Tag Archives: Israel-Hamas War

News: Government In France Faces Collapse, Rebels Advance In Syria

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 3, 2024): French prime minister Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse as right-wing parties push back on his budget proposal.

We’ll also discuss the latest out of Syria and why Japan has doubled its military-aid budget. Then: we cross to Cannes as the Monocle team hits the International Luxury Travel Market.

The New York Times — Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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In Pardoning His Son, Biden Echoes Some of Trump’s Complaints

President Biden complained about selective prosecution and political pressure in a system he has spent his public life defending.

Trump Doubles Down on Defiance After the Collapse of the Matt Gaetz Selection

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s decision to install Kash Patel as F.B.I. director indicates that he remains undaunted by Washington resistance as he appoints ideological warriors, conspiracy theorists and even relatives.

Schumer Presses for F.B.I. Checks and Senate Consideration of Trump Nominees

In a letter, the Democratic leader said members of his party would work with Republicans to consider the president-elect’s nominees — but asserted they should undergo traditional Senate vetting.

Tensions Rise Among Russia’s Elite as Economic Growth Slows

The slowdown is worrying for the Kremlin but not serious enough to significantly hobble its war effort.

News: Rebels Advance In Syria As Russia Steps Up Air Strikes, Iceland Election

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 2, 2024): The latest from Syria as Russia fails to contain a rebel offensive on Aleppo, Icelanders vote after the collapse of a fraught coalition government,

Jamaica’s tourism minister joins us ahead of the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. Then we bring you the global paper review and the latest business news. Plus: Why Santa won’t be coming to France.

The New York Times — Monday, December 2, 2024

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Fighting Rages in Syria as Rebels Advance

Forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad have captured the Aleppo airport and are attacking the western city of Hama, according to local officials and a Britain-based war monitor.

Ukraine’s River of Anguish

Amphibious operations across the Dnipro River at Kherson illustrated the suffering and endurance of Ukrainian forces. A team of Times journalists observed the perilous movements.

Republicans Stand Behind Trump’s Choice of Kash Patel to Lead F.B.I.

Several lawmakers expressed support on Sunday for the president-elect’s plan to install a loyalist who has vowed to use the position to exact revenge on adversaries.

A Second Trump Term Poses a Crucial Test of the Senate’s Independence

President-elect Donald J. Trump is threatening to challenge the institution’s historic role, and the Constitution, with his prospective nominees and threats to push the boundaries of executive authority.

The New York Times — Sunday, December 1, 2024

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Rebels Seize Control Over Most of Syria’s Largest City

The rapid advance on Aleppo came just four days into a surprise opposition offensive that is the most intense escalation in years in the civil war.

Trump Says He Will Nominate Kash Patel to Run F.B.I.

President-elect Donald J. Trump turned to a firebrand loyalist to become director of the bureau, which he sees as part of a ‘deep state’ conspiracy against him.

Kennedy’s Inheritance: How Addiction and Trauma Shaped a Turbulent Life

Donald Trump’s pick to be health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reached a pinnacle of power after a life of fame and addictions and a career intertwined with conspiracy theories.

Mexican Cartels Lure Chemistry Students to Make Fentanyl

Criminals turn college campuses into recruitment hubs, recruiting chemistry students in Mexico with big paydays.

The New York Times — Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024

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Musk’s Slashing of the Federal Budget Faces Big Hurdles

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency, with Elon Musk as co-leader, has advantages that past budget-cutters did not, but laws and court challenges can still make change slow and difficult.

British Lawmakers Vote to Legalize Assisted Dying in Landmark Decision

After an emotional debate, Parliament voted on Friday in favor of allowing assisted suicide for some terminally ill people in England and Wales.

Life After Death: America’s Cemeteries Are Rewilding

More burial sites are forgoing pristine lawns for drought resistant plants and wildflowers that help wildlife. Efforts picked up in the pandemic.

Airlines Are Padding Flight Times. It’s Not Your Imagination.

Flying in America has become slower even as official statistics have shown improvement.

News:Taiwan President Lai Defies China, Escalation Of Ukraine War By Putin

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 29, 2024): Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te is set to defy Beijing with his upcoming Pacific trip that will include US stopovers. Alessio Patalano joins Emma Nelson to discuss what China’s response might be. P

lus: Vienna sausage stands gain Unesco status and we discuss Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo’s legacy.

The New York Times — Friday, November 29, 2024

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Hamas Faces a Future Without Its Most Important Ally

Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah and the cease-fire to stop the fighting in Lebanon have left Hamas increasingly isolated.

Donald Trump Jr. Emerges as a Loyal Enforcer

His siblings have long retreated from the inner circle, but the president-elect’s eldest son has made a name for himself as the person who can best assess loyalty to the Trump political brand.

Australia Has Barred Everyone Under 16 From Social Media. Will It Work?

The law sets a minimum age for users of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. How the restriction will be enforced online remains an open question.

An A.I. Granny Is Phone Scammers’ Worst Nightmare

Daisy Harris, an A.I.-generated English granny, has been stymying scammers with meandering, time-wasting conversations. But can she actually make a dent in the flood of fraud?

News: Russia-Iran Alliance Raises Alarms, Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire Violated

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 28, 2024): As the international community raises the alarm over the warming relationship between Tehran and Moscow, we assess what this means for the frontline in Ukraine.

Then: the International Criminal Court wants an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military junta and Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement trial concludes. Plus: a new international airport for Greenland and the latest design news.

The New York Times — Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024

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Will Lebanon Deal Break Gaza Deadlock? Experts Doubt It

Hamas is unlikely to compromise in Gaza, despite the decision by its ally, Hezbollah, to stop fighting. A deal in Gaza would also be harder for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

Judge Finds New York in Contempt, Clearing the Way for Rikers Takeover

The finding was a landmark in a court case that has stretched out over more than a decade. Plans for a receivership of New York City’s jails will be heard on Jan. 14.

China Has a New Playbook to Counter Trump: ‘Supply Chain Warfare’

A series of swipes at American companies show how China could take the initiative in a new trade war, using its economic dominance to exact pain.

3 Americans, Including F.B.I. Informant, Are Freed in Prisoner Swap With China

The Americans released, among others, a Chinese intelligence officer who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States.