Since the beginning of Syria’s civil war last year, observers from around the world have been wringing their hands about the violence and loss of life in the country, where over 30,000 have already died as a result of the conflict. Now it looks like Assad may have been paying attention, as he has just announced an important new measure to address the loss of human lives: Banning genetically modified foods (GMOs). AFP reports: Assad, whose forces are locked in a bloody confrontation with armed rebels opposed to his rule, “has approved a law on the health security of genetically modified organisms… to regulate their use and production,” SANA reported. The law is meant “to preserve the health of human beings, animals, vegetables and the environment,” the agency added.

(Dr. Benny Peiser)