Recent events in Lebanon and Syria, including Israel’s actions against Hezbollah and the fall of the Assad regime, have shifted the Middle East’s power dynamics. While some hope for peace, regional competition is likely to intensify as Iran’s influence wanes. The collapse of Assad’s regime marks a significant change, weakening Iran and Russia’s positions. Turkey, backing the anti-Assad group HTS, emerges as a dominant force, potentially extending its influence into Lebanon and Iraq. This shift alters the regional balance of power, with Turkey supplanting Russia and Iran in Syria. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 10:00 am
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, designated a terrorist by the U.S. with a $10 million bounty, has become a key figure in Syria’s liberation from Bashar Assad’s regime. Despite his past ties with ISIS and al Qaeda, al-Golani now presents himself as a pragmatic leader advocating for Syria’s multiethnic and religious coexistence. He leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which split from al Qaeda. While the Biden administration views Assad’s fall positively, it remains cautious about al-Golani’s intentions and has not confirmed direct contact with him or HTS. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 6:30 am
Pentagon officials reported that over 75 Islamic State targets in Syria were struck due to the withdrawal of Russian forces amid Bashar Assad’s regime collapse. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated, “We saw the opportunity, and we took it,” regarding the strikes’ timing in Syria’s Badiya desert. The strikes targeted long-standing Islamic State leaders and camps. U.S. Central Command confirmed using multiple Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s, across approximately five locations. The U.S. has been combating the group since 2014. Penelope Kingsley 10/12/2024 6:30 am
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Russia risks losing its naval and air bases in Syria, located in the Latakia governorate now controlled by rebels. The Syrian opposition hasn’t clarified its stance on Russia’s military presence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated it’s “too early” to discuss the future of the Khmeimim and Tartus bases. However, discussions with Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Arab nations suggest Moscow may maintain its bases during a transition. The Tartus naval base, established in 1971, is Russia’s only naval facility outside its borders. Penelope Kingsley 10/12/2024 6:30 am
Haiti’s government condemned a massacre in Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince, where gang leader Micanor “Mikanò” Altès allegedly killed over 180 people, including 127 elderly, on December 6-7. The violence was reportedly triggered by suspicions of witchcraft causing his child’s illness. Micanor targeted elderly and Voodoo practitioners, leaving victims mutilated. The UN reported 184 deaths, raising Haiti’s 2023 death toll to 5,000. The government vowed to bring perpetrators to justice, declaring a “red line” had been crossed. Wharf Jérémie remains under siege by gangs. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 3:00 am
The Assad regime, initially strong under Hafez al-Assad, became corrupt and decayed over time, collapsing swiftly in less than two weeks. In 2011, during the Arab uprisings, Bashar al-Assad, despite some legitimacy and promises of reform, resorted to brutal tactics against demonstrators. The regime’s downfall surprised many, given its once formidable control likened to a Mafia structure, rewarding loyalty and eliminating dissent. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 3:00 am
At least 110 elderly people were killed in Haiti’s Cite Soleil slum by the Wharf Jeremie gang, led by Monel “Mikano” Felix, who blamed them for his child’s illness through witchcraft. The massacre, involving machetes and knives, occurred over the weekend. Cite Soleil is a violent, impoverished area with tight gang control. Felix’s gang, estimated at 300 members, also operates in nearby regions. The Haitian government struggles to manage gang violence, and international security support remains limited and under-resourced. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 11:30 pm
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, seized Syria’s Sednaya prison, freeing thousands of detainees, mainly Assad regime opponents. Families reunited with long-lost relatives, while others searched for missing loved ones. The White Helmets deployed teams to investigate reports of hidden cells, using specialists and dogs. Despite no new detainees found, efforts continued. Conflicting reports emerged, with the Association of Detainees denying underground cells’ existence, confirming the last detainee’s release on December 8, 2024. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 11:30 pm
Dubai police arrested Othman El Ballouti, an alleged drug trafficker wanted for smuggling cocaine through Antwerp, Belgium. Sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023, El Ballouti is accused of managing a global criminal network linked to Chinese businesses and South American suppliers. He was living in Dubai and is now facing extradition proceedings. Ava Sinclair 09/12/2024 11:30 pm
As prisoners were freed in Damascus, crowds looted former President Bashar al-Assad’s opulent mansions, amazed by his wealth. Images showed people carrying furniture and valuables from the palaces, which featured plush carpets, marble floors, and luxury items. Assad, known as “the butcher of Damascus,” fled to Moscow with his family, leaving his mansions empty. The Assad family’s wealth, estimated at £1.6bn, is believed to be hidden in various assets and offshore accounts. Their economic influence extended throughout Syria, while ordinary Syrians suffered from poverty and starvation. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 8:00 pm
