New year hope and joy reign in a Damascus freed from Assad

Israel launched a massive bombing campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 400 deaths; Hamas has not launched a discernible counterattack, focusing on regrouping and preparing for potential ground invasion. Despite Israel's efforts to pressure Hamas to release hostages and dismantle its military wing, Hamas remains unwilling to surrender and end the war permanently. The group's strategy involves assessing Israel's intentions before deciding on a response, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its military capabilities in Gaza....

The UAE's affordable luxury real estate sector is experiencing significant growth, with a 34% surge in transaction values in 2024 and forecasts indicating a 5-10% increase in property launches targeting this segment in 2025. Dubai's luxury market saw a 26% year-on-year increase in transaction prices for apartments in sought-after areas, reflecting a maturing market with balanced supply and demand. Projections suggest the market will maintain a 2.28% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2029, reaching...

Columbia University is facing backlash from President Trump due to massive funding cuts and a crackdown on student protesters, particularly the arrest of activist Mahmoud Khalil. Trump accuses the university of failing to protect Jewish students and demands drastic reforms, threatening to withhold $400 million in federal funding. The administration's actions are seen as an attempt to control academic freedom and impose a particular definition of anti-Semitism, raising concerns about the future of higher education...

Israeli forces launched a large-scale strike in Gaza, the first major attack since the cease-fire with Hamas began two months ago. The Israeli Defense Forces and Security Agency conducted extensive strikes on Hamas terror targets in the Gaza Strip early Tuesday. Despite ongoing negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict, the situation remains tense with accusations of truce violations from both sides. Full Article

Sudanese army forces advanced on Khartoum, converging with troops in the city centre on Monday, increasing pressure on rival paramilitaries and moving closer to retaking the capital. The latest push comes after breaking sieges on key military sites and aims to cement control over central Khartoum, escalating the conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and resulting in civilian casualties and displacement. The army's advances in central Sudan and Khartoum indicate a potential reclamation of...

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempt to remove the head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency is part of a broader campaign by the government to exert more control over state institutions, including the judiciary and the attorney general. The move has sparked calls for mass protests and criticism from business leaders, reminiscent of the social unrest in 2023. Netanyahu's coalition aims to increase political influence over Supreme Court appointments and has a history of attempts to...