First Syria flight takes off from Damascus airport since Assad’s downfall

Sir Keir Starmer's proposed deal with Mauritius to hand over the Chagos Islands has raised concerns that China could build a rival base elsewhere in the archipelago, potentially jeopardizing the joint UK/US airbase on Diego Garcia. Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam rejected the deal as inadequate, prompting renegotiations to ensure better outcomes for the nation. The UK government assured that the Diego Garcia base's operations will remain secure and protected from malign influence under...

The Senate passed a defense bill authorizing pay raises for junior enlisted service members, boosting military spending to $895 billion, and countering China's power, while also removing coverage of transgender medical treatments for military children. The bill faced bipartisan support but sparked debate over social issues, ultimately passing 85-14 and heading to President Biden. House Democrats initially opposed the bill due to the provision banning transgender medical care for children, but it passed 281-140 after...

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Justin Trudeau recently compared his political troubles to a family fighting over the holidays in a video that failed to load. The video showed Trudeau discussing the challenges he faces, but technical difficulties prevented viewers from accessing the content. Trudeau's comments on his political struggles were likened to a family feud during the holiday season, emphasizing the personal nature of the conflicts he is dealing with. Full Article

The Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding a law that could ban TikTok if its parent company doesn't sell the app, citing potential violations of free speech protections. The law, aiming to address national security concerns due to TikTok's Chinese ownership, is set to take effect on Jan. 19. TikTok and ByteDance, along with app users, are challenging the law's constitutionality, with the Supreme Court ordering a hearing on whether it violates the First Amendment....

Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly briefly paused a news conference in Cairo after feeling dizzy but soon resumed speaking. The 58-year-old leader had been exhausted and suffered from a severe cold but refused to rest, taking medication including antibiotics. Madbouly, an architect, became prime minister in 2018 and was discussing President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's recent meetings at home and abroad during the news briefing. Full Article