5 pambansa The Syrian rebel forces that toppled Bashar Assad said Wednesday they have advanced farther into the eastern portion of the country as they continue to redraw the map and fill the vacuum left by Assad’s ousting. The news comes a day after Syria’s new interim leader Mohammed al-Bashir announced he was assuming the role of the country’s caretaker prime minister until March 1. Bashir previously served as the head of the rebel administration’s self-formed “salvation government.” As Syria and the rest of the world come to terms with the end of Assad’s rule, the U.S. and Syrian rebels are moving quickly to hold members of his regime accountable for war crimes. READ: Here’s a look back on the rise and fall of Assad and how he transformed from a beacon of hope into an iron-fisted leader. Born in 1965 in Damascus, Syria, Assad is the second son of former Syrian ruler Hafez Assad. Hafez Assad rose through the ranks of the Arab socialist Baath party, taking control of the Syrian branch of the party before becoming president. He led Syria for 30 years, enforcing his totalitarian rule through control of the military, security forces and a secret police force. Bashar Assad, second in the line of succession, was not expected to become president. His older brother Basil, a trained engineer turned politician, had been groomed to take over. Bashar Assad instead became a doctor in the 1980s and was studying in London to be an ophthalmologist in the early 1990s. But when Basil Assad died in a car accident in 1994, Bashar Assad was recalled to Syria to replace his brother as heir apparent. He entered the military academy in 1994 and was given control of Syria’s occupation of Lebanon in 1998. Following the death of Hafez Assad in June 2000, Bashar Assad became president that July. Reuters Dec. 11, 2024 Quick Descent Into Dictatorship Assad’s rise to power encouraged many in the Middle East and in the West, who were hopeful that the youthful, educated leader would bring reform and modernization to Syria. Assad initially pursued reform through economic change rather than political change, prioritizing free markets in place of state monopolies. He also released a large number of political prisoners in 2001 to show Western countries that Syria was evolving and progressing. But Assad’s reforms proved superficial, and his government quickly descended into autocracy backed by the military, while his economic plan mostly benefited the elite who were loyal to his family. Soon after his taking office, a reform movement known as the Damascus Spring led by writers, intellectuals and activists began. The movement called for transparency and democracy but was quickly suppressed. Assad’s favorability on the world stage further eroded in 2005 after Rafik Hariri, the former prime minister of Lebanon, was assassinated in a truck bomb explosion in Beirut. Syria was widely believed to be behind the killing, and a United Nations international independent investigation commission report found “probable cause” to believe high-ranking members of Syrian intelligence and the Assad family directly supervised the assassination. Hariri’s death set off a period of massive unrest in Lebanon, leading to former President George W. Bush singling out Syria and Iran as the “root cause” of the attacks. In December 2010, a Tunisian fruit vendor set himself on fire in protest of widespread corruption, kicking off waves of demonstrations across the Middle East in what is now known as the Arab Spring. Protests soon swelled beyond Tunisia into North Africa and the Levant, forcing longtime dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen to step down. The protests spread into Syria after 15 boys in the city of Deraa spray-painted a slogan associated with the demonstrations on a school wall. The boys were arrested and tortured, setting off a firestorm. Protesters took to the streets calling for an end to the Assad regime, more freedom and an end to corruption. Assad responded immediately, directing security forces to fire on demonstrators. Civilians who were arrested were subject to torture and extrajudicial killings in detention centers. The Syrian army in 2011 deployed tanks to Deraa, killing thousands and cutting survivors off from food, water, medicine and more for 11 days. The fighting quickly spread to other cities in and around Damascus, escalating the conflict into a full-blown civil war. Assad drew international condemnation when reports emerged in August 2013 that his forces used the chemical agent Sarin against an area held by rebel forces. The State Department says more than 1,400 people died in the rocket strike. The attack infamously crossed former President Barack Obama’s “red line” for U.S. intervention in the conflict, yet after much consideration Obama opted against direct U.S. military involvement. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has estimated 162,390 civilians were killed, and the Syrian government and its allies are held responsible for 139,609 of those deaths. The U.N. Refugee Agency says the ongoing crisis has resulted in more than 5 million refugees who have fled – most of whom have been taken in by neighboring countries in the region – and 7.2 million more people internally displaced within Syria. After Assad’s hold over Syria almost collapsed twice in 2013 and 2015, outside forces helped him claw back control. Iran directed Hezbollah fighters and military advisers from its Revolutionary Guard Corps to help bolster him, while Russia, Syria’s historic patron, provided financial support and diplomatic cover. Moscow also operates military bases within Syria that are crucial to its ability to project power globally. The creation of the Islamic State group’s caliphate that claimed one-third of Syria’s territory prompted support from the U.S. in the form of fighters. And in 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent weaponry and air defense systems to help Assad beat back rebel factions. But the rebel groups maintained a stronghold in the northwest portion of the country and the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham emerged from the Syrian branch of al-Qaida. The U.S. and the United Nations designated it a terrorist organization, but it has since moved to adopt a less extreme ideology. With Russia preoccupied by its war on Ukraine and Iran reeling from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a lightning offensive that saw them take the cities of Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus in rapid succession after the conflict had been largely frozen for a decade. On Sunday, Assad and his family fled to Russia where they were granted asylum, ending his 24 years in power.Veterans Maintenance Solutions helps veterans fix their homesSuperflares Erupt From Sun-Like Stars Roughly Every 100 Years, a New Study Finds. Is Our Sun Overdue for a Massive Blast?

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert, who missed the previous two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt following a low snap. Thomas then took the kick back 43 yards as the Cowboys (4-7) ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Part of that was the play of backup Cooper Rush, who threw for 247 yards and two TDs in his third start in place of starter Dak Prescott. Part was also the defense forcing two turnovers, as Chauncey Golston ripped the ball out of Brian Robinson Jr.’s hands for what was called an interception of Daniels in the second quarter, and Donovan Wilson stripped John Bates midway through the fourth. KaVonte Turpin provided the fireworks with a spinning, 99-yard kickoff return TD seconds after Daniels found Zach Ertz in the end zone and scored on a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three with 3:02 left. In the final three minutes alone, the Commanders (7-5) scored 10 points and allowed Thomas' TD. All that after the score was 10-9 through three quarters before madness ensued. Washington's playoff hopes that looked solid not long ago are now in serious jeopardy after losing to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Dallas. Before the scoring outburst late, much of this defeat had to do with Daniels and the offense not being able to find any kind of a rhythm. The Cowboys did, despite playing without their two best offensive linemen, top cornerback and starting tight end. Rush's 6-yard pass to Jalen Tolbert was Dallas' first third-quarter TD of the season, and his 22-yarder to Luke Schoonmaker came after Wilson's forced fumble. Daniels finished 25 of 38 for 274 yards, including his second interception of the game on a failed Hail Mary as the clock expired. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards to spring the upset for the Cowboys, who were 10 1/2-point underdogs on BetMGM Sportsbook. Injuries Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game. Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was injured on a kickoff return in the final seconds. ... Robinson left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Up next Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas. Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal

US to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don't fasten their seat belts

ECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draftEast Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level Media

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate former Senator Kelly Loeffler for secretary of the Department of Agriculture, CNN cited two sources to report on Friday. According to the publication, he will meet with her at Mar-a-Lago. However, nothing is final until he announces his pick. Kelly Loeffler Family: Who Is Husband Jeffrey C Sprecher? Kelly Loeffler's husband, Jeffrey C. Sprecher, is a businessman and billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), a company that owns the New York Stock Exchange. Sprecher, 69, was born and brought up in Madison, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin as a chemical engineer and then from Pepperdine University with an MBA. He initially got a job at Trane and then worked at Western Power Group, a power plant developmental firm. He has been married to Loeffler since 2004 and both currently live in Tuxedo Park, Atlanta. The couple bought their 15,000 square-foot mansion for $10.5 million. They also own three properties in Florida, Chicago and Georgia. The billionaire met his future wife Loffler in 2002. At that point, ICE had hired her. Soon after, the duo started dating and then got hitched. Loeffler also went on to become head of marketing, communications and investor relations in ICE. The couple reportedly sold $20 million worth of stock in companies affected by the Covid pandemic, the news website stated. This took place after Loeffler learned about Covid's pending economic problems during private and privileged Senate briefings. However, the former Senator has refuted all wrongdoings. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.NoneChris Clarke appointed practice leader of Homeland Security & Law Enforcement; Bryan Miller to lead newly combined Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice MCLEAN, Va. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Guidehouse, a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors, has named Shannon White the new leader of its Defense & Security segment effective Jan. 1, 2025 . White succeeds John Saad , who has been named President of Guidehouse. Additionally, Chris Clarke will take on White's former role as Guidehouse's Defense & Security's Homeland Security & Law Enforcement practice leader. White brings a wealth of expertise in the national security sectors, along with a proven ability to deliver complex, high-impact solutions. With a track record of driving innovation and meaningful results, she has been instrumental in shaping Guidehouse's growth and impact across its diverse portfolio. Under her leadership, the Defense & Security segment will continue to focus on delivering mission-critical solutions to address the nation's most pressing defense and security challenges. "Shannon is a passionate leader whose experience will be invaluable as we continue to support purpose-driven initiatives to preserve security across the U.S.," said John Saad , President of Guidehouse. "Her strategic vision and expertise will accelerate Guidehouse's growth through transformative engagements with our clients in the defense, national security, and public sectors." Chris Clarke , Homeland Security & Law Enforcement practice leader Clarke, a partner at the firm, brings over 20 years of experience engaging with clients on complex challenges, with a focus on risk management and financial transformation. He has worked extensively across the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Intelligence Community leading hundreds of consultants to deliver a range of services in support of solving strategic challenges for Guidehouse clients. Bryan Miller , Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice leader To position the firm for additional growth and to align with the evolving needs of its clients, Guidehouse has combined Defense & Security's Defense & Intelligence and Diplomacy & Development practices into a newly combined Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice under the leadership of Bryan Miller . Miller, a partner at the firm, has over 20 years of industry experience focused on delivering strategy, supply chain and transformation programs to the U.S. Government. "This new structure strengthens our capabilities and provides a more cohesive approach to serving these interconnected client missions," added Saad. "Chris and Bryan are remarkable leaders with unmatched expertise in navigating the complexities of public safety and national security. We congratulate them on these new roles and are confident they will drive tremendous value for our clients and teams." Named a Military Friendly® Employer for six consecutive years, Guidehouse's Defense & Security segment serves U.S. diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement, and defense agencies. Backed by proven success in helping clients compete, deter, and win, the firm delivers mission-critical optimization, technology modernization, and financial management solutions. About Guidehouse Guidehouse is a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors. Guidehouse is purpose-built to serve the national security, financial services, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure industries. Disrupting legacy consulting delivery models with its agility, capabilities, and scale, the firm delivers technology-enabled and focused solutions that position clients for innovation, resilience, and growth. With high-quality standards and a relentless pursuit of client success, Guidehouse's more than 18,000 employees collaborate with leaders to outwit complexity and achieve transformational changes that meaningfully shape the future. guidehouse.com Media Contact: Cecile Fradkin, cfradkin@scprgroup.com , Guidehouse View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guidehouse-names-shannon-white-leader-of-defense--security-segment-302332867.html SOURCE Guidehouse

Biomednewsbreaks Heartbeam Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAT) Secures FDA Clearance For Innovative Arrhythmia Assessment Device

Another day, another round of drones and officials talking about themTrump’s Defense secretary nominee has close ties to Idaho Christian nationalistsDerek McInnes with brilliant reaction as he discovers Lawrence Shankland is banned from Kilmarnock clashBiomednewsbreaks Heartbeam Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAT) Secures FDA Clearance For Innovative Arrhythmia Assessment Device