The source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Al-Sharaa had been invited to travel to the United States later this month but did not confirm whether the Syrian leader would accept the invitation.

The proposed visit would come months after Al-Sharaa met U.S. President Donald Trump in November, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the United States since Syria gained independence in 1946.

The invitation coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations on June 14. Trump is scheduled to host an event at the White House on that day.

Relations between the United States and Syria have improved significantly since Al-Sharaa assumed power after the overthrow of Assad in 2024. Washington subsequently lifted sanctions on Syria, while Damascus joined the international coalition against Daesh.

The invitation also follows recent comments by Trump suggesting Syria could play a role in addressing security concerns linked to Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon.

In remarks to NBC last week, Trump said Al-Sharaa was willing to assist efforts against the Iran-backed group. He described the Syrian leader as having made significant progress in a short period and indicated that Damascus could help address regional security challenges.

According to a diplomat familiar with the matter, Washington has encouraged Syria since the outbreak of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in March to take a more active position regarding Hezbollah’s activities in Lebanon.

Any potential Syrian involvement would be politically sensitive. Syria maintained close ties with Hezbollah under the Assad government and exerted significant influence in Lebanon for decades following its intervention in the country’s 1975-1990 civil war. Syrian forces withdrew from Lebanon in 2005.

Hezbollah also fought alongside Assad’s government during Syria’s civil war, a factor that has contributed to strained relations between the group and Syria’s current leadership.

Neither Syrian authorities nor U.S. officials immediately commented publicly on whether Al-Sharaa would travel to Washington following the invitation.

The history of global commerce is often told through the rise of empires, trade routes and financial institutions. Less frequently discussed is the role of language in shaping those systems.

Historical accounts cited in the source material describe how Arabic commercial terminology and business practices became closely associated with trade networks that stretched across large parts of Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean during the medieval period.

According to the source material, Baghdad was regarded as one of the world’s wealthiest cities around 800 AD, with prosperity linked not to natural resources or military expansion but to its position as a major center of trade. Commerce occupied a central place in economic life, reflected in the Arabic term “tijara” (تجارة), meaning trade or the exchange of goods and services.

Merchants operating across long distances relied on extensive commercial relationships that connected producers, traders and consumers across multiple regions.The source material argues that Arab merchants developed systems based on trust, referred to by the Arabic word “amana” (أمانة). In its commercial sense, the term denotes the safeguarding of another person’s property or wealth and the expectation that obligations will be honored.

Such principles played a role in facilitating transactions among merchants operating across vast geographic distances, often in environments where modern regulatory institutions did not yet exist.These trust-based arrangements helped support increasingly sophisticated commercial practices.

Merchants exchanged goods, extended credit and conducted transactions across territories that spanned multiple political jurisdictions. The source material characterizes these mechanisms as an early form of banking, built around commercial confidence and merchant networks rather than modern financial institutions.

The development of written financial instruments represented another significant advancement. The Arabic word “sakk” (صكّ), described in the source material as a written payment order or financial document, became associated with methods of transferring value without requiring the physical movement of currency.

Historians have frequently noted linguistic links between the Arabic term and the English word “cheque,” reflecting the influence of medieval commercial interactions on later financial terminology.The spread of trade also facilitated the movement of language.

Commercial exchanges carried words, ideas and technologies between societies, leaving traces that remain visible in modern vocabulary. The source material identifies several commonly used English words including “tariff,” “magazine,” “cotton,” “algebra” and “alcohol” as having Arabic linguistic origins. These examples illustrate how economic and cultural interactions can shape language over centuries.

The commercial environment described in the source material was supported not only by institutions and terminology but also by values associated with enterprise and economic activity. One such concept is “himma” (هِمَّة), defined as determination, ambition and the willingness to pursue long-term goals.

The term is presented as a cultural expression of persistence and entrepreneurial drive, qualities frequently associated with successful commercial activity.While the historical influence of Arabic commercial practices forms one part of the narrative, the source material also highlights the contemporary economic significance of the Arab world. It states that Arab countries collectively account for approximately $3 trillion in sovereign wealth assets.

Sovereign wealth funds have become major participants in global capital markets, investing across sectors ranging from infrastructure and technology to energy and real estate.The source material further notes that the Arab world comprises 22 countries with a combined population of approximately 420 million people.

Together, these states represent a significant economic and demographic bloc spanning the Middle East and North Africa. Their geographic position continues to place them at the intersection of major global trade routes linking Asia, Europe and Africa.Arabic remains an important language of business across much of the region.

According to the source material, many commercial negotiations and business relationships continue to begin in Arabic, reflecting both cultural continuity and the practical realities of operating in local markets. Language can serve not only as a means of communication but also as a tool for building trust, understanding business norms and navigating regulatory and commercial environments.

The source material points to major commercial centers including Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo and Doha as examples of cities that have emerged as influential hubs for investment, trade and regional business activity. These urban centers have attracted multinational corporations, investors and entrepreneurs seeking access to markets across the Middle East and North Africa.

The concept of opportunity is represented through another Arabic term highlighted in the source material: “fursa” (فرصة), meaning opportunity. The term is used to describe openings that may be time-sensitive and require action before circumstances change.

Within the context of regional economic development, the source material presents Arabic language skills as increasingly relevant for individuals and businesses seeking to engage with rapidly expanding markets.The argument advanced by the source material is that the significance of Arabic extends beyond cultural or religious contexts.

It suggests that the language has historically functioned as a vehicle for commerce, finance and economic exchange, contributing terminology and concepts that became embedded within broader global systems. From trade agreements and financial instruments to commercial vocabulary and business practices, Arabic linguistic influence has persisted across centuries of economic interaction.

The relationship between language and commerce remains evident today. As Gulf sovereign wealth funds deploy capital globally and regional cities compete to attract investment, knowledge of local languages and commercial traditions continues to carry strategic value.

The source material contends that success in these markets depends not solely on technical expertise or financial resources but also on understanding the cultural and linguistic frameworks that underpin business relationships.

Viewed through this lens, the story of Arabic commerce is not simply a historical account of medieval trade networks. It is also a reflection of how language can shape institutions, facilitate trust and support economic activity across generations. The commercial concepts highlighted in the source material trade, trust, financial documentation, ambition and opportunity remain closely connected to the functioning of markets, both past and present.

United Arab Emirates presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the UAE had emerged stronger from the conflict, despite efforts to avoid escalation.

“The UAE emerged victorious from a war we sincerely sought to avoid,” Gargash wrote on X, adding that the country was better positioned to navigate regional complexities and influence future developments.

In Oman, officials stressed the importance of mediation and sustained engagement, with the foreign minister pledging support for initiatives aimed at achieving “strong and enduring regional security.”

Omani authorities urged Washington and Tehran to pursue serious negotiations to secure a durable peace.Saudi Arabia also backed diplomatic efforts, with its foreign ministry emphasizing the need for an agreement that addresses underlying causes of instability and long-term threats to regional security.

The responses highlight a broader regional push to consolidate the ceasefire into a lasting settlement, amid concerns over the potential for renewed tensions and the wider impact on Middle East stability.

Dr. Alajmi began his post by recalling some of the darkest episodes in recent Islamic history: “Iran attacked peaceful worshippers in the Grand Mosque in Makkah more than once.” He referenced the 1987 tragedy during Hajj when Iranian pilgrims staged a violent protest, leading to hundreds of deaths.

“In 1987, it attempted to occupy the Grand Masjid,” he wrote, a reference to the violent confrontation in which Saudi security forces and foreign pilgrims perished. “In 1989,” he continued, “it killed many and smuggled weapons and explosives with the intention of ruining the Masjid and terrorizing pilgrims.”

Dr. Alajmi then traced what he called Iran’s “trail of terrorism” throughout the region, beginning with its actions in the Gulf. “Iran bombed Kuwait several times, practised terrorism, hijacked aeroplanes, and attempted to assassinate its emir in the 1980s,” he wrote. He further highlighted Iran’s enduring occupation of three Emirati islands, calling attention to the UAE’s long-standing territorial dispute with Tehran over Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs.

In one of his more poignant statements, he turned to the region of Ahwaz, a majority-Arab area in Iran. “Iran occupied Ahwaz—13 times the area of Palestine—killed its people, tortured them, and plundered their wealth.” He emphasized that this forgotten region suffers systematic oppression despite being rich in oil and resources. “Its people are Arab Muslims, yet they remain forgotten,” he implied.

Turning to Syria, Dr. Alajmi condemned Iran’s military presence and support for Bashar al-Assad: “Iran occupied much of Syria, killed hundreds of thousands, tortured them in various ways, and displaced millions.” In Yemen, he declared, “Iran occupied Sana’a, displaced its people, and killed many Yemenis,” referring to Tehran’s backing of the Houthi militia.

On Iraq, he was equally harsh: “Iran occupied Iraq, displacing millions of its people, killing hundreds of thousands, and spreading corruption throughout all parts of Iraq.” He accused Iranian influence of hollowing out Iraqi state institutions, eroding sovereignty, and fueling sectarian divisions.

Dr. Alajmi did not stop there. “It caused murder in Lebanon,” he said, citing Tehran’s support of Hezbollah and its political interference. He also referenced Bahrain, saying Iran “moved its proxies… where they killed, burned, and destroyed until the state almost collapsed.”

All of this, he warned, cannot be dismissed as isolated events. “Much, much more corruption was spread by successive Iranian governments,” he wrote. For him, the consistent pattern of aggression points to a broader agenda of domination under the guise of revolution and resistance.

In a striking and controversial turn, Dr. Alajmi drew a direct comparison between Iran and Israel. “In contrast, the Zionists occupied Palestine,” he wrote. “Which of the two is more corrupt and corrupting in our Islamic and Arab world? And which of the two is more evil?”

By posing this comparison, he challenged a long-standing dogma in Arab political discourse—that Israel alone is the region’s primary source of suffering. His words reflect a growing Gulf sentiment that questions Iran’s ideological hypocrisy: using the Palestinian cause as a cover while destabilizing Arab states and targeting Sunni populations.

His post has resonated widely, especially among Gulf citizens who have lived through decades of Iranian-backed unrest. In an age of shifting alliances and increasing calls for regional self-determination, Dr. Alajmi’s message is a call for clarity: “We must confront the real source of destruction in our region—not just the familiar enemy, but the one cloaked in religious slogans and revolutionary slogans.”

Shaykh Dr. Daghash ibn Shabib Al-Ajmy is a prominent Salafi scholar from Kuwait. He holds a PhD in Usool ud-Deen from Kuwait University and has served as an imam, khateeb, and professor since 1999. He studied under renowned scholars such as Shaykh Ibn Baz, Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, and Shaykh Rabee’ al-Madkhali. Dr. Al-Ajmy has authored and verified several respected Islamic works, and holds ijazaat in Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim from over ten senior scholars.

Russia sent paratroopers into Kazakhstan on Thursday to help quell a countrywide uprising after deadly violence spread across the tightly controlled former Soviet state. read more

“The political situation in Kazakhstan is becoming increasingly tense,” Commerzbank said.

“And this is a country that is currently producing 1.6 million barrels of oil per day.”

There were no indications that oil production has been affected so far.

Libyan oil output is at 729,000 bpd, the National Oil Corp said on Thursday, down from a high of more than 1.3 million bpd last year, owing to maintenance and oilfield shutdowns.

Prices rallied despite a surge in U.S. fuel stocks last week.

U.S. crude oil stockpiles fell last week while gasoline inventories surged by more than 10 million barrels, the biggest weekly build since April 2020, as supplies backed up at refineries because of reduced fuel demand.

Weighing on oil, meanwhile, were minutes from a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting that showed policymakers could raise interest rates more quickly than markets previously expected.


OPEC+, a group that includes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers, agreed on Tuesday to add another 400,000 bpd of supply in February, as it has done each month since August.

The increase in OPEC’s output in December has again undershot the rise planned under the OPEC+ deal, a Reuters survey found on Thursday, highlighting capacity constraints that are limiting supply as global demand recovers from the pandemic.

“Our reference case now assumes the alliance will fully phase out the remaining 2.96 million bpd of oil production cuts by September 2022,” JP Morgan analysts said in a note.

The bank forecast Brent prices to average at $88 a barrel in 2022, up from $70 last year.

Meanwhile, the world’s top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, cut the official selling price for all grades of crude it sells to Asia in February by at least $1 a barrel, three sources with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.

The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, a major oil producer, is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The plant was originally due to open in 2017 but start-up of its first reactor was repeatedly delayed.

ENEC said its subsidiary Nawah Energy Company “has successfully started up Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Al Dhafrah Region of Abu Dhabi.”

The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, wrote on Twitter that nuclear fuel had been loaded into the first of four units of what he called “the first peaceful nuclear energy reactor in the Arab world.”

“We are now another step closer to achieving our goal of supplying up to a quarter of our nation’s electricity needs and powering its future growth with safe, reliable, and emissions-free electricity,” ENEC’s chief executive Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hammadi said.

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), which issued an operating licence for the plant in February, said Nawah met all regulatory requirements to start operations, after regular inspections and oversight to ensure the plant’s safety.

When completed Barakah will have four reactors with 5,600 megawatts (MW) capacity. The UAE has not disclosed the total planned investment in the project.

The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, a major oil producer, is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The plant was originally due to open in 2017 but start-up of its first reactor was repeatedly delayed.

ENEC said its subsidiary Nawah Energy Company “has successfully started up Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Al Dhafrah Region of Abu Dhabi.”

The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, wrote on Twitter that nuclear fuel had been loaded into the first of four units of what he called “the first peaceful nuclear energy reactor in the Arab world.”

“We are now another step closer to achieving our goal of supplying up to a quarter of our nation’s electricity needs and powering its future growth with safe, reliable, and emissions-free electricity,” ENEC’s chief executive Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hammadi said.

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), which issued an operating licence for the plant in February, said Nawah met all regulatory requirements to start operations, after regular inspections and oversight to ensure the plant’s safety.

When completed Barakah will have four reactors with 5,600 megawatts (MW) capacity. The UAE has not disclosed the total planned investment in the project.