Singapore’s annual Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay celebrates its 11th year with spectacular light installations. Among the many dazzling displays, the Spalliera light installation is particularly impressive, extending 20 meters (over 65 feet) into the sky. Inspired by Italy’s Orvieto Cathedral, this year’s Spalliera features a new design illuminated by 103,000 handcrafted bulbs, […]
Category: Hot News
Iran advances key nuclear bomb technology “`
Iran continues its pursuit of nuclear weapons, not only accumulating near-weapons-grade enriched uranium but also expanding its covert weaponization efforts. Information from sources within the Iranian regime, provided to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), suggests renewed efforts to develop nuclear detonation capabilities. The NCRI identifies METFAZ (Center for Research and Expansion of […]
US diplomats return to Damascus after more than a decade “`
A U.S. delegation, including Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, and Senior Adviser Daniel Rubinstein, is in Damascus for the first time in over a decade. Their primary goals include gathering information on missing American citizens and engaging with various Syrian groups. The visit […]
US Troop Count in Syria Doubled, Pentagon Reveals
The Department of Defense has revealed that the number of US troops deployed in Syria is actually 2,000, significantly more than the previously reported figure of approximately 900. Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Ryder acknowledged the discrepancy during a Thursday press briefing, stating that the higher number reflects recently discovered information. He explained that the […]
Putin pledges to seek Assad’s help in locating Austin Tice after mother’s plea “`
Following a letter from Austin Tice’s mother requesting assistance, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged during a press conference to ask former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for help in locating the missing American journalist and veteran. While acknowledging the complexities of the situation given the 12-year-old conflict, Putin expressed his intention to raise the matter directly […]
Mumbai Ferry Collision with Indian Navy Vessel Kills 13
At least 13 people died when an Indian navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry carrying more than 100 people to a popular tourist spot on Wednesday, the navy reported. According to a navy statement, 99 ferry passengers were rescued. The ferry, “Neelkamal,” was en route to Elephanta Island when the accident occurred. The statement […]
Putin Open to Compromising with Trump on Ukraine “`
In his annual Q&A session, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his willingness to compromise with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on the Ukraine conflict. He asserted he had no preconditions for initiating talks with Ukrainian authorities. President-elect Trump, known for his deal-making skills, has pledged a swift resolution to the conflict, though specifics remain undisclosed. During […]
Palestinian Authority Faces Mounting Pressure Amidst Growing Resistance and the Influence of Iran-backed Militant Groups
The Palestinian Authority (PA) faces significant challenges in Jenin, where its ongoing operation against Iranian-backed militant groups has triggered violent clashes and deepened the divide with local communities. Mohammad Daraghmeh, Asharq News bureau chief in Ramallah, explains that Iran’s funding of militants prompted the PA’s crackdown, aiming to disrupt financial flows and suppress these factions. […]
French Man Sentenced in International Rape Case
A French court has found 72-year-old Dominique Pelicot guilty of drugging his wife of 50 years and facilitating her rape by strangers. Judge Roger Arata of the Avignon court handed down the maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Pelicot confessed to years of drugging his wife, Gisèle, to enable himself and others he recruited online […]
China circumvents US countermeasures against CCP influence by leveraging state and local relationships “`
While the U.S. government strengthens its defenses against Chinese interference, Beijing is circumventing these efforts by leveraging the separation of powers between federal and state governments. Recent federal initiatives to counter potential Chinese threats, such as restricting investments in U.S. farmland, haven’t fully addressed China’s primary influence tactic. A new Foundation for Defense of Democracies […]
Israel Targets Sanaa and Hodeida in Yemen with Airstrikes
Israeli airstrikes hit the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa early Thursday, causing fires at energy facilities and the Red Sea port of Hodeida. An Israeli military statement claimed the targeted sites were used by Houthi forces for military purposes, asserting the strikes weakened the Houthi regime and prevented its use of these locations for military […]
Palestinian Protesters Disrupt Israeli Basketball Game
During a FIBA Basketball Champions League game between Israel’s Hapoel Holon and France’s Nanterre 92, a disruption occurred when several protesters carrying Palestinian flags rushed onto the court, causing a disturbance among spectators. This incident took place in the third quarter of the match and provoked strong reactions from the many French Jewish spectators supporting […]
France’s Highest Court Upholds Sarkozy’s Corruption Conviction “`
France’s highest court has affirmed a lower court’s guilty verdict against Nicolas Sarkozy on charges of corruption and influence peddling during his presidency. The 69-year-old Sarkozy faces a one-year prison sentence, though he’s expected to request home confinement with an electronic monitoring device, an option available for sentences under two years. Both a trial court […]
Report Challenges Hamas Gaza Death Toll Accuracy, Citing Widespread Inaccuracies and Distortions
A new report from the Henry Jackson Society (HJS) reveals significant inaccuracies and distortions in the casualty figures released by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health (MoH) during the recent conflict. The report highlights the widespread use of these inflated numbers by global media with minimal verification. The HJS study found flaws in the MoH’s […]
17th-Century German Christmas Trees Featured Apples, Not Ornaments, in ‘Adam and Eve’ Tradition “`
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree boasts a rich history. Modern Christmas trees are typically adorned with a wide variety of ornaments, including glass ornaments, handcrafted decorations, candy canes, tinsel, and sparkling lights. However, this wasn’t always the case. Early Christmas trees were often decorated with edible items, such as apples, in observance of […]
Israel-Turkey Tensions Soar Amid Syrian Conflict “`
Following Ankara’s condemnation of Israeli military actions in Syria and Turkey’s increased involvement in the Syrian conflict, Israel rejected Turkish criticism on Tuesday. The escalating tensions have widened the already strained relationship between the two nations, raising concerns about regional stability and the security of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces combating ISIS. On Monday, the Turkish Foreign […]
Analyst: Russia’s Syria withdrawal offers little to Israel, but could improve Ukraine ties
As Russia’s influence in Syria wanes, a path to improved Israeli-Ukrainian relations may have opened. This is prompting calls for increased Israeli support for Ukraine. Yuli Edelstein, head of Israel’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, advocates for stronger Israeli involvement, arguing that the changing geopolitical landscape necessitates a shift in Israel’s approach. He highlights the […]
Moscow Arrests Suspect in Killing of Top Russian General “`
Russian authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with the Moscow assassination. The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) identified the suspect as a 1995-born male citizen of Uzbekistan, though his name remains undisclosed. He is accused of using an explosive device to kill Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov and his aide, Maj. Ilya […]
Syria’s Ruling Islamist Group: A History of Authoritarian Governance in Idlib
With Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, Syria’s future governance is uncertain, prompting speculation about a potential moderation of the Islamist group’s stance or a Taliban-like rule. The U.S.-designated terrorist organization, ruling Idlib Governorate in northwest Syria, established the Syrian Salvation Government, claiming to shift focus from global jihad to local administration. In Idlib, it implemented a bureaucratic […]
Georgian Ski Resort Restaurant Accident Kills 11 Indian Nationals
Twelve people died in an accident at a Gudauri, Georgia ski resort restaurant; eleven were Indian citizens, the Indian embassy reported Monday. A Georgian Interior Ministry preliminary report indicates the victims, including one Georgian national, were discovered deceased inside the restaurant after using a generator positioned near the building’s interior. The precise cause of death […]