Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction to cost at least $216B: World Bank
The World Bank has estimated Syria’s post-war reconstruction will cost at least $216 billion, with possible totals ranging from $140 billion to $345 billion. Its ‘Syrian Conflict: Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment (2011–2024)’ report found $108 billion in direct physical destruction—around one-third of the country’s total capital stock. Infrastructure suffered nearly half the damage ($52 billion), followed by homes and public buildings, with Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, and Homs the hardest-hit regions. Syria’s economy has shrunk dramatically, with GDP down 53% since 2010, from $67.5 billion to just $21.4 billion. The report warns that reconstruction costs now amount to ten times the country’s current GDP, while sanctions, depleted reserves, and minimal capital investment leave the government unable to rebuild alone. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh called for urgent global support to restore infrastructure and rebuild communities. Following Bashar al-Assad’s flight to Russia last year, Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has begun reforms aimed at stability, investment, and national recovery.
ASU football player shares faith journey, meaning behind 'Jesus Won' T-shirt
Arizona State University football player Jordyn Tyson has boldly shared how his renewed faith in Jesus has transformed his life on and off the field. After wearing a “Jesus Won” T-shirt during a post-match press conference, Tyson told reporters he was “diving into my faith completely,” describing the Bible as “the instructions to life.” He said studying Scripture has strengthened his discipline, decision-making, and focus during training and matches. Tyson’s spiritual journey deepened through his college experience with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, leading to his baptism in March. He now identifies not primarily as a football player but as “a follower of Christ.” Reflecting on past struggles and injuries, he believes God used trials to mature his faith. “Jesus had His hand on me my whole life,” he said, adding, “He paid the price on the cross. He won for us.” Tyson’s testimony continues to inspire teammates to pursue God together both on and off the field.
Singer Evan Craft: You don't have to be perfect for God to use you
Contemporary Christian singer Evan Craft, known for hits in both English and Spanish, has expanded his ministry with his debut book *The Extra Mile*. In it, he shares a vulnerable and deeply personal account of faith, anxiety, and God’s call to serve with sacrificial love. Inspired by missionary Reinhard Bonnke’s biography, Craft recounts how his own struggles — including anxiety and his band quitting — became opportunities to discover God’s strength in weakness. “God is big enough to receive our doubts,” he says, urging believers to act in obedience even when they don’t feel strong. The book redefines “going the extra mile” as showing radical love through humble service, not pursuing fame or success. Craft’s faith became practical on a bicycle tour through South America, where he included two disabled Venezuelan riders to raise funds for their prosthetics. His message is clear: God uses imperfect people who are willing to love others and serve faithfully in simple, everyday ways.
Stable inflation gives chancellor space to break doom loop
UK inflation held steady at 3.8% in September, slightly below expectations and suggesting the current spike may have peaked. Economists predict a gradual decline through spring as last year’s regulated price rises drop out of the index, with inflation potentially nearing the 2% target by late next year. Although still nearly double the Bank of England’s goal, stability in food and energy prices has reduced the risk of inflationary “doom loops” where rising wages and prices fuel each other. The improved outlook has prompted renewed speculation about interest rate cuts — possibly four over the next year, bringing rates down to 3%. Market confidence has lifted, with government borrowing costs falling to their lowest levels in months. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who recently pitched Britain as “the best place to invest,” now has slightly more room to manoeuvre ahead of a challenging Budget. However, analysts warn that new tax measures or global shocks could quickly reverse these gains.
