Cyclone Chido, the worst in nearly a century, struck Mayotte, killing at least two and causing widespread destruction. French President Macron pledged support, and 250 firefighters and security personnel were deployed. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of a heavy death toll, with makeshift homes destroyed. Emergency services are struggling due to downed power lines and damaged infrastructure, including Pamandzi airport. Military aid planes and ships are en route for resupply. Communication is severely disrupted, complicating rescue efforts. Ava Sinclair 15/12/2024 5:30 am
Mikheil Kavelashvili became Georgia’s president, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which controls the electoral college. The opposition claims this consolidates Russian influence and undermines EU aspirations. Georgian Dream, accused of authoritarianism, vows EU accession but seeks better Russia ties. Protests erupted after suspending EU bid talks. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western leader, boycotted post-election sessions, demanding a rerun. Critics say Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, mirrors Kremlin tactics against free speech and LGBTQ+ rights. Ava Sinclair 15/12/2024 5:30 am
The US has confirmed direct contact with Syria’s HTS rebels, despite their terrorist designation, following the Assad regime’s fall. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this after talks in Jordan with regional and international representatives. The discussions emphasized supporting a peaceful transition in Syria, avoiding chaos, and establishing an inclusive government. Concerns were raised about preventing a situation like Libya’s post-Gaddafi chaos. HTS, seeking an inclusive government, remains under scrutiny due to its violent past. The US contact includes discussions about missing journalist Austin Tice. Ava Sinclair 15/12/2024 2:00 am
Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa criticized Israel’s incursion into southern Syria but stated Syria is too exhausted for new conflicts. Israeli troops violated the 1974 armistice in the Golan Heights, claiming self-defense. Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem announced the loss of their supply route through Syria after Assad’s ousting and warned Syria’s new rulers against normalizing ties with Israel. Egypt and Jordan demanded Israel’s withdrawal from the demilitarized zone. The US contacted Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, with talks in Jordan emphasizing the need for an inclusive Syrian government. Penelope Kingsley 14/12/2024 7:00 pm
Georgia’s political turmoil deepens as former soccer star Mikheil Kavelashvili becomes president, backed by the Georgian Dream party. Opposition parties boycotted the vote, citing election irregularities. Current President Salome Zourabichvili, aligned with the opposition, refuses to step down, calling the election a “mockery of democracy.” Despite her objections, Georgia’s constitutional court dismissed challenges to the election. Kavelashvili is set to assume office in 15 days, escalating tensions in the nation. Ava Sinclair 14/12/2024 7:00 pm
Rebel forces seized Damascus, ending Assad’s dictatorship as he fled Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham declared the city free, inviting displaced Syrians to return. Former PM Ghazi al-Jalali pledged cooperation with new leadership. Israel, wary of extremist control, launched Operation Bashan Arrow, targeting Syrian military assets to prevent terrorist access. Israeli forces also destroyed Syrian naval facilities, sinking warships. Despite supporting Assad’s ousting, Israel aims to ensure its security and potentially establish relations with Syria’s new regime. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 7:00 pm
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed direct contact with Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), despite its designation as a foreign terrorist organization. Blinken, speaking in Aqaba, Jordan, emphasized the importance of conveying messages to HTS about governance during Syria’s transition period. HTS, formerly linked to al-Qaida, led the coalition that ousted President Bashar Assad. The U.S. aims to support the Syrian people, despite HTS’s terrorist designation, which imposes severe sanctions but doesn’t legally prohibit contact. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 7:00 pm
Isak Andic, founder of Mango, died at 71 after falling down a 150-meter ravine while hiking near Barcelona. The Turkish-born businessman started Mango in 1984 with his brother, growing it to nearly 3,000 outlets in 120 countries. His net worth was estimated at $4.5 billion. Mango CEO Toni Ruiz and Catalonia’s president, Salvador Illa Roca, praised Andic’s legacy and contributions. Emergency services responded to the accident, which occurred in the Montserrat mountains. Andic was a non-executive chairman at the time of his death. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 7:00 pm
In December, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, before fleeing to Moscow, accused Turkey of supporting Sunni rebels against him, according to Iranian officials. Assad’s ouster marked the end of his family’s five-decade rule and was a setback for Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” Assad met Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, expressing anger over Turkey’s actions. Araqchi later conveyed Iran’s concerns to Turkey, which blamed Assad’s oppressive rule for the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 14/12/2024 7:00 pm
Iranians, including clerics and IRGC members, are expressing anger over $30 billion lost in Syria, criticizing the Ayatollah regime. This discontent is voiced openly, even by conservatives. Despite the regime’s forceful response, discussions on Iran’s failed strategy continue. Iran had supported Syria for decades, using it as a base for its regional influence. With Assad’s fall, Iranian forces withdrew, sparking criticism over wasted resources. Families of fallen Iranians question the sacrifices made, while critics label Iran’s involvement a “catastrophic failure.” Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 3:30 pm
