August 28, 2023

*) Aleppo airport out of service after Israeli strikes on Assad regime An Israeli air strike hits the international airport in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, damaging a runway and putting it out of service. Israel has targeted airports and seaports in the government-held parts of Syria in an apparent attempt to prevent arms shipments from Iran to armed groups backed by Tehran, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Thousands of Iran-backed fighters from around the region joined Syria’s 12-year conflict helping tip the balance in favour of regime leader Bashar al Assad's forces. *) France announces ban on Muslim overgarment 'abaya' in schools France plans to ban the abaya, a long loose-fitting overgarment worn by some Muslim women, on school grounds, the country's education minister said. Gabriel Attal has told broadcaster TF1 that the government intends to convey "clear rules" on the matter to school officials across the country. The decision is the latest in several limitations on Islamic clothing in France, where critics say the government has targeted Muslims with statements and policies in recent years. *) Zimbabwe's opposition claims victory, disputing president's re-election Zimbabwe's opposition leader Nelson Chamisa contested the official re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and claimed victory in an election which international observers said fell short of democratic standards. Mnangagwa, 80, won a second term with 52.6 percent of the ballots against 44 percent for his main challenger, Chamisa, 45, according to official results. Zimbabweans voted Wednesday and Thursday for a president and new parliament, in polling marred by delays that sparked opposition accusations of rigging and voter suppression. *) Murder charges against Pakistan’s ex-Premier Khan dismissed Murder charges against former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan were dismissed,, his lawyer said. Khan is already in jail over graft charges. He is facing nearly 150 cases ever since being removed from power last year in April. And