalance between effort and reward. Workers face high demands but may receive relatively low pay, limited career opportunities and insufficient recognition. Studies have linked such conditions to mental health problems and long-term sickness absence. However, experts caution against blaming Germany’s absenteeism solely on workplace stress. Sick leave is affected by many factors. These include the age of the workforce, working conditions, social attitudes and differences in healthcare systems. Germany also has generous sick-pay provisions. Workers can generally receive full wages during the initial period of illness. Several other European countries, however, report even higher levels of sick leave among full-time employees. Researchers have also found little evidence of widespread abuse of sick-note rules. A study by DAK and the IGES Institute found that the sharp rise in recorded absences in 2022 was largely linked to improved electronic reporting and unusually high levels of respiratory infections and Covid-19. Sick-leave levels have since stabilised. Researchers also found no clear evidence that telephone sick notes introduced during the pandemic caused the increase. The government’s proposal has faced opposition from labour representatives. The Verdi services union has described the plan as creating a culture of distrust towards employees. Doctors have also warned that tougher certification requirements could put additional pressure on already busy medical practices. The government has defended its approach. It says employers would have the option of requiring certificates from the first day of illness while allowing companies to retain existing arrangements. The debate is therefore moving beyond the question of whether German workers take too many sick days. Researchers argue that reducing absenteeism in the long term may require better staffing, improved working conditions, stronger career prospects and greater support for workers facing emotional pressure.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a fresh social media campaign aimed at winning over young voters, shifting to a more informal and relatable style on Instagram after recent student-led protests exposed growing frustration over jobs and education. The campaign features selfie-style videos, casual greetings and short clips with popular music, reflecting a departure from the highly polished political messaging traditionally associated with Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The strategy is designed to connect with India’s Generation Z audience, which is expected to play a decisive role in the 2029 general election. The renewed digital push follows nationwide protests by students and job seekers last month after an examination paper leak triggered widespread anger over the country’s education and employment system. The demonstrations eventually led to the resignation of India’s education minister. In response, BJP leaders and government ministries have increased their presence on youth-focused platforms by sharing short videos with minimal editing and a more spontaneous style. Officials believe authentic content is more likely to resonate with younger audiences than carefully scripted political messaging. Political observers say Instagram and similar platforms reward creativity, humour and genuine interaction, making them more challenging environments for traditional political campaigns. They note that recent protests gained significant momentum through viral reels and short videos that amplified public dissatisfaction. Beyond social media, the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have also expanded outreach efforts by organising events and discussions targeting students and first-time voters. With more than half of India’s 1.4 billion population under the age of 35, analysts say younger voters are expected to become one of the most influential electoral groups in the next general election.

TEHRAN: Iran has appointed veteran military and political figure Mohsen Rezaei to a senior position within the country’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr and bringing one of the Islamic Republic’s most prominent former Revolutionary Guards commanders back into a central security role. The appointment was announced late Sunday by the office of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s deputy director of communications. No official explanation was immediately provided for the change, and it remains unclear whether Rezaei’s appointment will result in any significant shift in Iran’s security or foreign policy. Rezaei, 71, has extensive experience in Iran’s military, security and political institutions. He served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 until 1997, a period that included most of the Iran-Iraq war. His return to a prominent security position comes at a particularly sensitive time for Iran, amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel, as well as uncertainty surrounding the security of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The SNSC is one of Iran’s most important institutions for coordinating national security and foreign policy. Although the council is formally chaired by the elected president, it brings together senior military, intelligence and government officials, along with representatives of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Major strategic decisions ultimately remain subject to the authority of the supreme leader. Zolqadr’s short tenure ends Zolqadr had been appointed secretary of the SNSC only in late March. He took over the position following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, who was killed in an air strike during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Unlike Zolqadr, Rezaei has maintained a considerably higher public profile over the course of his political career and has frequently spoken on major domestic, economic and foreign-policy issues. In a separate decree issued Sunday, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Rezaei as his representative to the SNSC. The decree referred to Rezaei’s extensive experience, including his service during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. Hardline politician Saeed Jalili also serves as the supreme leader’s representative on the council. The same decree appointed Zolqadr as Khamenei’s political adviser, suggesting that his departure from the SNSC leadership does not represent a complete withdrawal from the country’s senior political establishment. Rezaei’s long political career Rezaei’s career has extended well beyond the military. After leaving his post as IRGC commander, he served for more than two decades as secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, an influential body involved in resolving disputes between state institutions and advising the supreme leadership. He later entered the executive branch, serving as vice president for economic affairs from 2021 to 2023 during the administration of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaei also holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tehran. Despite his academic background, much of his professional life has been spent within Iran’s military, security and political establishment. His appointment therefore places an experienced figure with a long history in Iran’s national security apparatus at the center of a council responsible for coordinating some of the country’s most consequential strategic decisions. Strait of Hormuz remains key issue The leadership change comes as Tehran continues discussions over the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international energy route. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday that Tehran and Oman were nearing an understanding on a possible new shipping route through the strait. The waterway has faced severe disruption during months of conflict and escalating regional tensions. However, Iranian officials have indicated that reopening the route would depend on broader conditions being met. These reportedly include demands related to US compensation for Iran and an end to what Tehran describes as American threats and aggression. Zolqadr had previously outlined several demands, including an end to US threats against Iran, the cessation of military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of sanctions and blockade measures, and the release of Iranian assets. The demands highlight the wider diplomatic and security challenges facing Tehran as it attempts to manage relations with Washington while dealing with continuing regional instability. Policy direction remains uncertain The replacement of Zolqadr by Rezaei does not necessarily indicate an immediate change in Iran’s foreign-policy direction. The SNSC operates within a broader political system in which the supreme leader has ultimate authority over major matters of national security and international affairs. However, Rezaei’s extensive military background and long involvement in Iran’s senior political institutions could make his appointment significant, particularly as Tehran navigates negotiations, military tensions and economic pressure.