In Tehran, hopeful Iranians vote for new president as others boycott

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to remain in the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights throughout the winter, following the seizure of the demilitarised zone from Syrian forces. The deployment is temporary to maintain security amidst the collapse of Assad's rule and ensure stability on the border, despite international criticism. Israel's concern over potential jihadist access to strategic weapons from Syria may lead to an extended presence in the region....

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime has revealed the extensive export of the banned drug captagon by his brother Maher al-Assad and politician Amer Khiti, with a vast quantity of pills found concealed in electrical components for smuggling. The drug, which fueled Syria's economy during the civil war, was also discovered in military facilities and air bases seized by victorious Islamist-led fighters, who have vowed to destroy the harmful substance to prevent further harm...

UN investigators have compiled secret lists of 4,000 perpetrators of serious crimes in Syria, aiming for accountability up to the highest level post Bashar al-Assad's fall. With 11,000 testimonies and evidence from remote investigations, they seek justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity, emphasizing the need to preserve files found in detention facilities to secure justice and hold perpetrators accountable through a national or international legal process. Full Article

The Blockchain Centre Abu Dhabi partners with Bitcoin MENA to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for digital currencies, hosting the first Bitcoin MENA 2024 conference on December 9 to 10, 2024. This collaboration aims to empower startups and enterprises through incubation, venture capital, and education, fostering innovation and aligning with Abu Dhabi's economic expansion goals. Key figures like Eric Trump and Anthony Scaramucci will participate in the event, showcasing Abu Dhabi's commitment to...

The surrender of the Mazzeh air base triggered Israeli air strikes to prevent Assad's former arsenal from falling into rebel hands. A former detainee revisited the site, recounting his month-long ordeal in Assad's detention center. The rebels now control the base, where evidence of abuse, drug production, and destruction by airstrikes is evident. Full Article

Shortly before Sunni Islamist-led rebels took over the Syrian capital, Iran-backed guards fled their posts at the gates of the Sayyida Zeinab shrine in Damascus. Hezbollah fighters also left the area, leaving residents worried about the new guards. Despite assurances from the rebels, there is unease among the Shiite community in Syria, especially those associated with Iran-backed groups. Full Article