South Korea faces political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law order, with debates over his impeachment. Yoon claims it was a political decision, but public consensus deems the action inexcusable. He faces potential charges of treason for attempting to suspend the national assembly. Despite backlash, Yoon defends his actions, citing opposition parties’ alleged anti-state behavior and policy grievances. The situation highlights deep political and social divides in the country. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 9:30 pm
A Canadian woman was arrested at Auckland Airport for attempting to smuggle over 20 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents. She arrived from Vancouver on December 8 and was questioned by customs officers who discovered the drugs in her carry-on bag. The methamphetamine was valued at NZ$3.8 million. The woman faces charges of drug importation and possession and appeared in Manukau District Court. Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams emphasized that customs remain vigilant against drug smuggling, especially during busy travel seasons, and are aware of increasing risks from North America. Penelope Kingsley 12/12/2024 9:30 pm
The streets of Damascus are filled with celebrations after Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending over 50 years of his family’s rule. However, the joy is overshadowed by sorrow at Mazen al-Hamadah’s funeral, a vocal survivor of regime torture. Thousands mourn, carrying pictures of their disappeared loved ones. The initial euphoria of finding missing people has faded as many remain unaccounted for. Public grief, once unthinkable, is now visible. Hamadah, a symbol of regime crimes, returned to Syria under coercion in 2020 and was detained, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 9:30 pm
Rebels in Syria have torched the coffin of Hafez al-Assad, father of current leader Bashar al-Assad, in Qardaha. Footage shows fighters and civilians celebrating around the burning tomb, dragging the coffin into the street, and stamping on it. Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1971 and ruled brutally, with the 1982 Hama massacre being a notorious atrocity. He died in 2000, passing power to his son Bashar. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 9:30 pm
The head of the OPCW, Fernando Arias, plans to request access from Syria’s new leaders to continue investigating chemical weapon attacks from the civil war. Positive signals have been received from Syria about eliminating chemical weapons, but no formal request has been made. The OPCW’s executive council met to discuss next steps after President Assad’s fall. The U.S. sees this as a chance to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons. Arias emphasized the need for justice for victims and aims to clarify Syria’s chemical weapons program. Many attack perpetrators remain unidentified. Noah Prescott 12/12/2024 6:00 pm
The Syrian people achieved a historic victory by overthrowing Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia as his regime collapsed. Assad’s downfall marks a significant blow to Russia, which had supported him for over a decade. Syrian rebels seized Damascus unopposed, ending six decades of Assad family rule. Russia’s failure to prevent this, despite its military involvement since 2015, highlights its limited resources and strategic missteps. The situation raises questions about Russia’s competence and signals potential upheaval within its leadership. Noah Prescott 12/12/2024 6:00 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron promised to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours but has yet to confirm a candidate. Facing challenges in expanding his support base, Macron is reportedly working on a ‘no-censure pact’ to stabilize the government. He met with political leaders, excluding La France Insoumise and Rassemblement National, accused of instigating a censure motion. Potential candidates include François Bayrou and Bernard Cazeneuve. While 69% of French people support a no-censure agreement, 67% doubt its feasibility, reflecting a political stalemate reminiscent of past French republics. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 6:00 pm
An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone, named “Yasmine” by Italian media, was rescued clinging to tire tubes off the Italian coast after her migrant boat sank. The boat, which left Sfax, Tunisia, with about 45 people, capsized in a storm. Yasmine was found by the Trotamar II rescue vessel, operated by the German NGO Compass Collective. She reported that two others initially survived but disappeared before her rescue. All other migrants are presumed dead. The rescue occurred after the crew heard her cries amidst debris. Penelope Kingsley 12/12/2024 6:00 pm
Iran faces significant challenges as its “Axis of Resistance” weakens, marked by the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and regional instability. The regime, led by Ayatollah Khamenei, is contemplating its next steps amid a potential new Trump presidency. Despite setbacks, Khamenei insists Iran and its allies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, will grow stronger. However, regional dynamics have shifted, leaving Iran on the defensive. The regime’s stability and future strategy, whether hardline or negotiation-focused, remain uncertain as it navigates these geopolitical changes. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 6:00 pm
Osama Sabsabi, a Syrian activist in Berlin, plans to return to Homs after opposition forces captured the city. Many European politicians see this as an opportunity to encourage Syrian refugees to return home, amid rising anti-immigration sentiments. Austria and Germany are considering repatriation programs, with proposals like offering financial incentives and organizing a “reconstruction and return conference.” Conservative leaders argue that with Assad’s fall, the asylum basis for Syrians in Europe may no longer apply, prompting discussions on facilitating their return. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 2:30 pm
