UN proposes Libya stabilization, election plan

President-elect Donald Trump described Turkey's ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as an "unfriendly takeover," praising Turkey's strategic move. Assad fled to Russia after an offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, supported by Turkey, toppled his regime. Trump commended Turkey's President Erdogan for his strong military presence and shared goal of eliminating Kurdish separatist fighters in Syria. Full Article

Libyans observed the fall of Syria's Bashar al-Assad with a mix of apprehension and hope, hoping for a better outcome for their Levantine "brothers" after their own tumultuous experience post-Moamer Kadhafi's downfall. Despite Libya's ongoing division and instability ten years later, Syrians celebrated the end of the Assad regime after a rebel coalition's swift offensive, drawing parallels to Libya's initial hope post-Kadhafi's death. As Libya continues to struggle with governance and militias, Libyans express optimism...

Drug lords like Sean McGovern and Faissal Taghi used to operate with impunity in Dubai, a hub for European drug traffickers thanks to limited judicial cooperation and a lack of extradition fears. Major figures like Daniel Kinahan and Abdelkader "Bibi" Bouguettaia lived openly in luxury, conducting deals and laundering money through the city's amenities. Recent arrests may have challenged Dubai's reputation, but its appeal remains strong for crime syndicates due to its strategic location and...

In the Libyan countryside, farmer Ismail Ben Saoud is successfully cultivating Mejhoul dates in a humid coastal climate, defying traditional beliefs about their suitability for Mediterranean climates. His 700 palm trees now produce high-quality Mejhoul dates, with hopes of reaching international markets soon. The agricultural experiment showcases a growing interest in Libyan agriculture, with a focus on improving quality and meeting local demand before expanding to international markets. Full Article

The Israeli government approved a plan to increase the population of the annexed Golan Heights, following the seizure of a UN-monitored buffer zone from Syria after rebel forces swept Bashar al-Assad out of power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to seize the demilitarized zone and approved a $11 million plan to double the population on the Israeli-held Golan Heights, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the area for Israel's security. Saudi Arabia and Qatar denounced...

Ghazi Mohammed al-Mohammed was detained by Syrian military intelligence officers, stripped of his identity, and assigned a number while enduring horrific conditions in one of Assad's jails for five and a half months before being freed by rebels. Mohammed, a simple merchant, was subjected to torture, starvation, and threats of execution without knowing the reason for his arrest. Despite his physical and emotional scars, Mohammed hopes for justice against his captors as he struggles to...