How the Assads used a civil war to turn Syria into a narco state

Investors Await Key Economic DataThe U.S. economy experienced a significant rebound, with GDP growing at an annual rate of 3% in the second quarter, surpassing forecasts of 2%. This surge follows a contraction in the first quarter, influenced by shifts in imports related to President Trump's trade policies. Want More Context? 🔎

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will recognize the state of Palestine by September unless Israel takes significant steps to end the Gaza conflict and commit to peace. This decision, seen as a shift in British foreign policy, responds to the dire situation in Gaza and aims to support a two-state solution while placing pressure on both Israel and Hamas to meet specific conditions. Want More Context? 🔎

In Susiya, West Bank, Palestinians face escalating violence from Israeli settlers, including attacks on water sources and olive groves, amid growing tensions following the October 7 outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. Villagers, determined to remain on their land despite threats and destruction, report around 54 settler attacks since the conflict began, highlighting a struggle for survival and identity in a region marked by occupation. Want More Context? 🔎

New insights from a BBC documentary suggest that pages of Ian Brady's unpublished autobiography, titled Black Light, may contain crucial information about the location of his final victim, 12-year-old Keith Bennett, who was never found. Despite Brady's death in 2017, there are renewed hopes that information in the manuscript could help locate Bennett's body, as police remain committed to the case. Want More Context? 🔎

Britain plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel improves conditions in Gaza and commits to peace, a move criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump. British officials emphasize that this is not a reward for Hamas, but a response to the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians, following similar actions by France. Want More Context? 🔎

Francisco Severo Torres, a 35-year-old Massachusetts man, was sentenced to time served after spending 26 months in prison for attempting to open a United Airlines emergency exit mid-flight and for stabbing a flight attendant with a broken spoon during the incident on March 5, 2023. He pleaded guilty to interference with flight crew and faces five years of supervised release, during which he cannot fly commercially. Want More Context? 🔎