Syria has been in an uneasy stalemate following a decade of civil war, with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime claiming victory with the help of Russia, Iran, and militants. However, this week, insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a successful raid into Aleppo, highlighting the fragility of Assad’s regime. HTS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, has been building its military capacity and aims to conquer Damascus. The group’s offensive has pushed back regime forces, leading to concerns about the future of the conflict in Syria. In Idlib, the Syrian opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is seen as a crucial ally in keeping Syrian refugees out and targeting jihadist groups, despite concerns about their governance and human rights abuses. As the most powerful opposition group in the region, HTS has control over economic sectors and rules with a strict hand, leading many Syrians to reluctantly support them in the absence of better alternatives. While HTS claims to have reformed and be willing to engage politically, their true intentions remain uncertain, with international engagement needed to verify their claims and address their human rights violations.
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President Trump Promised to End Social Security Benefit Taxes. Here's What Seniors Are Getting Instead
The White House announced a new senior tax deduction from the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) for the 2025 tax year, claiming it will exempt 88% of seniors on Social Security from owing taxes on their benefits, fulfilling a key promise from President Trump. However, experts caution that while the deduction may assist some seniors, it does not eliminate taxes on benefits entirely, warranting a deeper understanding of its implications. Want More Context? 🔎
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