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Syria's new leadership has appointed Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, according to the state news agency SANA, marking a significant step in rebuilding international relations following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The ruling General Command aims to address the aspirations of the Syrian populace for peace and stability. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader, has engaged with foreign delegations, including UN and US officials, emphasizing a focus on reconstruction and economic development rather than conflict. While many welcomed the fall of Assad, uncertainty remains regarding the future governance under Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which previously had ties to al-Qaeda. HTS's control over Damascus follows years of civil war, leading to significant humanitarian crises and economic devastation. Notably, the US plans to lift a $10 million bounty on Sharaa, previously designated a terrorist for his role in the conflict. 
Published: Dec 21 2024, 8 pmeznews.inUS President-elect Donald Trump has appointed television executive Mark Burnett, best known for producing "The Apprentice," as special envoy to the United Kingdom. Announcing the appointment via his social media platform Truth Social, Trump praised Burnett's extensive background in television production and business, highlighting his potential to enhance diplomatic relations between the US and the UK. Burnett's role, distinct from that of an ambassador, does not require Senate confirmation and will focus on trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges. Born in London, Burnett is also credited with creating popular shows like "Survivor," "Shark Tank," and "The Voice," and previously served as chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group. His work on "The Apprentice" significantly boosted Trump's public profile, establishing him as a prominent figure in American culture prior to his presidential campaign in 2015.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 6 ameznews.inSeven Indians were injured in a tragic Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany, which left five dead and over 200 injured. The Indian Embassy is actively assisting the victims, with three of the injured already discharged from hospital. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the "horrific and senseless attack," extending thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. The assailant, a Saudi national named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, reportedly held anti-Islam views and expressed anger over Germany's migration policies. The attack, reminiscent of a similar incident in Berlin eight years ago, has sparked national outrage and led to the cancellation of the Christmas market. Interior Minister Nancy Fraser described the suspect's motivations as "Islamophobic," while far-right political leader Alice Weidel called for an end to such violence. The incident has left the local community in shock, with many fearing increased hostility towards foreigners.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 12 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden has signed a crucial funding bill into law, ensuring government operations continue smoothly through mid-March and averting a potential shutdown just days before Christmas. The legislation, passed by Congress after intense negotiations, was finalized in the early hours of Saturday amid pressures from incoming president Donald Trump. The approval of this bill prevents significant disruptions to government services during the festive season, marking a critical moment in the legislative calendar. The White House confirmed the signing, emphasizing the importance of timely funding to maintain essential services and support for the American public during the holidays.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 10 pmeznews.inIn a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, following a surprise rebel offensive that caught his regime off guard. Accompanied by a small group of close allies, including his presidential affairs secretary Mansour Azzam and economic adviser Yassar Ibrahim, Assad escaped via the Russian military airfield in Hmeimim. His brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the elite Fourth Division, was unaware of the escape plan and fled separately to Iraq by helicopter. Both brothers, along with other high-ranking officials, are wanted for alleged war crimes, including chemical attacks in 2013. As several prominent figures sought refuge in Lebanon and beyond, Ihab Makhlouf, Assad's cousin, was killed during an escape attempt. The situation highlights the crumbling power of the Assad regime amid escalating conflict and international scrutiny.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn a tragic incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, a car-ramming attack has left several people dead and injured. Prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens indicated that the suspect may have been motivated by dissatisfaction with Germany's treatment of asylum-seekers from Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the attack could stem from grievances related to the experiences of Saudi Arabian refugees in the country. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are exploring this potential motive while seeking to understand the full context behind the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public gatherings and the complexities surrounding asylum policies in Germany.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 9 pmeznews.inPresident-elect Donald Trump's ambitious mass deportation plans may face significant hurdles due to a severe funding shortfall at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency is grappling with a $230 million budget deficit and a chronic lack of resources, as highlighted by ICE Director P.J. Lechleitner. With nearly 8 million immigrants on its radar and a staffing ratio of one officer for every 7,000 cases, ICE officials have expressed concerns over their ability to manage such a vast number of cases effectively. Trump's proposed deportation strategy, estimated to cost over $88 billion, could further strain the agency, which is already under pressure from the Biden administration’s asylum policy changes. While a continuing resolution in Congress may temporarily extend funding until March 14, ICE's requests for increased funding, including a bipartisan proposal for $9.5 billion, remain unapproved, complicating the future of immigration enforcement efforts.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 8 pmeznews.inZambian police have arrested two men, including a Mozambican national, for allegedly attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through witchcraft. The suspects, 42-year-old Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and 43-year-old village chief Leonard Phiri, were apprehended in Lusaka, where authorities discovered a collection of charms, including a live chameleon, suggesting their involvement in witchcraft practices. According to police, the duo was reportedly hired by the brother of an opposition MP currently facing serious criminal charges, including robbery and attempted murder. Both men are set to face charges of animal cruelty and are expected to appear in court shortly. The case has raised eyebrows, highlighting the intersection of politics and traditional beliefs in the region.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 6 pmeznews.inThe Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, announced plans to collaborate with Norfolk and Waveney Mind to launch a new mental health programme aimed at supporting the rural communities, particularly the farming population, on the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Co-funded by the couple, the pilot scheme will address mental health challenges exacerbated by rural isolation and is set to begin in 2025, running for two years. It will provide two part-time roles, including a Rural Mental Health Coordinator and a Counsellor, and will also offer mental health training to local employers. The initiative aims to enhance access to counselling, with targeted sessions for various community groups, and seeks to establish a sustainable model for rural mental health funding that could be replicated across the UK. The partnership aligns with the charity's launch of its Talking Therapies service, providing free support for anxiety and depression.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 7 pmeznews.inOn Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer, during his two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian premier in 43 years. The meeting was facilitated by Handa's granddaughter, Shreya Juneja, who had publicly requested the Prime Minister to meet her grandfather, a long-time admirer of Modi. The Prime Minister responded positively, expressing his eagerness to meet Handa. Modi's visit, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, aims to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly with the large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, which numbers around one million. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the significance of this visit in enhancing multifaceted relations between India and Kuwait, with Modi expected to engage in several key discussions over the course of his stay.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 5 pm
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