Trump sows uncertainty – and Xi Jinping sees an opportunity

Percussionist Bahjat Antaki performed with Syria's national symphony orchestra at the Damascus opera house, marking the first classical concert since President Bashar al-Assad's ouster. The concert aimed to showcase the resilience of Syria's arts community amidst years of war, with works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Syrian composers. Despite concerns about the future under Islamist leadership, attendees expressed hope for a brighter future and a return to the Syria they love. Full Article

Family psychotherapist Fiona Yassin warns against telling children to "stop crying," as it can invalidate their emotions and lead to long-term emotional repression, potentially resulting in harmful behaviors. Yassin emphasizes the importance of validating children's feelings and providing a safe space for emotional expression, suggesting alternative phrases like "I can see that you have some big feelings. Would you like to share them with me?" to support healthy emotional development. Full Article

Nigel Farage has acknowledged the need for a better post-Brexit deal with the EU, criticizing the current trade agreement negotiated by Boris Johnson as inadequate. Despite leading Reform UK ahead in polls, Farage failed to outline specifics on improving the UK's relationship with the bloc, refusing to offer concessions for a more favorable trading arrangement. While asserting a willingness to renegotiate, Farage remained vague on addressing ongoing Brexit issues and potential changes to the existing...

US and Philippine fighter aircraft recently conducted joint patrol and training exercises over the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, marking the first operation under US President Trump. The drills focused on intercept maneuvers amid escalating tensions with Chinese forces in the region, showcasing a show of strength and cooperation between the two nations. This exercise highlights the ongoing strategic partnership between the US and the Philippines in addressing security challenges in the...

After taking over, Elon Musk and his team caused a crisis by shutting down federal government spending, seizing control of the Treasury Department's payment system, and implementing drastic changes at agencies like the General Services Administration and the Department of Education. Trump loyalists are purging security services and appointing controversial figures to key roles, leading to concerns of a takeover of the federal bureaucracy resembling a coup. The unprecedented actions are drawing comparisons to the...

The government has offered land in the Rajghat complex for a memorial to be built for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, next to Pranab Mukherjee's memorial, with Rs 25 lakh allocated for construction. Manmohan Singh, known for his economic reforms, served as Prime Minister from 2004-2014. The government previously allocated land for Pranab Mukherjee's memorial, prompting his daughter to thank PM Narendra Modi for the gesture. Full Article