As the clock strikes midnight in beautiful Niue Island, located between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, the world's second-to-last New Year's Eve celebration is underway. The tiny island nation is finally ringing in the new year after countries across Australasia, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas have already started their celebrations. Despite some events being cancelled for bad weather, the UK and the United Arab Emirates both put on dazzling fireworks displays to welcome 2025. Meanwhile, Syria celebrates its first new year since President Bashar al-Assad's removal with fireworks and DJ sets in the capital city of Damascus. Watch a compilation of the world's top new year celebrations here.
In a move to maintain its influence in Syria after Bashar al-Assad's ouster, Iran has opened direct communication with rebel groups within Syria's new leadership. Despite concerns over losing a key ally and facing potential pressure from the incoming US administration, Iranian officials are keen on establishing ties with those whose views align with their own in the new Syrian government. This engagement is seen as crucial to stabilizing ties and preventing further tensions in the region, as a hostile post-Assad Syria would have implications for Iranian access to the Mediterranean and their relationship with Hezbollah and Israel.
After a 10-day sprint across government-held territory, Syrian rebels have toppled 50 years of Assad family rule. Reports state that Assad has fled the country for an undisclosed location, with looting and celebrations breaking out in Damascus. The Prime Minister has called on citizens to protect public institutions as the country transitions to a new government.
The end of the Assad regime in Syria has revealed shocking details about the financial empire built by President Bashar al-Assad and his family. Reports suggest that the family's wealth includes 200 tons of gold, 16 billion dollars, and 5 billion euros, which are largely inaccessible to the Syrian people. While exact figures are difficult to determine, it is clear that the Assad family's fortune includes a network of hidden assets and offshore accounts used to fund their grip on power.
Reports suggest that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Islamist militants, has taken control of the third largest city in Syria, Homs. This could potentially be a game changer for the long-running civil war, as it is strategically located between Damascus and the coastal provinces. The government denies rumors of President Assad fleeing the country and the rebels have been urged not to harm those who surrender. The weakened economic situation and rising inflation in India have also been highlighted in recent surveys conducted by the Reserve Bank of India.
In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, rebels have captured towns just miles from Damascus, the capital of the country. With the regime's military sending reinforcements to defend the key city of Homs, the insurgents are said to be moving towards Damascus from southern Syria. Assad's allies, including Russia and Iran, have been preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving the Syrian leader increasingly isolated. This development raises concerns about the future of Assad's regime and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
In a bold act of protest, demonstrators in the Jaramana neighborhood of Damascus tore down a statue of former Syrian president Hafez al-Assad, father of current president Bashar al-Assad. The incident highlights the ongoing unrest and anti-government sentiment in Syria, as well as the continued impact of the Assad family's rule. Tensions are high as the Syrian rebels continue to make advances towards key cities in their fight against the government.
In a major escalation of the ongoing war in Syria, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have seized control over the city of Daraa, near Jordan. This makes Daraa the fourth key Syrian territory to fall to the militants in the past week, destabilizing the political landscape of the country and prompting concern from neighboring countries like Iran. The insurgent offensive has also been hindered by regional conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. If the rebels continue to make gains, they could potentially cut off Damascus from the coast, a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. As a result, thousands of civilians have already fled towards the coast to escape the violence.
A major offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and thousands of insurgents has breached Aleppo's western edge, marking the most intense violence in northwestern Syria since 2020. The attack has caused widespread displacement and disrupted services, with experts warning of potential destabilization in the region. Iran's involvement in Syria has been challenged by intensified Israeli strikes, while Turkey has reportedly supported the insurgents with strategic aid. This latest development has raised fears of prolonged instability and a potential impact on neighboring countries and ongoing humanitarian efforts in the conflict-torn region.
After being banned from FIFA and UEFA tournaments due to their special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian national football team has been playing a series of friendly matches against other countries. One of these matches will be against Brunei on November 15 in the southern city of Krasnodar, with FIFA officially registering the game. The team's upcoming match against Syria on November 19 has also been confirmed, with the Syrian Football Association signing a contract for the friendly game to be played in Volgograd. This will be the first time Russia and Brunei face each other on the football field.