“While the international community is setting conditions for the new rulers in
Syria, the leading rebel group has taken a conciliatory approach, similar to
one the Taliban adopted in Afghanistan, to seek international recognition, say
analysts. Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, met with the U.N. special envoy for Syria on
Sunday and emphasized "rapid and effective cooperation" to rebuild Syria's
economy and maintain its territorial integrity. In an interview with The Times
of London, al-Jolani said that Syrian soil will not be used against any
neighboring country, including Israel.”
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Eye on Extremism
December 19, 2024
Voice Of America: Analysts: Syrian Rebels Adopt Approach Similar To Taliban's
To Seek International Recognition
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“While the international community is setting conditions for the new rulers in
Syria, the leading rebel group has taken a conciliatory approach, similar to
one the Taliban adopted in Afghanistan, to seek international recognition, say
analysts. Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, met with the U.N. special envoy for Syria on
Sunday and emphasized "rapid and effective cooperation" to rebuild Syria's
economy and maintain its territorial integrity. In an interview with The Times
of London, al-Jolani said that Syrian soil will not be used against any
neighboring country, including Israel.”
Associated Press: Israeli Airstrikes Hit Yemen’s Rebel-Held Capital And Port
City After Houthi Attack Targets Israel
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“A series of intense Israeli airstrikes shook Yemen’s rebel-held capital and
a port city early Thursday and killed at least nine people, officials said,
shortly after a Houthi missile targeted central Israel. Thursday’s strikes risk
further escalating conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthis, whose attacks on
the Red Sea corridor have drastically impacted global shipping. The rebels have
so far avoided the same level of intense military strikes that have targeted
Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, fellow members of
Tehran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance.” Israel’s military said that it
conducted two waves of strikes in a preplanned operation that began early
Thursday and involved 14 fighter jets.”
United States
The New York Times: Mangione Faces First-Degree Murder Charge That Brands Him
A Terrorist
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“Luigi Mangione on Tuesday was accused of first-degree murder in the fatal
shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive, a charge that branded him a
terrorist. “This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was
intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” said Alvin L. Bragg,
the Manhattan district attorney, at a news conference on Tuesday. The
assassination of the chief executive, Brian Thompson, on Dec. 4 in the heart of
Manhattan set off a dayslong manhunt and mesmerized Americans, many of whom
vented their frustrations on dealings with health insurance companies. Some
voiced their support for the gunman and rooted for him to elude capture.”
The Washington Post: U.S. Repatriates Three Guantánamo Detainees, Leaving 27
At Prison
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“Three of the last remaining 30 prisoners at the Guantánamo Bay detention
center have been repatriated to their home countries — two to Malaysia and one
to Kenya, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. Malaysians Mohammed Farik bin Amin
and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep pleaded guilty in January before a U.S. military
commission to charges of murder, conspiracy and other offenses as lieutenants
of the man known as Hambali, the leader of Jemaah Islamiya, the al-Qaeda
affiliate in Southeast Asia blamed for a number of deadly bombing attacks in
the region in the early 2000s. A Pentagon review board said it had considered
Bajabu’s “low level of training and lack of leadership role in his
pre-detention activities,” as well as his family ties, and compliance while in
detention, in determining he could be transferred.”
Turkey
Reuters: No Talk Of Ceasefire Deal Between Turkey And US-Backed SDF In
Northern Syria, Turkish Official Says
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“There is no talk of a ceasefire deal between Turkey and the U.S.-backed
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, contrary to a U.S.
announcement on the issue, a Turkish defence ministry official said on
Thursday. The official was responding to comments from State Department
spokesperson Matthew Miller, who said a ceasefire between Turkey and the SDF
around the northern Syrian city of Manbij has been extended until the end of
this week. "As Turkey, it is out of the question for us to have talks with any
terrorist organisation. The (U.S.) statement must be a slip of the tongue," the
defence ministry official, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, told
reporters.”
Middle East
Associated Press: Middle East Latest: Israel Orders Another Gaza Evacuation
Ahead Of An Offensive
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“The Israeli military on Wednesday ordered Palestinians to evacuate another
section of central Gaza ahead of an offensive in the built-up Bureij refugee
camp, even as Israel and the Hamas appeared to inch closer to a ceasefire in
the 14-month war. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he will meet Wednesday
with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy, Adam Boehler, at home
in Jerusalem. Boehler, a former aid to Jared Kushner, met with Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week. As deadly Israeli strikes pound Gaza each
day, talks to broker the ceasefire and hostage release deal have restarted
after a monthslong pause.”
Reuters: Gaza Mediators Intensify Ceasefire Efforts, Israeli Strikes Kill 20
People
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“The United States, joined by Arab mediators, sought to conclude an agreement
between Israel and Hamas to halt the 14-month-old war in the Gaza Strip, where
medics said Israeli strikes killed at least 20 Palestinians on Wednesday. A
Palestinian official close to the negotiations said on Wednesday that mediators
had narrowed gaps on most of the agreement's clauses. He said Israel had
introduced conditions which Hamas rejected but would not elaborate. On Tuesday,
sources close to the talks in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, said an agreement
could be signed in coming days on a ceasefire and a release of hostages held in
Gaza in return for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.”
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