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DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians gathered Friday in Damascus' historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, while giant crowds celebrated in the capital's largest square and across the country. The gatherings were a major symbolic moment for the dramatic change of power in Syria, nearly a week after insurgents swept into Damascus, ousting the Assad-led state that had ruled the country for a half century with an iron grip. It came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region looking to shape the transition, calling for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. Blinken arrived in Iraq on a previously unannounced stop after talks in Jordan and Turkey — which backs some of the Syrian insurgent factions. So far, U.S. officials have not talked of direct meetings with Syria's new rulers. The main insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has been working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing Damascus early Sunday. The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned over extremist jihadis among the rebels. The insurgents' leadership says it has broken with its extremist past, though HTS is still labeled a terrorist group by the United States and European countries. HTS's leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” “I invite them to head to the squares to show their happiness without shooting bullets and scaring people,” he said. “And then after we will work to build this country and as I said in the beginning, we will be victorious by the help of God.” Huge crowds, including some insurgents, packed Damascus' historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital's old city, many waving the rebel opposition flag — with its three red stars — which has swiftly replaced the Assad-era flag with with its two green stars. According to Arab TV stations, the Friday sermon was delivered by Mohammed al-Bashir, the interim prime minister installed by HTS this week. The scene resonated on multiple levels. The mosque, one of the world's oldest dating back some 1,200 years, is a beloved symbol of Syria, and sermons there like all mosque sermons across Syria had been tightly controlled under Assad's rule. Also, in the early days of the anti-government uprising in 2011, protesters would leave Friday prayers to march in rallies against Assad — before he launched a brutal crackdown that turned the uprising into a long and bloody civil war. “I didn’t step foot in Umayyad Mosque since 2011," because of the tight security controls around it, said one worshipper, Ibrahim al-Araby. “Since 11 or 12 years, I haven’t been this happy.” Another worshipper, Khair Taha, said there was “fear and trepidation for what’s to come — but there is also a lot of hope that now we have a say and we can try to build.” Blocks away in Damascus' biggest roundabout, named Umayyad Square, thousands gathered, including many families with small children — a sign of how, so far at least, the country's transformation has not seen violent instability. “Unified Syria to build Syria,” the crowd chanted. Some shouted slurs against Assad and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centers of Assad’s security forces. One man in the crowd, 51-year-old Khaled Abu Chahine — originally from the southern province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising first erupted — said he hoped for “freedom and coexistence between all Syrians, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites and Druze.” The interim prime minister, al-Bashir, had been the head of a de facto administration created by HTS in Idlib, the opposition's enclave in northwest Syria. The rebels had been bottled up in Idlib for years before fighters broke out in a shock offensive and marched across Syria in 10 days. Similar scenes of jubilation took place in major cities across Syria, including in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa. Al-Sharaa, HTS' leader, has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians — especially its many minority communities — that the insurgents will bring a hard-line, extremist rule. Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in Syria, a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix. The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad did so with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the U.S.-backed Kurds . Turkey controls a strip of Syrian territory along the shared border and backs an insurgent faction uneasily allied to HTS — and is deeply opposed to any gains by Syria's Kurds. The U.S. has troops in eastern Syria to combat remnants of the Islamic State group and supports Kurdish-led fighters who rule most of the east. Since Assad's fall, Israel has bombed sites all over Syria, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands, and has seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. After talks with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Blinken said there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the U.S. on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an "interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said. Fidan said the priority was “establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant” — referring to the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Ankara considers the PKK within Turkey's borders a terrorist group — as it does the Kurdish-backed forces in Syria backed by the U.S. A U.S. official said that in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fidan both told Blinken that Kurdish attacks on Turkish positions would have to be responded to. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. The U.S. has been trying to limit such incidents in recent days and had helped organize an agreement to prevent confrontations around the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which was taken by Turkey-backed opposition fighters from the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces earlier this week. In Baghdad, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, saying both countries wanted to ensure the Islamic State group — also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh — doesn't exploit Syria's transition to re-emerge. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out, and we’re determined to make sure that that doesn’t happen," Blinken said. The U.S. official who briefed reporters said that Blinken had impressed upon al-Sudani the importance of Iraq exercising its full sovereignty over its territory and airspace to stop Iran from transporting weapons and equipment to Syria, either for Assad supporters or onward to the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Lee reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara contributed to this report.Biden administration races to approve clean energy loans before Trump takes over — here’s who is benefiting
Startup with a Lincoln connection is automating cattle feedingIndore (Madhya Pradesh): S Krishna Chaitanya, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation took the progress report of the construction work going on Indore Metro Super Priority Corridor and conducted a field inspection on Saturday. He also observed the 11th Metro Train (Rolling Stock) that reached Gandhi Nagar Depot on Thursday and was unpacked today. During the inspection of the depot, Chaitanya emphasized on increasing greenery in the depot. He said that instead of decorative trees, trees useful for the public should be planted. 🚇 इंदौर मेट्रो अपडेट मध्य प्रदेश मेट्रो रेल कॉर्पोरेशन के एमडी , श्री एस. कृष्ण चैतन्य, ने सुपर प्रायोरिटी कॉरिडोर और गांधी नगर डिपो का स्थलीय निरीक्षण किया। प्रबंध संचालक द्वारा गांधी नगर डिपो पहुंची 11वीं मेट्रो ट्रेन (रोलिंग स्टॉक) का भी अवलोकन किया गया l डिपो के निरिक्षण... pic.twitter.com/SxvkIv79Ts He directed all the contractors associated with the project to complete the remaining works and external beautification work soon. Starting the site inspection program from Gandhi Nagar Depot, the Managing Director observed the construction work and system work going on in the final phase in the administrative building. He saw the monitoring system of all the stations and depots from the most important component of metro operation i.e. the control room established in the depot and expressed satisfaction. Senior officers Shobhit Tandon, director (System), Ajay Gupta, director (Projects), Ranveer Singh Rajput general manager (Civil Elevated), Ajay Kumar general manager (Civil Underground), Rajiv Kumar Goyal general manager (Admin) along with representatives of general consultants and Metro construction contractors participated in the review meeting.
The Australian government recently passed legislation that bans social media for anyone under 16 . Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the legislation for putting “the onus on social media platforms — not young people or their parents” — for protecting youth from online harms. Australia is the first country in the world to pass a nationwide ban of social media for teens, set to take effect in a year . But other measures have been enacted or considered here in Canada and elsewhere. In the United States, it will be illegal for children under 14 in Florida to have social media accounts starting Jan. 1, 2025. Beginning in 2024, Québec began banning cellphones in classrooms . This fall, with the start of the 2024–2025 academic year, Ontario also began banning cell phones in schools . This follows a lawsuit filed by four school boards in Ontario against social media companies for disrupting youth learning. Québec is reportedly considering a social media ban — following Australia’s lead — that would limit social media use for teens under 16. Provincial governments recognize that social media and cellphones can be problematic for youth, and they’re not waiting on the federal government to take action. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that the proposed Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) , originally introduced in February 2024 , will be separated into two bills . The idea is to pass the part of the bill focused on child protection to address problems like sextortion , image-based sexual abuse, revenge porn and other forms of online sexual violence. Since the Online Harms Act is still being debated, MPs in Canada may look to other countries, like Australia, for guidance on protecting youth from these online harms. Some people in Canada approve of Australia’s social media ban and see it as a potential solution , including some teens . This idea has received a lot of traction in public discourse too, including with the book The Anxious Generation that argues social media should be banned until age 16 . Many of us may recall the stories of Rehtaeh Parsons , Amanda Todd and more recently a boy in British Columbia who died by suicide after being cyberbullied and sextorted. Some studies have shown that social media use is related to anxiety and depression among adolescents . Bans or regulations raise important questions about how we, as a society, should respond to social media use among youth and deal with online harms. We are a team of researchers who study technology-facilitated sexual violence among youth aged 13–18 in Canada. We have conducted 26 focus groups with 149 youth from across the country, and launched a nationally representative survey of around 1,000 youth to learn about their experiences with online harms, what they know about the law and which resources work — and which ones don’t. Our initial findings show that youth experience a range of harms as they use digital platforms and social media. We also found that algorithms are fueling harms. Youth have emphasized they want tailored supports and resources to help them have safe, healthy and enjoyable experiences with technology. A full ban of social media is not realistic, in part because social media companies have no idea how to implement it . Some ideas are to use facial recognition technology or check someone’s age using credit cards . Another idea is to upload government IDs to third-party platforms for age verification. However a ban is implemented, it will almost certainly gather more user data, which raises questions about youth data privacy and security . These measures may also drive youth towards other platforms that are less regulated, such as on the dark web. This could actually make it harder to protect youth from online harms. Bans also don’t actually solve the problem . For example, abstinence-based interventions don’t work when it comes to sex education . It is unlikely that an abstinence-based approach would work with social media . Furthermore, technology is increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and youth need to be taught about healthy and responsible online interactions. Youth are learning how to become digital citizens . Kicking the problem down the road until they’re 16 or older will postpone the consequences, not solve them. This could cause more harm than a ban intends to solve . A ban also frees social media companies, governments and parents from any accountability. Rather than meaningfully addressing the harmful content and their impacts, a ban removes any and all responsibility from the people and institutions whose job it is to protect youth. Technology companies need to develop their products with kids in mind , rather than prioritizing their profits and putting child safety and health second. Kids need guidance and support , and a ban does nothing to remove harmful content or resolve its negative impacts. Rather than bans, we suggest implementing holistic interventions that emphasize digital citizenship and youth rights and responsibilities so people of all ages learn how to have safe and healthy interactions with technology. This requires a consolidated effort across various sectors of society, including schools , community organizations and, importantly, both tech companies and government agencies. While there are resources available for educators, parents and youth about how to have safe and healthy online interactions , we need to act now. Rather than resorting to blanket bans, we should prioritize comprehensive societal changes that address the root causes of these harms. By doing so, we can promote youth safety and help our communities confront online harms. Christopher Dietzel receives funding from Le Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC). Kaitlynn Mendes receives funding from SSHRC and the Canada Research Chairs Program.
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Where Are They Now? 2022-2023 Boston BruinsTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce are doing more than leaving the Christmas lights up ’til January. Indeed, the couple is celebrating the season by sending very extravagant presents to Travis’ fellow Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones and his girlfriend Sheawna Weathersby. In a photo Sheawna shared to her Instagram Story Dec. 25, she showed off presents from the couple: an orange Louis 200 box and several other wrapped gifts-including one large bag with a tag adorned with Taylor’s signature cursive scratch, “Merry Christmas She She and Chris! Travis and Taylor.” Another gift was addressed solely to “She She” in Taylor’s handwriting, adding, “Merry Christmas, Love Tay Tay.” Naturally, Sheawna was floored by the gifts. “So blessed and grateful this holiday season,” she added in text alongside the live photo. “Thank yoouuu Tay Tay!” Taylor has proven to be an extra set of hands for Santa Claus this year-also gifting items like a matching Miu Miu set and Dyson Airwrap to fans she visited at Children’s Mercy Hospital earlier this month. And while the “Fortnight” singer has always had a penchant for gift-giving, Sheawna has also proven to be one of her truest WAG confidants this NFL season. After all, the Mississippi native-who shares sons Deuce, 6 and Carson, 2, with Chris-has shown a glimpse into her friendship with Taylor on social media. In a photo Sheawna shared back in September, she proved she and the Miss Americana star were attached at the hip while rooting for their boyfriends’ team from a suite in Arrowhead Stadium. The Eras Tour performer squeezed into a selfie with the business owner, closing her eyes and nuzzling her face toward her pal as Sheawna gave the camera a peace sign. As for whether Taylor was expecting her stocking to be stuffed to the brim by all of her loved ones this year? Like anyone, she would never turn one down-but she isn’t expecting anything with a hefty price tag, either. “You gotta dig down and come up with something special,” Travis’ dad Ed Kelce explained of finding the perfect gift for Taylor on the Baskin and Phelps podcast earlier this month. “The amount of money is meaningless. You’re not gonna impress Taylor Swift with a gift that costs $100,000.” He emphasised, “Get something that tweaks the strings of her heart that you spend 10 bucks on and then she’ll just be all gooey.” For Taylor, the holidays are certainly a time of giving.
Miami’s skyline is evolving rapidly, cementing the city’s status as a global destination for luxury living. A driving force behind this transformation is the surge in branded residences—luxury properties affiliated with iconic brands such as St. Regis , Aston Martin , Baccarat , and Bentley . But do these branded developments truly raise the bar for luxury real estate, or are they merely a marketing gimmick? Let’s delve into why branded residences are taking Miami by storm and whether they deliver on their promises. Branded residences are high-end residential properties that partner with luxury brands, incorporating the brand’s identity, design ethos, and service standards into the living experience. Although the brands don’t physically build the residences, they work closely with developers through branding agreements, allowing the property to carry the prestige of the brand name. For instance, the Aston Martin Residences doesn’t feature car manufacturing but integrates sleek, automotive-inspired interiors, reflecting the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and elegance. This partnership adds allure, attracting buyers who identify with the brand’s luxury lifestyle. Miami has become a magnet for branded residential projects, with over 40 branded developments and more in the pipeline. But what makes Miami the ideal location for these luxury properties? ● Booming Real Estate Market: Miami’s real estate sector has seen tremendous growth, especially in the luxury segment. ● Tax-Friendly Jurisdiction: Florida’s lack of state income tax and favorable tax laws attract high-net-worth individuals from across the globe. ● Financial Hub: Miami is growing as an international financial center, drawing in wealthy investors and residents looking for high-end real estate. Furthermore, Miami’s appeal extends beyond economic advantages. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, exceptional dining, year-round tropical weather, and direct access to international travel through Miami International Airport. These factors make Miami not just a real estate investment hub but a lifestyle destination, attracting affluent individuals worldwide. Several branded projects stand out in Miami’s luxury real estate market: ● St. Regis Residences: Offers exclusive services like private dining, a wellness center, and a beach club. ● Aston Martin Residences: Features a “sky garage” allowing you to park next to your penthouse, bringing the brand’s sleek automotive aesthetic into daily living. ● Baccarat Residences: Combines the elegance of French design with Miami’s coastal lifestyle, featuring private pools and gourmet dining experiences. Other luxury brands such as Porsche, Bentley, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana are also making their mark on Miami’s evolving skyline. These developments reflect a broader trend where buyers increasingly seek alignment between their personal brand preferences and their living environments. Branded residences offer an unparalleled lifestyle, combining luxury with exclusivity. Here’s what sets them apart from standard luxury condos: Branded residences go beyond traditional amenities like pools and gyms. Residents enjoy access to unique features such as: ● Private dining rooms ● Cigar lounges ● Members-only beach clubs ● Private marinas Additionally, many branded residences integrate cutting-edge technology into their design. Smart home systems, biometric security features, and sustainable building practices are becoming standard in these developments, elevating their appeal to tech-savvy and environmentally conscious buyers. These properties offer round-the-clock services like 24/7 concierge, valet parking, personal shopping, and even on-demand spa treatments. Luxury brands like Baccarat and Bentley extend their reputation for excellence into daily living. Need concert tickets, yacht charters, or pet care? The concierge can handle it all, providing a five-star hotel experience in the comfort of your home. Branded residences attract affluent buyers who value privacy and exclusivity. These developments cultivate a sense of community among like-minded residents, whether networking over fine dining or forming friendships at exclusive clubs. In Miami, the diverse international mix of residents in branded residences further enhances the community experience, making these properties hubs for global networking and cultural exchange. The big question for potential buyers: Is the brand name worth the premium? Branded residences typically command a 25-30% price premium over non-branded luxury properties, with higher HOA fees reflecting the premium services and amenities offered. However, branded properties often provide better long-term value, selling faster and commanding higher resale prices. For example, Four Seasons Residences at Surfside saw resale prices soar by up to 180% over pre-construction prices. While branded residences offer unparalleled luxury, buyers should be prepared for higher ongoing costs. These properties are often bound by long-term management agreements with the brand, ensuring the residence maintains its high standards. As a result, HOA fees are significantly higher to cover premium services. Branded residences are not limited to Miami. This trend is global, with projects in cities like Dubai, New York, and London. The sector’s impressive trajectory is supported by an anticipated annual growth rate of 12% through 2026. This rise is fueled by the growing population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), projected to increase by 28.5% between 2022 and 2027. Florida, and particularly Miami, emerges as a leader in this market. With its tax benefits, international allure, and vibrant lifestyle, Miami offers the ideal conditions for branded developments to thrive, further cementing their premium status in luxury real estate. Globally, Asia and the Middle East are emerging as strong competitors in the branded residence market. For instance, Dubai has witnessed a surge in branded developments, including the Armani Residences and the Versace Palazzo. This global trend indicates that Miami’s market is not isolated but part of a broader, highly lucrative real estate strategy. Branded residences come with intricate legal agreements. Developers must adhere to strict guidelines set by the luxury brand, which often exceed standard real estate practices. These stipulations ensure that every element of the residence reflects the brand’s image and standards, from the quality of amenities to the governance of shared spaces in mixed-use developments. Buyers should also be aware of the potential challenges that come with these agreements, such as limited flexibility in property modifications and stringent resale conditions designed to protect the brand’s reputation. So, are branded residences the future of luxury living in Miami, or just a passing trend? With their unmatched amenities, personalized services, and exclusivity, it’s clear that they offer much more than just a famous name. For high-net-worth buyers, these properties promise not just a home, but a curated lifestyle aligned with their tastes and values. As Miami continues to attract wealth and talent, the branded residence model is poised for further evolution. Expect to see greater integration of sustainable practices, smart technologies, and even co-branding collaborations between multiple luxury brands to appeal to an increasingly discerning clientele. Branded residences may have started as a marketing tactic, but they have quickly become a new standard for luxury living. Offering more than just a well-known brand name, they provide a complete lifestyle experience, from exclusive services to tight-knit, affluent communities. For those looking to invest in a turnkey, worry-free luxury lifestyle, branded residences are here to stay.None