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

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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

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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

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 6, 2024): As France’s political crisis reverberates across Europe, Simon Bouvier and Florence Biedermann join Emma Nelson to discuss the options Macron has left.

Plus: Andrew Mueller on how not to stage a coup d’etat and Nordic news with Petri Burtsoff.

The New York Times — Friday, December 6, 2024

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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.

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 5, 2024): Following a historic vote in France’s parliament, we get the latest from Paris on what’s next for the government.

Then: we look at what both Donald Trump and Joe Biden are describing as a politicised justice system and hear about Germany’s war preparedness plans. Plus: we meet the new director of Art Basel Miami Beach, Bridget Finn. Then: our team in Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market sits down with Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond.

The New York Times — Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024

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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

Prospect Magazine (December 4, 2024) – The latest issue features Cas Mudde assessing the health of democracy and James Bloodworth explains the rise of polemicist Douglas Murray. In Ukraine, Jen Stout reports on the symbolism of Europe’s first skyscraper, while we present the shortlist of 25 Top Thinkers for 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

Prospect’s books of the year 2024: Politics & Reportage

News: South Korea’s Yoon Declares Martial Law, Emir Of Qatar Visits UK

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 4, 2024): We get the latest from Seoul as South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declares emergency martial law.

Then: Nato leaders gather in Brussels at a tense time for geopolitics, the emir of Qatar boosts his nation’s soft power with a UK state visit and we look at the latest debt-for-climate deal in Barbados. Plus: Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, sits down with the CEO of Accor, Sébastien Bazin, at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

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South Korea President Declares Martial Law, Then Backs Down

Soon after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration on Tuesday, lawmakers voted to defy him, prompting the president to say he was lifting his order.

Justice Dept.’s Apolitical Tradition Is Challenged by 2 Presidents

The post-Watergate norm that political leaders should steer clear of criminal cases is being tested from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Inside the Supreme Court Ethics Debate: Who Judges the Justices?

In private meetings and memos, the justices made new rules for themselves — then split on whether they could, or should, be enforced.

Supreme Court Returns to a Culture War Battleground: Transgender Rights

On Wednesday, the justices will hear the marquee case of the term, a challenge to a Tennessee law banning several forms of medical care for transgender youths.