Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Reaches Runoff in Iran’s Presidential Election

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Syria's HTS rebels to fulfill promises of inclusion, citing the Taliban's isolation after showing a moderate facade in Afghanistan. Blinken emphasized the importance of a non-sectarian Syrian government that protects minorities, addresses security concerns, and engages in a political settlement with other groups to avoid Assad's downfall. He called on HTS to avoid isolation by moving the country forward and learning from the mistakes of other extremist groups....

Turkey rejected US President-elect Donald Trump's claim that the rebel ouster of Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad was an "unfriendly takeover" by Ankara, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stating that it was not a takeover but rather the will of the Syrian people. Fidan emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity with the Syrian people, cautioning against Turkish domination in Syria. Additionally, Fidan addressed the Kurdish question, warning Syria's new rulers to address the issue of...

Efforts to reach a Gaza truce and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas have seen recent progress, with optimism rising due to US President-elect Donald Trump's push for a deal before January 20. Negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US have reached advanced stages, with the proposed agreement involving a phased release of hostages and a ceasefire, alongside Israeli military withdrawals and reconstruction efforts. However, key sticking points remain, including the governance of...

Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi human rights activist, spoke at a UN forum in the kingdom via video link, criticizing the suppression of dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Her appearance was described as "historic" by Human Rights Watch, with a moment of silence held for detained government critics. Despite social reforms, Saudi Arabia continues to imprison individuals for online speech, with Hathloul highlighting the kingdom's surveillance apparatus and the potential dangers of a UN...

The first commercial flight post-Assad's ouster from Damascus to Aleppo symbolizes hope for a war-torn Syria, with new rulers promising justice and integration. HTS, rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch, aims to dissolve its armed wing and ensure unity under the new leadership. International engagement, calls for political process, and concerns over ongoing conflicts highlight the challenges faced by Syria's transitioning administration. Full Article

Britain, France, and Germany have accused Iran of increasing its stockpile of high enriched uranium to "unprecedented levels" without a valid civilian reason, urging Iran to reverse its nuclear escalation. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran now possesses uranium enriched to 60 percent, a significant step towards the 90 percent needed for an atomic bomb. Amid concerns over Iran's nuclear program, the E3 countries are considering reimposing sanctions as part of the...