A large drug lab near Damascus, Syria, was linked to the Assad regime’s alleged involvement in the captagon trade, a stimulant popular in the Middle East. The trade, worth billions annually, is reportedly connected to Maher al-Assad and the Syrian army’s Fourth Division. After Bashar al-Assad’s fall, journalists found thousands of captagon pills at the site in Douma. Caroline Rose from the New Lines Institute estimates the global captagon trade at $10 billion, with the former Syrian leadership profiting $2.4 billion annually. The lab contained chemicals and pill-pressing equipment. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 3:00 pm
A Chinese businessman, known as H6, was expelled from the UK on national security grounds due to his close ties with Prince Andrew. H6, described as a “close confidant” of the prince, was involved in engagements with potential Chinese partners. He lost an appeal against the UK government’s decision to bar him, as he allegedly failed to fully disclose his relationship with the British royal. Authorities suspected H6 of facilitating relationships for potential political interference by China and downplaying links with the United Front Work Department. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 3:00 pm
President Emmanuel Macron appointed François Bayrou as France’s new prime minister amid political turmoil and economic anxiety. Bayrou, the fourth prime minister this year, must form a cabinet to pass legislation through a divided Parliament and finalize an emergency budget by mid-December to prevent a government shutdown. His predecessor, Michel Barnier, was ousted after a no-confidence vote. Bayrou’s survival depends on avoiding similar opposition from the left and far-right, with the National Rally party closely watching his government’s actions. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 3:00 pm
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung urged the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his brief imposition of martial law, which sparked a constitutional crisis. Yoon survived an initial impeachment attempt due to a People Power Party (PPP) boycott. However, seven PPP members now support impeachment, nearing the required votes. Yoon accused the opposition of government paralysis and blamed a North Korean hack for election issues. Another impeachment vote is scheduled, and if passed, the Constitutional Court will decide Yoon’s fate within six months. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 11:30 am
After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, some German politicians suggested Syrian refugees consider returning home. However, many Syrians have integrated into German society and are vital to the economy, which faces labor shortages. Employers emphasize their importance, with some, like Ulrich Temps, highlighting their role as skilled workers. Syrians like Mohammed Redatotonji have built lives in Germany and see their future there. Migration remains a significant concern in Germany, influencing political discourse, especially with upcoming elections and the rise of the far-right AfD party. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 11:30 am
Ukraine’s top general, Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, reported “extremely fierce” fighting as Russian forces approach Pokrovsk, a strategic hub. Unspecified “unconventional decisions” are needed to strengthen defenses. Russian troops are advancing rapidly, capturing significant territory in Donetsk, leveraging manpower advantages. Analysts suggest Moscow aims to secure gains before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, potentially influencing peace talks. From September to November, Russia seized over 600 square miles in Donetsk, highlighting the deteriorating situation for Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 11:30 am
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces mounting pressure as he battles a second impeachment vote amid treason investigations. His failed attempt to impose martial law and subsequent defiance have led to dwindling party support and public outrage. Despite rumors of a deal to step down, Yoon remains resolute, claiming to protect democracy against alleged threats. Meanwhile, MPs receive death threats, and Yoon is banned from leaving the country as police gather evidence against him. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 8:00 am
Veteran documentarian Alex Gibney created “The Bibi Files” after receiving a leak of over 1,000 hours of police interviews with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and associates. Despite language barriers and funding challenges, Gibney collaborated with Israeli reporter Raviv Drucker and director Alexis Bloom. The documentary, released amid Netanyahu’s trial, can’t legally be shown in Israel due to privacy laws, but many Israelis access it via VPNs or leaked versions on social media. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 8:00 am
After seizing Damascus, Syrian rebels released prisoners from Saydnaya Prison, notorious for torture under Assad. Human rights advocate Omar Alshogre estimates over 200,000 detainees suffered there. Many Syrians lost loved ones to forced disappearances. Viral images claiming to show freed prisoners, including an AI-generated one, were debunked by DW Fact Check. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 8:00 am
During a visit to Paris, Donald Trump expressed his non-interventionist stance on Syria, despite the fall of Assad’s regime. He emphasized on Truth Social that the U.S. should not get involved, raising questions about future U.S. policy. Meanwhile, the current administration, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria, seeking regional support for conditions on recognizing a new Syrian government. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 4:30 am
