• Thu, December 12, 2024

by: U.S. News & World Report

What to Know About Bashar Assad, Syria's Fallen Dictator

Bashar Assad instead became a doctor in the 1980s and was studying in London to be an ophthalmologist in the early 1990s. But when Basil Assad died in a car accident in 1994, Bashar Assad was recalled to Syria to replace his brother as heir apparent.

by: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Ex-St. Louis alderman starts lobbying after release from federal prison

Muhammad, who pleaded guilty in August 2022 to accepting bribes from a local businessman, registered as a lobbyist this week with the Missouri Ethics Commission, records show.

by: CNN

Wray's departure will cement Trump's control over the institutions of US justice

FBI Director Christopher Wray's resignation announcement was the latest, and inevitable, step in the accumulation of massive and unusual power around President-elect Donald Trump.

by: TwinCities.com

Mary Ellen Klas: DOGE's best idea yet is permanent daylight saving time

The good news is that there's already draft legislation, sponsored most recently by Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio. It's called the "Sunshine Protection Act" and it would make daylight saving time permanent. It even has a catchy slogan: "Lock the clock." The Senate passed a similar bill in 2022 with bipartisan support. It died in the House.

by: The Hindu

South Korean President Yoon defends martial law decree, denies rebellion charges

South Korea's president defends martial law decree, faces impeachment attempts, and investigations into rebellion charges.

by: Trinidad Express Newspapers

UNC stands in Tobago's way again

The two Tobago autonomy bills which were jointly conceived and created will now jointly meet their demise.Although the Tobago Island Government bill was passed, it was contingent on the passage

by: The Jamaica Observer

What is the ground saying?

The ground is also saying that the safe seats will remain safe as party loyalists are not inclined to vote outside of their traditional seats unless there is a very attractive alternative. The marginal seats, as they stand, will remain where they are.

by: Arutz Sheva

A perverse alliance between Western Leftists and murderous Jihadis

by: Associated Press

European Central Bank likely to cut rates while weighing US trade concerns and France's chaos

The European Central Bank is releasing its its decision on interest rates and a rate cut is a foregone conclusion.

by: Couriermail

Peter Dutton to 'work with the state government' to remove Indigenous flag from Sydney Harbour Bridge

Peter Dutton has doubled down on his controversial election pledge to remove Indigenous flags from official events, saying he will "work with the state government" in NSW to take down the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag from Sydney Harbour Bridge.

by: The Financial Express

Elon Musk shatters records: First person to cross $400 billion net worth as business and politics align

Tesla's stock has also soared by 65% since the election of Donald Trump, who has pledged to accelerate the rollout of self-driving vehicles and curtail tax credits benefiting Tesla's competitors.

by: english.mathrubhumi

Behind the BJP's allegations: What Soros' connections to Congress mean for Indian politics

The Congress party is facing mounting pressure as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) escalates its attack, linking the Nehru-Gandhi family to controversial Hungarian-American businessman George Soros. T

by: Business Standard

Senior YSRCP leader quits citing personal reasons, flags 'lack of respect'

Senior YSRCP leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister M Srinivasa Rao (Avanti) on Thursday resigned from the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party, citing 'personal reasons', even as he alleged there was no respect for functionaries and cadres in the organisation.

by: HuffPost

Kari Lake's New Trump-Announced Gig Has Critics Fuming

Lake lost the Arizona governor election to Democrat Katie Hobbs in 2022 and a U.S. Senate election to Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in November. She repeatedly claimed election fraud in her 2022 loss and pushed Trump's own 2020 election lies.

by: THE WEEK

How Assad's dictatorial regime rose and fell in Syria

Syrian opposition forces have captured the capital city of Damascus and forced the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, to flee. This marks the first time in over half a century that a member of the Assad family will not rule Syria — and represents a seismic shift in the Middle East.

by: CBS News

See the list of Trump Cabinet picks and more White House appointments so far

Here's a list of people President-elect Donald Trump has chosen for critical Cabinet posts and top White House jobs.

by: BBC

Elon Musk's Tesla lobbied UK to charge petrol drivers more

Musk's firm backed the government's green stance, despite its maverick chief executive's social media attacks.

by: BBC

S Korea's President Yoon vows to 'fight to the end'

Embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his shock decision to declare martial law last week, saying he did it to protect the country's democracy. In a surprise televised address on Thursday, he said the attempt was a legal decision to "prevent the collapse" of democracy.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

'Better than a veto': NRL soft power play packs a secret punch on China

The announcement of a new NRL team was about so much more than a new NRL team. The setting of the press conference told the story.

by: MSN

What is 'one nation, one election' bill? How it will change the way the polls are conducted in India

The Union Cabinet approved the "One Nation, One Election" bill, aiming to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. Supporters cite cost savings, improved efficiency, and higher voter turnout.

by: MSN

Syrian rebels burn tomb of Hafez al-Assad as Assad dynasty ends

Syrian rebel fighters have destroyed the tomb of former president Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, in a symbolic move marking the end of the Assad family's 54-year rule. Videos online show armed rebels,

by: MSN

South Korea's Yoon vows to fight 'until the very last minute'

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday vowed to fight "until the very last minute," in a defiant address defending his shock decision to declare martial law and deploy troops to the country's parliament last week.

by: MSN

World War III predictions coming true? NATO plans big spending hike on missiles, radars, and jets to counter Russian threat

NATO is deliberating a substantial increase in its defence spending benchmark, potentially raising the target from 2% to 3% of GDP by 2030. The move reflects growing concerns over Russian aggression and a push for Europe to reduce reliance on US military support.

by: MSN

Civil servants join Tbilisi protests despite government threats

Demonstrators marched from Republic Square to the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue in the city centre, blocking traffic and uniting with the main rally. The protest has entered its 14th day, with participants emphasizing peaceful demonstration despite tensions.

by: MSN

Citizens left frustrated after Yoon's fourth public address

President Yoon Suk Yeol's fourth emergency public address on Thursday ignited widespread disappointment and anger, as citizens accused him of sidestepping accountability and justifying his controversial actions.

by: MSN

Zelensky furious over Orban-Putin phone call

Ukrainian President Zelensky is outraged by the telephone conversation between Hungarian Prime Minister Orban and Russian President Putin. 'No one should boost [their] personal image at the expense of unity,

by: MSN

Syria rebel leader vows to shut down notorious Assad prisons

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani also said he would dissolve the former regime's security forces, in a statement seen by Reuters.

by: MSN

US hikes tariffs on imports of Chinese solar wafers, polysilicon and tungsten products

The Biden administration plans to raise tariffs on solar wafers, polysilicon and some tungsten products from China to protect U.S. clean energy businesses. The notice from the U.S. Trade Representative's office said tariffs on Chinese-made solar wafers and polysilicon will rise to 50% and duties on certain tungsten products will

by: MSN

New Jersey, home to many oil and gas producers, eyes fees to fight climate change

It's not an accident that "The Sopranos," the quintessential show about New Jersey, opens with its main character driving past gasoline and oil storage tanks along the New Jersey Turnpike. From the outskirts of New York to the Delaware River shoreline across from Philadelphia,

by: MSN

Italy's Meloni meets with the King and Queen of Spain

Italian premier Giorgia Meloni met on Wednesday with Spain's royals, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, during their visit to Rome.

by: MSN

Novina Pillay joins DA: Reshaping opposition politics ahead of 2026

Novina Pillay's defection from ActionSA intensifies opposition-bloc tension ahead of the local government elections in two years' time.

by: MSN

Mayor and council seats expected to see pay raise in hopes to motivate youth into running for office

Mayor and City Council's seats will be receiving a $5,000 pay increase after the motion to approve was made during the last council meeting of the year.

by: MSN

South Korean parliament impeaches police chief and justice minister over martial law

South Korea's National Assembly voted Thursday to impeach the national police chief and the justice minister over their enforcement of martial law last week. The opposition-controlled assembly plans to submit a second impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol later in the day after the first motion last Saturday

by: MSN

UN General Assembly demands ceasefire in Gaza and backs UN agency helping Palestinian refugees

The Palestinians urged U.N. member nations to support resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban. The 193 nations in the U.

by: MSN

Steve Bannon warns GOP Congress will give wealthy and corporations 'massive' tax breaks

Steve Bannon warns GOP Congress will give wealthy and corporations 'massive' tax breaks - Bannon has advocated for raising taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations

by: MSN

Farage makes shock prediction about fate of Tory party and it's not good news for Kemi

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

by: MSN

PNG asylum seekers stripped of government-provided housing and healthcare under new deal

The asylum seekers were sent to PNG more than a decade ago under an offshore processing deal with Australia, which has since ended.

by: MSN

Area Senators discuss infrastructure and economic growth in region

In attendance was Sen. Mike Wilson, Sen. Robby Mills, Sen. Max Wise, Sen. David Givens, and Senate President Rob Stivers.

by: MSN

South Korean president says martial law was an act of governance and denies rebellion charges

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol said his martial law decree was an act of governance that cannot be the subject of investigations and doesn't amount to rebellion. View on euronews

by: MSN

New era in Syria: Opposition fighters destroy Hafez al-Assad's tomb, vows security and stability

Syria's new administration vows security and stability post-Assad, as citizens seek justice and rebuild. Posted: 11 December 2024 | Last updated: 11 December 2024

by: MSN

'Pray For Long, Healthy Life': PM Modi Wishes NCP Chief Sharad Pawar On His 84th Birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended wishes to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on his 84th birthday and prayed for his long and healthy life. "Birthday wishes to Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader Sharad Pawar Ji.

by: MSN

Syria: What Comes After the Despot?

This week, millions of Syrians are celebrating the end of Bashar al-Assad's bloody dictatorship. The rapid advance of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) and collapse of the Assad regime caught many observers by surprise,

by: MSN

Lame-duck Biden threatens to veto bipartisan plan that would allow Trump to appoint more federal judges

President Biden will veto a bipartisan measure that would have filled more federal judgeships across the country, White House officials said Tuesday, raising questions about the true "motivating force" behind the bill as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

by: MSN

Trump's DOJ secretly obtained records of his FBI pick Kash Patel, lawmakers, staffers and media in leak investigations

The Justice Department secretly obtained phone records from two members of Congress and 43 staffers - including Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the FBI - during sweeping leak investigations during Trump's first term,

by: MSN

"Meeting Adani is not sin": Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai slams DMK and Congress

K Annamalai defended his meeting with Gautam Adani. Congress and DMK criticized the meeting. Congress denied BJP's allegations of links to George Soros. The BJP questioned Congress's relationship with Soros.

by: MSN

We need to know whether the drones over New York and New Jersey pose a threat to the homeland

Finding answers to the origin of the drones flying over New Jersey and New York City is necessary for the safety and security of the American people.

by: MSN

Iran's supreme leader accuses U.S. and Israel of orchestrating Assad ouster

In his first address since the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Iran's supreme leader blasted the United States and Israel.

by: MSN

NY taxpayers could get up to $500 'refund' checks under Hochul plan

Most New York taxpayers would get checks for up to $500 from Albany next year under a new proposal by Gov. Kathy Hochul that must be approved by state lawmakers. Hochul announced her "inflation refund" idea on Monday as the first preview of her annual State of the State speech,

'Better than a veto': NRL soft power play packs a secret punch on China

The announcement of a new NRL team was about so much more than a new NRL team. The setting of the press conference told the story.
The article from The Sydney Morning Herald discusses how the National Rugby League (NRL) has been using its soft power to influence Australia's relationship with China. Despite the lack of official diplomatic channels, the NRL has quietly engaged in activities that have had a significant impact on the bilateral relationship. Key points include the NRL's efforts to maintain and expand its presence in China through sports diplomacy, which has included hosting games, cultural exchanges, and partnerships with Chinese entities. This approach has been described as "better than a veto" because it allows for engagement without the formalities and potential conflicts of traditional diplomacy. The article highlights how these sports-related initiatives have helped in smoothing over tensions and fostering goodwill, even as official relations between Australia and China have faced challenges. The NRL's strategy has been to use sports as a neutral ground for building connections, thereby indirectly influencing political and economic ties.

Read the Full Sydney Morning Herald Article at:
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/better-than-a-veto-nrl-soft-power-play-packs-a-secret-punch-on-china-20241212-p5kxtm.html

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