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RCMP union applauds planned federal spending on border securityGlobal reaction to the fall of Assad ranges from jubilation to alarmNone
After more than 50 years of unbroken rule, the Assad family’s grip on power in Syria has come to a dramatic end. Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have breached the heart of the Assad regime in Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee and effectively ending the Alawite dynasty’s reign over Syria. A Legacy of PowerThe Assad family's rule began with Hafez al-Assad, who seized control in a 1970 coup. His ascent came amid political instability, marked by a series of failed coups in post-independence Syria. As a member of the Alawite minority, Hafez capitalised on sectarian divisions to consolidate power, making the Alawite community the bedrock of his regime. His rule would be characterised by a ruthless divide-and-rule strategy, placing Alawites in key military and government positions and securing a loyal power base that would ensure the family’s dominance for decades. Hafez's brutal suppression of the Muslim Brotherhood in Hama in 1982 – which saw tens of thousands of deaths – set the tone for his leadership, leaving behind a regime known for its violent crackdowns on dissent. Succession and the Rise of Bashar al-AssadWhen Hafez al-Assad died in 2000, the country expected a period of reform under his son, Bashar al-Assad. Initially hailed as a moderniser, Bashar was groomed for leadership after the death of his older brother Bassel in 1994. His early years in power brought optimism for political and economic reform. However, the hopes of a more open Syria quickly faded as Bashar inherited his father’s authoritarian structures, including a tightly controlled political system and a powerful network of loyalists in the military and intelligence services. Bashar’s inner circle, including his brother Maher and cousin Rami Makhlouf, consolidated vast economic and political power, leading to widespread corruption and growing discontent. By the time the Arab Spring reached Syria in 2011, Bashar’s regime was already struggling with economic mismanagement, poverty, and a growing wealth gap. The regime's violent response to peaceful protests escalated into a full-scale civil war. The Civil War and Assad’s EndgameThe Syrian civil war, which began as peaceful demonstrations in 2011, rapidly devolved into a brutal conflict after Assad’s security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. This crackdown, which sparked nationwide unrest, was met with military resistance from various rebel factions, and the regime's forces, backed by Russia and Iran, fought to hold on to key areas. Over the years, the conflict has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Despite initial optimism that Bashar could bring change, his regime remained entrenched in violence and corruption. The rise of extremist groups such as ISIS, as well as foreign intervention from powers like the US, Russia, and Turkey, complicated the war and prolonged the suffering of the Syrian people. By 2024, a renewed offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – a faction once linked to al-Qaeda – has dealt a decisive blow to Assad’s rule. HTS, under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has managed to capture key cities, including Aleppo and Homs, before advancing into Damascus. The regime’s collapse became inevitable as rebel forces finally breached the capital. A Fragile FutureThe Assad family's exit from Syria marks the end of an era, but questions remain about the country’s future. The leadership of HTS, despite its attempts to shed its extremist image, raises concerns about Syria’s stability. The group’s past ties to al-Qaeda and its authoritarian style of governance have sparked fears of further conflict and repression. The fall of the Assad regime has reverberated across the Middle East, signalling the diminishing influence of Russia and Iran, which had supported the regime. Russia’s military focus has been diverted by the war in Ukraine, while Iran’s regional ambitions have been impacted by the weakening of its Syrian ally. The collapse also opens up new power dynamics in the region, particularly in the contest for influence between Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. As the conflict shifts into a new phase, millions of displaced Syrians, both within the country and abroad, face an uncertain future. The end of the Assad dynasty marks a new chapter in Syria’s turbulent history, but it is far from clear what lies ahead for the war-torn nation. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Middle East, World and around the world.From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn
The RCMP will create a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of Canada’s border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. The move is part of the federal government’s $1.3-billion upgrade to border security and monitoring to appease concerns of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump about the flow of migrants and illegal drugs. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. as soon as he is inaugurated next month unless both countries move to improve border security. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he has discussed parts of the plan with American officials and that he is optimistic about its reception. Canada will also propose to the United States to create a North American “joint strike force” to target organized crime groups that work across borders. The government also intends to provide new technology, tools and resources to the Canada Border Services Agency to seek out fentanyl using chemical detection, artificial intelligence and canine teams. The union representing rank-and-file Mounties is welcoming the federal plan unveiled in the fall economic update Monday. Money, to be spread over six fiscal years, is earmarked for the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and the cyberspies at the Communications Security Establishment. RCMP members enforce laws between official points of entry and investigate criminal activities related to the border. National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé says members have been protecting the border with limited resources, and the new money will allow them to continue delivering on their mandate. Aaron McCrorie, the border services agency’s vice-president of intelligence and enforcement, said in a recent interview that irregular migration and smuggling of drugs such as fentanyl are common concerns for Canada and the United States. “These aren’t concerns that are unique to the United States. We share those same concerns,” he said. “In that sense, it really speaks to the need for us to work collaboratively.” McCrorie said the Canadian border agency is working closely with U.S. counterparts including Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, as well as with agencies in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. “Criminal enterprises, organized crime, they don’t respect international boundaries. They collaborate, they exploit weaknesses in the system,” McCrorie said. “And so the best way to confront them is to is to collaborate on our side, fill those gaps, support each other’s efforts.” He said Canada’s border agency has two targeting officers embedded with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the American agency plans to soon send a targeting officer to Canada.
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Supporting the Next Generation of Engineers and Clean Energy Leaders DIAMOND BAR, Calif. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 6th , the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board approved a $150,000 sponsorship to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) in partnership with Cerritos College to support their efforts in the Battery Workforce Challenge (BWC)—a national program to train future electric vehicle (EV) battery engineers and technicians. Both colleges are the only competitors selected from the South Coast Air Basin. Presented by the U.S. Department of Energy and Stellantis and managed by Argonne National Laboratory, the BWC is a three-year collegiate competition where teams design, build, test, and integrate advanced EV battery pack for a Stellantis Ram ProMaster electric vehicle. Students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge battery technology, preparing them for careers in the clean energy sector. Teams must also follow industry milestones focused on battery design, simulation, control development, testing, vehicle integration, and demonstration. "This program is more than a competition, it's a launchpad for future engineers and innovators," said Wayne Nastri , South Coast AQMD's Executive Officer. "This program aligns perfectly with our vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future." The design and development of advanced batteries form a key component to electrify the transportation sector. The deployment of EVs within the South Coast region will create a demand for a domestic EV battery workforce. Engineering a battery pack is challenging and takes years and requires variety of skill sets. Students participating in this competition will be educated and trained to become skilled engineers advancing battery technology. Cal State LA is one of 12 universities from North America selected for the challenge that has assembled the Charging Eagles , a team of 66 engineering students. During the first year, the team designed an 62-kWh battery pack to meet rigorous performance and safety standards. In years two and three, they'll test and integrate the battery pack into the Ram ProMaster and compete against other schools on key performance measures. "This generous award from South Coast AQMD is a transformative opportunity for our team, allowing us to hire additional student researchers, purchase critical components for the competition, and cover travel expenses so more students can participate," said Isabel Builes , Cal State LA Student Project Manager. "With this support, we can dedicate more time to advancing our project and enhancing students' hands-on experience in sustainable battery technology." "We are confident that our mission to train the next generation of vehicle electrification engineers aligns perfectly with the South Coast AQMD's goal of enabling clean transportation projects with a qualified workforce," said Dr. David Blekhman , Cal State LA's Technical Director of the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility and the Charging Eagles team's co-advisor. "This effort builds on the support previously extended to the EcoCAR3 project from 2014-2018, which was also honored by the South Coast AQMD with the 30th Annual Clean Air Awards." South Coast AQMD's sponsorship will fund critical hardware, software, and travel expenses, helping the team excel in this competition. It also supports Cal State LA's efforts to develop a diverse, skilled workforce ready to meet the growing demand for clean energy solutions. South Coast AQMD's sponsorship establishes a public-private partnership to help support the workforce demand for a domestic electric vehicle battery design and development. The team at Cal State LA has secured over $500,000 in funding from competition sponsors, including the Sikand Center for Sustainable and Intelligent Infrastructure (Sikand SITI Center) and its faculty in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST). South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles , Orange , Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. For news, air quality alerts, event updates and more, please visit us at www.aqmd.gov , download our award-winning app, or follow us on Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/south-coast-aqmd-grants-cal-state-la-150-000-for-advanced-battery-competition-302334164.html SOURCE South Coast Air Quality Management District © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The recent spate of unidentified drone sightings in the U.S., including some near sensitive locations such as airports and military installations , has caused significant public concern. Some of this recent increase in activity may be related to a September 2023 change in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations that now allow drone operators to fly at night . But most of the sightings are likely airplanes or helicopters rather than drones. The inability of the U.S. government to definitively identify the aircraft in the recent incidents, however, has some people wondering, why can’t they ? I am an engineer who studies defense systems . I see radio frequency sensors as a promising approach to detecting, tracking and identifying drones, not least because drone detectors based on the technology are already available . But I also see challenges to using the detectors to comprehensively spot drones flying over American communities. How drones are controlled Operators communicate with drones from a distance using radio frequency signals. Radio frequency signals are widely used in everyday life such as in garage door openers, car key fobs and, of course, radios. Because the radio spectrum is used for so many different purposes, it is carefully regulated by the Federal Communications Commission . Drone communications are only allowed in narrow bands around specific frequencies such as at 5 gigahertz. Each make and model of a drone uses unique communication protocols coded within the radio frequency signals to interpret instructions from an operator and to send data back to them. In this way, a drone pilot can instruct the drone to execute a flight maneuver, and the drone can inform the pilot where it is and how fast it is flying. Identifying drones by radio signals Radio frequency sensors can listen in to the well-known drone frequencies to detect communication protocols that are specific to each particular drone model. In a sense, these radio frequency signals represent a unique fingerprint of each type of drone. In the best-case scenario, authorities can use the radio frequency signals to determine the drone’s location, range, speed and flight direction. These radio frequency devices are called passive sensors because they simply listen out for and receive signals without taking any active steps. The typical range limit for detecting signals is about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from the source. These sensors do not represent advanced technology, and they are readily available. So, why haven’t authorities made wider use of them? Challenges to using radio frequency sensors While the monitoring of radio frequency signals is a promising approach to detecting and identifying drones, there are several challenges to doing so. First, it’s only possible for a sensor to obtain detailed information on drones that the sensor knows the communication protocols for. Getting sensors that can detect a wide range of drones will require coordination between all drone manufacturers and some central registration entity. In the absence of information that makes it possible to decode the radio frequency signals, all that can be inferred about a drone is a rough idea of its location and direction. This situation can be improved by deploying multiple sensors and coordinating their information. Second, the detection approach works best in “quiet” radio frequency environments where there are no buildings, machinery or people. It’s not easy to confidently attribute the unique source of a radio frequency signal in urban settings and other cluttered environments. Radio frequency signals bounce off all solid surfaces, making it difficult to be sure where the original signal came from. Again, the use of multiple sensors around a particular location, and careful placement of those sensors, can help to alleviate this issue. Third, a major part of the concern over the inability to detect and identify drones is that they may be operated by criminals or terrorists. If drone operators with malicious intent know that an area targeted for a drone operation is being monitored by radio frequency sensors, they may develop effective countermeasures. For example, they may use signal frequencies that lie outside the FCC-regulated parameters, and communication protocols that have not been registered. An even more effective countermeasure is to preprogram the flight path of a drone to completely avoid the use of any radio frequency communications between the operator and the drone. Finally, widespread deployment of radio frequency sensors for tracking drones would be logistically complicated and financially expensive. There are likely thousands of locations in the U.S. alone that might require protection from hostile drone attacks. The cost of deploying a fully effective drone detection system would be significant. There are other means of detecting drones, including radar systems and networks of acoustic sensors , which listen for the unique sounds drones generate. But radar systems are relatively expensive, and acoustic drone detection is a new technology. The way forward It was almost guaranteed that at some point the problem of unidentified drones would arise. People are operating drones more and more in regions of the airspace that have previously been very sparsely populated. Perhaps the recent concerns over drone sightings are a wake-up call. The airspace is only going to become much more congested in the coming years as more consumers buy drones , drones are used for more commercial purposes , and air-taxis come into use. There’s only so much that drone detection technologies can do, and it might become necessary for the FAA to tighten regulation of the nation’s airspace by, for example, requiring drone operators to submit detailed flight plans. In the meantime, don’t be too quick to assume those blinking lights you see in the night sky are drones.Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission
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With Christmas approaching, the Age UK shop down Newland Avenue is encouraging locals to pop in to pick up a festive bargain. Age UK claims to have presents for even the hardest-to-please recipient, party outfits, and accessories. However, I felt unsure about the etiquette of buying second hand gifts so I paid a visit hoping to be proven wrong. For myself, I am happy to buy second-hand if it is quality material. Almost all my clothes are from vintage shops or charity shops, but I couldn't imagine any gift recipients being thrilled by the gesture. Also, buying clothes for anyone is a minefield. How do you guess their size? I decided to have a look at the non-clothing options to see if I could find gift inspiration. I spotted a floral patterned wallet with its original box and certainly seemed to be in like-new condition. Moving along to the next area, I noticed a whole stack of goodies. The Age UK shop has a selection of new products that are rather nice. Tartan umbrellas - always a good idea in this climate - were hanging from a hook and there was also a good selection of new and boxed children's toys. I thought the Bluey "mould and play" looked fun and there was also a selection of toys called Block Tech Block Builder which came with 50 bricks and a little case to keep them tidy which also doubles up as the foundation of any constructions. Another great find was a sealed DVD of Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas (1991). This animated film of a curmudgeonly Father Christmas going on holiday to France is more fun than The Snowman (1982) in my opinion. If not quite the gut-wrenching masterpiece of Ethel and Ernest (2016), it is a bargain at 99p. I also found a WH Smith 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle for £2.99. It depicted a Santa's Grotto scene but still looked a lot more fun than the Dracula puzzle I tried a few years ago, in which nearly every piece was a subtle shade of black. With a new 1,000 piece puzzle costing upwards of £15, I don't even mind if one piece turns out to be missing. While I still haven't been convinced clothing is the way to go for Christmas shopping, I was happy with my purchase. I think there are some definite stocking fillers to be had that could bulk out the rest of your Christmas present shopping. Age UK also has a very impressive online store and its "Mystery Boxes" genuinely excited me. Each Mystery Box is full of new products donated by corporate supporters. Most of them only cost £19.99 but the contents are guaranteed to be worth at least double. For instance, the boys' 4-7 Stocking Filler can contain a Spiderman 'web launcher' toy, a Premier League trading card game, Marble Run, Dino Egg Smash and Dig, and more. The girls' one has examples such as pink headphones, a Lilo and Stitch handbag, and bracelet making crafts. There are also boxes for men, women, teens, and craft-lovers. And there is a poignant reason to support the charity, especially at this time of year. Age UK said that in 2023 it found that nearly 1.4 million of those 65 and over said they felt more isolated at Christmas than any other time of the year. Lisa Spinks, Manager at the Age UK Newland Avenue shop, said: “We’re excited for Christmas and have a wide range of clothes, toys, books and other items that could make individual gifts for family and friends. Not only will you be picking up a bargain, you’ll also be helping Age UK raise funds to continue supporting lonely older people. Please pop in and support the Charity this Christmas so that we can help change the lives of older people and show them that together, we’re not alone."Warriors Refuse to Lose Momentum After Odd LossEven amid a nine-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Eagles offense has room for improvement. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.
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