Following the Syrian rebels’ swift overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Hadi al-Bahra announced an 18-month transitional period led by a Syrian opposition governing body. This period will include six months dedicated to drafting a new constitution, adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Al-Bahra emphasized the preservation of Syrian institutions and the revitalization of the economy, with plans to retain most civil servants while replacing political appointees. The transitional government aims to provide humanitarian aid, create jobs, and foster a unified Syria where all citizens enjoy equal rights.
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Following the rebel capture of Damascus and Bashar al-Assad’s subsequent flight, the regime’s notorious prisons, holding an estimated 100,000 prisoners, were opened, releasing thousands of individuals who had disappeared during the civil war. Heartbreaking reunions occurred between families and long-lost loved ones, some of whom had been imprisoned for decades. However, the discovery of many freed prisoners is bittersweet, highlighting the Assad regime’s extensive human rights abuses and the lingering uncertainty for those still missing. The release of prisoners offers a glimpse into the scale of the regime’s crimes, with stories of torture and abuse emerging from those who survived.
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Hungary’s intelligence agency reportedly searches the hotel rooms of visiting EU delegations and copies data from their laptops, a practice confirmed by the government. This action follows previous accusations of hacking targeting journalists, activists, and opposition figures, including the confirmed purchase of Israeli spyware. While the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) declined to comment specifically, it underscored the importance of unhindered investigations into EU financial interests. OLAF reaffirmed its commitment to impartial investigations adhering to the rule of law.
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SpaceX has been awarded a Pentagon contract to upgrade 2,500 existing Starlink terminals in Ukraine to the enhanced Starshield security system, adding to the 500 already using it. This brings the total number of Starshield-equipped terminals to 3,000, bolstering Ukraine’s secure communication capabilities. The contract, signed in August 2024, aims to provide resilient internet connectivity through 2025. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, it follows a previous $40 million contract.
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In a recent NBC interview, President-elect Trump repeated several demonstrably false claims. These included the inaccurate assertion that the US is the only country with birthright citizenship, a claim previously debunked. He also falsely claimed that crime is at an all-time high, his tariffs cost Americans nothing, and that he “saved” Obamacare. Furthermore, Trump reiterated unfounded allegations regarding the 2020 election results and made unsubstantiated statements about migrants, the European Union, and Venezuela.
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Senator Sanders opposes the nearly $850 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, citing the excessive military spending while many Americans face economic hardship. He highlights the potential for “disastrous misplaced power” within the military-industrial complex, echoing Eisenhower’s warnings. Sanders points to rampant fraud, waste, and cost overruns within the defense industry, citing examples of major contractors’ overcharging and fines. The NDAA’s passage remains uncertain, though opposition is expected less due to the budget size and more because of controversial provisions targeting transgender healthcare for minors.
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Judge Royce Lamberth sentenced Philip Grillo, a former congressional candidate, to 12 months imprisonment for his participation in the January 6th Capitol attack. Despite Grillo’s claims of a potential presidential pardon and attempts to delay sentencing, Lamberth emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and accountability for those who broke the law that day. The judge refuted misinformation surrounding the Jan. 6th prosecutions, stating that no one was prosecuted for protected speech, only for illegal actions. Lamberth’s sentencing underscored the judiciary’s commitment to justice, independent of political influence.
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A study using Texas criminal records from 2012-2018 found that undocumented immigrants had significantly lower arrest rates for violent, property, and drug crimes than U.S.-born citizens. Undocumented immigrants’ arrest rates were consistently less than half that of native-born citizens for most offenses. This research, enabled by Texas’s unique data collection practices, provides a more accurate picture of crime rates by immigration status than previous studies. The study also revealed no evidence suggesting an increase in crime committed by undocumented immigrants during the study period. Further research should examine the replicability of these findings in other jurisdictions.
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In a recent interview, Donald Trump stated his intention to pardon January 6th rioters and end birthright citizenship on his first day back in office. He plans to pursue the latter through executive action, despite its unconstitutionality under the 14th Amendment. Legal experts predict immediate and significant litigation should he attempt either action. Trump falsely claimed that the U.S. is the only country with birthright citizenship and that ending it is necessary.
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Five years after a devastating fire, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened with a ceremony attended by President Macron and numerous international dignitaries. The service included the consecration of a new altar and was followed by a public mass. Macron’s speech, delivered inside the cathedral due to inclement weather, praised the restoration efforts and highlighted the resilience of the French nation. Despite ongoing political turmoil in France, the reopening marked a significant moment of national unity and renewed hope.
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John Q. Hosedrinker