Mon, December 2, 2024

by: Brian Stokes

What led to Syria's 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again?

The sudden assault by Syrian rebels has rapidly redrawn the civil war's front lines and threatened once again the authority of President Bashar al-Assad.

by: Brian Stokes

ODM MP claims Ruto's manifesto resembles Azimio's, sees no need for opposition: "Nangoja kitu ya kupinga"

MP Junet Mohamed claimed that the opposition members have not found anything wrong with President William Ruto's policies, drawing similarities in their manifestos.

by: Brian Stokes

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Sloopys - Capitol Letter's Ohio political awards

Weigh in now on the Ohio politics and government officials most deserving of the 7th annual Sloopys, Capitol Letter's annual Ohio political awards.

by: Brian Stokes

SACP to contest 2026 local government elections alone, South Africans think they're doomed to fail

The South African Communist Party have decided to contest the 2026 local government elections alone, but citizens think they would fail without the ANC's support.

by: Brian Stokes

What will Trump's mass deportations look like?

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised mass deportations of undocumented migrants. Now he's planning to make good on that promise. Trump confirmed after the election that he plans to "declare a national emergency and use the U.

by: Brian Stokes

Schumer urges Thune to preserve Senate's 'advice and consent' role on Trump nominees

Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is urging incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to preserve the Senate's "vital role" in ensuring the fitness of President-elect Trump's nominees to hold senior executive and judicial branch positions.

by: Brian Stokes

Trump's FBI Pick Marks Clear "Authoritarian Takeover," Expert Warns

On Saturday, Trump nominated Patel, a former chief of staff at the U.S. Defense Department, to replace the FBI's current director, Christopher Wray, who still has more than two years left in his 10-year term. Trump appointed Wray in 2017 after unceremoniously firing James Comey.

by: Brian Stokes

Sir Chris Wormald replaces Simon Case as cabinet secretary and head of civil service

The current head of the Department of Health will take over from Simon Case, who has been cabinet secretary since 2020 and is standing down due to ill health.

by: Brian Stokes

'It's terrible politics': Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter, the reactions went big

by: Brian Stokes

What ever happened to the border wall Trump promised 8 years ago?

What ever happened to the border wall Trump promised 8 years ago? - The wall is no longer Trump's central idea, and it never really slowed migration, but it continues to put lives at risk, cost billions,

by: Brian Stokes

Potential conflicts of interest may haunt Dr. Oz's confirmation to run Medicare, Medicaid

Dr. Oz has extolled Ozempic's promise for weight-loss. Now Medicare, which Trump wants Oz to oversee, may cover it.

by: Brian Stokes

How Trump's Tax Cuts and Tariffs Will Affect Your Wallet

There is a tax break for just about everyone on the list of cuts that President-elect Donald Trump promised during his campaign, ranging from averting income-tax rate increases scheduled for 2026 to eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security income.

by: Brian Stokes

ICC president criticises US and Russia over threats and accusations

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has faced criticism and pressure over arrest warrants for Israeli's Benjamin Netanyahu and Russia's Vladimir Putin. View on euronews

by: Brian Stokes

We're Entering a World Where the Rule of Law Is Turned Inside Out

by: Brian Stokes

Johnson rips Hunter Biden pardon, saying trust in justice system damaged

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday slammed President Biden for his decision to pardon his son Hunter, calling the move an abuse of the justice system. "President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes,

by: Brian Stokes

Terror threat to UK if Syria camps holding Shamima Begum and other IS extremists collapse, warns ex-MI6 chief

Terror threat to UK if Syria camps holding Shamima Begum and other IS extremists collapse, warns ex-MI6 chief - Former top spy Sir Alex Younger stressed the risks of Donald Trump pulling US troops out

by: Brian Stokes

Trump picks another in-law for key adviser role

Donald Trump has named Massad Boulos, his daughter Tiffany's father-in-law, asan adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

by: Brian Stokes

How President Biden came to the decision to pardon his son Hunter

The Biden family discussed the pardon for Hunter Biden during the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News.

by: Brian Stokes

Latest King County exec candidate says he represents 'next generation'

King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay announced his plans to run for King County executive Monday, making him the third major candidate in recent weeks to apply for the job of running Washington's most populous county.

by: Brian Stokes

How Elon Musk cut costs at SpaceX, Tesla, X and what it means for DOGE

Elon Musk is known for making radical cuts. Here's what his legacy as a maverick means for Trump's Department of Government Efficiency.

by: Brian Stokes

After President Biden's pardon, Hunter Biden's lawyer files to dismiss cases

The lawyer for U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter filed to dismiss indictments against him, after his father issued a pardon earlier that day that spans a decade. The president's full and unconditional pardon "requires dismissal of the indictment against" Hunter Biden,

by: Brian Stokes

Huckabee pick as Israeli ambassador reflects long evangelical alliance

by: Brian Stokes

Tshwane Mayor Moya's first 100 days: Tough talks, wage and water woes

Moya spoke about the City's spaza shop regulations, Hammanskraal water access, and the Labour Court update on salary increases.

by: Brian Stokes

Factbox-US reactions to Hunter Biden pardon by President Biden

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, reversing his earlier pledge to leave the legal proceedings entirely up to the judicial system. Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges and faced upcoming sentencing.

by: Brian Stokes

Nigerian Governor Approves New Minimum Wage, Details Emerge

Cross River government led by Bassey Otu has approved a minimum wage of N70,000. He also included agreement on consequential adjustment across all levels.

by: Brian Stokes

What newly reelected Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson says she's prioritizing in the new Congress

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is entering her third term in Congress representing Iowa's Second Congressional District. Here's where her focus lies.

by: Brian Stokes

The latest on Trump's presidential transition

President-elect Donald Trump continues to lay the groundwork for his incoming administration, including on his promise to ramp up tariffs. Follow for live updates.

by: Brian Stokes

Here are the rising Democratic populist leaders to watch

A group of Democrats on the left are searching for a new standard-bearer to put forward an economic populist agenda for America after extensive losses in the November election. These Democrats in and outside of Washington see kitchen-table issues as more integral than the other more niche social interests their party unsuccessfully focused on

by: Brian Stokes

US: US working on Gaza ceasefire but there is still a long way to go (White House adviser)

Washington, United States - December 01, 2024 The White House is working on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, but there is still a long way to go, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC television.

by: Brian Stokes

Biden pardons son Hunter as Trump slams decision

President-elect Donald Trump continues to lay the groundwork for his incoming administration, including on his promise to ramp up tariffs. Follow for live updates.

by: Brian Stokes

Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter

The president had promised not to pardon Hunter Biden, who was convicted of gun-related charges and had pleaded guilty in a tax case.

by: Brian Stokes

French government hangs by a thread as far right threatens to pull the trigger

Barring a last-minute miracle," Jordan Bardella will vote to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier — as France hurtles toward political and financial chaos.

by: Brian Stokes

End of defund police era? Crime, prosecutorial crackdown in blue and purple states signals shift, experts say

Blue and purple states signaled a shift toward more pro-law enforcement policies in the 2024 election and a rejection of Soros-backed district attorneys.

by: Brian Stokes

President Biden pardons his son. And, which Christmas trees are more sustainable

by: Brian Stokes

Ford government launches multimillion-dollar U.S. ad blitz as Trump threatens tariffs

Released Monday, the ad will run throughout the U.S. over Christmas and into the new year ahead of Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.

by: Brian Stokes

Politics latest: 'Misogynistic' Gregg Wallace comments are 'completely inappropriate', says No 10

Downing Street has hit out at comments made by MasterChef star Gregg Wallace, following multiple misconduct accusations against him. Meanwhile, the government has set itself a target to solve the cladding crisis - and the prime minister's preparing for another big speech.

by: Brian Stokes

The End of Democratic Delusions

At the end of that decade, it was overthrown by the Reagan Revolution, which expanded individual liberties on the strength of a conservative free-market ideology, until it in turn crashed against the 2008 financial crisis.

by: Brian Stokes

What Tarique Rahman's 'return' from political exile could mean for Bangladesh

The anticipated return comes amid the ongoing social-political churn in Bangladesh and Rahman's BNP, eyeing a revival, demanding national elections to be held soon

by: Brian Stokes

Congress returns for final act before curtain rises on new Trump era

The Democratic-led U.S. Senate and Republican House of Representatives return this week for a showdown over government spending, disaster relief and defense policy before President-elect Donald Trump ushers in a new era of single-party rule next month.

by: Brian Stokes

France politics live: Michel Barnier makes last-minute concession as Marine Le Pen's party threatens to collapse the government

French borrowing costs rose above those of Greece for the first time on record amid investor concerns over the political crisis.

by: Brian Stokes

'We should be outraged': Plastics treaty talks collapse as countries disagree on chemicals and money

The talks were about phasing out plastic production, improving waste management, design requirements for plastic products and funding the global transition away from plastic. View on euronews

by: Brian Stokes

Who's Really Responsible for RFK Jr.'s Rise to Power

President-elect Trump has finished making selections for the top public health roles in his incoming administration after he issued a flurry of nominations late Friday and tapped a leader for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Wednesday. Trump pledged to shake up health care in the U.S. during his campaign, and his picks to…

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein's all-island strategy 'looks distinctly implausible' after general election performance - Ulster academic

A leading Ulster University academic has said Sinn Fein's attempts to run an all-Ireland political strategy "looks distinctly implausible" given the very different directions the electorate on either side of the border are going.

by: Brian Stokes

A Pardon for Hunter Biden

President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump now agree on one thing: The Justice Department has been politicized.

by: Brian Stokes

What's Next in U.S. Elections: Races to Watch in 2025

Virginia and New Jersey feature contests for governor. Elections in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania could tip the power balance on the Supreme Court in those battleground states.

by: Brian Stokes

Government must invest in social care in this Budget

by: Brian Stokes

Migrant arrests at US borders with Mexico and Canada fell in November, senior official says

The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada fell in November, a senior U.S. border official told Reuters, part of a months-long trend that undercuts President-elect Donald Trump's claim illegal immigration is out of control.

by: Brian Stokes

Exclusive: Bangladesh halves power buying from India's Adani amid payment dispute

Bangladesh has halved the power it buys from neighbouring India's Adani Power, citing lower winter demand, government officials told Reuters on Monday, amid disagreements over dues running into hundreds of millions of dollars.

What led to Syria's 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again?

The sudden assault by Syrian rebels has rapidly redrawn the civil war's front lines and threatened once again the authority of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian civil war, now in its 13th year, began as part of the Arab Spring protests in 2011, initially demanding democratic reforms but escalating into a full-scale conflict due to the government's brutal crackdown. The war has drawn in various international actors, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, each supporting different factions. The conflict has led to over 500,000 deaths, displaced millions, and caused widespread destruction. Recently, fighting has surged again, particularly in the northwest, due to a combination of factors: the Syrian government, backed by Russia, has intensified its military operations against opposition-held areas, aiming to reclaim territory. This escalation is also influenced by the broader geopolitical dynamics, including Turkey's military operations against Kurdish forces, and the ongoing power struggles among various rebel groups. The resurgence in violence has led to increased civilian casualties and displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/what-led-to-syria-s-13-year-civil-war-and-why-has-fighting-surged-again/ar-AA1v5i6e