Russian air strikes targeted rebel-held areas in Syria, specifically hitting rural parts of Idlib and Hama where the rebel group leading the offensive had recently gained control, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). This comes after the first Russian air strikes on Aleppo since 2016, following rebel advancements in Syria’s second-largest city.

### Escalating Conflict in Syria
The ongoing offensive, which began earlier in the week, has resulted in the most significant fighting in Syria’s civil war in recent years, with more than 300 people, including at least 20 civilians, killed since Wednesday. Opposition fighters have made significant advances, pushing into towns near Hama, south of Aleppo, prompting the military to establish defensive lines around key cities and towns in the region.

#### Impact on Civilian Population
The escalating conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, with reports of civilian casualties and displacement. The violence has forced many to flee their homes in search of safety, adding to the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

### International Response
In response to the rebel offensive, Syrian President Assad vowed to defend the country’s stability and territorial integrity against terrorists and their supporters. Iran, a long-time ally of the Assad government, expressed firm support for the Syrian government and army in the face of the ongoing conflict.

Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi of Iran visited Damascus to discuss the offensive, highlighting the complex web of alliances and interests at play in the Syrian conflict.

### Background and Context
The civil war in Syria, which has claimed the lives of around half a million people, began in 2011 in response to pro-democracy protests that were met with a brutal government crackdown. While the conflict had been relatively dormant following a ceasefire in 2020, opposition forces have maintained control over Idlib and surrounding areas.

Idlib, located just 55km from Aleppo, has been a focal point of the conflict, with rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and factions backed by Turkey, vying for control. The latest offensive, led by HTS, has seen significant gains by rebel forces, including the capture of Aleppo’s airport and nearby towns.

### Military Escalation
The Syrian army has faced a broad attack from rebel forces on multiple fronts, resulting in intense battles over a significant stretch of territory. Dozens of soldiers have been killed in the fighting, with the Russian air force conducting air strikes in Aleppo and Idlib to support government forces.

The involvement of external actors, including Russia and Iran, highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Syrian conflict, with various regional and international powers backing different factions in pursuit of their strategic interests.

### Conclusion
The escalating conflict in Syria underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the complex geopolitical dynamics that continue to fuel the violence. As rebel forces make significant gains and government forces retaliate with airstrikes, the civilian population bears the brunt of the conflict, facing displacement, casualties, and deteriorating living conditions.

### FAQ
1. What sparked the recent escalation in fighting in Syria?
– The recent escalation in fighting was triggered by rebel advancements in Aleppo and Hama, prompting government forces to respond with airstrikes and military operations.

2. What role do external actors play in the Syrian conflict?
– External actors, such as Russia and Iran, have provided military support to the Assad government, while other countries have backed rebel groups, leading to a protracted and complex conflict with international implications. Title: The Rise of Sustainable Investing: A Global Trend Shaping the Future of Finance

Introduction:
Sustainable investing is gaining momentum as investors increasingly prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making process. This global trend is reshaping the future of finance, with a growing number of companies and financial institutions integrating sustainability into their investment strategies. In this article, we will explore the key drivers behind the rise of sustainable investing, its impact on the financial industry, and the opportunities it presents for investors looking to align their portfolios with their values.

Key Drivers of Sustainable Investing:

Growing Awareness of ESG Risks: Investors are becoming more aware of the potential financial risks associated with environmental degradation, social issues, and poor governance practices. Climate change, human rights violations, and corporate scandals are increasingly viewed as material risks that can impact investment performance.

Regulatory Changes: Governments around the world are implementing regulations that require companies to disclose their ESG practices and performance. This has led to greater transparency and accountability, making it easier for investors to assess the sustainability of their investments.

Consumer Demand: As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their purchasing decisions, they are putting pressure on companies to operate in a more sustainable manner. This has created a market demand for ESG-friendly products and services, driving companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

Financial Performance: Studies have shown that companies with strong ESG practices tend to outperform their peers over the long term. Investors are increasingly recognizing the financial benefits of integrating sustainability into their investment strategies, leading to a shift towards sustainable investing.

Impact on the Financial Industry:

Mainstream Adoption: Sustainable investing is no longer a niche market, with mainstream financial institutions offering a wide range of sustainable investment products. This has democratized access to sustainable investing, making it more accessible to retail investors.

Integration of ESG Factors: Investors are incorporating ESG factors into their investment analysis and decision-making process, leading to a more holistic approach to evaluating investment opportunities. This integration has become a standard practice among many financial institutions, driving the mainstream adoption of sustainable investing.

Engagement with Companies: Shareholder activism and engagement have become powerful tools for investors to influence corporate behavior. By engaging with companies on ESG issues, investors can drive positive change and encourage companies to improve their sustainability practices.

Opportunities for Investors:

Diversification: Sustainable investing offers investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios by investing in companies that are aligned with their values. This can help reduce overall investment risk and provide exposure to new growth opportunities in sustainable industries.

Long-Term Performance: Companies with strong ESG practices have demonstrated resilience during market downturns and have outperformed their peers over the long term. By investing in sustainable companies, investors can potentially achieve superior financial performance while also making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Risk Mitigation: By considering ESG factors in their investment decisions, investors can identify and mitigate potential risks that may not be captured by traditional financial analysis. This can help safeguard their investments against environmental, social, and governance-related risks.

Conclusion:
The rise of sustainable investing is a global trend that is reshaping the future of finance. As investors increasingly prioritize ESG factors in their decision-making process, mainstream financial institutions are integrating sustainability into their investment strategies. Sustainable investing offers opportunities for investors to align their portfolios with their values, achieve long-term financial performance, and drive positive change in society and the environment. By considering ESG factors in their investment decisions, investors can not only make a positive impact but also potentially achieve superior financial returns.

FAQs:

1. What is sustainable investing?
Sustainable investing involves considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decision-making to generate long-term financial returns while also making a positive impact on society and the environment.

2. How can investors get started with sustainable investing?
Investors can start by researching sustainable investment options offered by mainstream financial institutions, consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in sustainable investing, and aligning their investment choices with their values and long-term financial goals.

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