Syria’s Crossroads: The Israel-Iran Conflict & The Damascus Church Bombing | MAB 06/25

As the shadow of the Iran-Israel conflict lengthens across the Middle East, Syria finds itself once again at the volatile epicenter of a geopolitical storm.

The nation is not only a battleground for regional adversaries, with its sovereignty tested by foreign strikes, but also faces the resurgent specter of domestic terrorism, tragically highlighted by a deadly bombing at a Damascus church.

In this edition, we unpack the critical Arabic vocabulary used to describe this reality, focusing on the terminology of geopolitical conflict, state sovereignty, and political maneuvering that dominates the headlines.

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A close look at a headline

In June 2025, Israel and Iran were the main topics. We also want to take a closer look at one headline.

al-Watan: Condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran

On 22 June 2025, the Qatari daily Al-Watan (الوطن) splashed the Israeli-Iran conflict across its front page, headlining the Prime Minister’s remarks. Owned by Dar Al-Watan for Printing, Publishing, and Distribution (دار الوطن للطباعة والنشر والتوزيع), this pro-government paper echoes the State of Qatar‘s foreign-policy line.

That edition hit the stands just days after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on 13 June 2025 and immediately before Iran’s missile salvo at the US Al Udeid Air Base (قاعدة العديد الجوية) in Qatar on 23 June 2025.

Let’s focus on the headline:

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Watch out:

Be careful, because with the Arab ruling houses you run the risk of confusing names.

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani (الشيخ محمد بن عبدالرحمن بن جاسم بن جبر آل ثاني) is Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister – and he is not the Emir.
• The Emir is His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (تميم بن حمد آل ثاني).
• They are distant cousins within the ruling Al Thani dynasty.

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Translation of an article

Even though the month of June was dominated by the Israel-Iran conflict, there was also sad news from Syria, which we would like to address in the following article.

• On 22 June 2025 a suicide bomber struck Mar Elias Church (كنيسة مار إلياس) in the al-Duwaileh district (الدويلة) of Damascus (دمشق) during Sunday mass, killing 25 worshippers and wounding 63. It was the first such attack in the capital since the Islamist-led interim government seized power in December 2024.
• Mar Elias is a principal Greek-Orthodox site on Damascus’s outskirts, central to Syria’s shrinking Christian community.
• The Syrian Interior Ministry (وزارة الداخلية السورية) blamed ISIS (داعش), alleging the cell infiltrated from al-Hawl camp (مخيم الهول) and that all members have been arrested.
• The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (قوات سوريا الديمقراطية – قسد) rejected this, saying no foreigners left al-Hawl.
• Meanwhile, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (سرايا أنصار السنة) claimed responsibility.
• Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah (سرايا أنصار السنة, lit. “Companies/Brigades of the Supporters of the Sunnah”) is an Islamist militant organization operating in western Syria and Tripoli, Lebanon. It was founded on February 1, 2025, by Abu Aisha al-Shami (: أبو عائشة الشامي) after splitting from Hayʾat Tahrir al-Sham (هيئة تحرير الشام) and is known for its Salafi-jihadist ideology and sectarian attacks targeting Alawites (عَلَويّ), Shia (شيعيّ), Druze (دُرْزيّ), and Christians (مَسيحيّ). Note that so-called Islamists or Jihadists like to call Christians نَصْرانِيّ – plural نَصارَى

Let’s look at parts of a longer newspaper article in Arabic. We will translate each sentence carefully. The highlighted words are in the vocabulary list below.

News platform Asas: Syria, the church bombing and the future of Ahmed al-Sharaa

On June 25, Asas (أساس) published an article by Hisham Alaywan (هشام عليوان) about the June 22 Mar Elias Church suicide bombing in Damascus, arguing it exposed deep rifts threatening President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s fragile rule — from Sunni outrage over freeing nearly 90 former Assad figures and minority anger at lost privileges to disillusioned jihadist backers and unease about secret overtures to Israel.

Asas Media, based in Beirut, Lebanon, was launched in 2020; it’s funded primarily by private investors and advertising.

Remark: If you cannot access the article, try this link (archive.org)

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أحمد الشرع في دائرة الخطر الكبير

Ahmed al-Sharaa is in Great Danger

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Let’s now take a closer look at the entire article.

Section 1

تزداد المخاطر حول سوريا الجديدة وقائدها أحمد الشرع، مع تتابع تفجّر التناقضات وآخرها التفجير الارهابي الذي طال كنيسة مار إلياس في ضاحية دمشق، حيث يسجل للأمن السوري سرعته بتوقيف الخلية الارهابية المتورطة. إلا أنّ هذه السرعة لا تعني زوال الخطر حول سوريا وأحمد الشرع.

The risks surrounding the new Syria and its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, are mounting as contradictions continue to erupt, most recently with the terrorist bombing of Mar Elias Church in the Damascus suburbs. Syrian security forces are to be commended for their swift action in arresting the terrorist cell involved. However, this speed does not mean the danger surrounding Syria and Ahmad al-Sharaa has disappeared.

لسان حال الرئيس السوري أحمد الشرع: اعمل لدنياك كأنّك تعيش أبداً. واعمل لآخرتك كأنّك تموت غداً. يبادر إلى عقد الصفقات الاقتصادية لبلاده كأنّه رائد أعمال، وخبير اقتصاد من عشرات السنين، ويمشي بسلام واطمئنان بين الناس، كأنّه في سويسرا الحياديّة. رغم ازدياد، المخاطر على حياته، والتحديات العديدة التي تواجهه مع تفجّر التناقضات المحلية والإقليمية؛ فمن جهة، ارتفاع الغضب الشعبي من التساهل مع رجال النظام السابق، وعودة تنظيم داعش الارهابي إلى المشهد السوري من جهة أخرى.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s motto is: “Work for this world as if you will live forever. Work for your afterlife as if you will die tomorrow.” He initiates economic deals for his country like a businessman and a seasoned (decades-old) economic expert, and he walks peacefully and reassured among the people, as if he were in neutral Switzerland. Despite the increasing risks to his life and the numerous challenges he faces as local and regional contradictions erupt, there is growing popular anger over the perceived leniency shown toward former regime officials, while the terrorist organization ISIS has returned to the Syrian scene.

الأكثريّة السنّية ساخطة لإطلاق وزارة الداخلية السوريّة سراح ما يقرب من 90 من رجال الأسد السابقين من السجون، لأنّه لا ملفّات قضائية ضدّهم، وبعض الضبّاط تعاونوا مع “ردع العدوان” لإسقاط النظام، وبعض الشبّيحة كشفوا عن معلومات مقابل الإفراج عنهم. ومعظم الأقلّيّات غاضبة منه لأنّه أفقدها امتيازاتها.

The Sunni majority is outraged by the Syrian Interior Ministry’s release of nearly 90 former Assad officials from prison on the grounds that there were no legal cases against them. Some (of these) officers had cooperated with the “Deterrence of Aggression” coalition to topple the regime, and some shabbiha [see background below] revealed information in exchange for their release. Meanwhile, most minorities are angry with him for stripping them of their privileges.

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Section 2

أمّا التيّار الإسلامي، والجهادي ضمناً، وهو قاعدته الأساسية، فيتفرّج مشدوهاً، أمام قرارات الشرع في الداخل، وفيها تسامح وتساهل غير مقبول منهم، فيما هو يسرع الخُطى نحو التفاهم الأمنيّ مع إسرائيل، وفتح الطريق أمام عقد معاهدة سلام معها.

As for the Islamist movement, implicitly the jihadist one, which constitutes its core base, it watches in amazement at al-Sharaa’s internal decisions, which display a level of tolerance and leniency they find unacceptable. This comes as he accelerates steps toward a security understanding with Israel and paves the way for a peace treaty with it.

لقد انتقل الرئيس أحمد الشرع بسرعة ضوئيّة من كونه الجهاديّ المطلوب قتله على لوائح الإرهاب، إلى الرئيس المعتدل الذي تتطابق مصالحه مع مصالح الولايات المتّحدة، المتحمّسة له، بل القلقة على حياته من رفاقه الساخطين عليه، بحسب تعبير المبعوث الأميركي الخاصّ إلى سوريا، توماس برّاك، وذلك في مقابلة مع موقع “المونيتور”، طالب فيها بإنشاء شبكة استخباريّة بين حلفاء أميركا لإجهاض أيّ محاولة تهدّد حياة الشرع.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has transitioned at lightning speed from a wanted jihadist on terrorist lists to a moderate president whose interests align with those of the United States. The U.S. is enthusiastic about him and even concerned for his life from his own disaffected comrades, according to the US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, in an interview with Al-Monitor. Barrack called for the establishment of an intelligence network among America’s allies to thwart any attempt to threaten al-Sharaa’s life.

في الأثناء، لا يتوقّف الشرع عن بثّ رسائل إيجابية باتّجاهات مختلفة ونحو جهات إقليمية ودولية متضاربة في مصالحها، فلا يُعرف على وجه الدقّة إن كانت تركيا ستنشئ قواعد عسكرية في سوريا، بما يعزّز موقعها الاستراتيجي في المنطقة إلى حدّ كبير، ولا إن كانت روسيا ستُخلي آخر مواقعها في قاعدة حميميم، فتخسر موطئ قدمها على شاطئ البحر المتوسط.

Meanwhile, al-Sharaa continues to send positive messages in various directions and to regional and international actors with conflicting interests. It is not known for certain if Turkey will establish military bases in Syria, which would significantly strengthen its strategic position in the region, nor if Russia will evacuate its last positions at the Hmeimim airbase, thereby losing its foothold on the Mediterranean coast.

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Section 3

مصير الاتّصالات مع إسرائيل؟

What is the fate of contacts with Israel?

لا يمكن التنبّؤ بنجاح الاتّصالات غير المباشرة وحتّى المباشرة منها مع مقرّبين من حكومة إسرائيل، وكان آخر تلك اللقاءات مع القسّ جوني مور، المقرّب جدّاً من ترامب والمؤيّد بحماسة لإسرائيل، وهو أيضاً الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسّسة غزّة الإنسانية، المكلّفة من الولايات المتّحدة وبدعم من إسرائيل توزيع المساعدات على أهالي غزّة. ومع مور، كان الحاخام اليهودي أبراهام كوبر. ولمور دور في الترويج لاتّفاقات أبراهام بين بعض الدول العربية وإسرائيل، في الولاية الأولى لترامب.

The success of indirect, and even direct, contacts with those close to the Israeli government cannot be predicted. The most recent of these meetings was with Reverend Johnnie Moore, a close associate of Donald Trump and an ardent supporter of Israel. Moore is also the CEO of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is tasked by the United States, with Israeli support, to distribute aid to the people of Gaza. Moore’s interlocutor was Rabbi Abraham Cooper. Accompanying Moore was Rabbi Abraham Cooper. Moore played a role in promoting the Abraham Accords between several Arab countries and Israel during Trump’s first term.

لم تتأخّر الاستجابة الإسرائيلية، إذ كشف موقع أكسيوس الأميركي أنّ نتنياهو طلب من الرئيس الأميركي التوسّط بين سوريا وإسرائيل لتوقيع اتّفاق أمنيّ بينهما في البداية، وعقد معاهدة سلام، في نهاية المطاف. وهذا تحوُّل حادّ في الموقف الإسرائيلي من القيادة السوريّة الجديدة. لكن هذا الموقف الجديد، قبيل الهجوم على إيران، قد يكون جزءاً من حملة التضليل الإسرائيلي، للإيحاء بأنّ إسرائيل بصدد التعامل مع سوريا بوصفها دولة حاجزة بينها وإيران، وهو ما يوحي باستبعاد حرب مباشرة مع إيران. لكن هجوم 13 حزيران، يؤكد أن إسرائيل قررت رسم خارطة نفوذها بقواتها العسكرية.

The Israeli response was not long in coming, as the American website Axios revealed that Netanyahu had asked the US president to mediate between Syria and Israel to first sign a security agreement and ultimately conclude a peace treaty. This represents a sharp shift in the Israeli position toward the new Syrian leadership. However, this new position, which emerged prior to the attack on Iran, may be part of an Israeli disinformation campaign to suggest that Israel is prepared to treat Syria as a buffer state between itself and Iran, thereby implying a direct war with Iran is unlikely. Yet, the attack of June 13 confirms that Israel has decided to map its influence with its military forces.

مهما كان الأمر، فإنّ السعي لتفاهم الشرع مع نتنياهو، يزيد مستوى الغضب عليه من التيّار الإسلامي عامّة، ومن التيّار الجهادي خاصّة، لا سيما التنظيمَين اللّذين كان الشرع منتسباً إليهما، وهما تنظيم “الدولة الإسلامية”، وتنظيم “قاعدة الجهاد”، علاوة على النقمة الشعبية المتنامية بسبب التأخّر في بدء التأسيس الجادّ لعدالة انتقاليّة.

Whatever the case, al-Sharaa’s pursuit of an understanding with Netanyahu is increasing the level of anger against him from the Islamist movement in general, and from the jihadist movement in particular — especially the two organizations to which al-Sharaa was once affiliated: the so-called Islamic State and Al-Qaeda in Iraq. This is in addition to the growing popular resentment over the delay in seriously establishing transitional justice.

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Section 4

هذا علماً أنّ المضيّ في هذا الطريق يعني محاكمة مئات الآلاف من المشتبه بهم، وهو ما سيُغرق سوريا في مسار طويل الأمد، إضافة إلى نبش القبور الجماعية وفحص الحمض النووي الذي سيتطلّب عملاً دؤوباً لعشرات السنين، بالقياس إلى ما حدث في البوسنة والهرسك مثلاً. وهذا وحده يعرقل مشاريع الإنماء والإعمار، إذ يبدو أنّ الشرع يريد انغماس السوريين في العمل بدلاً من اللطم، كما صرّح مرّة عقب سقوط النظام.

It should be noted that pursuing this path means prosecuting hundreds of thousands of suspects, which would plunge Syria into a long-term process. This is in addition to the exhumation of mass graves and DNA testing, which will require decades of tireless work, comparable to what happened in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example. This alone hinders development and reconstruction projects. Al-Sharaa, it seems, wants Syrians to immerse themselves in work rather than in lamenting, as he once stated after the fall of the regime.

نجح الجولاني سابقاً في النجاة من مواقف صعبة جدّاً. واعتمد في كلّ مراحل حياة المغامرة التي عاشها على براعته في استمالة مفاوضيه ومحاوريه. واستعمل هذه المهارة، بعدما عاد إلى شخصيّته الأصليّة أحمد الشرع، وأصبح رئيساً لسوريا في المرحلة الانتقالية، إلى درجة تورُّط ناشطين وصحافيّين وحتّى سياسيّين كبار في التغزّل به شخصاً ورئيسَ دولة. ولم يكن الرئيس الأميركي دونالد ترامب استثناء من هذا الإعجاب، حين التقى الشرع في الرياض بحضور وليّ العهد الأمير محمّد بن سلمان الشهر الماضي.

In the past, as al-Julani, he succeeded in surviving extremely difficult situations. Throughout his adventurous life, he relied on his skill in winning over his negotiators and interlocutors. He has utilized this skill after returning to his original persona, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and becoming the transitional President of Syria, to the point that activists, journalists, and even senior politicians have become enamored with him, both personally and as a head of state. US President Donald Trump was no exception to this admiration when he met al-Sharaa in Riyadh last month in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

على الرغم من رفع الجائزة الأميركية عمّن يُرشد إليه، ثمّ رفع العقوبات عن سوريا، وبعد ذلك الحرص المستجدّ على سلامته، إلّا أنّه مطلوبٌ بشدّة من جهات محلّية ودولية متناقضة، بقصد إلغائه من المعادلة، وتفجير الفوضى العارمة في سوريا لسنوات طويلة، كي تعود البلاد نقطة الفراغ الاستراتيجي كما كانت خلال 14 سنة خلت، تلعب بها الأرياح من كلّ جانب، ويتدخّل فيها من هبّ ودبّ من الدول والميليشيات.

Is the word عَمَّنْ correct and what does it mean?

Yes, the word عَمَّنْ is a compound word in Arabic, formed by the combination of two distinct words:

• عَنْ (an): A preposition that can mean “about,” “on,” or “from.”
• مَنْ (man): A relative pronoun meaning “who,” “he who,” or “the one who.”

When combined, عَنْ and مَنْ merge to become عَمَّنْ. This is a grammatical process in Arabic known as idgham (إدغام), where the ‘n’ sound (ن) of عَنْ assimilates into the ‘m’ sound (م) of مَنْ, resulting in a doubled ‘m’ sound represented by the shaddah (شَدّة) diacritic on the م.

The meaning it carries is a combination of its constituent parts, translating to “about the one who,” “for him who,” or “on who.”

Therefore, the use of عَمَّنْ is grammatically sound and crucial for the sentence’s meaning, indicating that the prize is designated for the person who provides the information.

Despite the US dropping the reward for information leading to his capture, the subsequent lifting of sanctions on Syria, and the newfound concern for his safety, he remains a hotly sought-after figure by contradictory local and international factions. These parties aim to eliminate him from the equation and unleash widespread chaos in Syria for years to come. This would return the country to the strategic vacuum it has been for the past 14 years, at the mercy of winds from every direction and subject to the interference of all manner of states and militias.

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Vocabulary list

All the words in the above article marked in color can be found in this table with explanations.

Part 1: Analysis of a headline

The following vocabulary list covers the yellow-marked words we saw in the headlines.

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
اِنْتِهاكٌ pl: اِنْتِهاكاتٌ	violation, infringement, breach, desecration. This is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb اِنْتَهَكَ – يَنْتَهِكُ (to violate, desecrate). The word suggests tearing through a boundary or sacred limit, giving it a strong negative connotation. For example: The violation of human rights is a flagrant crime in international law (اِنْتِهاكُ حُقُوقِ الْإِنْسانِ جَرِيمَةٌ صارِخَةٌ فِي الْقانونِ الدَّوْلِيِّ). Organizations condemn the violations of personal freedoms (تُدِينُ الْمُنَظَّماتُ انْتِهاكاتِ الْحُرِّيّاتِ الشَّخْصِيَّةِ).
صارِخٌ	blatant, flagrant, glaring, “screaming”. It is the active participle (اِسْمُ الْفاعِلِ) of the I-verb صَرَخَ – يَصْرُخُ (to scream, shout). The figurative meaning comes from the idea that an act is so obvious it “screams” for attention. For example: There is a glaring contradiction between his words and his deeds (هُناكَ تَناقُضٌ صارِخٌ بَيْنَ أَقْوالِهِ وَأَفْعالِهِ). A blatant violation of the peace offers occurred (جَرَى اِنْتِهاكٌ صارِخٌ لِعُرُوضِ السِّلْمِ).
سِيادَةٌ	sovereignty, supremacy, dominion. It is a verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb سادَ – يَسُودُ (to prevail, rule over). For example: Defending national sovereignty is a priority (الدِّفاعُ عَنِ السِّيادَةِ الْوَطَنِيَّةِ أَوْلَوِيَّةٌ). The rule of law is necessary for justice (سِيادَةُ الْقانونِ ضَرُورِيَّةٌ لِلْعَدْلِ).
خَرْقٌ pl: خُرُوقٌ or خُرُوقاتٌ	breach, violation, tear. It is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb خَرَقَ – يَخْرِقُ (to pierce, break through, violate). It often carries the sense of creating a hole or rupture in something that should be solid, like a treaty. For example: The recent breach of the ceasefire led to renewed tension (أَدَّى الْخَرْقُ الْأَخِيرُ لِوَقْفِ إِطْلاقِ النّارِ إِلَى تَجَدُّدِ التَّوَتُّرِ). Nations avoid the practical breach of contracts (تَتَجَنَّبُ الدُّوَلُ الْخَرْقَ الْعَمَلِيَّ لِلْعُقُودِ).
مَبْدَأٌ pl: مَبادِئُ	principle, tenet, basis, foundation. It is a special verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ مِيمِيٌّ) from the I-verb بَدَأَ – يَبْدَأُ (to begin). Looking at the form, it could also be the noun of place (اِسْمُ الْمَكانِ). The standard verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is بَدْءٌ. For example: The negotiations are based on the principle of mutual respect (تَقُومُ الْمُفاوَضاتُ عَلَى مَبْدَأِ الِاحْتِرامِ الْمُتَبادَلِ). As a matter of principle, we must treat everyone fairly (كَمَسْأَلَةِ مَبْدَأٍ، يَجِبُ أَنْ نُعامِلَ الْجَمِيعَ بِعَدالَةٍ).
تَضافُرٌ	joining, concerted action, synergy. This is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَضافَرَ – يَتَضافَرُ (to join forces). The word is related to the verb ‘to braid’ (ضَفَرَ), giving a powerful image of different strands (efforts) being woven together. For example: Solving the crisis requires the joining of international efforts (حَلُّ الْأَزْمَةِ يَتَطَلَّبُ تَضافُرَ الْجُهُودِ الدَّوْلِيَّةِ). The project witnessed a successful synergy between the companies (شَهِدَ الْمَشْرُوعُ تَضافُرًا ناجِحًا بَيْنَ الشَّرِكاتِ).
خَفْضٌ	reduction, lowering, de-escalation. It is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb خَفَضَ – يَخْفِضُ (to lower, reduce). For example: The central bank announced a reduction in interest rates (أَعْلَنَ الْبَنْكُ الْمَرْكَزِيُّ خَفْضَ أَسْعارِ الْفائِدَةِ). The two leaders are talking about de-escalation (يَتَحَدَّثُ الْقائِدَانِ عَنْ خَفْضِ التَّصْعِيدِ).
تَصْعِيدٌ	escalation, intensification. It is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb صَعَّدَ – يُصَعِّدُ (to escalate, intensify), which is built on the basic verb صَعِدَ (to ascend). It is the direct antonym of خَفْضٌ in this context. For example: The two sides are trying to avoid a military escalation (يُحاوِلُ الْجانِبانِ تَجَنُّبَ التَّصْعِيدِ الْعَسْكَرِيِّ). The rhetoric could lead to an escalation of tensions (قَدْ يُؤَدِّي الْخِطابُ إِلَى تَصْعِيدِ التَّوَتُّراتِ).
سافِرٌ	blatant, open, unconcealed, shameless. It is the active participle (اِسْمُ الْفاعِلِ) of the I-verb سَفَرَ – يَسْفِرُ (to unveil, reveal). The idea is that the act is “unveiled” and in the open for all to see. Note: The III-verb سافَرَ – سافَرَ means to travel. For example: The government condemned it as blatant interference in its internal affairs (أَدَانَتْ الْحُكُومَةُ تَدَخُّلًا سافِرًا فِي شُؤُونِها الدّاخِلِيَّةِ). His attack was blatant and unjustified (كانَ هُجُومُهُ سافِرًا وَغَيْرَ مُبَرَّرٍ).
فاضِحٌ	scandalous, shameful, disgraceful. It is the active participle (اِسْمُ الْفاعِلِ) of the I-verb فَضَحَ – يَفْضَحُ (to expose, disgrace). This word implies not only that the act is open, but that it is also shameful in nature. For example: The investigation revealed a scandalous case of corruption (كَشَفَ التَّحْقِيقُ عَنْ قَضِيَّةِ فَسادٍ فاضِحَةٍ). He described the report as a scandalous lie (وَصَفَ التَّقْرِيرَ بِأَنَّهُ كَذِبٌ فاضِحٌ).

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Part 2: Translation of an article

Article section 1

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
خَطَرٌ pl: مَخاطِرُ (خُطُورٌ)	danger, risk, peril. The noun خَطَرٌ, the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb خَطَرَ–يَخْطُرُ (to occur to someone’s mind), functions in everyday Arabic as danger. The most common plural is مَخاطِرُ, though خُطُورٌ also appears. Note: Do not confuse with مُخاطِرٌ (adventurer, risk-taker). For example: The level of risk surrounding the new Syria is increasing. (يَزْدادُ مُسْتَوَى الْمَخاطِرِ الْمُحِيطَةِ بِسُورِيّا الْجَدِيدَةِ) Smoking poses a serious risk to your health. (يُشَكِّلُ التَّدْخِينُ خَطَرًا جَسِيمًا عَلَى صِحَّتِكَ)
تَتابُعٌ	succession, sequence. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَتابَعَ – يَتَتَابَعُ (to follow in succession). For example: The dangers are mounting with the successive eruption of contradictions. (تَتَزايَدُ الْمَخاطِرُ مَعَ تَتابُعِ تَفَجُّرِ التَّناقُضاتِ) The film is distinguished by its rapid succession of events. (يَتَمَيَّزُ الْفِيلمُ بِتَتابُعِ أَحْداثِهِ السَّرِيعِ)
تَفَجُّرٌ	outbreak, eruption (of a situation). The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَفَجَّرَ – يَتَفَجَّرُ (to erupt). Not to be confused with the deliberate act of bombing, تَفْجِيرٌ. For example: The eruption of contradictions was sudden. (كانَ تَفَجُّرُ التَّناقُضاتِ مُفاجِئًا) The region is on the verge of a full-scale war. (الْمِنْطَقَةُ عَلَى حافَّةِ تَفَجُّرِ حَرْبٍ شامِلَةٍ)
تَناقُضٌ pl: تَناقُضاتٌ	contradiction, inconsistency. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَناقَضَ – يَتَناقَضُ (to contradict). For example: There is a glaring contradiction between his words and his deeds. (هُناكَ تَناقُضٌ صارِخٌ بَيْنَ أَقْوالِهِ وَأَفْعالِهِ) His life was full of contradictions. (كانَتْ حَياتُهُ مَلِيئَةً بِالتَّناقُضاتِ)
تَفْجِيرٌ pl: تَفْجِيراتٌ	bombing, detonation. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb فَجَّرَ – يُفَجِّرُ (to detonate). This is the active, deliberate act — in contrast with تَفَجُّرٌ. For example: The terrorist bombing targeted the church. (التَّفْجِيرُ الْإِرْهابِيُّ الَّذِي طالَ الْكَنِيسَةَ) The explosion resulted from the detonation of a car bomb. (نَجَمَ الِانْفِجارُ عَنْ تَفْجِيرِ سَيّارَةٍ مُفَخَّخَةٍ)
إِرْهابِيٌّ	terrorist (adj./noun). A Nisba adjective from إِرْهابٌ, which is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَرْهَبَ – يُرْهِبُ (to terrorize). For example: A terrorist organization. (مُنَظَّمَةٌ إِرْهابِيَّةٌ) The government pledged to fight terrorist financing. (أَكَّدَتِ الْحُكُومَةُ الْتِزامَها بِمُكافَحَةِ تَمْوِيلِ الْإِرْهابِيِّينَ)
طالَ – يَطُولُ	to be long; to affect, reach. A I-verb; it is a hollow verb (ط-و-ل). In media Arabic, طالَ often means to hit/affect. For example: The bombing struck a church. (التَّفْجِيرُ طالَ كَنِيسَةً) The reforms will affect all citizens without exception. (سَتَطالُ الْإِصْلاحاتُ جَمِيعَ الْمُواطِنِينَ دُونَ اسْتِثْناءٍ)
ضاحِيَةٌ pl: ضَواحٍ	suburb, outskirts. This is a defective noun (the final ي in its plural ضَواحٍ appears only in certain grammatical cases). For example: The church is located in a suburb of Damascus. (تَقَعُ الْكَنِيسَةُ فِي ضاحِيَةٍ مِنْ ضَواحِي دِمَشْقَ) He prefers to live in the peaceful suburbs. (يُفَضِّلُ الْعَيْشَ فِي الضَّواحِي الْهادِئَةِ)
سَجَّلَ- يُسَجِّلُ	to record, register; to score; to show, post. A II-verb; its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَسْجِيلٌ. It is widely used in media Arabic for to register or to report. For example: The speed of the security forces registered as a a positive indicator. (سُرْعَةُ قُوّاتِ الْأَمْنِ تُسَجِّلُ مُؤَشِّرًا إِيجابِيًّا) The thermometer recorded forty degrees Celsius. (سَجَّلَ مِقْياسُ الْحَرارَةِ أَرْبَعِينَ دَرَجَةً مِئَوِيَّةً)
خَلِيَّةٌ pl: خَلايا	cell (biological or organizational). In security contexts, it usually means a terrorist/spying cell. For example: The terrorist cell involved in the incident. (الْخَلِيَّةُ الْإِرْهابِيَّةُ الْمُتَوَرِّطَةُ فِي الْحادِثِ) Security forces succeeded in dismantling the cell. (نَجَحَتْ قُوّاتُ الْأَمْنِ فِي تَفْكِيكِ الْخَلِيَّةِ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مُتَوَرِّطٌ	involved, implicated, entangled (in something negative). This is the active participle (اِسْم فاعِلٍ) of the V-verb تَوَرَّطَ – يَتَوَرَّطُ (to get involved/entangled in). Root: و-ر-ط. For example: The terrorist cell involved in the attack was arrested. (أُلْقِيَ الْقَبْضُ عَلَى الْخَلِيَّةِ الْإِرْهابِيَّةِ الْمُتَوَرِّطَةِ فِي الْهُجُومِ) He denied being implicated in the case. (نَفَى أَنْ يَكُونَ مُتَوَرِّطًا فِي الْقَضِيَّةِ.)
زَوالٌ	disappearance, cessation, demise, decline. This is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb زالَ – يَزُولُ (to disappear, cease to exist). For example: This does not mean that the danger has disappeared. (لَا يَعْنِي ذٰلِكَ زَوالَ الْخَطَرِ) The demise of the former regime was a pivotal moment. (كانَ زَوالُ النِّظامِ السّابِقِ لَحْظَةً مِحْوَرِيَّةً)
لِسانُ حالٍ	spokesperson, mouthpiece, embodiment of, the very expression of. This is a common (construct) phrase. It describes someone or something that perfectly represents or speaks for a particular group, idea, or state of affairs. For example: The newspaper became the mouthpiece of the opposition. (أَصْبَحَتْ الصَّحِيفَةُ لِسانَ حالِ الْمُعارَضَةِ) His calm demeanor was the embodiment of his confidence. (كانَ هُدُوؤُهُ لِسانَ حالِ ثِقَتِهِ)
بادَرَ – يُبادِرُ	to initiate, start, take the initiative. A III-verb, often followed by the prepositions إِلَى or بِـ. Its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is مُبادَرَةٌ (initiative), a very common word in politics and business. For example: He initiates economic deals for his country. (يُبادِرُ إِلَى عَقْدِ صَفَقاتٍ اقْتِصادِيَّةٍ لِبِلادِهِ) She took the initiative to solve the problem. (بادَرَتْ إِلَى حَلِّ الْمُشْكِلَةِ)
رائِدٌ pl: رُوّادٌ	pioneer, leader, scout; major (military rank). This is the active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb رادَ – يَرُودُ (to pioneer, explore). A common modern usage is in the term رائِدُ أَعْمالٍ (entrepreneur). For example: He is considered a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence. (يُعْتَبَرُ رائِدًا فِي مَجالِ الذَّكَاءِ الاصطِناعِيِّ) The conference attracted the industry’s pioneers from around the world. (جَذَبَ الْمُؤْتَمَرُ رُوّادَ الصِّناعَةِ مِنْ مُخْتَلِفِ أَنْحاءِ الْعالَمِ)
خَبِيرٌ pl: خُبَراءُ	expert, specialist. Quasi participle (صِفَةٌ مُشتَقَّة), related to the noun خِبْرَة (experience). For example: He acts like a seasoned economist. (يَعْمَلُ كَأَنَّهُ خَبِيرٌ اقْتِصادِيٌّ مُخَضْرَمٌ) According to security experts, the threat still exists. (وَفْقًا لِخُبَراءَ أَمْنِيِّينَ، لَا يَزالُ التَّهْدِيدُ قائِمًا)
اطْمِئْنانٌ	reassurance, tranquility, peace of mind, confidence. This is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the quadriliteral verb اطْمَأَنَّ – يَطْمَئِنُّ (to be reassured, be calm). The root is quadriliteral (4 letters) and contains a Hamza. Root: ط-م-أ-ن. For example: He walks with peace and reassurance among the people. (يَمْشِي بِسَلامٍ وَاطْمِئْنانٍ بَيْنَ النّاسِ) The leader’s statement brought reassurance to the citizens. (جَلَبَ تَصْرِيحُ الْقائِدِ الِاطْمِئْنانَ لِلْمُواطِنِينَ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
حِيادِيٌّ	neutral, impartial, unbiased. A Nisba adjective (نِسْبَةٌ) derived from the noun حِيادٌ (neutrality), which is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb حايَدَ – يُحايِدُ (to stay away; to be neutral). Root: ح-ي-د. For example: The committee must remain completely neutral. (يَجِبُ أَنْ تَبْقَى اللَّجْنَةُ حِيادِيَّةً تَمامًا)
ازْدِيادٌ	increase, growth, rise. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb ازْدادَ – يَزْدادُ (to increase, grow). The root is a hollow verb (ز-ي-د). Note the assimilation of the form’s تَ to دَ after the letter ز. For example: Despite the increasing risks to his life. (وَعَلَى الرَّغْمِ مِنَ ازْدِيادِ الْمَخاطِرِ عَلَى حَياتِهِ) We are witnessing a significant increase in prices. (نَشْهَدُ ازْدِيادًا مَلْحُوظًا فِي الْأَسْعارِ)
تَساهُلٌ	leniency, indulgence, tolerance, laxity. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَساهَلَ – يَتَساهَلُ (to be lenient, indulgent). For example: Popular anger is rising over the leniency shown towards the men of the former regime. (يَتَصاعَدُ غَضَبٌ شَعْبِيٌّ بِسَبَبِ التَّساهُلِ مَعَ رِجالِ النِّظامِ السّابِقِ) There is no room for leniency in applying the law. (لَا مَجالَ لِلتَّساهُلِ فِي تَطْبِيقِ الْقانونِ)
مَشْهَدٌ pl: مَشاهِدُ	scene, sight, view; (political/social) landscape, arena. This is the noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ) from the I-verb شَهِدَ-يَشْهَدُ (to witness, see). For example: The return of the terrorist organization ISIS to the Syrian scene. (عَوْدَةُ تَنْظِيمِ «داعِش» الْإِرْهابِيِّ إِلَى الْمَشْهَدِ السُّورِيِّ) The political scene has become more complex. (أَصْبَحَ الْمَشْهَدُ السِّياسِيُّ أَكْثَرَ تَعْقِيدًا)
ساخِطٌ	disgruntled, discontented, indignant, resentful. This is the active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb سَخِطَ – يَسْخَطُ (to be displeased/angry with). It is often followed by the preposition عَلَى. For example: His disgruntled comrades. (رِفاقُهُ الساخِطُونَ عَلَيْهِ) The citizens are discontented with the government’s performance. (الْمُواطِنُونَ ساخِطُونَ عَلَى أَداءِ الْحُكُومَةِ)
سَراحٌ	release, setting free. It is the noun of the action (اٍسْمُ الْمَصْدَرِ) of the II-verbverb سَرَّحَ – يُسَرِّحُ (to release, discharge). It is almost exclusively used in the common idiom أَطْلَقَ سَراحَهُ (to release him / set him free). For example: The release of nearly 90 men from prison. (إِطْلاقُ سَراحِ ما يَقْرُبُ مِنْ تِسْعِينَ رَجُلًا مِنَ السُّجُونِ) The authorities decided to release the prisoners. (قَرَّرَتْ السُّلُطاتُ إِطْلاقَ سَراحِ السُّجَناءِ)
ما يَقْرُبُ مِنْ	approximately, nearly, around, close to. A fixed phrase composed of the relative pronoun ما and the I-verb يَقْرُبُ (from قَرُبَ–يَقْرُبُ, to be near), followed by the preposition مِنْ. For example: The release of nearly 90 men. (إِطْلاقُ سَراحِ ما يَقْرُبُ مِنْ تِسْعِينَ رَجُلًا) The project will cost approximately one million dollars. (سَيُكَلِّفُ الْمَشْرُوعُ ما يَقْرُبُ مِنْ مِلْيُونِ دُولارٍ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
رَدْعٌ	deterrence, prevention, restraint. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb رَدَعَ – يَرْدَعُ (to deter, prevent, restrain). For example: The operation was named “Deterrence of Aggression.” (أُطْلِقَ عَلَى الْعَمَلِيَّةِ اسْمُ رَدْعُ الْعُدْوانِ) The army affirmed its deterrence capabilities to protect the nation’s borders. (أَكَّدَ الْجَيْشُ قُدُراتِ الرَّدْعِ لَدَيْهِ لِحِمايَةِ حُدُودِ الْوَطَنِ)
شَبِّيحَةٌ	Shabbiha (singular: شَبِّيحٌ). A specific term for pro-Assad regime paramilitaries or thugs in Syria. The word is popularly derived from شَبَح (ghost), possibly referring to their shadowy operations or the Mercedes S600 cars (nicknamed a “Shabah”) they often drove. For example: Some Shabbiha revealed information in exchange for their release. (كَشَفَ بَعْضُ الشَّبِّيحَةِ مَعْلُوماتٍ مُقابِلَ إِطْلاقِ سَراحِهِمْ) Human rights reports documented crimes committed by the Shabbiha. (وَثَّقَتْ تَقارِيرُ حُقُوقِ الْإِنْسانِ جَرائِمَ ارْتَكَبَها الشَّبِّيحَةُ)
أَقَلِّيَّةٌ pl: أَقَلِّيّاتٌ	minority. A Nisba adjective (نِسْبَةٌ) from أَقَلّ (less, fewer), which is the elative form of قَلِيلٌ (few). Its antonym is أَكْثَرِيَّةٌ or أَغْلَبِيَّةٌ (majority). The root is doubled. Root: ق-ل-ل. For example: Most of the minorities are angry with him. (أَغْلَبُ الْأَقَلِّيّاتِ غاضِبُونَ مِنْهُ) Protecting the rights of minorities is a democratic principle. (حِمايَةُ حُقُوقِ الْأَقَلِّيّاتِ مَبْدَأٌ دِيمُقْراطِيٌّ)
أَفْقَدَ – يُفْقِدُ	to make someone lose (something), to deprive of. A IV-verb; it is the causative form of the I-verb فَقَدَ – يَفْقِدُ (to lose). Its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِفْقادٌ. For example: He has deprived them of their privileges. (قَدْ أَفْقَدَهُمُ امْتِيازاتِهِمْ) The long war made them lose hope. (أَفْقَدَتْهُمُ الْحَرْبُ الطَّوِيلَةُ الْأَمَلَ)
امْتِيازٌ pl: امْتِيازاتٌ	privilege, concession, distinction, franchise. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb امْتازَ – يَمْتازُ (to be distinguished). Root: م-ي-ز. For example: He deprived them of their privileges. (أَفْقَدَهُمُ امْتِيازاتِهِمْ) The company obtained an exclusive concession for oil exploration. (حَصَلَتِ الشَّرِكَةُ عَلَى امْتِيازٍ حَصْرِيٍّ لِلتَّنْقِيبِ عَنِ النَّفْطِ)

Article Section 2

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
تَيّارٌ pl: تَيّاراتٌ	current, stream, flow (of water, electricity); trend, movement (political, ideological). A noun on the فَعّال pattern, often used to describe influential political or ideological movements within a larger group. For example: The Islamic current, including the jihadist one. (التَّيَّارُ الْإِسْلامِيُّ بِمَا فِيهِ الْجِهادِيُّ) He is considered a prominent figure in the liberal movement. (يُعْتَبَرُ شَخْصِيَّةً بارِزَةً فِي التَّيَّارِ اللِّيبْرالِيِّ)
ضِمْنٌ	inside, interior. Note: ضِمْنَ – within, among, as part of, included in. An adverb of place (ظَرْفُ مَكانٍ) that functions like a preposition and governs the genitive case. It indicates that something is contained or included within a larger set or context. For example: His decisions include unacceptable tolerance. (تَتَضَمَّنُ قَرَارَاتُهُ، ضِمْنَ ما تَتَضَمَّنُهُ، تَسامُحًا غَيْرَ مَقْبُولٍ) The results will be announced within a week. (سَيُعْلَنُ عَنِ النَّتائِجِ ضِمْنَ أُسْبُوعٍ)
تَفَرَّجَ – يَتَفَرَّجُ عَلَى	to watch, look at, view (as a spectator). A V-verb, whose verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَفَرُّجٌ. It almost always requires the preposition عَلَى and implies watching something for interest or entertainment, often from a distance. For example: The movement watches his decisions with astonishment. (يَتَفَرَّجُ التَّيَّارُ عَلَى قَرَارَاتِهِ بِدَهْشَةٍ) Thousands gathered to watch the final match. (تَجَمَّعَ الْآلافُ لِيَتَفَرَّجُوا عَلَى الْمُباراةِ النِّهائِيَّةِ)
مَشْدوهٌ	astonished, dumbfounded, amazed, stunned. The passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the I-verb شَدَهَ – يَشْدَهُ (to astonish, amaze). For example: He watched, astonished, at the unfolding events. (كانَ يُراقِبُ الْأَحْداثَ الْمُتَصاعِدَةَ وَهُوَ مَشْدوهٌ) The audience was dumbfounded by the magical performance. (كانَ الْجُمْهُورُ مَشْدوهًا بِالْعَرْضِ السِّحْرِيِّ)
تَسامُحٌ	tolerance, forgiveness, indulgence. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَسامَحَ – يَتَسامَحُ (to be tolerant/forgiving with one another). For example: Decisions which include unacceptable tolerance. (قَراراتٌ تَتَضَمَّنُ تَسامُحًا غَيْرَ مَقْبُولٍ) Religious tolerance is a foundation of peaceful coexistence. (التَّسامُحُ الدِّينِيُّ أَساسُ التَّعايُشِ السِّلْمِيِّ)
سَرَّعَ – يُسَرِّعُ	to accelerate, speed up, hasten. A II-verb; it is the causative form of the I-verb سَرُعَ – يَسْرُعُ (to be fast). Its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَسْرِيعٌ. For example: He is accelerating steps toward a security understanding. (يُسَرِّعُ الْخُطَى نَحْوَ تَفاهُمٍ أَمْنِيٍّ) The government announced a plan to accelerate economic growth. (أَعْلَنَتِ الْحُكُومَةُ خُطَّةً لِتَسْرِيعِ النُّمُوِّ الِاقْتِصادِيِّ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
خُطْوَةٌ pl: خُطًى or خُطُواتٌ	step, pace. A noun whose broken plural, خُطًى, is very common. The phrase يُسَرِّعُ الْخُطَى (he accelerates the steps) is a common idiom meaning “to hasten” or “rush towards” something. This is a defective noun. For example: He is accelerating steps toward a security understanding. (يُسَرِّعُ الْخُطَى نَحْوَ تَفاهُمٍ أَمْنِيٍّ) The government is taking important steps to reform the economy. (تَتَّخِذُ الْحُكُومَةُ خُطُواتٍ مُهِمَّةً لِإِصْلاحِ الِاقْتِصادِ)
مُعاهَدَةٌ pl: مُعاهَداتٌ	treaty, pact, accord. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb عاهَدَ – يُعاهِدُ (to make a pact with, pledge). For example: Paving the way for a peace treaty with it. (تَمْهِيدًا لِعَقْدِ مُعاهَدَةِ سَلامٍ مَعَها) The two countries are about to sign a historic treaty. (الْبَلَdanِ بِصَدَدِ تَوْقِيعِ مُعاهَدَةٍ تارِيخِيَّةٍ)
ضَوْئِيٌّ	optical, related to light, photo-. A Nisba adjective (نِسْبَةٌ) derived from the noun ضَوْءٌ (light). It appears in the text in the common idiom بِسُرْعَةِ الضَّوْءِ (at the speed of light). The root has both a weak letter and a hamza. Root: ض-و-ء. For example: He moved at the speed of light. (تَحَرَّكَ بِسُرْعَةِ الضَّوْءِ) Optical fibers are used for high-speed internet connections. (تُسْتَخْدَمُ الْأَلْيافُ الضَّوْئِيَّةُ لِاتِّصالاتِ الْإِنْتَرْنِت فائِقَةِ السُّرْعَةِ)
لائِحَةٌ pl: لائِحاتٌ or لَوائِحُ	list, roster, schedule; regulation, bylaw. For example: He was wanted for death on terrorism lists. (كانَ مَطْلُوبًا لِلْمَوْتِ عَلَى لائِحَاتِ الْإِرْهابِ) The government issued a new set of regulations for companies. (أَصْدَرَتْ الْحُكُومَةُ لائِحَةً جَدِيدَةً لِلشَّرِكاتِ)
مُعْتَدِلٌ	moderate, temperate, mild. The active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the VIII-verb اعْتَدَلَ – يَعْتَدِلُ (to be moderate, balanced). For example: He transformed from a jihadist to a moderate president. (تَحَوَّلَ مِنْ جِهادِيٍّ إِلَى رَئِيسٍ مُعْتَدِلٍ) He is known for his moderate political views. (يُعْرَفُ بِآرائِهِ السِّياسِيَّةِ الْمُعْتَدِلَةِ)
تَطابَقَ – يَتَطابَقُ	to coincide, correspond, match, be identical. A VI-verb whose verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَطابُقٌ. It is often used with the preposition مَعَ. For example: A moderate president whose interests coincide with those of the United States. (رَئِيسٌ مُعْتَدِلٌ تَتَطابَقُ مَصالِحُهُ مَعَ مَصالِحِ الْوِلاياتِ الْمُتَّحِدَةِ) His testimony does not match the available evidence. (شَهادَتُهُ لَا تَتَطابَقُ مَعَ الْأَدِلَّةِ الْمُتاحَةِ)
مُتَحَمِّسٌ	enthusiastic, eager, zealous. The active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the V-verb تَحَمَّسَ–يَتَحَمَّسُ (to be enthusiastic). It is often used with the prepositions لِـ or بِـ. For example: He is very enthusiastic about the new project. (هُوَ مُتَحَمِّسٌ جِدًّا لِلْمَشْرُوعِ الْجَدِيدِ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
قَلِقٌ عَلَى	worried about, concerned about, anxious about. It always requires the preposition عَلَى to specify the object of concern. For example: The mother is worried about her sick child. (الْأُمُّ قَلِقَةٌ عَلَى طِفْلِهَا الْمَرِيضِ)
رَفِيقٌ pl: رِفاقٌ / رُفَقاءُ	companion, associate, fellow. In political contexts, it often translates to “comrade”. For example: He traveled with his lifelong companion. (سافَرَ مَعَ رَفِيقِ عُمْرِهِ)
إِجْهاضٌ	abortion (medical); thwarting, foiling, causing to fail (figurative). The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَجْهَضَ – يُجْهِضُ (to have an abortion; to foil). The figurative meaning of “thwarting” a plan or attempt is very common in political and security contexts. For example: The police foiled the smuggling operation. (أَجْهَضَتْ الشُّرْطَةُ عَمَلِيَّةَ التَّهْرِيبِ)
فِي أَثْناءِ ذَلِكَ	in the meantime, meanwhile. A fixed adverbial phrase. For example: In the meantime, he does not stop sending positive messages. (فِي أَثْناءِ ذٰلِكَ، لَا يَتَوَقَّفُ عَنْ تَوْجِيهِ رَسائِلَ إِيجابِيَّةٍ) He was studying for his exams. Meanwhile, his friends were planning a party. (كانَ يَدْرُسُ لِامْتِحاناتِهِ، وَفِي أَثْناءِ ذَلِكَ، كانَ أَصْدِقاؤُهُ يُخَطِّطُونَ لِحَفْلَةٍ)
إِيجابِيٌّ	positive. A Nisba adjective (نِسْبَةٌ) from the noun إِيجابٌ (positivity, affirmation), which comes from the IV-verb أَوْجَبَ (to make necessary). Its antonym is سَلْبِيٌّ (negative). For example: Sending positive messages. (تَوْجِيهُ رَسائِلَ إِيجابِيَّةٍ) We must maintain a positive outlook. (يَجِبُ أَنْ نُحافِظَ عَلَى نَظْرَةٍ إِيجابِيَّةٍ)
مُتَضارِبٌ	conflicting, contradictory, inconsistent. The active participle (اِسْمُ الْفاعِلِ) of the VI-verb تَضارَبَ – يَتَضارَبُ (to conflict, clash, contradict one another). For example: The witnesses gave conflicting testimonies. (قَدَّمَ الشُّهُودُ شَهاداتٍ مُتَضارِبَةً)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
عَلَى وَجْهِ	in a… manner/way. A prepositional phrase that combines with a noun to form an adverbial expression. It is very common in phrases like عَلَى وَجْهِ الدِّقَّةِ or عَلَى وَجْهِ التَّحْدِيدِ (specifically, precisely). For example: It is not known for sure (literally: with a face of precision). (لَيْسَ مَعْرُوفًا عَلَى وَجْهِ الدِّقَّةِ) He described the situation in a precise manner. (وَصَفَ الْوَضْعَ عَلَى وَجْهٍ دَقِيقٍ.)
دِقَّةٌ	precision, accuracy, exactness. A noun, and the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb دَقَّ – يَدِقُ (to crush; to be precise). For example: He is known for his precision in his work. (يُعْرَفُ بِدِقَّتِهِ فِي عَمَلِهِ) The report was praised for its analytical accuracy. (لَقِيَ التَّقْرِيرُ ثَناءً لِدِقَّتِهِ التَّحْلِيلِيَّةِ)
أَنْشَأَ–يُنْشِئُ	to establish, create, set up, found. A IV-verb, its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِنْشاءٌ. The root contains a hamza. Root: ن-ش-أ. For example: Will Turkey establish military bases in Syria? (هَلْ سَتُنْشِئُ تُرْكِيا قَواعِدَ عَسْكَرِيَّةً فِي سُورِيّا؟) The organization was founded to help refugees. (أُنْشِئَتْ الْمُنَظَّمَةُ لِمُساعَدَةِ اللّاجِئِينَ)
أَخْلَى–يُخْلِي	to evacuate, vacate, empty. A IV-verb, its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِخْلاءٌ. The root is a defective verb. Root: خ-ل-و. For example: Will Russia evacuate its last positions? (هَلْ سَتُخْلِي رُوسْيا آخِرَ مَواقِعِها؟) The authorities ordered the evacuation of the building due to the fire. (أَمَرَتْ السُّلُطاتُ بِإِخْلاءِ الْمَبْنَى بِسَبَبِ الْحَرِيقِ)
مَوْطِئٌ pl: مَواطِئُ	foothold, footing, place where a foot treads. This is the noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ) from the I-verb وَطِئَ – يَطَأُ (to tread, step on). It is most famously used in the idiom مَوْطِئُ قَدَمٍ (a foothold). For example: The company is trying to find a foothold in the Asian market. (تُحاوِلُ الشَّرِكَةُ إِيجادَ مَوْطِئِ قَدَمٍ لَها فِي السُّوقِ الْآسْيَوِيَّةِ)

Article Section 3

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مَصِيرٌ pl: مَصائِرُ	fate, destiny, outcome. The noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ) from the I-verb صارَ – يَصِيرُ (to become, arrive). It signifies the “place one ends up.” For example: The fate of communications with Israel? (مَصيرُ الاتِّصالاتِ مَعَ إِسْرائِيلَ؟) The fate of the missing soldiers remains unknown. (لَا يَزالُ مَصِيرُ الْجُنُودِ الْمَفْقُودِينَ مَجْهُولًا)
تَنَبُّؤٌ pl: تَنَبُّؤاتٌ	prediction, forecast, prophecy. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَنَبَّأَ – يَتَنَبَّأُ (to predict, prophesy). The root contains a hamza. Root: ن-ب-أ. For example: It is impossible to predict the success of communications. (يَسْتَحِيلُ التَّنَبُّؤُ بِنَجاحِ الِاتِّصالاتِ) The weather forecast indicates rain tomorrow. (يُشِيرُ التَّنَبُّؤُ بِالطَّقْسِ إِلَى سُقُوطِ أَمْطارٍ غَدًا)
مُقَرَّبٌ	close, close associate, intimate, crony. The passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the II-verb قَرَّبَ – يُقَرِّبُ (to bring close). It means “one who has been brought close” to a person of power or influence. For example: Communications with those close to the Israeli government. (اتِّصالاتٌ مَعَ مُقَرَّبِينَ مِنَ الْحُكُومَةِ الْإِسْرائِيلِيَّةِ) The journalist cited sources close to the president. (اسْتَشْهَدَ الصُّحُفِيُّ بِمَصادِرَ مُقَرَّبَةٍ مِنَ الرَّئِيسِ)
قِسٌّ pl: قُسُوسٌ or قُسُسٌ	priest, pastor, presbyter (Christian). A noun for a Christian cleric. The plural قُسُوسٌ is more common. For example: The latest of these meetings was with Pastor Johnny Moore. (آخِرُ هَذِهِ الِاجْتِماعاتِ كانَتْ مَعَ الْقِسِّ جونِي مُور) The priest delivered a sermon on Sunday morning. (أَلْقَى الْقِسُّ عِظَةً صَباحَ يَوْمِ الْأَحَدِ)
مُؤَيِّدٌ	supporter, proponent, advocate. The active participle (اِسْمُ الْفاعِلِ) of the II-verb أَيَّدَ – يُؤَيِّدُ (to support, endorse). For example: An enthusiastic supporter of Israel. (مُؤَيِّدٌ مُتَحَمِّسٌ لِإِسْرائِيلَ) Thousands of the candidate’s supporters gathered in the square. (تَجَمَّعَ آلافٌ مِنْ مُؤَيِّدِي الْمُرَشَّحِ فِي السّاحَةِ)
تَنْفِيذِيٌّ	executive, administrative. A Nisba adjective (نِسْبَةٌ) from the noun تَنْفِيذٌ (implementation, execution), which is the verbal noun of the II-verb نَفَّذَ – يُنَفِّذُ (to implement, carry out). It is very common in the title الرَّئِيسُ التَّنْفِيذِيُّ (CEO, Chief Executive Officer). For example: He is also the CEO of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. (وَهُوَ أَيْضًا الرَّئِيسُ التَّنْفِيذِيُّ لِمُؤَسَّسَةِ غَزَّة لِلْمُساعَداتِ الْإِنْسانِيَّةِ) The executive branch of government is responsible for implementing laws. (السُّلْطَةُ التَّنْفِيذِيَّةُ فِي الْحُكُومَةِ مَسْؤُولَةٌ عَنْ تَنْفِيذِ الْقَوانِينِ)
مُكَلَّفٌ بِـ	in charge of, tasked with, assigned to, commissioned with. The passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the II-verb كَلَّفَ – يُكَلِّفُ (to assign, entrust with), requiring the preposition بِـ. Watch out: Do not confuse with مُكَلِّفٌ (costly, expensive), which is the active participle. For example: Tasked by the United States with distributing aid. (مُكَلَّفَةٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ الْوِلاياتِ الْمُتَّحِدَةِ بِتَوْزِيعِ الْمُساعَداتِ) The engineer is in charge of overseeing the project. (الْمُهَنْدِسُ مُكَلَّفٌ بِالْإِشْرافِ عَلَى الْمَشْرُوعِ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
حاخامٌ pl: حاخاماتٌ	rabbi (Jewish scholar or teacher). This noun is a loanword from the Hebrew word חָכָם (hakham), which means wise man or sage. In Sephardic tradition especially, it came to be the standard term for a rabbi. For example: With Moore was the Jewish Rabbi Abraham Cooper. (وَمَعَ مُور كانَ الْحاخامُ الْيَهُودِيُّ أَبْراهام كُوبَر) The chief rabbi delivered a speech at the conference. (أَلْقَى الْحاخامُ الْأَكْبَرُ كَلِمَةً فِي الْمُؤْتَمَرِ)
تَرْوِيجٌ	promotion, propagation, circulation (of ideas, goods, etc.). The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb رَوَّجَ – يُرَوِّجُ (to promote, circulate). For example: Moore played a role in promoting the Abraham Accords. (لَعِبَ مُور دَوْرًا فِي التَّرْوِيجِ لِاتِّفاقِياتِ أَبْراهام) The company launched a major promotion campaign for its new product. (أَطْلَقَتْ الشَّرِكَةُ حَمْلَةَ تَرْوِيجٍ كَبِيرَةً لِمُنْتَجِها الْجَدِيدِ)
اسْتِجابَةٌ pl: اسْتِجاباتٌ	response, answer, compliance. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the X-verb اسْتَجابَ–يَسْتَجِيبُ (to respond, answer, comply with). This is a hollow verb. Root: ج-و-ب. For example: The Israeli response was not long in coming. (لَمْ تَتَأَخَّرْ الِاسْتِجابَةُ الْإِسْرائِيلِيَّةُ) The government’s response to the crisis was swift and effective. (كانَتْ اسْتِجابَةُ الْحُكُومَةِ لِلْأَزْمَةِ سَرِيعَةً وَفَعّالَةً)
مَطافٌ	a place of circling, a circuit; a final destination or end. This is the noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ) from the I-verb طافَ – يَطُوفُ (to circle, circumambulate). It is most often used in the very common idiom فِي نِهايَةِ الْمَطافِ (at the end of the day, in the end, ultimately). For example: Ultimately, this is a sharp shift in the Israeli position. (وَفِي نِهايَةِ الْمَطافِ، فَهَذَا تَحَوُّلٌ حادٌّ فِي الْمَوْقِفِ الْإِسْرائِيلِيِّ) In the end, what truly matters is family. (فِي نِهايَةِ الْمَطافِ، ما يَهُمُّ حَقًّا هُوَ الْأُسْرَةُ)
قُبَيْلَ	just before, shortly before. An adverb of time (ظَرْفُ زَمانٍ). It is the diminutive form (صِيغَةُ التَّصْغِيرِ) of the preposition قَبْلَ (before), adding the meaning of a little or shortly. For example: He arrived shortly before the meeting began. (وَصَلَ قُبَيْلَ بَدْءِ الِاجْتِماعِ)
تَضْلِيلٌ	misinformation, disinformation, deception, misleading. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb ضَلَّلَ – يُضَلِّلُ (to mislead, deceive). The root is doubled. Root: ض-ل-ل. For example: This may be part of Israel’s disinformation campaign. (قَدْ يَكُونُ ذَلِكَ جُزْءًا مِنْ حَمْلَةِ التَّضْلِيلِ الْإِسْرائِيلِيَّةِ) The media was accused of spreading misinformation and misleading public opinion. (اتُّهِمَتْ وَسائِلُ الْإِعْلامِ بِنَشْرِ التَّضْلِيلِ وَتَضْلِيلِ الرَّأْيِ الْعامِّ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
إِيحَاءٌ pl: إِيحَاءاتٌ	suggestion, insinuation, hint, impression. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَوْحَى – يُوحِي (to suggest; to inspire). For example: His words carried a hint of a threat. (حَمَلَتْ كَلِماتُهُ إِيحَاءً بِالتَّهْدِيدِ)
بِصَدَدِ	in the process of, about to; regarding, concerning. A prepositional phrase (بِـ + صَدَد). The noun صَدَد means vicinity or respect. For example: The government is in the process of issuing new laws. (الْحُكُومَةُ بِصَدَدِ إِصْدارِ قَوانِينَ جَدِيدَةٍ)
دَوْلَةٌ حاجِزَةٌ	buffer state. A descriptive phrase, combining دَوْلَة (state) with حاجِزَة (blocking, partitioning), which is the feminine active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb حَجَزَ (to block, reserve). For example: A neutral country often serves as a buffer state between two rival powers. (غالِبًا ما تَكُونُ الدَّوْلَةُ الْمُحايِدَةُ بِمَثابَةِ دَوْلَةٍ حاجِزَةٍ بَيْنَ الْقُوَّتَيْنِ الْمُتَنافِسَتَيْنِ)
أَوْحَى – يُوحِي	to suggest, hint, give the impression; to inspire, reveal (divinely). A IV-verb, its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِيحَاءٌ. For example: His silence suggested that he agreed. (أَوْحَى صَمْتُهُ بِأَنَّهُ مُوافِقٌ)
سَعْيٌ	striving, pursuit, endeavor, effort. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb سَعَى – يَسْعَى (to strive, endeavor). The root is a defective verb. Root: س-ع-ي. For example: Al-Sharaa’s pursuit of an understanding with Netanyahu. (سَعْيُ الشَّرْعِ إِلَى تَفاهُمٍ مَعَ نَتَنْياهُو) His pursuit of knowledge is admirable. (سَعْيُهُ وَراءَ الْمَعْرِفَةِ جَدِيرٌ بِالتَّقْدِيرِ)
لَا سِيَّما	especially, particularly, notably. A fixed idiomatic expression. It can be followed by a noun in various cases or by a full sentence, depending on the precise construction. For example: I like all fruits, especially apples. (أُحِبُّ كُلَّ الْفَواكِهِ، وَلَا سِيَّما التُّفّاحَ)
مُنْتَسِبٌ	affiliated, associated, member of. The active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the VIII-verb انْتَسَبَ – يَنْتَسِبُ (to be affiliated with, belong to), which is usually followed by the preposition إِلَى. For example: He is a member of a well-known political party. (هُوَ مُنْتَسِبٌ إِلَى حِزْبٍ سِياسِيٍّ مَعْرُوفٍ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
عِلاوَةً عَلَى ذَلِكَ	moreover, furthermore, in addition to that, besides that. A fixed adverbial phrase. The noun عِلاوَةٌ means “bonus” or “addition” and is used here in the accusative case as an adverbial. For example: The hotel offers free breakfast. Moreover, the rooms have a beautiful view. (يُقَدِّمُ الْفُنْدُقُ فَطُورًا مَجّانِيًّا، وَعِلاوَةً عَلَى ذَلِكَ، تَطُلُّ الْغُرَفُ عَلَى مَنْظَرٍ جَمِيلٍ)
نِقْمَةٌ	resentment, indignation, vengeance, wrath. A noun whose common antonym is نِعْمَةٌ (blessing, grace). For example: The policy led to widespread resentment among the people. (أَدَّتْ السِّياسَةُ إِلَى نِقْمَةٍ واسِعَةِ النِّطاقِ بَيْنَ الشَّعْبِ) His arrogance turned the people’s love into resentment against him. (حَوَّلَ غُرُورُهُ حُبَّ النّاسِ إِلَى نِقْمَةٍ عَلَيْهِ)
مُتَنامٍ	growing, increasing, rising. The active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the VI-verb تَنامَى–يَتَنامَى (to grow, increase). It is a defective noun (اِسْمٌ مَنْقُوصٌ), whose final ي is often dropped when indefinite. The definite form is الْمُتَنامِي. Root: ن-م-و. For example: The country faces a growing threat from extremism. (تُواجهُ الْبِلادُ تَهْدِيدًا مُتَنامِيًا مِنَ التَّطَرُّفِ)

Article Section 4

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مُضِيٌّ فِي	moving forward with, proceeding with, continuing with. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb مَضَى – يَمْضِي (to go on, proceed), which requires the preposition فِي. Root: م-ض-ي. For example: The government decided to proceed with the economic reforms. (قَرَّرَتْ الْحُكُومَةُ الْمُضِيَّ فِي الْإِصْلاحاتِ الِاقْتِصادِيَّةِ)
مُحاكَمَةٌ pl: مُحاكَماتٌ	trial, tribunal, prosecution. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb حاكَمَ – يُحاكِمُ (to try, put on trial). For example: Trying hundreds of thousands of suspects. (مُحاكَمَةُ مِئاتِ الْآلافِ مِنَ الْمُشْتَبَهِ فِيهِمْ) The trial of the former official will begin next month. (سَتَبْدَأُ مُحاكَمَةُ الْمَسْؤُولِ السّابِقِ الشَّهْرَ الْمُقْبِلَ)
مُشْتَبَهٌ فِيهِ خق بِهِ	suspect, suspected. A phrase built around the passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) مُشْتَبَهٌ from the VIII-verb اشْتَبَهَ–يَشْتَبِهُ (to suspect). It requires a preposition, usually فِي or بِـ. For example: Hundreds of thousands of suspects. (مِئاتُ الْآلافِ مِنَ الْمُشْتَبَهِ فِيهِمْ) The police arrested a suspect in the robbery case. (أَلْقَتِ الشُّرْطَةُ الْقَبْضَ عَلَى مُشْتَبَهٍ بِهِ فِي قَضِيَّةِ السَّرِقَةِ)
أَغْرَقَ – يُغْرِقُ	to drown, flood, plunge, immerse. A IV-verb; it is the causative form of the I-verb غَرِقَ– – يَغْرَقُ (to drown, sink). Its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِغْراقٌ. For example: The heavy rains flooded the city streets. (أَغْرَقَتْ الْأَمْطارُ الْغَزِيرَةُ شَوارِعَ الْمَدِينَةِ)
طَوِيلُ الْأَمَدِ	long-term. A descriptive (construct) phrase, literally meaning long of term. The noun أَمَد means term, period, duration. Its antonym is قَصِيرُ الْأَمَدِ (short-term). For example: The company is focused on its long-term strategy for growth. (تُرَكِّزُ الشَّرِكَةُ عَلَى اسْتراتِيجِيَّتِها طَوِيلَةِ الْأَمَدِ لِلنُّمُوِّ)
نَبْشٌ	digging up, exhuming, unearthing. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb نَبَشَ – يَنْبُشُ (to dig up, exhume). For example: Unearthing mass graves. (نَبْشُ الْمَقابِرِ الْجَماعِيَّةِ) Digging up the past will only cause more pain. (نَبْشُ الْماضِي لَنْ يُسَبِّبَ إِلّا مَزِيدًا مِنَ الْأَلَمِ)
فَحْصٌ pl: فُحُوصٌ	examination, check, test (medical, technical). The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb فَحَصَ–يَفْحَصُ (to examine, test). For example: DNA testing. (فَحْصُ الْحِمْضِ النَّوَوِيِّ) The doctor recommended a comprehensive medical examination. (أَوْصَى الطَّبِيبُ بِإِجْراءِ فَحْصٍ طِبِّيٍّ شامِلٍ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
حَمْضٌ نَوَوِيٌّ	nucleic acid. A descriptive phrase, commonly known by its English abbreviation, DNA. It combines حَمْض (acid) with the Nisba adjective نَوَوِيّ (nuclear), which is derived from نَواة (nucleus, core). For example: DNA testing. (فَحْصُ الْحِمْضِ النَّوَوِيِّ) Scientists study the structure of nucleic acids. (يَدْرُسُ الْعُلَماءُ تَرْكِيبَ الْأَحْماضِ النَّوَوِيَّةِ)
تَطَلَّبَ – يَتَطَلَّبُ	to require, demand, necessitate. A V-verb, its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَطَلُّبٌ. For example: This important position requires extensive experience. (هٰذا الْمَنْصِبُ الْمُهِمُّ يَتَطَلَّبُ خِبْرَةً واسِعَةً)
دَؤُوبٌ	diligent, assiduous, persistent, tireless. An adjective on the فَعُول pattern, indicating intensity. It comes from the I-verb دَأَبَ-يَدْأَبُ (to persist, work diligently). The root contains a hamza. Root: د-أ-ب. For example: Diligent work. (عَمَلٌ دَؤُوبٌ.) She is known as a diligent and hardworking student. (تُعْرَفُ بِأَنَّها طالِبَةٌ دَؤُوبَةٌ وَمُجْتَهِدَةٌ)
بِالْقِياسِ إِلَى	by analogy with, in comparison to, by comparison with. A fixed prepositional phrase. The noun قِياس is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb قاسَ – يَقِيسُ (to measure, compare). This is a hollow verb. Root: ق-ي-س. For example: By analogy with what happened in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (بِالْقِياسِ إِلَى ما حَدَثَ فِي الْبُوسْنَةِ وَالْهَرْسَكِ) The new results are excellent in comparison to last year’s. (النَّتائِجُ الْجَدِيدَةُ مُمْتازَةٌ بِالْقِياسِ إِلَى نَتائِجِ الْعامِ الْماضِي)
الْبُوسْنَةُ وَالْهَرْسَكُ	Bosnia and Herzegovina. A proper noun for the country in Southeast Europe. For example: What happened in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (ما حَدَثَ فِي الْبُوسْنَةِ وَالْهَرْسَكِ) Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (سَرايِيفُو هِيَ عاصِمَةُ الْبُوسْنَةِ وَالْهَرْسَكِ)
عَرْقَلَ – يُعَرْقِلُ	to hinder, obstruct, impede, hamper. A quadriliteral (4-letter root) I-verb. Its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is عَرْقَلَةٌ. Root: ع-ر-ق-ل. For example: Bureaucracy often obstructs the progress of work. (غالِبًا ما تُعَرْقِلُ الْبِيرُوقْراطِيَّةُ سَيْرَ الْعَمَلِ)
مَشْرُوعٌ pl: مَشارِيعُ خق مَشْرُوعاتٌ	project, plan, scheme; legitimate, legal. This word has two main meanings. As a noun, it means “project.” As the passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the I-verb شَرَعَ (to legislate), it means “legitimate” or “legal.” Context makes the meaning clear. For example: Development and reconstruction projects. (مَشارِيعُ التَّنْمِيَةِ وَإِعادَةِ الْإِعْمارِ) The government launched a new project to build more hospitals. (أَطْلَقَتْ الْحُكُومَةُ مَشْرُوعًا جَدِيدًا لِبِناءِ الْمَزِيدِ مِنَ الْمُسْتَشْفَياتِ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
إِنْماءٌ	development, causing to grow, promotion. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَنْمَى – يُنْمِي (to develop, make grow). It is a synonym of the more common word تَنْمِيَةٌ (development), which is used in the source text.
إِعْمارٌ	reconstruction, rebuilding. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَعْمَرَ – يُعْمِرُ (to reconstruct, build up). It is often seen in the phrase إِعادَةُ الْإِعْمارِ (re-reconstruction). For example: Development and reconstruction projects. (مَشارِيعُ التَّنْمِيَةِ وَإِعادَةِ الْإِعْمارِ) The plan for the reconstruction of the city will take years to complete. (خُطَّةُ إِعْمارِ الْمَدِينَةِ سَتَسْتَغْرِقُ سَنَواتٍ لِاكْتِمالِها)
انْغِماسٌ	immersion, absorption, being engrossed in. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VII-verb انْغَمَسَ – يَنْغَمِسُ (to be immersed in), which is usually followed by the preposition فِي. For example: He wants Syrians to be immersed in work. (يُرِيدُ لِلسُّورِيِّينَ الانْغِماسَ فِي الْعَمَلِ) Total immersion in language studies helps with fluency. (الانْغِماسُ الْكامِلُ فِي دِراسَةِ اللُّغَةِ يُساعِدُ عَلَى الطَّلاقَةِ)
لَطْمٌ	striking (esp. the face), slapping; (figurative) mourning, lamentation. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb لَطَمَ – يَلْطِمُ (to strike, slap). In some contexts, it refers to the traditional act of striking one’s cheeks as a sign of intense grief. For example: The ancient custom of public lamentation has become rare. (أَصْبَحَتْ عادَةُ اللَّطْمِ الْعَلَنِيِّ نادِرَةً)
نَجاةٌ	survival, salvation, deliverance, escape. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb نَجا – يَنْجُو (to survive, escape). For example: He previously succeeded in surviving very difficult situations. (سَبَقَ أَنْ نَجَحَ فِي النَّجاةِ مِنْ أَوْضاعٍ صَعْبَةٍ جِدًّا) After the shipwreck, his chances of survival were slim. (بَعْدَ حُطامِ السَّفِينَةِ، كانَتْ فُرَصُ نَجاتِهِ ضَئِيلَةً)
اعْتَمَدَ – يَعْتَمِدُ	to rely on, depend on, lean on; to approve, adopt, accredit. An VIII-verb, most often followed by the preposition عَلَى. Its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اعْتِمادٌ. For example: He relied on his skill in winning over his negotiators. (اعْتَمَدَ عَلَى مَهارَتِهِ فِي كَسْبِ وُدِّ مُفاوِضِيهِ) The country’s economy depends heavily on the tourism sector. (يَعْتَمِدُ اقْتِصادُ الْبِلادِ بِشَكْلٍ كَبِيرٍ عَلَى قِطاعِ السِّياحَةِ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مَرْحَلَةٌ pl: مَراحِلُ	stage, phase, period, level. A noun of time (اِسْمُ زَمانٍ) from the I-verb رَحَلَ – يَرْحَلُ (to travel, depart), signifying a stage in a process or journey. For example: In all stages of his adventurous life. (فِي كُلِّ مَراحِلِ حَياتِهِ الْمُغامِرَةِ) The project is still in its early stages. (لَا يَزالُ الْمَشْرُوعُ فِي مَراحِلِهِ الْأُولَى)
مُغامَرَةٌ pl: مُغامَراتٌ	adventure; risky undertaking, venture. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb غامَرَ – يُغامِرُ (to venture, risk). The adjective form is مُغامِرٌ (adventurous). For example: His adventurous life. (حَياتُهُ الْمُغامِرَةُ) Traveling the world alone was a great adventure. (كانَ السَّفَرُ حَوْلَ الْعالَمِ وَحْدَهُ مُغامَرَةً رائِعَةً)
بَراعَةٌ	skill, proficiency, prowess, brilliance. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb بَرُعَ – يَبْرُعُ (to be skillful, excel). For example: He relied on his skill. (اعْتَمَدَ عَلَى بَراعَتِهِ) The player showed great skill on the field. (أَظْهَرَ اللّاعِبُ بَراعَةً كَبِيرَةً فِي الْمَلْعَبِ)
اسْتِمالَةٌ	winning over, persuasion, coaxing, cajoling. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the X-verb اسْتَمالَ – يَسْتَمِيلُ (to win over, persuade). This is a hollow verb. Root: م-ي-ل. For example: His skill in winning over his negotiators. (بَراعَتُهُ فِي اسْتِمالَةِ مُفاوِضِيهِ) The politician used populist rhetoric for the persuasion of voters. (اسْتَخْدَمَ السِّياسِيُّ خِطابًا شَعْبَوِيًّا لِاسْتِمالَةِ النّاخِبِينَ)
مُفاوِضٌ	negotiator. The active participle (اِسْمُ الْفَاعِلِ) of the III-verb فاوَضَ – يُفاوِضُ (to negotiate). For example: The chief negotiator presented a new proposal to end the dispute. (قَدَّمَ كَبِيرُ الْمُفاوِضِينَ اقْتِراحًا جَدِيدًا لِإِنْهاءِ النِّزاعِ)
مُحاوِرٌ	interlocutor, interviewer, debater. The active participle (اِسْمُ الْفَاعِلِ) of the III-verb حاوَرَ – يُحاوِرُ (to talk with, have a dialogue with). For example: The journalist is a skilled interviewer who asks difficult questions. (الصُّحُفِيُّ مُحاوِرٌ بارِعٌ يَطْرَحُ أَسْئِلَةً صَعْبَةً)
مَهارَةٌ pl: مَهاراتٌ	skill, ability, proficiency. A noun, and the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb مَهَرَ – يَمْهُرُ (to be skillful). For example: He relied on his skill. (اعْتَمَدَ عَلَى مَهارَتِهِ) Soft skills like communication are essential for this job. (الْمَهاراتُ النّاعِمَةُ مِثْلُ التَّواصُلِ ضَرُورِيَّةٌ لِهَذِهِ الْوَظِيفَةِ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
تَغَزُّلٌ	flirtation, coquetry, romantic praise, infatuation. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَغَزَّلَ – يَتَغَزَّلُ (to flirt with, praise romantically), often followed by بِـ. For example: Activists and journalists were infatuated with him. (كانَ النُّشَطاءُ وَالصُّحُفِيُّونَ يَتَغَزَّلُونَ بِهِ) The poem is a classic example of romantic praise. (الْقَصِيدَةُ مِثالٌ كلاسِيكِيٌّ عَلَى التَّغَزُّلِ)
إِعْجابٌ	admiration, approval, fancy, liking. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَعْجَبَ – يُعْجِبُ (to please). The passive construction أُعْجِبَ بِـ (to admire, like) is very common. For example: Donald Trump was no exception to this admiration. (لَمْ يَكُنِ الرَّئِيسُ دونالد ترامب اسْتِثْناءً مِنْ هَذَا الْإِعْجابِ) She expressed her admiration for his courage and determination. (أَعْرَبَتْ عَنْ إِعْجابِها بِشَجاعَتِهِ وَإِصْرارِهِ)
حِرْصٌ	carefulness, concern, eagerness, solicitude. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb حَرَصَ – يَحْرِصُ (to be eager for, be careful about), which is often followed by the preposition عَلَى. For example: The newfound concern for his safety. (الْحِرْصُ الْمُسْتَجَدُّ عَلَى سَلامَتِهِ) The company shows great concern for the safety of its employees. (تُظْهِرُ الشَّرِكَةُ حِرْصًا شَدِيدًا عَلَى سَلامَةِ مُوَظَّفِيها)
مُتَناقِضٌ	contradictory, conflicting, inconsistent. The active participle (اِسْمُ الْفَاعِلِ) of the VI-verb تَناقَضَ–يَتَناقَضُ (to contradict one another). For example: He is wanted by contradictory local and international parties. (مَطْلُوبٌ مِنْ أَطْرافٍ مَحَلِّيَّةٍ وَدَوْلِيَّةٍ مُتَناقِضَةٍ) The report was rejected because it contained conflicting information. (رُفِضَ التَّقْرِيرُ لِأَنَّهُ كانَ يَحْتَوِي عَلَى مَعْلُوماتٍ مُتَناقِضَةٍ)
قَصْدٌ	intention, purpose, aim. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb قَصَدَ – يَقْصِدُ (to intend, mean; to head for). For example: He didn’t mean any harm; his only purpose was to help. (لَمْ يَقْصِدْ أَيَّ أَذًى، كانَ قَصْدُهُ الْوَحِيدُ هُوَ الْمُساعَدَةَ)
عارِمٌ	overwhelming, torrential, violent, tempestuous. The active participle (اِسْمُ الْفَاعِلِ) of the I-verb عَرَمَ – يَعْرِمُ (to be violent/overwhelming). It is often used to describe powerful, widespread phenomena like chaos, storms, or strong emotions. For example: To detonate widespread chaos in Syria. (لِتَفْجِيرِ فَوْضَى عارِمَةٍ فِي سُورِيّا) A wave of overwhelming joy swept the country after the team’s victory. (اجْتاحَتْ مَوْجَةٌ مِنْ فَرَحٍ عارِمٍ الْبِلادَ بَعْدَ الْفَوْزِ)
فَراغٌ	vacuum, void, emptiness, empty space. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb فَرَغَ – يَفْرُغُ (to be empty). For example: The sudden resignation of the president created a political vacuum. (خَلَقَتْ اسْتِقالَةُ الرَّئِيسِ الْمُفاجِئَةُ فَراغًا سِياسِيًّا)
خَلا – يَخْلُو	to be empty, be devoid of; to be alone with. A I-verb, its verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is خُلُوٌّ. As a particle, it can also mean “except for.” For example: The streets were empty of pedestrians late at night. (خَلَتْ الشَّوارِعُ مِنَ الْمَارَّةِ فِي وَقْتٍ مُتَأَخِّرٍ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ)
مَنْ هَبَّ وَدَبَّ	everyone and anyone, all and sundry, riffraff, anyone who comes along. A fixed idiom. هَبَّ can mean to blow (wind) and دَبَّ means to creep. The combination refers to everyone, good or bad, important or not, who happens to come along. For example: The party was open to everyone and anyone. (كانَتِ الْحَفْلَةُ مَفْتُوحَةً لِمَنْ هَبَّ وَدَبَّ.) He gives advice to anyone who comes along, without distinction. (يُقَدِّمُ النَّصائِحَ لِمَنْ هَبَّ وَدَبَّ دُونَ تَمْيِيزٍ)

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Note: The feature image was created by AI and is used for illustration purposes only.