Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new government has reportedly terminated the 2017 agreement granting Russia a 49-year lease on the Tartus port, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces. This action also reverses the revenue-sharing arrangement, with Syria now retaining all profits from the port. The Syrian government also implemented import bans on goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel. Moscow has yet to officially respond to these significant developments.
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Amazon will close seven Quebec sites, impacting nearly 1800 employees, and shifting to a third-party delivery model similar to its pre-2020 system. The company cites a review of operations and claims the decision is unrelated to recent unionization efforts at a Laval warehouse, despite speculation linking the two. Amazon is offering affected workers severance packages including up to 14 weeks of salary and transition support. Intelcom, an existing Amazon subcontractor, is reportedly poised to assume some of the vacated roles.
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A stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, leaving four injured, was perpetrated by Abdelaziz Kaddi, a 29-year-old Moroccan national holding a U.S. green card since September 2022. Kaddi, who also possessed a recent Israeli tourist visa, was shot and killed by security forces. Two victims sustained moderate injuries, while the other two suffered minor wounds. Investigations into Kaddi’s background and motives are ongoing.
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Lieutenant General Mike Elviss warns that a Ukrainian ceasefire would enable Russia to rebuild its forces and strengthen ties with a new axis of aggressors, including China, Iran, and North Korea. This would initiate a global arms race focused on armored forces, as Russia seeks to reconstitute its military capabilities for future conflicts. Concerns exist that Russia’s adaptable military could emerge stronger from such a conflict. Senior UK officials fear a renewed Russian aggression, particularly if a peace deal is brokered, highlighting the need for sustained Western security commitments. This mirrors Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s warnings of a more dangerous future conflict without robust security guarantees.
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Next week, the German parliament will debate a proposed ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move initiated by a cross-party group citing the party’s increasing extremism and historical revisionism. The application, supported by 124 Bundestag members, must demonstrate the AfD’s aggressive opposition to the constitution to succeed. While some argue a ban would only bolster the AfD’s image, others believe the Constitutional Court should determine the party’s fate. The debate comes as the AfD currently enjoys strong poll numbers.
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Russia plans to legally seize assets of Western companies on its “unfriendly” list, escalating its response to international sanctions. This new law, spurred by a May 2024 Putin decree, allows for full confiscation following a court decision, unlike previous measures that only permitted freezing or temporary control. The legislation is framed as retaliation for Western sanctions and the freezing of Russian overseas assets. The move highlights the ongoing conflict and the significant consequences for companies attempting to divest from the Russian market.
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President Zelenskyy firmly rejected any compromise recognizing Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories, asserting their unwavering status as Ukrainian until liberation. He insisted on negotiating from a position of strength, refusing to legitimize Russia’s aggression. Ending the active phase of the war is Ukraine’s top priority, despite acknowledgment that peace negotiations will be complex. Zelenskyy’s stance contrasts with previous calls from various world leaders urging a negotiated settlement, even if requiring concessions from both sides.
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Following President Trump’s announcement of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization, China declared its unwavering support for the organization. China’s foreign ministry emphasized the importance of strengthening, not weakening, the WHO’s role. This support includes continued collaboration with the WHO in fulfilling its global health responsibilities. The statement highlights China’s commitment to a shared community of global health.
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Hezbollah official Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hammadi was fatally shot outside his Bekaa Valley home. While initial reports suggested a political assassination, investigations now point towards a four-year-old family feud as the motive. The deceased may be the same Muhammad Hamamdi sought by the FBI for the 1985 hijacking of a West German plane, resulting in an American serviceman’s death. Despite reports of his death in Pakistan, the FBI maintained his status on their most-wanted list until this incident.
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A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Bolu province killed at least 76 and injured 51, with many guests trapped in the 12-story building due to the rapid spread of flames and a malfunctioning fire detection system. Delayed arrival of firefighters further hampered rescue efforts, as guests were forced to use makeshift methods to escape the burning hotel. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire, involving six prosecutors. The incident occurred during a busy holiday period, exacerbating the tragedy at the popular ski resort.
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John Q. Hosedrinker