Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved their dispute over Ethiopia’s port plans in Somaliland after talks in Turkey. Turkish President Erdogan hailed the agreement as historic, ensuring Ethiopia’s sea access. Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty. The conflict began when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, angering Somalia. Turkey’s role as a mediator highlights its growing influence in the region. The agreement marks a step towards reconciliation, with further technical talks planned for February. Noah Prescott 12/12/2024 2:30 pm
In Georgia, protests erupted in Tbilisi after the government paused EU accession talks, sparking public outrage over perceived authoritarian shifts by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The unrest, fueled by frustration over the party’s alleged pro-Russia tendencies, has led to violent clashes, over 400 arrests, and significant casualties. Concerns grow that the political crisis could escalate, potentially shifting Georgia’s alignment away from the democratic West. The situation worsened with allegations of voter suppression and election fraud, further intensifying public discontent. Penelope Kingsley 12/12/2024 2:30 pm
France urged Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and withdraw from the Golan demilitarized zone, citing the 1974 disengagement agreement. The UN also criticized Israel’s actions. Israeli PM Netanyahu justified IDF’s incursion into the buffer zone, citing threats from Syria’s instability. Israel conducted strikes on Syrian military sites. The U.S. defended Israel’s actions, noting the Syrian army’s withdrawal created a potential terrorist threat, but emphasized Israel’s actions are temporary. Noah Prescott 12/12/2024 11:00 am
Assad fled Syria following a swift offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allies, ending five decades of his family’s rule. Syrians celebrated globally, relieved from oppressive governance. The new rulers, led by HTS’s Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, pledged justice for Assad’s victims and assured religious minorities of non-repression. Jolani, now Ahmed al-Sharaa, vowed no pardons for torturers. HTS, rooted in Al-Qaeda, promised rights for all sects. Mohammad al-Bashir, appointed transitional head, will lead until March 1. Syrians face the challenge of rebuilding after years of conflict. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 11:00 am
Syrian asylum seekers in the UK, including Hussam Kassas, are “terrified” after the Home Office paused claims, leaving their status uncertain. Kassas, who fled Syria due to persecution, fears losing his home and work as his student visa expires. The UK halted claims to reassess Syria’s safety under new rebel-led authorities, affecting 6,500 people. The Refugee Council warns of prolonged uncertainty, while the government assures no deportations to Syria during the review. Kassas emphasizes the need for support for Syrians who have endured years of conflict. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 11:00 am
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with 158 votes in favor, 9 against, and 13 abstentions. The resolution also calls for the release of all hostages. Another resolution supporting UNRWA, opposed by Israel, passed with 159 votes. Representatives highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging action to prevent further tragedy. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 11:00 am
The future of Russia’s military bases in Syria is uncertain following Assad’s potential regime collapse. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called discussions “premature,” despite reports that rebels guaranteed the bases’ security. Russia’s bases in Tartus and Khmeimim are crucial for its Middle East and African activities. Defense expert Gustav Gressel suggests Russia might negotiate to retain the bases, as no evacuation is evident. Russia’s softened stance towards HTS indicates possible diplomatic shifts. The bases remain strategically important, with Tartus projecting power into the Mediterranean. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 4:00 am
A video verified by ABC News reveals the abandoned garage of the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, showcasing ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s luxury car collection, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins. Assad fled to Moscow after rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, captured Damascus. The city is declared “free of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” with rebels looting the palace. Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Assad political asylum, though his exact location remains undisclosed. Noah Prescott 12/12/2024 12:36 am
In 2016, I collaborated with Forensic Architecture and Amnesty International to investigate Sednaya prison’s atrocities through acoustic analysis. Since 2011, the prison was inaccessible, relying on released prisoners’ memories to document the torture and mass-murder. Detainees, blindfolded and kept in darkness, developed acute sound sensitivity. As an audio investigator, I conducted “earwitness” interviews with six survivors, using their sonic memories to reveal crimes. Silence was enforced; speaking risked death. A witness, Jamal, described the loudest sound as lice being crushed, highlighting the oppressive silence’s brutality. Ava Sinclair 12/12/2024 12:34 am
Israel has launched over 350 air and naval strikes on Syrian military assets, exploiting the disarray following the Assad regime’s fall. The IDF claims to have destroyed 70-80% of Syria’s strategic military capabilities, including aircraft, radar, and naval ships. Ground forces have moved into a demilitarized zone in Syria, aiming to create a “sterile defense zone.” The operation is described as Israel’s largest against Syria, with some targets identified decades ago. Control of strategic positions like Mt. Hermon enhances Israel’s security posture. Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 9:00 pm
