Monocle Radio Podcast (December 9, 2024): The latest on Syria as Bashar al-Assad flees to Moscow and rebels claim Damascus. Plus, the future of Yoon Suk Yeol, Romania’s cancelled election and Saudi Arabia’s new date-based soft drink.
Tag Archives: Israel-Hamas War
The New York Times — Monday, December 9, 2024
The Campaign by Syrian Rebels to Topple Assad Was Swift
President Bashar al-Assad had kept opposition forces at bay for a decade with help from Russia and Iran. But rebels struck at a moment of weakness for those countries.
Syrians Mourn All They Have Lost, Even as They Celebrate
Thoughts of loved ones dead or missing complicate joyous relief at the prospect of Bashar al-Assad’s losing power.
Bogged Down in Ukraine, Russia Pays a Price in Syria
With the fall of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Vladimir V. Putin has suffered one of the biggest geopolitical setbacks of his quarter-century in power.
Want a Job in the Trump Administration? Be Prepared for the Loyalty Test.
Applicants for government posts, including inside the Pentagon and the intelligence agencies, say they have been asked about their thoughts on Jan. 6 and who they believe won the 2020 election.
The New York Times — Sunday, December 8, 2024
Assad Flees Syria As Rebels Claim Damascus
Assad Has Resigned and Left Syria, Russia Says
How Notre-Dame Was Reborn
It took about 250 companies, 2,000 workers, about $900 million, a tight deadline and a lot of national pride.
The Silicon Valley Billionaires Steering Trump’s Transition
The involvement of wealthy investors has made this presidential transition one of the most potentially conflict-ridden in modern history.
Fraud and Fakery at the Country’s Largest Chain of Methadone Clinics
Acadia Healthcare falsifies records at its methadone clinics and enrolls patients who aren’t addicted to opioids, a Times investigation found.
The New York Times — Saturday, December 7, 2024
TikTok Faces U.S. Ban After Losing Bid to Overturn New Law
The law will ban the video app in the United States by Jan. 19 if its owner, ByteDance, does not sell it to a non-Chinese company.
As Syrian Rebels Advance, Iran Grows Nervous and Neighbors Close Their Borders
The rebels’ gains prompted Lebanon and Jordan to close border crossings and Iran to begin withdrawing personnel from Syria.
How One of the World’s Richest Men Is Avoiding $8 Billion in Taxes
The chief executive of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, has taken advantage of popular loopholes in the federal estate and gift taxes, which have quietly been eviscerated.
How Childhood Tragedy Shaped the Doctor Trump Picked for Surgeon General
At the age of 13, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat said she accidentally knocked over a box in a darkened room. A handgun went off, leaving her father dead.
News: Syria Rebel Forces Target Damascus, South Korea’s Yoon Faces Recall
The New York Times — Friday, December 6, 2024
Syrian Rebels Storm Another Major City
Opposition forces advanced on the city of Hama as their startling offensive moved quickly in the direction of the capital, Damascus.
Pete Hegseth’s Troubles at Work Raise Questions About Leadership
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice for defense secretary led two nonprofits into debt, and episodes of drinking continued into his days as a Fox News personality.
Images of Unmasked Suspect Emerge as the Police Track C.E.O.’s Killer
The man sought in the killing of Brian Thompson wore a hood and a smile in surveillance photos. Investigators visited a hostel on the Upper West Side as they mapped his movements.
Pam Bondi’s Journey From Traditional Republican to Warrior for Trump
The president-elect’s choice for attorney general is known for her charm and fealty to him.
News: Political Chaos In France After Vote, Justice System Politicized In U.S.
The New York Times — Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
As Hegseth Vows to Fight, Trump Considers DeSantis for Defense Secretary
The president-elect appeared to be having serious conversations about picking Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida as Pete Hegseth, the current selection, dismissed the allegations against him.
Manhunt Enters Second Day After Health Executive Is Gunned Down in Manhattan
Brian Thompson, the chief executive at UnitedHealthcare, was shot in the back in Midtown Manhattan by a killer who then walked coolly away.
Lawmakers Move to Impeach South Korean Leader After Failed Martial Law Bid
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to break a political deadlock by imposing military rule collapsed within hours, leaving him with few defenders. A vote to impeach him could come as soon as Friday.
Supreme Court Inclined to Uphold Tennessee Law on Transgender Care
The justices heard arguments on Wednesday over whether Tennessee can ban some medical treatments for transgender youth. More than 20 other states have similar laws.
Current Affairs: Prospect Magazine – January 2025
Democracy is in a doom spiral—but it isn’t dead yet
The far right thrived in 2024, and the erosion of liberal democracy is the story of the century so far. It didn’t have to be this way By Cas Muddle
Concrete resistance: how one building symbolises Kharkiv’s defiance
Want to imagine the city of the future? Try Milton Keynes Jen Stout
