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Justin Trudeau suggests Canada will retaliate against Donald Trump's tariffsPROUD mum Emily Andre has shared a rare clip of daughter Arabella, who is largely kept out of the spotlight. Emily Andre , who works as an NHS doctor, welcomed daughter Arabella in April alongside husband Peter Andre. Like all of their three children, they don't often feature them on social media but Emily has made an exception to share some health advice with other parents. Sharing a video to her Instagram Stories, she explained that Arabella - known as Belle - had reached a new milestone as she was starting to have teeth come through. Emily explained: "So I am very, very excited because we've reached a bit of a milestone as Belle here has cut her first tooth. "So today I'm going to clean her teeth for the first time." She continued: "Now I wanted to do this and make a quick video about it to explain how important it is that you get babies cleaning their teeth from an early age. "It's just really about getting them used to it, getting used to the feel of the toothbrush and the toothpaste, and it can prevent the cavities and problems with their teeth throughout the rest of their life." Emily ended the video by adding that baby Belle "tolerated" the teeth brushing for just a few seconds, but the mum of three added: "That's what it's all about, just getting them used to it. "Make it fun. And if you can try it twice a day to get them used to it, fantastic." The video has received high praise from fans, as one commented: "Such great advice Emily its so important to look after their teeth early." Another added: "Awww Emily your such a lovely person and a fantastic Mommy." However some followers pointed out that because Emily doesn't ever show Belle's face, it's not showing how to brush an infant's teeth properly. One person wrote: "Honestly the most ridiculous video ever x I agree with cleaning the teeth but not showing the back of a babies head." Another shared: "why even bring the baby if you can't see "how" you do it." "Shame we couldn’t see the brush and the mouth," said a third. The video comes as earlier this month as the couple opened up on whether they would grow their family further. In an interview with OK! Magazine , Peter and Emily shared that they still have no intentions of growing their family any further. As well as eight-month-old Belle, the pair share Millie, 10, and Theo, eight as well as and Peter's two children from his previous marriage, Princess, 17, and Junior, 19. Peter joked: ""Hell no! This is it. "I always said I'd never be 50 and changing nappies, and yet here I am. "But I'm done – we both are." Emily also agreed as she said: "That's a categorical no from me. "I love them all so much, but I already feel I don't have enough time for each one individually." She added: "I'm getting rid of baby things now. "That's how I know I'm done – I didn't do that after having Theo. Facebook Marketplace is my friend."California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites
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Tehran's support for Lebanon highlighted in phone call between parliamentary leadersRemember the story about the elephant seen from different perspectives? Here’s a twist. A biologist with a telescope peered at the animal and said, I see a hairy grayness horizon to horizon. A toenail fungus specialist examined its feet, and prescribed antibiotics. A climate change specialist didn’t see the elephant because he was fixated on plucking the dry grass. A physicist looked at the elephant and had nothing to say. Elon Musk was there, and he told them not to waste their time standing around an elephant. We need results in quantum mechanics, he explained; we need superconductivity at room temperature, we need research piped straight to technology. We need science to serve technology, which as you know improves man’s condition. This may not be the story as you remember it, but I assure you that a few things about it are true. The people around the elephant are scientists, but even in science, we can only see with the tools we have, and we create those tools in anticipation of what we might see. As a result, we are limited in our capacity to break out of this circle. We are primed to see or not in a certain way. However, breakouts can and do happen — often when two incommensurate ideas meet each other. Consider what happened when homo economicus or “economic man,” theory met psychology: a new field was born, behavioral psychology. Or consider the friction between gravity and God, a meeting of concepts that caused a huge shift in human society’s relationship to astronomy and divinity. Second, it’s not by chance that the examples cross the bridge between what we call humanistic knowledge and what we call science. Their conceptual distance from each other results in the possibility for innovation. The role played by metaphors in biology introduces future paths for research. Schizophrenics have a better prognosis when they are told they’re like shamans. Darwin’s nature acts, despite herself, as a causal force — like the very God that evolution puts into question. Falling in love felt so powerful that the ancients thought seeing the love object caused a wound in your eyes. It worked well with the theory that eyes emitted rays. You cannot, it turns out, take the human out of the science. Third, in separating the humanities and science, we are voting to blind ourselves for the future and to deplete the richness of multiple perspectives on reality. Worse, our now-isolated sciences are in danger of being kidnapped and reared as technology’s handmaiden. It wasn’t always so: the Aristotles, Leonardos and al-Haythams — even the Turings — had an intellectual background that incorporated the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences, and their discoveries came out of that multifaceted approach. Now we have teams of specialists working for market-minded research that is not about truth, or even the search for truth, but for profit. Science is done at scale, and that is making a huge difference to its relationship to other fields of knowledge. There’s a place where we can intervene, but no one seems to be doing it. That place is higher education. We could teach our students that there is no hard boundary between science and humanistic learning. We could teach them how these fields influence each other. We could take down the hard walls around different fields, both bureaucratically and literally. Instead, we reproduce these unhealthy gulfs in our university’s outdated departments and divisions, which generate the kind of specialist knowledge without context that is our growing problem. If we want education to be relevant to the bigger problems we all face, this has to change. Perhaps the public feels this already, or our colleges wouldn’t be in a crisis of irrelevance. We need to put these forms of knowledge back together so that they can work with each other. Shadi Bartsch is a professor in humanities at the University of Chicago and former director of the Institute on the Formation of Knowledge. She wrote this column for the Chicago Tribune.
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NYC ad agency titans Omnicom and Interpublic to form $30 billion marketing powerhouse Omnicom is buying Interpublic Group in a stock-for-stock deal that will create an advertising powerhouse with combined annual revenue of almost $26 billion. The companies have had a hand in iconic marketing campaigns like “Got Milk” for the California Milk Processor Board, “Priceless” for Mastercard, “Because I’m Worth It” for L’Oreal and “Think Different” for Apple. The combined company will be worth more than $30 billion. Shares of Interpublic jumped more than 15% before the opening bell Monday, while Omnicom’s stock fell more than 2%. How should the opioid settlements be spent? Those hit hardest often don’t have a say People with substance use disorder are not getting a direct say on how most opioid settlement money is used. Some advocates say keeping them out of the process is a major reason money is going to law enforcement efforts instead of other programs more likely to prevent overdose deaths. Companies have agreed to pay more about $50 billion over time to resolve lawsuits filed by governments. Most of the money is required to be used to fight the crisis. Figuring out exactly to do with it is up to state and local governments that have used a variety of structures to make those decisions. The Onion's bid to buy Infowars goes before judge as Alex Jones tries stopping sale The Onion's bid to buy conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars has returned to a Texas courtroom. A federal judge in Houston is hearing arguments Monday on whether a bankruptcy auction was run properly as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. The hearing is expected to continue into Tuesday. The Onion satirical news outlet was named the winning bidder last month over a company affiliated with Jones. The auction was held to help pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments that Jones was ordered to pay families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The families won lawsuits against Jones for calling the shooting a hoax. It's his job to keep American's planes running on time FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — It's the job of American Airlines' chief operating officer to make sure the carrier's flights take off on time and fly safely during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. David Seymour oversees flight and airport operations for American, which expects to make about 6,500 flights a day between now and New Year’s Day. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army infantry officer, Seymour has held a variety of operations-related jobs and was promoted to his current post in 2020. He spoke with The Associated Press recently about managing huge passenger numbers during the holidays and preventing people from getting on a plane before their boarding group is called. Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold rise NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia helped pull U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Monday, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.6% from its own record. Nvidia was the market's heaviest weight after China said it's probing the chip giant for potential antitrust violations. Stocks in Hong Kong jumped after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy. Prices for oil and gold rose following the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour ends by shattering own record, grossing an estimated $2.2B, Pollstar says NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour brought in approximately $2.2 billion in its nearly two-year run, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time for a second year in a row. That's according to Pollstar estimates from data collected across 149 shows and provided to The Associated Press on Monday. Last year, Swift’s landmark Eras Tour became the first to cross the billion-dollar mark. In North America, Swift’s tour earned an estimated $1.04 billion. Globally, that number jumps to an estimated $2.2 billion. Pollstar data is pulled from box office reports, venue capacity estimates, historical Pollstar venue ticket sales data, and other undefined research, collected from November 2022 to December 2024. Cyprus and the US double down on a joint effort to combat financial crimes with more training NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus and the U.S. say they’re doubling down on a joint effort to crack down on illicit finance with additional training of Cypriot law enforcement authorities to identify, investigate and prosecute financial crimes. According to a joint statement issued Monday, an “ambitious” plan for next year will involve 21 weeks of training for different Cypriot law enforcement agencies on financial investigative and forensic accounting techniques, as well as the use of technology in investigations. The plan adds to a U.S. initiative launched 20 months ago following a pledge by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to clean up the island nation’s sullied reputation as a money laundering and sanctions evasion hub. Mexican soldiers will get a pay raise after elimination of oversight agencies, president says MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's president says much of the money gained by eliminating independent oversight and regulatory agencies will go to the army to fund a rise in soldiers’ pay. The announcement by President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday is the latest in a a series of strange funding sources to pay for the country's increasingly influential military. Mexico's Congress last week approved charging every cruise ship passenger a $42 immigration fee with much of that money also going to the armed forces. The military has been given powers to build and run everything from railways, airports and airlines in Mexico. And some of those projects appear to be losing money. Nvidia's stock dips after China opens probe of the AI chip company for violating anti-monopoly laws Shares of Nvidia have slipped after China said it is investigating the high-flying U.S. microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. In a brief press release with few details, Chinese regulators appear to be looking into Nvidia’s $6.9 billion 2019 acquisition of network and data transmission company Mellanox. Nvidia shares dipped 2.7% in early trading Monday, falling below $139 each. Considered a bellwether for artificial intelligence demand, Nvidia has led the AI sector to become one of the stock market’s biggest companies, as tech giants spend heavily on the company’s chips and data centers needed to train and operate their AI systems. Meta shareholders seek sanctions for Sandberg, Zients for deleting Cambridge Analytica emails WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for Meta shareholders are asking a Delaware judge to sanction former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg and fellow Facebook board member and current White House chief of staff Jeff Zients for deleting emails related to the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. The plaintiffs say Sandberg and Zients used personal email accounts to communicate about key issues relating to their 2018 shareholder lawsuit alleging that Facebook official failed for years to protect the privacy of user data. The plaintiffs say the former board members were either “reckless or intentional” in destroying documents, even after being told to preserve records for litigation purposes. A defense attorney argued Monday that there was no intent or “grand scheme” to destroy relevant documents.
Surgical Navigation System Market to Hit USD1.700 Million by 2030 with 6.2% CAGR 12-27-2024 04:54 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Future Market Insights Surgical Navigation System Market The global surgical navigation system market is on track for significant expansion, with its value projected to increase from US$ 940 million in 2020 to US$ 1,700 million by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% over the forecast period. This upward trajectory reflects the growing reliance on precision-based surgical technologies in healthcare facilities worldwide. Surgical navigation systems play a critical role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of complex surgical procedures, including orthopedic, neurosurgery, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) operations. The growing demand for minimally invasive surgeries and the rising adoption of image-guided surgical techniques are key drivers of market growth. As hospitals and surgical centers seek to improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural risks, the adoption of surgical navigation systems continues to rise. Technological advancements in augmented reality (AR), robotics, and AI-driven navigation systems are revolutionizing modern surgery. These innovations enable surgeons to visualize critical anatomical structures in real-time, improving precision and reducing the likelihood of surgical errors. The growing preference for robot-assisted surgeries is also contributing to the rise in demand for surgical navigation solutions. Request a Sample of this Report Now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-977 With the expansion of healthcare infrastructure and increased investment in advanced medical devices, the surgical navigation system market is set to witness sustained growth. The shift toward outpatient procedures and same-day surgeries is further expected to fuel the adoption of navigation systems, as they support faster recovery times and reduced hospital stays. Key Takeaways: The global surgical navigation system market is forecasted to grow from US$ 940 million in 2020 to US$ 1,700 million by 2030, reflecting a 6.2% CAGR. Rising demand for minimally invasive and image-guided surgeries is driving market growth. Technological advancements in AI, robotics, and augmented reality are enhancing the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures. Increasing healthcare investments and the growing shift toward outpatient and same-day surgeries are supporting the adoption of surgical navigation systems. Regional Insights North America: Expected to dominate the market due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption rates of new technologies, and a significant number of surgical procedures performed annually. Asia-Pacific: Anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth rate owing to rising healthcare investments, improving medical facilities, and increasing awareness about advanced surgical technologies. Challenges High Costs of Navigation Systems: The initial investment required for surgical navigation systems can be a barrier for some healthcare facilities, particularly in developing regions. Complexity of Use: The need for specialized training to operate advanced navigation systems may limit their adoption in some settings Key companies profiled GE Healthcare Ltd.; Medtronic Inc.; Siemens Healthcare Corporation; Stryker Corporation; B. Braun Melsungen AG; Bausch & Lomb Incorporated; CAScination AG and Brainlab AG. Key Segments By Technology: Electromagnetic Navigation Systems Hybrid Navigation Systems Optical Navigation Systems Fluoroscopy-based Navigation Systems CT-based Navigation System Others By Application: Neurosurgery Orthopedic Surgery ENT surgery Cardiac surgery Others By End Use: Hospitals and Physician Practices Ambulatory Surgery By Region: North America Latin America Asia Pacific MEA Europe Explore FMI's Related Ongoing Coverage on Healthcare Market Insights Domain: New Born Eye Imaging Systems Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/new-born-eye-imaging-systems-market Next Generation Infusion Pump Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/next-generation-infusion-pump-market Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/peptide-receptor-radionuclide-therapy-prrt-market About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube This release was published on openPR.Mikaela Shiffrin suffers abrasion on hip during crash on final run of World Cup giant slalom
TEHRAN – Alireza Bigdeli, Iran's newly appointed head of mission in Kabul, has commenced his duties in Afghanistan. Bigdeli arrived in Kabul on Saturday and was greeted by senior Afghan officials. This appointment follows Bigdeli's extensive diplomatic career, including service as Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and ambassadorial postings to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Cyprus. His selection as head of mission was announced by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on November 24th. Upon his arrival, Bigdeli received an official welcome from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He succeeds Hassan Kazemi Qomi, who also served as the Iranian president’s special representative in Afghanistan. In his inaugural address after arriving in Afghanistan, Bigdeli expressed, “It is a privilege to represent the Islamic Republic of Iran in Afghanistan in this new capacity.” He emphasized that a key priority for the Iranian embassy's mission in Afghanistan is to foster friendly relations, drawing on the numerous shared interests between the two nations.
Carnival Cruise Line makes a surprising casino moveA former Florida Republican said he's breathing a "sigh of relief" that Pam Bondi is now Donald Trump's new attorney general choice, noting that she's not only qualified, she hasn't been embroiled in any sex scandals. Legal analysts debated ethics and experiences during Friday's MSNBC discussion about Bondi. Former Rep. David Jolly (R-FL) confessed that he's a friend of Bondi's and he sees her as completely qualified for the job. She also has the added benefit of not having had any sex scandal, he said. The previous appointee was former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who resigned from Congress ahead of an Ethics Committee vote on whether to release a report on an investigation into allegations against him. Some details of the report have dripped out, including testimony from two witnesses who spoke to the committee. Also Read: Pro-Trump super PAC fined for election law violation Despite calls from Trump and lobbying efforts with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance , Gaetz withdrew his promised nomination on Thursday. "We should breathe a little sigh of relief," said Jolly about Bondi. "The big difference between Matt Gaetz and Pam Bondi is this. Pam Bondi is qualified to run the department. ... She hasn't been accused of sexual misconduct or sex trafficking." But it was Andrew Weissmann, former top prosecutor for special counsel Robert Mueller, who said that the standard should be higher than not having been investigated by the Justice Department. "One thing that is important is for our viewers not to recalibrate simply because there is a new normal that she is not Matt Gaetz," said Weissmann. "That's not the standard for whether somebody should be the attorney general of the United States." He pointed out that it is also not a qualification to be a state prosecutor for years. "Absolutely, she has that experience, but the real issue is, I think, sort of the second part of what David was talking about, which is, one: Does she believe that facts and law are what is supposed to govern the Department of Justice and all decision-making?" asked Weissmann. "Two: Do you think it is right for the president to say who you should prosecute and who you should not prosecute?" he continued. "And so, questions like 'Do you believe there is a stolen election in 2020,' are totally appropriate ones. When she talks about going after, you know, political enemies of Donald Trump, is that the appropriate role for the Department of Justice? She shouldn't have to walk them back because that is the critical issue." See the discussion below or at the link here . - YouTube www.youtube.com
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 28, 2024-- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATSG) to Stonepeak for $22.50 per share in cash is fair to Air Transport shareholders. Halper Sadeh encourages Air Transport shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . The investigation concerns whether Air Transport and its board of directors violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for Air Transport shareholders; (2) determine whether Stonepeak is underpaying for Air Transport; and (3) disclose all material information necessary for Air Transport shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of Air Transport shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228416984/en/ CONTACT: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Halper Sadeh LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/28/2024 03:44 PM/DISC: 12/28/2024 03:44 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228416984/enPeople in Damascus celebrate the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, December 9, 2024 (Image: EPA/Bilal al Hammoud) Sometimes nothing happens for years. And then years — decades even — happen in a few days. Over the past 10 days, a range of Syrian rebel forces led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have mounted an offensive against the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad. They first captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city and economic hub, and then swept rapidly south through Hama, Homs and finally Damascus. The rebels were met with little to no resistance from the Syrian regime, nor its Russian, Iranian or Hezbollah allies. And so, the 54-year-old regime led by Hafez al-Assad and then his son Bashar has now fallen. While it may seem like these events came out of nowhere, the rapid fall of the Assad regime has a long history. Good riddance to Assad, a Syrian monster. But chaos will follow Read More A ‘long-breath’ strategy of appeasement For decades, Hafez al-Assad, Syria’s autocratic ruler from 1970-2000, had adopted a pragmatic strategy that involved building relationships with a sometimes unlikely array of state and non-state allies, proxies and clients. This “ long-breath ” strategy was helpful in keeping relations with everyone open, even if those relations were in many cases extremely precarious. For example, the regime gave preferential treatment to minorities (predominantly Alawis and other quasi-Shiite groups) and other benefits to the Sunni and Christian establishment. These policies meant these groups had a vested interest in the continuation of the regime. Bashar al-Assad continued this tradition when he came to power following his father’s death. However, he also initiated liberalisation policies in the early years of his rule that emboldened a new genre of loyalist paramilitary forces. These were often headed by many of Syria’s newly minted business elite who, in large part, created armed groups to protect their economic fiefdoms. These pro-state militia groups tended to be less disciplined than the national army, and more corrupt. In March 2011, the uprisings across the Middle East spilled over into Syria, leading to the first public protests in the country in decades. Determined to avoid Libya’s fate of external intervention, the Syrian regime quickly opened fire on unarmed protesters , killing many. This was the start of Syria’s devastating 14-year civil war. The emergence of Russian-led armed factions The Russians joined the conflict in mid-2015. One of their conditions of entry into Syria: a single, traditionally structured military command for them to work with. This necessitated various local militia groups, such as the National Defence Force and Kataeb al-Baath, being absorbed into the Syrian army through the establishment of a new Fourth Corps aligned with the Russians. Due to the unruly behaviour of many of these militias, Russia later set up a Fifth Corps in an attempt to restructure the Syrian army around personnel who were both reliable and loyal to Moscow. Then, reconciliation agreements between the regime, Russia and various rebel groups from 2016 to 2018 facilitated the integration of armed rebel groups into the Russian-led Fourth and Fifth Corps, as well as an Iranian-led division of the Syrian army. Under the terms of these reconciliation deals, men in rebel-held communities who had deserted or dodged their mandatory Syrian army conscription were expected to join within six months. Russian propaganda talking points would be very familiar to News Corp audiences Read More As Syrian researcher Abdullah al-Jabassini has explained , these agreements led to a precarious security situation in southern Syria. The agreements aimed to end fighting and restore state control over rebel-held areas. However, many of the once-rebel factions who were now, on paper at least, linked to the Syrian army, Russia and Iran, continued to operate with relative freedom and impunity. This ran counter to the regime’s presumed strategy of re-consolidating its control over the country. Many of these local armed groups continued to provide security to their communities, even erecting barriers at the entrances of each city to prevent the entry of the Syrian Army. A former Syrian governor told me in an interview in 2022: In Houran [southern Syria], generally, there is no regime control. It remains impossible for the regime to enter Busra al-Sham, Daraa City, Tafas and their surroundings, due to certain considerations or guarantees. But of course, there are no guarantees but their arms. For the past few years, the Syrian regime, Russia and Iran seemed to have some ability to control these ex-rebel groups and militias that supposedly now operated under their purview. However, this control was an illusion. In the past 10 days, the regime’s forces have completely disintegrated in the face of the opposition’s offensive. The army’s fractured levels of control and lack of resources, the dire economic situation in the country (which resulted in soldiers not being paid), and the low morale and corruption at almost every level could not sustain a military — or a security state. A state-in-waiting For more than 50 years, Syria was a suffocating kingdom of silence. People had little ability to collaborate or negotiate in meaningful ways. This made forming any common vision for Syria’s political future a daunting undertaking. Under Assad, Syria experts Robin Yassin-Kassab and Leila Al-Shami have written that “the most cunning and sycophantic” prospered. There was no culture in the deep sense of the word, only a framework empty of meaning populated by hired intellectuals, with the exception of a very few real thinkers, who were marginalised. But since the relative freezing of active combat in 2020, HTS, the Syrian National Army (linked to the Syrian Interim Government and Türkiye) and the Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria have had time to learn and consolidate. Foreign affairs won’t say how many Australians have been killed in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel Read More They have spent the past few years training and preparing their armed forces. They have also developed complex systems of governance, capable of meeting the needs of millions of people. Across northern Syria, these opposition groups and their political wings have set up a state-in-waiting, with ministries of economy, trade, education and humanitarian affairs. The groups also established their own civil and land registration systems, something normally considered the sole purview of recognised states. It’s right to be wary and sceptical, particularly of HTS’s supposed transformation from al-Qaeda affiliate to national liberation movement that will represent all Syrians. However, the early signs are promising. The immediate release of prisoners from the Assad regime’s infamous prison system, for example, was a deeply symbolic move aimed at endearing rebel forces to the Syrian population. When it liberated Aleppo, HTS fighters also secured banks to avoid looting. To build trust and boost morale among the local population, it diverted the electricity being funnelled to large factories to civilian residences. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, now going by his legal name Ahmed al-Sharaa, has said he is willing to dissolve HTS in favour of creating a new structure that is more representative and capable of serving the current needs of all Syrians. A new chapter is beginning for Syria, its people and the world. The Syrian regime, a cult of personality built on the Assads, has fallen, offering hope to other people in the Middle East and beyond who continue to live under authoritarian dictatorships that change is indeed possible. May Syrians’ 2011 cry of “Dignity! Freedom! Bread!” continue to prevail. The piece firs appeared in The Conversation . Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
Trump selects Jared Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, for ambassador to FranceKelowna brewery to close, reopen under new ownership after renovations
Man, 31, charged with murder after double homicide at burger bar in SydneyInjured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas. Hurts is still in the NFL concussion protocol. The Eagles will turn to backup Kenny Pickett on Sunday because Hurts is dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion suffered against Washington. Hurts was injured early at Washington after his head slammed against the ground on one run and he was hit in the helmet by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu at the end of another. Hurts isn’t healthy enough to play just yet. Mavs star Luka Doncic will be out about a month before check on calf injury, AP source says DALLAS (AP) — A person with knowledge of the injury says Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will be out about a month before being re-evaluated for a calf injury sustained in a Christmas Day loss to Minnesota. Doncic has undergone an MRI on his strained left calf. The absence is almost certain to be long enough to disqualify the five-time All-NBA player from consideration for that and other major awards, including MVP. Doncic had already missed eight games this season before his latest injury. Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson's contract to create cap space, flexibility, AP source says BEREA, Ohio (AP) — A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press the Cleveland Browns have again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s massive contract to create salary-cap space and give them future flexibility. Watson has been limited to just 19 games in three seasons because of an NFL suspension and injuries with the Browns, who signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022. The restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team does not disclose contract details. Navy gets 95-yard TD run from Horvath and stops 2-point try to beat Oklahoma in Armed Forces Bowl FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Blake Horvath set a Navy record with a 95-yard touchdown run and scored a go-ahead 6-yarder with 4:34 left as the Midshipmen overcame an early two-touchdown deficit and stopped a late 2-point conversion attempt to beat Oklahoma 21-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Sooners got a 10-yard touchdown pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. to Jake Roberts with six seconds left, but Hawkins was sacked by Justin Reed on the conversion try. Navy reached 10 wins for the first time since 2019, which had been their last winning season. Oklahoma has its second losing season in Brent Venables' three years as coach. What Snoop wants: Arizona Bowl gives NIL opportunities to players for Colorado State, Miami (Ohio) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — When Snoop Dogg agreed to become the sponsor of the Arizona Bowl, he had a demand: It must have a NIL component. Other bowls have provided NIL chances for single players the past few years, but the Arizona Bowl is believed to be the first to offer NIL compensation to every player on both Colorado State and Miami (Ohio). The players participated in youth clinics before Saturday's game and will be compensated for their time. No. 20 Colorado cherishing matchup with No. 17 BYU in Alamo Bowl as Sanders, Hunter complete careers SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Colorado is relishing the chance to end its season on a high note regardless of the outcome of the Valero Alamo Bowl. No. 20 Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While a number of teams are shuffling their roster with players opting out of bowl games to enter the transfer portal or prepare for the NFL Draft, the Buffaloes have their entire two-deep roster available. Colorado coach Deion Sanders honored his players’ commitment by securing additional disability insurance coverage for his team, including record coverage for his star duo of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback son Shedeur. Brighton draws 0-0 with Brentford in lackluster Premier League encounter LONDON (AP) — Brighton and Brentford have shared the points in a lackluster 0-0 draw in the Premier League on the south coast. Brighton, which saw goalkeeper Mark Flekken limp off with a thigh injury just before halftime, had most of the chances but could not score. Brentford had an early goal from Yoane Wissa disallowed for offside. Brighton is in 10th spot, one place above the Bees. Former NFL receiver DeSean Jackson hired as the football coach at Delaware State DOVER, Del. (AP) — Former NFL receiver DeSean Jackson is taking over the football program at Delaware State. The school announced Jackson’s hire Friday in the latest move by a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference program to hire a former NFL star as its football coach. Norfolk State hired Michael Vick last week. Jackson joins a growing list of former NFL standouts who have taken over HBCU programs in recent years. Deion Sanders had success at Jackson State before heading to Colorado, and Eddie George guided Tennessee State to the FCS playoffs this year. Alex Ovechkin takes part in a full Capitals practice. He could return Saturday at Toronto ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin could return to the Washington Capitals lineup when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game back from the NHL’s Christmas break. Several signs point to Ovechkin returning Saturday night after missing five weeks with a broken left leg. Ovechkin skated with regular linemates Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas and took part in power play drills in practice Friday. Coach Spencer Carbery said things were trending the right way for Ovechkin to play but wanted to see how the 39-year-old comes out of a full practice before making a decision Saturday. Avalanche reward newly acquired goalie Blackwood with 5-year, $26.25 million contract extension It didn’t take goalie Mackenzie Blackwood long to establish himself as the Colorado Avalanche’s starter for the present and future after signing a five-year $26.25 million contract extension. The Avalanche announced the signing, and a person with direct knowledge of the contract confirmed its value to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team did not reveal the monetary figure that was first reported by Sportsnet.ca . The new contract runs though the 2029-30 season, and validates what the Avalanche expected out of Blackwood when acquiring the 28-year-old in a trade with San Jose on Dec. 9. Blackwood has gone 3-1 since.
Shoppers despair as Easter eggs found on supermarket shelves in December