Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, was discharged from Sírio-Libanês hospital after emergency surgery for a brain bleed caused by a fall. He thanked God and supporters, stating he was “alive, whole, and with more desire to work.” Doctors performed a craniotomy to treat the bleed, confirming he was stable, lucid, and without brain injury. Lula is expected to return to Brasilia next week.

Noah Prescott 15/12/2024 7:30 pm

In Syria, Christians celebrated the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s regime collapsed, expressing hope for a better future. Worshipers prayed for a new beginning as the U.N. envoy urged lifting Western sanctions. Schools reopened, symbolizing a return to normalcy. However, challenges remain, as the new leadership lacks a clear governance plan, and the main rebel group is still labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S., despite recent contact.

Penelope Kingsley 15/12/2024 7:30 pm

Pope Francis, during a visit to Corsica, urged Catholic priests to be vigilant against spiritual groups that fuel political divisions. Speaking at a Mediterranean religion conference, he warned against spirituality promoting polemics and exclusivity. Francis, on his third foreign trip of 2024, did not name specific groups. Corsica has a history of lay Catholic associations involved in local politics. The pope will celebrate Mass and meet President Macron. Highlighting global “peripheries” is part of his papal policy. Francis, turning 88, used a wheelchair due to a recent minor fall.

Noah Prescott 15/12/2024 4:00 pm

Syrian Christians attended Sunday services for the first time since President Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, testing new Islamist rulers’ promises to protect minority rights. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) reassured minorities, but some Christians remain cautious. In Damascus, worshippers expressed fear despite no incidents. In Latakia, Christians, previously comfortable under Assad, hope for peace. Syria hosts diverse minorities, including Christians and Shi’ite Muslims. Many Shi’ites fled to Lebanon fearing persecution under the new regime.

Penelope Kingsley 15/12/2024 4:00 pm

The U.S. has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that overthrew Bashar Assad in Syria, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed. This marks the first public acknowledgment of such interactions. Western nations are debating engagement with the HTS-led Syrian rebels. Blinken, concluding a regional diplomatic tour, signed principles for Syria’s transition, emphasizing a Syrian-led process, rights protection, unrestricted aid, a ban on terrorism, and chemical weapons destruction. Blinken acknowledged the challenges but highlighted the Syrian people’s determination for change.

Ava Sinclair 15/12/2024 4:00 pm

Israel will close its embassy in Dublin due to Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies,” according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. This decision follows Ireland’s support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice. Saar criticized Ireland’s actions as anti-Semitic and rooted in de-legitimizing Israel. Irish leaders, including Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, expressed regret over the closure and rejected claims of being anti-Israel, stating Ireland remains pro-peace and has no plans to close its embassy in Israel.

Penelope Kingsley 15/12/2024 4:00 pm

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment has left South Korea without a strong leader amid challenges like North Korea and political polarization. The National Assembly’s vote reflects his unpopularity, and citizens celebrated his removal after his failed martial law attempt. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is interim leader, lacking an electoral mandate. The Constitutional Court’s decision on Yoon’s fate could take up to six months, creating a political vacuum.

Noah Prescott 15/12/2024 12:30 pm

Israeli air forces conducted over 60 airstrikes in Syria, targeting military sites and infrastructure, following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. The strikes focused on Damascus and its outskirts, aiming to weaken Syria’s air defenses. Israeli forces also expanded their presence in the Golan Heights, violating a UN armistice. Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, criticized Israel’s actions but emphasized avoiding new conflicts, prioritizing reconstruction and stability. Meanwhile, the US engaged with HTS, despite its terrorist designation.

Ava Sinclair 15/12/2024 12:30 pm

Hours before fleeing to Moscow, Assad assured military leaders of incoming Russian support and urged them to hold out. He deceived his staff, telling his office manager he was going home but instead went to the airport. Assad’s media adviser found his home empty. Nadim Houri criticized Assad for abandoning his supporters. Interviews reveal Assad sought external help to extend his rule before secretly leaving Syria. He didn’t inform his brother Maher or cousins Ehab and Eyad Makhlouf of his plans, leaving them behind as Damascus fell.

Ava Sinclair 15/12/2024 9:00 am

President-elect Donald Trump announced Richard Grenell as a presidential envoy for “special missions,” focusing on global hotspots like Venezuela and North Korea. The role’s scope is unclear, and Grenell’s appointment ends speculation about his position in the second Trump administration. Previously, Grenell sought the Secretary of State role, which went to Marco Rubio, and declined the Director of National Intelligence position. Trump’s announcement didn’t clarify Grenell’s interaction with the State Department or if Senate confirmation is required, though special envoys typically need it.

Noah Prescott 15/12/2024 5:30 am