Archaeologists from Durham University and the University of Al-Qadisiyah have identified the site of the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah in Iraq using declassified US spy satellite images and historical texts. The battle, occurring in 636 or 637 AD, marked a significant victory for Arab Muslims over the Sasanian Empire. The discovery, part of a broader project mapping Middle Eastern archaeological sites, was confirmed by on-the-ground investigations. The site is located about 30 kilometers south of Kufa in the Najaf Governorate. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 1:00 pm
In Amsterdam, a tram was set on fire by people armed with sticks and firecrackers amid tensions following violence targeting Israeli soccer fans. The unrest’s cause is unclear, but tensions have risen since a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match led to hospitalizations and detentions. Five new arrests were made, with suspects aged 18 to 37. Police are investigating, with over 170 witnesses identified and forensics collected. Antisemitic incidents have increased in Europe amid the Gaza conflict. Penelope Kingsley 12/11/2024 1:00 pm
The Chinese military’s Z-20 helicopter, resembling the U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk, is gaining attention for its potential to enhance China’s naval anti-submarine capabilities. Displayed at China’s Zhuhai air show, the Z-20J naval variant marks progress towards the Z-20F, a full anti-submarine platform. Despite China’s advanced warships, its navy struggles with undersea threats, a gap the Z-20 aims to fill. The Pentagon’s 2023 report highlights the Z-20’s development, noting its potential to improve the PLAN’s anti-submarine warfare, surpassing current Z-8 and Z-9 helicopters. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 9:30 am
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a formal apology for the abuse, torture, and neglect of around 200,000 children and vulnerable adults in state, foster, and faith-based care over seven decades. The abuse disproportionately affected Māori, New Zealand’s Indigenous people. Luxon acknowledged the government’s responsibility and apologized on behalf of previous administrations. A six-year inquiry labeled the findings a “national disgrace,” revealing that nearly a third of 650,000 individuals in care from 1950 to 2019 suffered abuse, with many more neglected or exploited. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 9:30 am
North Korea ratified a major defense treaty with Russia, promising mutual military aid, as reported by state media. The treaty, signed by leaders Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, is the largest defense deal between the two nations since the Cold War. It mandates immediate military assistance if either country is attacked and promotes cooperation in various sectors. Observers suggest this could lead to North Korea’s formal involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, with reports indicating up to 12,000 North Korean troops already in Russia. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 9:30 am
China is pressuring the Philippines to concede its South China Sea rights, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. This follows increased security ties between the Philippines and Australia, including joint patrols and military exercises. China claims the Philippines provoked tensions, while Manila accuses China of violating its sovereignty, particularly around the Scarborough Shoal. Despite a 2016 Hague ruling against China’s claims, Beijing continues to assert control, prompting the Philippines to strengthen defense partnerships to counter Chinese aggression. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 9:30 am
Germany’s ruling coalition, comprising the SPD, Greens, and FDP, collapsed shortly after Donald Trump’s U.S. election victory. Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the end of the alliance, prompting a forthcoming snap election. The coalition struggled due to differing priorities: the SPD and Greens support strong social policies and green investments, while the FDP advocates for reduced government spending. The coalition formed due to limited options in Germany’s fragmented political landscape, where rising smaller parties complicate traditional two-party coalitions. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 6:00 am
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, reported progress in ceasefire talks with Hezbollah in Lebanon, contingent on Hezbollah retreating north of the Litani River and halting arms acquisition. Diplomatic efforts involve US mediation and discussions with Russia, which could help prevent arms flow to Hezbollah via Syria. Despite progress, Hezbollah has not received a formal proposal and remains skeptical. Israel’s military is expanding its ground operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah’s secretary general expressed readiness for a ceasefire, dropping the demand for a Gaza ceasefire first. Penelope Kingsley 12/11/2024 6:00 am
A Church of England bishop called for Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation after a report criticized his handling of abuse claims at Christian camps. The report revealed that Welby, aware of the allegations against John Smyth since 2013, failed to ensure a proper investigation. Smyth, a lawyer, abused over 100 boys and young men from the 1970s. The report condemned the Church’s ineffective response, labeling it a coverup. Welby acknowledged his failure to act decisively and apologized for not meeting victims sooner. Smyth died in 2018 without facing justice. Penelope Kingsley 12/11/2024 2:30 am
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” at a summit of Muslim and Arab leaders. He criticized Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran, warning against attacks on Iranian soil. Leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, called for Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza, blaming the international community for failing to stop the war. The conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The UN reported high civilian casualties in Gaza. The summit also addressed Israel’s ban on UNRWA, with concerns from the US and UK. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 2:30 am
