The collapse of the Assad regime has cast doubt on Russia’s future in Syria. Satellite images reveal Russian aircraft remain at Khmeimim airbase, but warships have left Tartus. Russia’s military presence is crucial for projecting power, especially amid its war in Ukraine. The loss of these bases would be a significant setback, as Tartus offers vital access to a warm-water port, and Khmeimim facilitates military movements to Africa. The situation remains uncertain as Assad has fled to Moscow. Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 3:30 am
Mohammed al-Bashir, appointed by Hayat Tahir al-Sham (HTS) to lead Syria’s transitional government, emphasized the need for stability post-Assad. Previously leading the rebel administration in the northwest, Bashir now oversees the transfer of power in Damascus. The UN and the US stress the importance of an inclusive, credible government. Bashir, an electrical engineer, became prime minister of the Salvation Government, managing HTS-controlled areas. The SG restored services in Aleppo after HTS’s recent capture, demonstrating governance experience despite limited resources. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 3:30 am
Syria’s civil war saw a dramatic shift when Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed within weeks. On November 27, Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a surprise assault, exploiting Assad’s allies’ distractions. Previously, pro-Assad forces controlled over 60% of Syria. Rebels swiftly captured key cities, including Aleppo, Hama, and Damascus. By December 8, Assad fled to Russia, seeking asylum and instructing a peaceful power transfer. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 3:30 am
The collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria has sparked criticism of the Biden administration’s foreign policy. While President Biden claims a victory for shifting Middle Eastern power dynamics, critics argue his approach weakened Israel’s position against Iran and Hezbollah. John Hannah criticized Biden’s credit-taking, suggesting Israel’s resilience was despite U.S. advice. Israeli PM Netanyahu attributed Syria’s regime collapse to actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, while acknowledging ongoing challenges. He also thanked Donald Trump for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 3:30 am
Syrian refugees in Turkey are celebrating the fall of Bashar al-Assad and considering returning home. Thousands have moved to Turkey’s borders, and President Erdogan has opened a border gate to ease congestion. Nearly three million Syrians live in Turkey, facing tough decisions amid economic challenges and anti-immigrant sentiment. Despite risks, some plan to return to Syria, though conditions remain uncertain. Experts predict a gradual return, not an immediate mass exodus, as Syrians await stability. Turkey aims for a “safe and voluntary return,” but tensions may rise if returns are delayed. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 12:00 am
In Georgia, rising tensions mirror Ukraine’s past, with an authoritarian government leaning towards Russia and away from the EU. Massive protests demand change, met with police violence. This echoes broader regional struggles in former Soviet republics like Moldova and Ukraine, where Russian influence remains strong. The situation highlights the risks of aligning with the EU, threatening Russian interests and potentially leading to major crises. Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 12:00 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in his corruption trial, dismissing the charges as “absurd.” Facing bribery, fraud, and breach of trust allegations, he denied wrongdoing and criticized the media’s bias against him. Netanyahu, balancing his role as PM amid regional tensions, claimed he could manage both responsibilities. His trial coincides with Israel’s controversial Gaza offensive, which critics argue he prolongs to retain power. Protests outside the court included families of captives in Gaza, where over 44,500 have died, mostly women and children, per Palestinian health authorities. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 12:00 am
Israel conducted over 350 airstrikes in Syria targeting weapons sites, anti-aircraft batteries, and airfields, following Bashar Assad’s ouster. Strikes hit Damascus, Homs, Tartous, Latakia, and Palmyra. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized destroying threats to Israel. Latakia faced heavy attacks, damaging Syrian naval vessels and the Barzeh research center. Katz warned Syrian rebels against following Assad. No attacks were reported on Tartus, where Russia maintains a naval presence. Russia claims its vessels are on maneuvers, while Moscow seeks to secure its military bases in Syria. Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 12:00 am
Satellite images reveal Russian Navy ships leaving Tartus naval base in Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham. Previously, Tartus hosted modern Russian frigates and served as a key logistics hub for Russian operations in the Mediterranean and Africa. The images also show the destruction of Syrian Navy missile boats in Latakia, reportedly due to an Israeli attack. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 12:00 am
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva is recovering well after surgery for a brain bleed caused by an October fall. The 79-year-old was hospitalized in Brasília with a severe headache, and an MRI revealed the bleed. He underwent a craniotomy at Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo. Doctors report Lula is stable, conscious, and without brain injury. He is expected to return to Brasília next week. Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin will handle some presidential duties during Lula’s recovery. Penelope Kingsley 10/12/2024 8:30 pm
