Mon, December 16, 2024

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Firstpost

Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim appoints former Thai PM Thaksin his Asean adviser

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday appointed Thailand's billionaire political heavyweight and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser for when he becomes chair of South

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: India Today

Rajasthan's running tussle over Galta peeth

The dispute between the Ramanuja and Ramanandi sects has put Galta peeth's future at the intersection of religious tradition, politics and judicial intervention

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Rolling Stone

Pete Buttigieg Hits The Road One Last Time (For Now)

The transportation secretary talks about the past four years — "the Big Deal," Elon Musk, Donald Trump — and what comes next

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: The New York Times

Netanyahu Tells Trump Israel Must 'Complete Its Victory'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said he told President-elect Donald J. Trump that the country had delivered "a tough blow" against Hamas and Hezbollah.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: The Independent

Rachel Reeves' inheritance tax changes will put 125,000 jobs at risk, chancellor warned

The Builders Merchants Federation has signed the Family Business UK open letter from 32 trade bodies representing 160,000 firms

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Detroit News

South Korea's impeached leader avoids investigators as court begins meeting to determine his fate

Biden told the audience that "we all get knocked down," but "the measure of a person or a party is how fast they get back up."

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: The New Zealand Herald

Christopher Luxon's final post-Cabinet press conference of year

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will front the final post-Cabinet press conference of the year this afternoon. A livestream of it will be found at the top of this page from about 4pm. He's expected to address the Government's fourth quarterly action plan,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: cnbctv18

Kejriwal accuses Centre of failing to ensure women's safety, BJP hits back

Kejriwal claimed that unlike the BJP which does not treat women's safety as a priority, his government has fulfilled all its promises.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Business Standard

Centre must act on Bangladesh minority issues: Priyanka Gandhi in LS

As an expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine, Priyanka Gandhi on Monday carried a bag to Parliament that had "Palestine" emblazoned on it

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: New Republic

Transcript: ABC News' Sudden Surrender to Trump's Fury Alarms Experts

An interview with writer Anne Applebaum about ABC News' abrupt $15 million settlement with Trump—and why it sends ominous signs about the prospect of institutions folding to his authoritarianism.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: RTE Online

Harris defends Lowry engagement as talks to form next government continue

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said that he will meet the Labour Party this afternoon for what he hopes will be real and meaningful discussions on the formation of the next government.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: The Age

NDIS gets $1b injection to slow growth even as budget slides into deficit

New ways of assessing people for NDIS support will add to a series of changes that are slowing growth of the $47 billion scheme but also revoking people's plans at higher rates.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: The West Australian

Federal Government finds $14.6 billion for Budget, not enough to cover $25.1 billion in unavoidable spending

The Federal Government has found another $14.6 billion to cut or shift around within the Budget - but that is not enough to cover 'unavoidable' and 'automatic' spending.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Fox Business

The federal deficit keeps growing and the Congressional Budget Office has solutions

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released a report analyzing 76 policy options for reducing the federal budget deficit, including spending cuts, entitlement and tax reforms.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: USA Today

Musk, Ramaswamy promise to make cuts through DOGE. Here's how Georgians could be impacted.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have a singular directive under the new Trump administration: make cuts. How will Georgians be impacted?

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Florida Politics

Gunster expands government affairs practice with launch of Arrow Group

The addition of this talented team will significantly expand our statewide presence in public policy consulting.'

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Houston Chronicle

Fact check: Mike Johnson claims only about 1% of federal employees work in the office

Speaker Mike Johnson's claim seems to reference a survey by a news outlet that says it was not scientific and shouldn't be used to draw conclusions.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: legit

"Tinubu is Not Their Mate": APC Reacts to Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Obi's 2027 Ploy

APC dismissed the weekend meeting between Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, and Duke, calling it inconsequential to its political dominance under President Tinubu.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: FOX59 News

'Going to be painful': Venezuelan expert sounds alarm about what's next if sanctuary city policies continue

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Dhaka Tribune

Tarique: Accountable govt, functional parliament can safeguard people's power

Stressing the importance of employment to strengthen national unity, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said that an accountable government and a functional parliament can safeguard the political power of the people.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Express & Star

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - why I am devolving more powers to Richard Parker, mayor for the West Midlands

The Prime Minister today announced a new devolution settlement in England, which will give more powers to regional mayors, such as the West Midlands' Richard Parker. Writing exclusively for the Express & Star, he outlines why.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: moneycontrol.com

Maharashtra Cabinet: Fadnavis' unique formula carries short-term gains but long-term risks

However, what sets apart the oath ceremony for the cabinet expansion of CM Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur on Sunday is the strategic two-and-a-half-year tenure formula introduced by Fadnavis. This approach offers several advantages for him as the Chief Minister and as a BJP leader.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Reuters

Malaysia PM appoints Thai heavyweight Thaksin his adviser on ASEAN

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday appointed Thailand's billionaire political heavyweight and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser for when he becomes chair of Southeast Asia's regional bloc next year.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Germany's Scholz to trigger elections with confidence vote

Germany's embattled Chancellor Olaf Scholz will face parliament Monday to trigger the process towards February 23 elections, in the hope that he can weather a political crisis and win a second term. If Scholz loses the vote,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Business Standard

Development, nationalism have to be viewed from prism of Preamble: VP

Development, nationalism, security, welfare of the people and affirmative government schemes have to be viewed only from the "one prism" of the Preamble of the Constitution, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Monday.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Boston Herald

Lowry: The Musk effect on Trump's presidency

It's a testament to the energy and drive of Elon Musk that he's now a key adviser to an incoming president of the United States who he helped elect this year — and this is a side

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Cheat sheet on Germany's colour-coded politics

Germany's three-party "traffic light" coalition has collapsed and new elections could bring a "black-red" government while a "Jamaica" or "blackberry" alliance is seen as highly unlikely. - Colourful coalitions - Scholz's collapsed red-yellow-green coalition was dubbed the "traffic light" government.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, chief advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, resigns; jury could soon vote on indictment

Martin, chief advisor and longtime aide to Mayor Adams, announced she is resigning from her post on Sunday. A grand jury in Lower Manhattan has been hearing evidence against Lewis Martin and could vote on an indictment as soon as this week.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Renewables must be firmed by 'battery storage and gas'

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman says renewables need to be firmed by "battery storage and gas".

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

National energy strategy faces major setbacks, Court of Auditors reports

The Court of Auditors has sharply criticized the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in its latest report, highlighting several critical issues, including significant delays in the operationalization of major projects,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

New Year's commuter chaos on cards as transport union votes for further action

Industrial action on Sydney's rail network is back on the table after union members voted overwhelmingly to continue their campaign.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Talks on M23 crisis stalled as Rwanda, DR Congo Presidents cancel meeting

Efforts to end the years-long M23 crisis, driven by deadly conflicts have hit a setback following the cancellation of the meeting between the Presidents of Congo and Rwanda. ・Setback in efforts to end M23 crisis as meeting between Presidents of Congo and Rwanda canceled ・Controversy and intense scrutiny surrounding the relationship between M23

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

Calling time on the remaining Bali Nine members

The remaining five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia, but nobody is the wiser about the deal struck to secure their release.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Deccan Chronicle

Bonalu belongs to the people, not politics: Vijayashanthi criticises BRS for ignoring Telangana Thalli's official honour

Hyderabad: The first Telangana Thalli statue was unveiled in 2007, crafted by the esteemed artist B.S. Ramulu, portraying her as a maternal figure for the marginalised and downtrodden,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

China Races to Squelch Unrest as Signs of Economic Malaise Spread

Faced with rising social frustrations and public unrest, China's leaders are ramping up security measures and squelching discordant views on the country's economic health. A spate of deadly attacks in China in recent weeks—including mass stabbings and car-ramming incidents—has unnerved officials and ordinary people alike,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

As Trump promises mass deportations, Central America braces for an influx of vulnerable migrants

Larissa Martínez is among those who have struggled to reintegrate into Honduran society after being deported from the U.S. in 2021 with her three children. Driven by economic desperation and the absence of her husband,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Will Trump and RFK Jr. Try to Ban or Restrict Any Vaccines?

Trump is insisting he isn't against vaccines while also echoing Kennedy's unfounded concerns. Here's the latest on their comments and plans.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Next government should plan for Irish unity, former SDLP leader says

Colum Eastwood said his party's New Ireland Commission - set up to facilitate discussions on the possibilities of a united Ireland - had written to all the parties in the Republic of Ireland before an

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Fall fiscal update to grapple with Trump presidency, expected to show larger deficit

The Liberals' fall economic statement Monday is expected to show a larger-than-promised deficit and offer details on how the government will tackle the threat of U.S. tariffs ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration in the new year.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Kyrgyzstan's president dismisses prime minister, RIA reports

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has dismissed the prime minister, Akylbek Japarov, Russia's RIA state news agency reported on Monday, citing an unidentified source in the presidential administration. There was no further detail on why Japarov,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

'Bali Nine' watch deal signed to repatriate them to Australia after 19 years in jail

The remaining five members of the 'Bali Nine' looked on as Australian and Indonesian government officials signed a repatriation deal, granting their return to Australia.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Express & Star

Prime Minister Keir Starmer - why I am devolving more powers to Richard Parker, mayor for the West Mildlands

The Prime Minister today announced a new devolution settlement in England, which will give more powers to regional mayors, such as the West Midlands' Richard Parker. Writing exclusively for the Express & Star, he outlines why.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

European 'peacekeepers' in Ukraine? A horrible idea.

Trump and other leaders reportedly discussed the plan but it's a trial balloon that shouldn't have gotten far off the ground

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Donald Trump's incoming administration is filled with 'losers'

Donald Trump has long made it clear that "winning" is paramount and so-called "losers" are deplorable. But his recent picks for top roles in his administration reflect a striking pattern of a whole lot of losers: people who have been defeated in elections across the board,

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

Calling time on the rest of the Bali Nine

The remaining five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia, but nobody is the wiser about the deal struck to secure their release.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: MSN

Assam locals join protest with Arunachal against dam construction, demands free flow of Siang River

In a show of solidarity, the people of Assam have joined the growing protests in Arunachal Pradesh against the proposed dam construction on the Siang River.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: cnbctv18

Government postpones introduction of bills related to One Nation One Election: Reports

On Thursday, December 12, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the constitutional amendment bill aimed at implementing simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

[ Mon, Dec 16th 2024 ]: The Irish Times

Independents' demands for government include wishlist on health and housing

Labour Party representatives to meet Simon Harris and Fine Gael negotiating team, and Labour leader Ivana Bacik to meet Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin

Flash villas, cars and drugs: Assad's legacy in Latakia

The drive winds between manicured lavender-lined lawns to a crescent-shaped home with a gleaming swimming pool on the Syrian coast: Bashar al-Assad's holiday hideaway disgusts those who now come here.

The article from MSN discusses the transformation of Latakia, Syria, under the Assad regime, highlighting the stark contrast between the opulence enjoyed by some and the widespread poverty affecting many. It describes how, amidst Syria's ongoing civil war, Latakia has become a haven for the elite, showcasing luxury villas, high-end cars, and a burgeoning drug trade, particularly in Captagon, which has become a significant source of income for the regime. The city, once a modest coastal town, now features extravagant displays of wealth, including a yacht club and a marina, while the local economy is propped up by corruption, smuggling, and the drug trade. This prosperity, however, is not shared by all; many residents live in poverty, with the article noting the presence of shantytowns and the economic disparity fueled by the regime's policies and the war's economic impacts. The legacy of Assad in Latakia is thus portrayed as one of stark inequality, where the benefits of the regime's control are unevenly distributed, leaving a city divided by wealth and opportunity.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/flash-villas-cars-and-drugs-assad-s-legacy-in-latakia/ar-AA1vWsGg