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Alawites in Syria: Persecution and Violence Explained

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's Alawite community faces severe reprisals, with over 1,000 people killed in violent clashes, including hundreds of Alawites. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 745 civilians, primarily shot at close range, were among the dead, alongside 125 government security personnel and 148 militants linked to Assad's regime. The violence, described as among the deadliest since the conflict began, has left areas like Latakia without essential services. Eyewitness accounts reveal harrowing scenes of execution and looting, particularly in towns like Baniyas, where gunmen targeted Alawite civilians based on their sect. The new government, which took power three months ago, faces significant challenges as it attempts to manage the sectarian violence, with France urging independent investigations into the atrocities. The Alawites, historically aligned with Assad's regime, now find themselves vulnerable in a rapidly shifting power landscape. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 2 pm

Journalist Resigns Over Nazi Massacre Comparison at Broadcaster

A prominent French journalist, Jean-Michel Aphatie, announced his resignation from RTL on Sunday after facing backlash for comparing French colonial actions in Algeria to Nazi atrocities during World War II. Aphatie, a seasoned reporter, expressed his unwavering stance on his controversial comments made on air in February, where he stated, "The Nazis behaved like us," while discussing the massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane. Following a week-long suspension from RTL, he confirmed via X that he would not return, emphasizing that doing so would imply he acknowledged a mistake. His remarks sparked numerous complaints to France's audio-visual regulator, Arcom, which has initiated an investigation. The historical implications of France's colonial rule in Algeria, particularly during the war for independence from 1954 to 1962, continue to provoke intense debate and remain a sensitive issue in Franco-Algerian relations, with many historians documenting numerous violations committed by French forces. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 12 am

Trump Hints at Possible 2025 US Recession

In a recent interview, President Donald Trump refrained from dismissing the possibility of a recession in 2025, stating, "I hate to predict things like that," while emphasizing the need for time to transition as wealth is brought back to America. Contrastingly, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick assured Americans that a downturn was unlikely. The U.S. financial markets are currently unsettled due to Trump's fluctuating tariff threats against several countries, leading to a decline in consumer confidence and stock markets experiencing their worst week since the November election. The Atlanta Federal Reserve's index forecasts a concerning 2.4 percent contraction in real GDP for the first quarter, the worst since the COVID-19 pandemic. Economists have raised recession odds to 20 percent, citing uncertainty around tariffs and government layoffs, while Trump’s administration insists the economy is on a positive trajectory despite potential disturbances ahead. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 10 pm

Israel Minister Proposes Cutting Electricity to Gaza

Israel's Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced on Sunday the immediate cessation of electricity supplies to Gaza, following a week of blocked aid deliveries to the war-torn territory. This decision reflects Israel's earlier "siege" strategy, aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Cohen stated that all measures would be utilized to ensure Hamas's removal from Gaza post-conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of severe consequences for Hamas if hostages are not released, as 58 captives remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead. Israel's recent actions have drawn accusations of "collective punishment" from Hamas, which has called for a transition to a permanent ceasefire. As tensions mount, Israeli media report plans for intensified pressure on Hamas, including potential displacement of residents in northern Gaza and a resumption of full-scale military operations. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 10 pm

Alawites Flee Syria Amid Attacks and Bodies Found

In the coastal city of Baniyas, Rihab Kamel and her family spent two days hiding in their bathroom as armed groups targeted Syria's Alawite minority, resulting in widespread violence following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. Kamel recounted fleeing their neighborhood, where they encountered corpses littering the streets. The violence erupted after pro-Assad gunmen clashed with new security forces, leading to the deaths of at least 745 Alawite civilians in Latakia and Tartus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for national unity amid reports of systematic killings and terror in coastal towns. Residents described horrific scenes, with families unable to bury their dead due to ongoing violence, while many, like Jaafar Ali, sought refuge in Lebanon, expressing a deep sense of displacement and fear for their future. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 9 pm

Indian-Origin Student Sudiksha Konanki Mysteriously Vanishes in Dominican Republic

Authorities in the Dominican Republic are searching for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, who went missing during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. Reported missing on Thursday, she was last seen walking on the beach while wearing a brown bikini and various accessories, including a designer anklet. Local officials described her as 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office confirmed they were notified of her disappearance and are coordinating with local authorities. The University of Pittsburgh is in contact with Konanki's family and has expressed support for the ongoing search efforts. Defensa Civil, a search and rescue team, initiated a search on Saturday evening but suspended operations for the day, promising to resume the search on Sunday. Konanki is expected to graduate in 2026. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 9 pm

Panama Releases Deported Migrants, Grants 30 Days to Leave

Panama has released 112 migrants deported from the US, who had been held for weeks in poor conditions at a remote camp, following international criticism. The Panamanian government has granted these individuals 30-day humanitarian permits, allowing them to remain in the country temporarily while they decide their next steps. However, many face uncertainty and lack resources, with some expressing a desire to return to the US despite their previous deportation. Rights advocates have raised concerns that the release may be a tactic to deflect scrutiny over the treatment of migrants, as many were held without access to legal counsel or adequate living conditions. Among those released is Hayatullah Omagh, an Afghan refugee who fears returning home under Taliban rule, and Nikita Gaponov, a Russian LGBTQ+ activist. Both, along with others, are now navigating a precarious situation in Panama, with many seeking to reach the US once again. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 7 pm

North Korea Reveals Its First Nuclear-Powered Submarine

North Korea has revealed the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine, a significant development that raises security concerns for both South Korea and the United States. State media reported on Saturday that leader Kim Jong Un inspected the shipyards where the submarine, described as a "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine," is being built. Experts suggest the vessel could carry around ten nuclear-capable missiles, posing a potential threat to regional stability. US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes acknowledged awareness of the claims but provided no further details, reaffirming the US commitment to North Korea's denuclearization. The submarine's development may be linked to Russian technological assistance, as North Korea seeks advanced military capabilities amid ongoing tensions. Kim emphasized the need for modernization of naval forces to counter perceived threats, coinciding with upcoming US-South Korea military drills that have prompted heightened rhetoric from Pyongyang. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 8 pm

Armed Man Shot by Secret Service Near White House

The US Secret Service shot a man near the White House shortly after midnight on Sunday following an "armed confrontation" with law enforcement. At the time, President Donald Trump was in Florida. The incident occurred about a block from the White House, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, after agents were alerted by local police about a "suicidal" individual traveling from Indiana. Upon locating the man’s vehicle near 17th and F Streets, agents confronted him on foot. According to the Secret Service, the individual brandished a firearm, prompting shots to be fired by personnel. The man was taken to a hospital, and his condition remains unknown, while no Secret Service agents were injured. The Metropolitan Police Department will lead the investigation, as they oversee use-of-force incidents in Washington, DC. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 6 pm

Japanese Woman Falls to Death from 14th Floor in Gurugram

A 34-year-old Japanese woman, Madoko Thamano, was found dead in Gurugram after reportedly falling from her 14th-floor balcony, police confirmed on Sunday. Thamano, who had been living in the area with her husband and two children since September last year, was discovered on the ground early Friday morning, prompting a police investigation. Authorities received a call about the incident, leading to the recovery of her body, which has since been handed over to her family following a post-mortem examination. Inspector Sandeep Kumar from the sector 53 police station stated that the Japanese embassy has been notified about the tragic event, and further inquiries are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 5 pm

Pope Expresses Gratitude to Doctors as Health Improves

Pope Francis, currently hospitalized with pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital, expressed gratitude to his medical team in a written Angelus message on Sunday, as he missed delivering the prayer in person for the fourth consecutive week. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has faced several respiratory crises during this hospitalization, thanked volunteers and healthcare workers for their "closeness and tenderness," emphasizing the importance of the "miracle of tenderness" in times of adversity. While the Vatican reported a slight improvement in his condition, doctors are cautious and await further positive developments. Francis has been balancing rest and work, receiving visitors, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, despite his absence from public view. Supporters gathered outside the hospital, hoping for his swift recovery, while he continued to call for peace in conflict zones worldwide, including Ukraine and Syria. The next medical update is anticipated on Monday afternoon. sources

Published:
Mar 09 2025, 5 pm

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