Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama is set to return to office after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat in the presidential election. Mahama, who previously served from 2012 to 2017, campaigned on economic reform, appealing to young voters amid a severe cost-of-living crisis. Celebrations erupted among Mahama’s supporters, and his National Democratic Congress also secured a parliamentary majority. The election, seen as a test for democracy in West Africa, was peaceful, reflecting a global trend favoring opposition parties. Noah Prescott 08/12/2024 7:30 pm
Ahmad al-Khatib, a deputy principal at a UN-run school in Gaza, was also an infantryman for Hamas’s Qassam Brigades, according to documents shared with The New York Times. These records reveal that al-Khatib, employed by UNRWA since 2013, held the rank of squad commander and was equipped with various weapons. The documents indicate that at least 24 UNRWA employees, including school administrators and teachers, were affiliated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad, highlighting challenges in maintaining neutrality in conflict zones. Ava Sinclair 08/12/2024 7:30 pm
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led a decisive offensive that toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria after 13 years of civil war. His group, once linked to Al Qaeda, controlled Idlib Province and launched a significant challenge, capturing Aleppo and other territories with little resistance. By late November, rebels celebrated in Damascus, declaring it free of Assad, who reportedly left Syria after talks with armed conflict parties. Al-Jolani, born Ahmed Hussein al-Shara, is a key figure in Syria’s conflict landscape. Ava Sinclair 08/12/2024 4:00 pm
Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country, ending his nearly 14-year rule amid a brutal civil war. Initially seen as a potential reformer, Assad resorted to harsh tactics to suppress dissent, leading to a devastating conflict with nearly half a million deaths and massive displacement. Despite regaining control over most of Syria, recent opposition offensives and shifting geopolitical dynamics led to his departure. Assad’s rise to power followed his brother’s death, transitioning from a Western-educated ophthalmologist to a military leader. Ava Sinclair 08/12/2024 4:00 pm
With Bashar al-Assad’s regime toppled in Syria, President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump announced Assad’s departure on Truth Social, noting Russia’s shift in focus to Ukraine, where significant Russian casualties have occurred. Trump emphasized the need for immediate negotiations to prevent further damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed openness to talks. Trump claimed he could end the Ukraine war swiftly, though experts remain skeptical, especially as Russia has recently gained territory. Noah Prescott 08/12/2024 4:00 pm
Mystery surrounds Bashar al-Assad’s whereabouts after rebels captured Damascus, ending his family’s five-decade rule. Assad reportedly left Syria on a plane, with Russia confirming his departure but not disclosing his destination. Assad resigned following negotiations and instructed a peaceful power transfer. His family’s location remains unknown. A Syrian Air plane’s abrupt disappearance from radar sparked speculation of being shot down or transponder deactivation. As rebels advanced, speculation arose about Assad seeking refuge in Moscow or Iran, despite state media claiming he was in Damascus. Penelope Kingsley 08/12/2024 4:00 pm
The IDF struck a Syrian chemical weapons factory to prevent rebel seizure, confirmed by The Jerusalem Post. Israel aims to avoid conflict with Syria but acts against threats, conducting numerous airstrikes since Syria’s civil war began. Recent attacks increased after targeting Hezbollah and Iranian interests. The IDF crossed into Syria for defense positioning but avoids internal Syrian conflicts unless Israeli security is threatened. Reinforcements were sent to the Golan Heights, with IDF Chief of Staff emphasizing readiness for offensive and defensive actions. Noah Prescott 08/12/2024 12:30 pm
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, was arrested for his role in Yoon’s martial law declaration. Yoon survived an impeachment vote but will step down early, with his party leader stating he won’t handle state affairs. Kim, seen as central to the martial law proposal, was questioned and had his phone seized. Opposition parties accused Yoon, Kim, and others of insurrection, a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment. Yoon apologized for the decree, promising to leave office early. Noah Prescott 08/12/2024 5:30 am
The Syrian government reportedly fell after a swift rebel offensive reached Damascus, ending the Assad family’s 50-year rule. President Bashar Assad allegedly fled the country, while Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali expressed willingness to transition power to the opposition. Celebrations erupted in Damascus, with citizens chanting anti-Assad slogans. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Assad’s departure, and Iranian state TV, citing Al Jazeera, reported his exit. No official statement was made by the Syrian government. Penelope Kingsley 08/12/2024 5:30 am
Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government fell, ending his nearly 14-year rule amid a brutal civil war. Initially seen as a potential reformer, Assad resorted to harsh tactics against 2011 protests, leading to a devastating conflict with support from Iran and Russia. The war killed nearly 500,000 people and displaced millions. Assad’s departure ends 54 years of family rule, leaving Syria in uncertainty. Despite recent stabilization and regional acceptance, a surprise offensive by opposition groups led to his downfall. Penelope Kingsley 08/12/2024 5:30 am
