China vowed to take “necessary measures” to defend its sovereignty amid rising Chinese military activity around Taiwan, which it views as its territory. Taiwan reported 53 Chinese military aircraft and 11 navy vessels near the island, urging Beijing to stop provocations. A senior Taiwanese official suggested the activity was a political message to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. A regional security diplomat described the scale of Chinese operations as unprecedented in recent years. China criticized Taiwan’s government for colluding with external forces.

Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 9:00 pm

A male humpback whale made a record-breaking migration, traveling over 8,000 miles from Colombia to eastern Africa, an unusual journey possibly linked to climate change. Initially sighted in Colombia in 2013 and again in 2017, the whale was spotted in 2022 near Tanzania. This atypical migration, tracked via citizen-submitted photos, suggests potential environmental shifts affecting food sources or mating strategies. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the drivers behind such extraordinary movements, considering factors like climate change and population dynamics.

Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 9:00 pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened to the public after a devastating fire, thanks to a rapid renovation involving 250 companies, 2,000 workers, and $900 million. Michael Kimmelman, The New York Times’ chief architecture critic, shares insights on this remarkable restoration. The project was completed under a tight deadline, fueled by national pride.

Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 9:00 pm

A suicide bombing in Kabul killed Taliban refugee minister Khalil Haqqani and two others, marking the most significant attack on the Taliban leadership since their return to power. Haqqani, a key figure and uncle to acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, was the first Cabinet member killed since the Taliban’s takeover. No group claimed responsibility, but the attack challenges the Taliban’s narrative of restoring peace. Pakistan condemned the attack, while former Afghan leaders paid tribute. The Islamic State group, a Taliban rival, has previously conducted attacks in Afghanistan.

Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 9:00 pm

In Damascus, locals enter a villa once used by the Assad family after Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, ending a 53-year dynastic rule. The villa, previously guarded by the Presidential Guard, is now accessible, revealing the Assads’ disconnect from reality. Bakri al-Sahraa, observing the opulence, criticizes the family’s lavish lifestyle amidst widespread poverty. The scene reflects the broader discontent that fueled the 2011 uprising against the regime.

Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 5:30 pm

Israeli strikes on Gaza killed at least 29 people, including 19 in Beit Lahiya, where a family of eight died. The strikes targeted areas near a hospital, causing panic among patients. The Israeli military claimed it aimed at a Hamas militant and disputed casualty reports. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict persists despite ceasefire efforts, with U.S. administrations seeking resolution. Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya reported distress calls from trapped individuals but couldn’t assist due to ongoing risks.

Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 5:30 pm

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the Syrian government’s collapse, claiming evidence supports this. He also hinted at a neighboring country’s involvement without specifying which. The rapid fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime followed a surprise rebel offensive in late November, capturing major cities and leading to Assad’s exile in Moscow. Syria’s 13-year conflict began in 2011, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, had regained control until the recent offensive by opposition forces.

Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 5:30 pm

Pope Francis expressed hope for a political solution in Syria to ensure stability and unity, praying for peace and mutual respect among religions. He has previously donated to aid war-torn Syria. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the US and Israel of orchestrating Bashar al-Assad’s downfall, claiming evidence without providing proof. Iran, a supporter of Assad, is weakened by his fall. Khamenei hinted at a neighboring country’s role, likely Turkey. Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the forces that ousted Assad, assured foreign governments Syria isn’t ready for another war.

Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 5:30 pm

Wafa Mustafa, a Syrian journalist, continues to search for her father, Ali, who disappeared in 2013. Following Assad’s ouster, social media is filled with Syrians reuniting with long-detained relatives, highlighting the regime’s brutality. Mustafa remains hopeful despite no news of her father. Syrian rebel leader al-Jolani demands justice for detainee torture under Assad. France urges Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights buffer zone, while US Secretary of State Blinken plans to visit Turkey. A US-brokered truce was announced in Manbij, Syria.

Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 5:30 pm

Russia is hoping that chaos among Syrian Islamist rebels will help it maintain its strategic foothold in Syria after Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed. Assad’s escape to Russia presents a significant challenge for the Kremlin, already involved in Ukraine. The situation could become a domestic issue if Russian troops in Syria are harmed. Despite doubts about retaining military bases, some believe internal conflicts among Syrian opposition could benefit Russia. The swift fall of Syrian cities to rebels has left Russia seeking solutions to protect its Middle Eastern interests.

Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 5:30 pm