Syria's landscape shapes its destiny: Why geography matters more than politics
Syriaʼs unique landscape creates natural divisions that shaped its history for thousands of years. These geographic barriers continue to influence modern-day conflicts and power structures in ways that no ruler can ignore
Israel sees new hope in Gaza hostage talks as Hamas makes unusual request
Fresh movement in Gaza hostage negotiations as Hamas asks militant groups to count captives. Israelʼs top diplomat hints at possible breakthrough while airstrikes continue in the region
Putin offers safe haven to Assad as Syrian power suddenly changes hands
Russian president makes quick decision to shelter former Syrian leader after unexpected rebel victory. Moscow now faces tough talks about its military presence in the region with new Syrian leadership
Grandson's lens captures precious memories with 96-year-old Nana fighting memory loss
A photographerʼs touching project documents his grandmothers journey with Alzheimers through a camera lens. His work gets recognition from a well-known fund supporting visual stories about memory diseases
Breaking: Syrian rebels take Damascus as Assad escapes to Russia
Syrian opposition forces captured Damascus ending Assadʼs five-decade family rule. Turkey plans to help rebuild Syria and assist millions of refugees return home while keeping terrorist groups away
Trump's new power grab: What happens when one party controls it all
In early-2025 **Donald Trump** might get something rare in US politics - total control of Congress. Past presidents show its both a gift and a trap for making big changes
Mexican village guards ancient water caves that feed massive trees
Hidden beneath Mexicos Yucatan peninsula lies a network of crystal-clear water caves called cenotes. Local people share these natural wonders with world travelers while protecting their main water source
Interior expert shares secrets of perfect guest room that feels like luxury hotel
A well-thought-out guest room can transform temporary living arrangements into a pleasant experience. Denver-based designer explains how to create hotel-like comfort for visitors
Syrian refugees rush to border crossings in Turkey for homecoming chance
Large groups of Syrian refugees gathered at two main border points between Turkey and Syria hoping to return to their homeland. People started arriving since early morning carrying basic supplies and waiting patiently
Two CAR militia chiefs face serious charges at Hague court
Prosecutors at International Criminal Court present case against two Central African Republic militia leaders. Both men face multiple charges for actions during religious conflict about a decade ago
German politician heads to Kyiv while leading pre-election polls
German opposition chief **Friedrich Merz** visits Ukraine to show backing during ongoing conflict. His trip happens as polls show him ahead for upcoming election‚ while debates about military aid continue
British minister hints at possible status change for Syrian rebel group
Britain considers removing Syrian rebel group HTS from its terror list after recent events in Damascus. Senior minister suggests quick review following Assadʼs departure to Russia over the weekend
China makes biggest money policy change since 2010 as markets jump
Chinaʼs top officials announced first monetary stance shift in over a decade moving to easier policy. Markets responded with quick gains while new economic plans focus on domestic growth and consumption
How Trump's new Washington power setup might change America's direction
A rare political setup awaits in Washington as **Donald Trump** prepares for his return to power. With both chambers of Congress under GOP control he gets a chance that few presidents had since Nixon
Trump's defense pick heads to Capitol Hill amid nomination hurdles
**Pete** Hegseth prepares for crucial Senate meetings to secure defense secretary position. Twenty Republican senators scheduled to evaluate Trumpʼs controversial nominee this week
Indian e-commerce giants face mega-probe as Samsung and others try to block investigation
Indiaʼs competition watchdog wants Supreme Court to handle 23 legal challenges against its e-commerce investigation. Big tech firms and phone makers try to stop probe into their market practices
Breaking news digest: From Middle East power shift to Hollywood treasures sale
A quick-fire round-up of major world events including Syrian regime change‚ political statements and sports championships. Latest developments in legal cases and cultural happenings also make headlines
Trump's golden chance: Why 2025 could change American politics forever
With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress next year Trump gets a rare political advantage. History shows that such moments of united government can lead to major changes in US policy
Top diplomats meet in Dhaka as India-Bangladesh relations hit rough patch
Bangladesh and Indiaʼs foreign secretaries gather to address recent diplomatic challenges in Dhaka. Meeting focuses on visa restrictions religious tensions and former PMʼs exile situation
Last-minute plea to Biden: Major decision needed for death row inmates
A diverse group sends letters to President Biden requesting changes to federal death-row sentences. The coalition wants all death penalties changed to life terms before next years administration switch
Biden to turn former Native American school into national memorial site
White House plans to establish new monument at historic Pennsylvania boarding school site today. This decision comes as part of Bidenʼs final tribal meeting during his current term
Ghana's ex-leader makes surprising comeback with bold economic promises
Former Ghanaian president returns to power after two previous election losses. **John Dramani Mahama** won with plans to fix economy‚ renegotiate IMF deal and boost infrastructure spending
Breaking: Iran opens secret talks with new Syrian rulers after Assad's exit
Tehran moves fast to keep its influence in Syria after unexpected power shift in Damascus. Iranian officials reach-out to new Syrian leadership groups while preparing for regional changes
Indonesian mountain villages hit by devastating floods and landslides
Heavy rains in West Java caused destructive floods and landslides in Sukabumiʼs mountain area. Local rescue teams found victims and continue searching in more than 170 affected villages
Dictionary picks surprising word that explains America's split after 2024 election
US presidential election outcome in 2024 led to a perfect timing for Merriam-Websterʼs word choice. The selected term reflects growing gaps between different sides of society
Indian market slips from 6-month peak as consumer stocks take unexpected hit
Indian stock indexes dropped after hitting their best weekly performance since summer. Consumer sector leads the decline with all 15 stocks in red while mid-caps show some strength
Japanese companies face highest bankruptcy count in over a decade
Japanese business failures near 10‚000 mark as year-end approaches‚ showing biggest spike since 2013. Bank of Japan plans crucial policy meeting to assess economic health
Breaking: Syrian leadership changes hands as Assad takes unexpected flight to Moscow
Syrian power structure saw dramatic shift this weekend when long-time leader left Damascus. Islamist opposition group took control while US leadership watches transition with careful attention
Trump shares unexpected view on Assad's escape and Putin's choices
Former president discusses Syriaʼs leaders sudden departure and Russias role in recent events. Trump met with **Zelenskiy** in Paris while suggesting ways to end the ongoing military actions
Unexpected turn in Tonga: Prime minister steps down before crucial parliament vote
In a sudden move today Tongas head of government left his position right before parliament was set to vote on his leadership. The prime-minister made his announcement during morning parliament session