“Window of opportunity”: How Syria rebels’ stars aligned for Assad’s ouster
JONATHAN SPICER and MAYA GEBEILY, of Reuters, reports on how the lightning advance of rebels in Syria came about, bringing to an end to regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad…
Oldest known stone tablet inscribed with Ten Commandments to be auctioned
New York City, US AP The oldest known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments, dating from 300 to 800 AD, will be sold in New York this month, Sotheby’s auction house said. The oldest complete tablet of the Ten Commandments, weighing 52 kilograms and approximately 1,500-years-old, is displayed at Sotheby’s, in New York, on […]
The Explainer: The Crown of Thorns returns to Notre Dame after the ‘modern miracle’ of its rescue from the fire
EMILY GUERRY, in an article first published on The Conversation, says the ceremony for reinstalling the relic takes inspiration from King Louis IX’s famous parade in which he carried the crown into Paris in 1239…
At Vatican Christmas tree lighting, Pope Francis calls attention to sustainability
Vatican City RNS The large crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square on Saturday evening for the annual ceremony for the lighting of the Vatican’s almost 30 metre tall Christmas tree heard a message about sustainability, in keeping with Pope Francis’ attention throughout his papacy to environmental concerns. “I’m struck by the majesty of the tree,” […]
Israel “more optimistic” on prospects of Gaza hostage deal
Jerusalem/Cairo, Egypt Reuters Israel is now more optimistic about a possible hostage deal in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday, amid reports that Hamas had asked for lists of all hostages still held by militant groups in the Palestinian enclave. He said indirect negotiations were under way about the return of about 100 […]
European countries put Syrian asylum bids on hold after Assad’s fall
Berlin, Germany Reuters European countries put asylum applications from Syrians on hold until further notice on Monday after rebels seized the Syrian capital and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia following 13 years of civil war. The decision, which affects tens of thousands of open claims, reflects the rapidly changing political situation in Syria as […]
Haiti gang massacres around 180 people, targeting elderly
Reuters Around 180 people were killed over the weekend in Haiti’s Cite Soleil area, Haiti’s Prime Minister’s office said on Monday, after attacks that an NGO said were ordered by a gang leader who suspected his child had been made ill using witchcraft. “A red line has been crossed,” the office said in a statement, […]
With Syria’s Assad gone, his PM agrees to hand power to rebel administration
Damascus, Syria Reuters Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s Prime Minister said he had agreed on Monday to hand power to the rebel-led Salvation Government, a day after the rebels seized the capital Damascus and Assad fled to Russia. The imminent transfer of power follows 13 years of civil war and the end to more than […]