South Korean lawmakers are set to vote on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol for “insurrectionary acts” after his failed martial law attempt. The National Assembly needs 200 votes, requiring eight members from Yoon’s People Power Party to switch sides. Seven have pledged support, leaving the outcome uncertain. Protests in Seoul demand Yoon’s resignation, with rallies planned near parliament. K-pop singer Yuri supports protesters with food. Yoon vows to fight, accusing the opposition of communist ties. Democratic leader Lee Jae-myung urges PPP lawmakers to support impeachment. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 5:00 am
Syria’s rebel-appointed prime minister, Mohammad Al Bashir, met with officials from the ousted Assad regime, sparking controversy due to the presence of jihadist-associated symbols. Initially criticized, Bashir later appeared with only the new Syrian flag. The rebels’ governance of Idlib, described as pragmatic but undemocratic, offers insights into their potential national rule. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, chose Bashir to lead Syria temporarily, acknowledging the challenges ahead. Experts warn the inexperienced cabinet must adapt significantly to govern Syria effectively. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 5:00 am
Thousands gathered in Latakia, Syria, for prayers and a rally urging national unity under the new government after rebels toppled President Bashar al-Assad. The new administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, promises inclusivity. Clerics called for disarmament and unity among all ethnic and religious groups. Sunni imam Khaled Kamal expressed joy at returning to Syria and urged exiles to return. Alawite preacher Muhammed Reda Hatem Abdullah emphasized unity among faiths, highlighting the importance of national cohesion for future generations. Ava Sinclair 14/12/2024 1:30 am
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, marking the 12th such assault this year. Ukraine intercepted 81 of 93 missiles. The strikes, targeting western regions, severely damaged energy facilities. Moscow claimed the attack was retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a Russian airbase. US President-elect Trump criticized the use of American-made missiles in the conflict, calling it “crazy” and escalating tensions. The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s stance, aligning with Moscow’s views. The attacks occurred on Ukraine’s coldest winter day, with temperatures at -6°C. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 1:30 am
Conservationists in Cambodia are celebrating the discovery and release of six endangered Mekong giant catfish, boosting hopes for the species’ revival. The USAID-funded Wonders of the Mekong group called the event unprecedented, suggesting the species isn’t at immediate extinction risk. Tagging the fish provides crucial ecological data. Despite a population decline of 80% over 13 years, the discovery offers hope for recovery amid challenges like illegal fishing, habitat loss, and climate change. The Mekong River, once home to these fish, faces threats from dams and environmental changes. Penelope Kingsley 14/12/2024 1:30 am
The collapse of the Assad regime marks a significant geopolitical shift, unsettling Tehran and Washington. Islamist rebels in Damascus are consolidating power, while concerns rise about potential ISIS resurgence, prompting U.S. airstrikes. Tensions persist with Turkish-backed rebels clashing with U.S.-backed Kurds, and Druze villages seeking Israeli annexation. Amidst this turmoil, Syria’s 500,000 Christians express anxiety about their future, highlighting the region’s instability. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 1:30 am
Strikes continued in Gaza, undermining hopes for a ceasefire. An Israeli strike in Nuseirat killed at least 37 Palestinians, targeting a senior Islamic Jihad member. Hamas condemned the attack. Local resident Abd Assar described the aftermath as devastating, with emergency workers retrieving bodies from rubble. The IDF continued operations in North Gaza, targeting Hamas but causing widespread destruction and displacing residents. The ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for peace. Penelope Kingsley 14/12/2024 1:30 am
New French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou faces a significant challenge in addressing France’s deficit, amid lukewarm reactions to his appointment. Named by President Emmanuel Macron, Bayrou replaces Michel Barnier, who was ousted for attempting a cost-cutting budget. Bayrou, a centrist ally and three-time presidential candidate, inherits a contentious parliament and must navigate political divisions. His immediate priority is passing a law to extend the 2024 budget, with a tougher 2025 budget battle ahead. The ongoing crisis raises doubts about Macron’s ability to complete his term. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 10:00 pm
Russia appears to be withdrawing military equipment from its Khmeimim airbase in Syria, as shown by Maxar satellite images. Two An-124 aircraft are loading heavy equipment, and helicopters are being dismantled. S-400 systems have been moved, but the Tartus naval base remains unchanged. Michael Kofman suggests a withdrawal is underway, though a complete exit is uncertain. Russian diplomats indicated a likely full withdrawal, and Russia is negotiating with Syria’s new leadership for security guarantees. The bases are crucial for Russia’s Middle East and Africa presence. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 10:00 pm
Captagon, originally a trade name for fenethylline, is a synthetic stimulant developed in the 1960s for ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Banned in the 1980s due to addiction and severe side effects, its illicit version now contains amphetamines and caffeine. Predominantly used in the Middle East, it’s known as “Abu Hilalain” and smuggled into countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Used by soldiers for endurance and as a recreational drug, the captagon market, largely based in Syria, is valued at around $10 billion annually. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 10:00 pm
