{
  "id": 8975413,
  "title": "The solution is to weaken militias, not the other way round",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/the-solution-is-to-weaken-militias-not-the-other-way-round",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T18:07:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Al Majalla English",
    "slug": "al-majalla-english",
    "url": "https://en.majalla.com/node/333153/opinion/solution-weaken-militias-not-other-way-round"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A year ago, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking a significant step for Syria. However, the situation has changed since then. The focus has shifted from political recognition and lifting sanctions to addressing economic challenges, such as the impact of rising fuel prices on Syrians' daily lives. The recent protests over fuel prices highlight the growing poverty and its far-reaching effects on transportation, food, heating, and production.\n\nThe conference on Syria's reconstruction and the potential for foreign investment, notably from the Gulf, have gained prominence. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has been pushing for the removal of sanctions to allow the country to receive the necessary investment for rebuilding post-war. However, the situation is not without threats. Saudi Arabia has faced terrorist attacks, and Yemeni rebels are using missiles and drones against it. Additionally, Houthi expansion in Yemen poses risks to regional trade and energy routes, particularly through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.\n\nDespite these challenges, Syria is making progress in addressing factionalism and integrating militias into its army and institutions. This effort aims to create a unified authority over military decisions. However, the situation in Yemen is quite different. The Houthis have established a parallel military force, seized territory, and imposed their control, which could have regional repercussions.\n\nTherefore, the solution to Syria's and Yemen's problems lies in weakening militias and strengthening state institutions, including the army and government. This approach will help restore the state's monopoly over weapons and ensure that decisions about war and peace remain with the state. Syria cannot achieve stability alone; it needs the support of the broader Arab region to safeguard its states, energy resources, and maritime routes against the threat posed by militias. In essence, both Syria and Yemen need a stronger state, one army, and one gun to achieve lasting stability.",
  "summary": "The solution is to weaken militias, not the other way round newspress_en Mon, 09/21/2026 - 19:07 Opinion A year ago, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stood at the podium of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His presence was what mattered. Syria, emerging from Bashar al-Assad's rule and decades of isolation, had returned to the international stage. Al-Sharaa returns this week for a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}