Despite Afghanistan’s geographical distance from Syria, the Taliban express significant support for Syrian rebels, driven by shared extremist Sunni ideology and a desire for the implementation of Sharia law in Syria mirroring their own governance. Although no official statement has been released, social media activity reveals considerable Taliban sympathy for the rebel cause. This support stems from perceived ideological kinship between the Taliban and Syrian jihadist groups. A senior Taliban official confirmed this, highlighting the hope for a Syria governed under Sharia law.
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Unconfirmed reports indicate Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s plane was shot down following a rebel offensive that captured major cities, including Aleppo and Homs, and led to the reported fall of Damascus. The president’s disappearance from radar and subsequent altitude drop fuel these claims. Russia, a key Assad ally, is calling for dialogue between the warring factions, excluding the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is leading the rebel charge. Rebels have declared Damascus liberated, while the situation remains highly volatile and unconfirmed.
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President Bashar al-Assad’s rule has ended after a swift rebel offensive, according to a Syrian officer and the head of the main opposition group. Assad reportedly fled Damascus, leaving the city to jubilant citizens celebrating in the streets. Rebel forces announced the end of Assad’s 50-year regime and pledged a new era of peace and justice for Syria. The rebels also reported the surrender of hundreds of Assad regime members.
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Following a swift 10-day rebel offensive, the Assad regime collapsed after 50 years of family rule. Opposition forces, including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, captured major cities like Aleppo and Homs, culminating in their entry into Damascus. President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled the country, and a video statement announced his overthrow and the release of political prisoners. Celebrations erupted across Damascus as citizens rejoiced in the end of the Assad era.
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Iran accuses Ukraine of supplying weapons to Syrian rebels, citing unverified reports of Ukrainian officials selling US-origin arms and demanding an immediate halt to this alleged support. This accusation comes amidst escalating conflict in Syria, with rebel forces making significant gains. Simultaneously, Iran denies involvement in the Ukraine war, reiterating its calls for a diplomatic resolution. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry conversely highlights the destabilizing impact of deepened Russo-Iranian cooperation. These accusations and counter-accusations highlight the complex interplay of international actors in the Syrian and Ukrainian conflicts.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is vying for the top Democratic spot on the House Oversight Committee, a position that would significantly increase her influence as Donald Trump returns to power. Her bid pits her against Rep. Gerry Connolly, a more traditional Democrat. Ocasio-Cortez aims to balance investigations into the executive branch with efforts to improve working-class lives, positioning herself for a potential future run for higher office. The Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer, will likely focus on investigations into the Biden family and other politically charged issues.
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Marin County health officials are investigating a potential H5N1 bird flu case in a child, the second such case in California this year. The investigation, involving state and federal agencies, aims to determine the child’s exposure source, which remains unknown in several recent U.S. cases. This potential case, if confirmed, would be the 61st human case of H5N1 in the U.S. in 2024 and the third with an unknown source of infection. The ongoing investigation includes consideration of recently recalled raw milk, though a direct link to transmission is unconfirmed.
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Rep. Rosa DeLauro warns that President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize impoundment—the unilateral withholding of congressionally appropriated funds—is unconstitutional and would harm vital social programs. This strategy, supported by some Republicans and advocated by Musk and Ramaswamy, directly contradicts the Constitution’s grant of “power of the purse” to Congress. Legal precedents, including the 1974 Impoundment Control Act and Supreme Court rulings, firmly establish that the president lacks this authority. DeLauro highlights the potential devastating impact on programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and other crucial services for middle- and lower-income families.
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Following a rapid rebel advance, major Syrian cities including Homs and Aleppo fell within a week, with rebels subsequently entering the outskirts of Damascus. Reports indicate that Damascus has fallen militarily, with rebels encountering minimal resistance and senior regime officials potentially defecting. Celebratory scenes in liberated cities, mirroring the 2011 Arab Spring protests, showcase the significant shift in power dynamics. The Assad regime’s future remains uncertain, with the president’s whereabouts unknown.
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NYPD divers searched Central Park’s lake for the weapon used in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This search followed the discovery of a suspect’s backpack containing a jacket but not the firearm. The backpack is undergoing forensic analysis, while police are closing in on a person of interest identified through surveillance footage. Mayor Adams confirmed the person of interest’s name is known but withheld for tactical reasons, noting he may have left the city. The investigation remains active.
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John Q. Hosedrinker