The French and German foreign ministers, Jean-Noël Barrot and Annalena Baerbock, have made a landmark visit to Syria, marking the first European Union ministerial delegation since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December. The visit aimed to engage with Syria’s new leadership and emphasize the need for an inclusive political transition.

Barrot and Baerbock met Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, in Damascus. Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed Al Jolani, leads Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that spearheaded the rebellion against Assad. In recent years, HTS has distanced itself from its previous affiliation with al-Qaeda, seeking legitimacy on the international stage.

Baerbock approached the talks with cautious optimism, stating she came to Syria with an “outstretched hand” while remaining mindful of HTS’s controversial past.

Calls for Representation and Justice

The European ministers emphasized the importance of creating a political system that represents all of Syria’s diverse communities.

“Syria must embark on a political transition that ensures inclusivity for all its citizens, regardless of religion or gender,” Barrot said on Friday. He announced that France and the EU are offering judicial and technical support to help draft a new Syrian constitution.

Baerbock echoed these sentiments, stressing on social media that “a new beginning can only happen if every Syrian, irrespective of ethnic or religious identity, is given a voice in the political process.”

Focus on Human Rights and Accountability

During their visit, the ministers toured the notorious Sednaya prison, which under Assad’s regime was synonymous with arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Both were visibly affected by the experience, likening the prison to a “hellish concentration camp.”

Barrot stressed the importance of justice for Syria’s recovery. “Syria cannot move forward without addressing past atrocities,” he said, pledging France’s technical support to aid transitional justice and combat impunity. Baerbock called on the international community to help bring justice to the victims of Sednaya’s horrors.

Chemical Weapons and International Oversight

Barrot also recommended that Syria’s transitional government engage with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). He proposed that a team be dispatched to Syria to assess and work toward the elimination of any remaining chemical weapons.

The visit reflects the EU’s cautious but determined approach to fostering stability and rebuilding diplomatic relations in Syria, with an emphasis on justice, inclusivity, and accountability.

Households in the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria were left without heating and hot water on Wednesday after Russia ceased supplying gas through Ukraine, according to local reports.

“There is no heating or hot water,” confirmed an employee of Tirasteploenergo, the local energy company, speaking from Tiraspol, the region’s main city. The employee, who spoke to Reuters by phone, said it was unclear how long the disruption would last.

Gas Supply Halted Amid Transit Deal Expiry

The crisis follows the expiration of a gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine, which effectively cut off the supply route to Transnistria. This pro-Russian territory, which declared independence from Moldova after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, had been reliant on Russian gas delivered through Ukraine.

A statement from Tirasteploenergo announced that heating services were discontinued at 7 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Essential facilities, including hospitals, were exempted from the cuts.

Residents were urged to adopt measures to conserve heat, such as using electric heaters, gathering family members in one room, and covering windows and balcony doors with blankets or thick curtains. However, the company warned against using gas or electric stoves for heating, citing safety concerns.

Appeal to Moscow and Ongoing Tensions

The local parliament in Transnistria had previously appealed to the Kremlin and Russian lawmakers to negotiate a renewed agreement with Ukraine to ensure continued gas supplies. While Moscow pledged to protect its citizens and stationed troops in the region, no resolution has been announced.

Approximately 1,500 Russian troops are deployed in Transnistria, which has maintained a fragile peace with Moldova since a brief post-Soviet conflict in 1992.

Broader Energy Implications

Until the transit agreement’s expiration, Russia supplied Moldova with around 2 billion cubic meters of gas annually, delivered through Transnistria.

Moldovan authorities have accused Moscow of leveraging the country’s energy dependence to sow instability, a claim Russia denies.

The energy shortage has exacerbated tensions in a region already grappling with geopolitical strains stemming from the war in Ukraine. As temperatures drop in the region, the absence of a reliable heating supply highlights the vulnerability of Transnistria’s dependence on Russian energy and the precariousness of its position amid regional disputes.

Officials have not provided a timeline for restoring gas supplies, leaving residents uncertain as they face the winter months.

A pickup truck plowed through a crowded New Year’s celebration in New Orleans early Wednesday morning, killing 10 people and injuring 30 others, according to local authorities.

The incident unfolded on Bourbon Street, a globally renowned destination for festive gatherings, as revelers celebrated the start of 2025. The area was bustling with activity, with many preparing to attend the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome later in the day.

Chaos and Carnage

“He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” said Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick, describing the driver’s actions.

The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly killed during a firefight with police. Law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the details to the Associated Press.

NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, reported that the injured were taken to five local hospitals for treatment. Among the wounded was a police officer, though their condition was not immediately disclosed.

Conflicting Reports on Motive

New Orleans Mayor referred to the attack as a “terrorist” act during an initial briefing, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation later stated that the incident was “not a terrorist event.”

Despite this, FBI officials acknowledged that they were investigating a possible explosive device found at the scene. No further information on the suspected motive was immediately available, and authorities have not clarified if there is an ongoing threat to public safety.

Community Reeling

The attack shocked a city known for its vibrant culture and celebratory spirit. Bourbon Street, a historic hub for nightlife and tourism, was packed with locals and visitors alike when the truck barreled through the crowd.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people scrambled to avoid the vehicle. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, but the scope of the injuries underscored the devastating impact of the incident.

Investigation Ongoing

As law enforcement continues to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, questions remain about the driver’s intent and any potential warning signs.

The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over what was meant to be a joyous celebration. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

The city’s residents and visitors are now grappling with the aftermath of a violent act that has left many mourning and a community seeking answers.