The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement has raised further questions about the role of Russia in the Syrian conflict. Russia has been a key ally of the Assad regime, providing military support and political backing. The announcement of al-Assad's resignation has led to speculation about the future of Russian involvement in Syria and the broader implications for the region.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Zarigue Nutter scored 22 points and secured the victory with a jump shot with two seconds remaining as Georgia State defeated Tulsa 74-71 on Wednesday. Nutter shot 9 of 15 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line for the Panthers (4-3). Cesare Edwards scored 18 points and added 16 rebounds. Nicholas McMullen had 13 points and shot 4 of 9 from the field and 5 for 8 from the line. The Golden Hurricane (4-4) were led in scoring by Keaston Willis, who finished with 18 points. Tulsa also got 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists from Dwon Odom. Tyshawn Archie had 12 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .OTTAWA — Canada's financial intelligence agency says it is modernizing with the aim of providing valuable information to police and security officials in real time — or as close to that goal as it can get. In its newly released annual report, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada says it is working with businesses and federal partners to move more quickly in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The agency, known as Fintrac, identifies money linked to illicit activities by electronically sifting millions of pieces of information each year from banks, insurance companies, money services businesses, real-estate brokers, casinos and others. In turn, it discloses intelligence to police and security agencies about the suspected cases. In 2023-24, Fintrac produced more than 4,600 financial intelligence disclosure packages for recipients including the RCMP, municipal and provincial police, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canada Revenue Agency. In a message in the report, Fintrac director Sarah Paquet says the agency aims to harness modern skills, tools and technologies to analyze data and produce intelligence in real time. Paquet said such swiftness could be a game-changer, for example, in the agency's efforts to track financial transactions related to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. "It will allow us to proactively identify and assist law enforcement in disrupting networks much quicker," she said. "This will mean rescuing victims sooner, saving them from prolonged abuse. It will mean supporting survivors sooner, getting them the assistance they need in a more timely fashion. And it will help law enforcement target, arrest and charge the traffickers sooner, preventing the abuse of new victims." Fintrac's digital strategy includes advancing automation, analytics and the use of artificial intelligence, Paquet said. In a bid to "stay ahead of the bad actors," Fintrac has created a digital acceleration and modernization team "to experiment with, and exploit, the latest technologies." Transnational organized crime groups and professional money launderers are the most prominent threats to Canada when it comes to illicit cash transactions, the report said. "At the same time, while the threat of terrorist financing is not as pronounced in Canada as it is in other regions of the world, there are networks operating in our country that are suspected of raising, collecting and transmitting funds abroad to various terrorist groups." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press
NoneQB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching seasonDETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea, including additional 10% taxes on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday on Truth Social threatening the tariffs on his first day in office could just be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. High food prices were a major issue in voters picking Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, but tariffs almost certainly would push those costs up even further. For instance, the Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said Tuesday that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when other countries retaliate. “Tariffs distort the marketplace and will raise prices along the supply chain, resulting in the consumer paying more at the checkout line,” said Alan Siger, association president. Mexico and Canada are two of the biggest exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to the U.S. In 2022, Mexico supplied 51% of fresh fruit and 69% of fresh vegetables imported by value into the U.S., while Canada supplied 2% of fresh fruit and 20% of fresh vegetables. Before the election, about 7 in 10 voters said they were very concerned about the cost of food, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. “We’ll get them down,” Trump told shoppers during a September visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. People looking to buy a new vehicle likely would see big price increases as well, at a time when costs have gone up so much that they are out of reach for many. The average price of a new vehicle now runs around $48,000. About 15% of the 15.6 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year came from Mexico, while 8% crossed the border from Canada, according to Global Data. Much of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers, unless automakers can somehow quickly find productivity improvements to offset them, said C.J. Finn, U.S. automotive sector leader for PwC, a consulting firm. That means even more consumers “would potentially get priced out of the activity” of buying a new vehicle, Finn said. Hardest hit would be Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford, Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska wrote Tuesday in a note to investors. Stellantis and VW import about 40% of the vehicles they sell from Canada and Mexico, while it's 30% for GM and 25% for Ford. GM and Stellantis import more than half of their high-profit pickup trucks from the two countries, according to Bernstein. If Trump does impose the tariffs in January, the auto industry would have little time to adjust, putting operating profits at risk for the automakers, Roeska said in an email. “A 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry,” he said. The tariffs would hurt U.S. industrial production so much that “we expect this is unlikely to happen in practice,” Roeska said. The tariff threat hit the stocks of some companies that could be particularly hurt, such as auto manufacturers and Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States. But the overall market held relatively steady near records as investors saw Trump’s proposal as more of an opening position for negotiations rather than as a definitive policy. It's not clear how long the tariffs would last if they are implemented, but they could force auto executives to move production to the U.S., which could create more jobs in the long run. But Morningstar analyst David Whiston said in the short term automakers probably won't make any moves because they can't quickly change where they build vehicles. To move to the U.S., they would have to buy equipment and revamp their parts supply chain, which can take years. “I think everyone is going to be in a wait-and-see mode,” Whiston said. Millions of dollars worth of auto parts flow across the borders with Mexico and Canada, and that could raise prices for already costly automobile repairs, Finn said. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said tariffs on tequila or Canadian whisky won’t boost American jobs because they are distinctive products that can only be made in their country of origin. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million worth of mezcal from Mexico and $537 million worth of spirits from Canada, the council said. “At the end of the day, tariffs on spirits products from our neighbors to the north and south are going to hurt U.S. consumers and lead to job losses across the U.S. hospitality industry just as these businesses continue their long recovery from the pandemic,” the council said in a statement. Electronics retailer Best Buy said on its third-quarter earnings conference call that it runs on thin profit margins, so while vendors and the company will shoulder some increases, Best Buy will have to pass tariffs on to customers. “These are goods that people need, and higher prices are not helpful,” CEO Corie Barry said. Walmart also warned this week that tariffs could force it to raise prices, as did Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who talked with Trump after his call for tariffs, said they had a good conversation about how the countries can work together on the challenges they face. "This is something that we can do, laying out the facts and moving forward in constructive ways. This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that’s what we’ll do,” Trudeau said. Trump's transition team wouldn't comment on the call. Also Monday, Trump turned his ire to China, saying he has “had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail.” The Chinese Embassy in Washington cautioned on Monday that there will be losers on all sides if there is a trade war. Trump's threats come as arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico have been falling . The most recent U.S. numbers for October show arrests remain near four-year lows. But arrests for illegally crossing the border from Canada have been rising over the past two years. Much of America’s fentanyl is smuggled from Mexico. Border seizures of the drug rose sharply under President Joe Biden. The tariffs would also throw into doubt the reliability of the 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico, the USMCA, which replaced NAFTA and is up for review in 2026. Trump transition team officials did not immediately respond to questions about what authority he would use, what he would need to see to prevent the tariffs from being implemented and how they would impact prices in the U.S. Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department and Economy Department also had no immediate reaction to Trump’s statements. ___ Rugaber reported from Washington. AP reporters Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, Stan Choe and Anne D'Innocenzio in New York, and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.
1. Faulty Heating Systems:
As we move forward from this troubling episode, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and moral courage. Let us remember that the choices we make today will shape the world we leave for future generations.One of the key highlights of the HarmonyOS ecosystem in Fujian is the diverse range of native apps that have been developed specifically for the platform. With nearly 350 native apps now available on the HarmonyOS platform, users in Fujian have access to a rich and diverse array of applications that cater to their varying needs and preferences. From productivity tools and entertainment apps to lifestyle and health-related applications, the HarmonyOS app store in Fujian offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality native apps that enhance the overall user experience.
The arrest of the suspect highlights the growing concerns surrounding the protection of personal information in the digital age. As the use of smartphones and online platforms continues to proliferate, the need for robust safeguards and stringent regulations to safeguard data privacy has never been more urgent.In this case, the man, whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons, was found guilty of producing and distributing counterfeit bills in denominations of 100 yuan. His scheme was eventually uncovered by law enforcement officials who launched an investigation into a series of reports regarding suspicious transactions involving fake money.In conclusion, quitting coffee for a month can lead to a variety of positive changes in your body, ranging from improved sleep and energy levels to clearer skin and enhanced mental clarity. While the initial withdrawal symptoms may be challenging, the long-term benefits of reducing or eliminating caffeine from your diet can have lasting effects on your health and well-being. Consider giving up coffee for a month to see how it affects your body and to discover a new level of vitality and balance.
In conclusion, the incident involving the mother and daughter carrying knives on a train has raised important questions about security and safety measures. It is crucial for authorities to address these concerns promptly and take action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passenger safety should always be the top priority, and all necessary steps must be taken to ensure a secure travel environment for all.
Tonight’s Monday night game has the Cleveland Browns traveling out west to take on the Denver Broncos. It will be an AFC matchup between a team that isn’t heading to the playoffs this season, against a team that is hoping to be there. When the Browns take on the Broncos, they will be doing it without a couple of key starters. Cleveland Browns’ inactive list vs. Broncos: WR Cedric Tillman S Juan Thornhill LT Jedrick Wills Jr. DL Sam Kamara CB Myles Harden RB D’Onta Foreman CB Chigozie Anusiem DE James Houston The biggest loss here is likely Tillman, who has been a breakout player as of late with the Browns in his second season. Tillman suffered a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday night and will have to miss this one . Ever since the Browns traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, Tillman has really been able to step his game up. Tillman has games of 81,99, and 75 yards receiving since Cooper was shipped away. The Tennessee product has been the team’s No. 2 wide receiver since the move. With Tillman out, expect the Browns to feed the ball more to Elijah Moore behind Jerry Jeudy. Tight end David Njoku will be heavily featured and rookie wideout Jamari Thrash could have a role. The Browns will try to get their running game going with Nick Chubb, which is likely where my money would be spent if I was a betting man. With Thornhill out, the Browns will have Rodney McLeod starting alongside Grant Delpit. McLeod is a veteran safety himself who has stepped up numerous times over the past couple of seasons. Germain Ifedi will continue to start at left tackle with Wills out this game and Dawand Jones out for the season. Cleveland and Denver will kickoff at approximately 8:15 p.m. on ESPN in a game that has the Broncos favorites by -6.5. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.The incident took place on a sunny afternoon in the bustling city center, where a group of students had gathered to enjoy a leisurely stroll and exchange stories. However, as fate would have it, one of the students accidentally dropped their phone into a narrow drainage channel, prompting gasps of disbelief and dismay from their companions.
For the past six years, Gulf countries had been starting to normalize relations with the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, with several even reopening their embassies in Damascus, which had been shuttered after the civil war broke out in 2011. This was driven by the perceived strategic costs of keeping Assad isolated even as he seemed entrenched in power, and while Iran’s influence in the region continued to grow. Gulf countries publicly cited regional tensions and the growing role of non-Arab states in Syria as reasons for normalization. Saudi Arabia was the latest to reopen its embassy in Damascus in September 2024, following similar moves by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain in December 2018, ostensibly to “reduce Iranian influence,” according to Robert Ford , a former US ambassador to Syria. (By contrast, Qatar maintained a staunchly critical stance toward the Assad regime, refusing to normalize ties.) Assad was welcomed back into the Arab League last year, attending a summit in Saudi Arabia. And the UAE even reportedly joined the United States in negotiations aimed at securing US sanctions relief in return for Assad curbing Iran’s arms smuggling through Syria. With Assad having fled to Moscow after the stunning and rapid fall of his regime this month, Gulf states that had supported Assad are now left empty-handed. But the turn of events offers these countries, which rarely act as a bloc, an immense opportunity to join forces and wield significant influence—both political and financial—over Syria’s future while adapting to Turkey’s rising prominence in the country. The Gulf’s friendly overtures Shortly after Assad’s December 8 fall, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman resumed their diplomatic activities in Damascus, and they were in turn thanked by the new Syrian government’s Department of Political Affairs in a December 12 statement . This statement followed meetings the new leadership held with the ambassadors from these countries, as well as Qatar. Also on December 12, Bahrain—which headed the Arab League this year—expressed its support for the transition via a letter to the new leadership in Syria. On December 14, the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria (which includes Arab, Western, and Turkish diplomats) highlighted Arab support for Syria’s political transition under the interim authorities. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia expressed the “strongest support” for Syria’s people after the fall of Assad’s government, commending measures taken by the new leadership in Damascus to protect Syria’s minorities and promote stability. A Saudi delegation headed by an advisor from the Saudi Royal Court met with Syria’s new leader on December 22, amid reports that Saudi Arabia will start supplying oil to Damascus. A good indicator that Saudi Arabia is serious about cooperating with Syria’s transition is that the kingdom is already cooperating at the highest level with the most influential outside player in Syria—one that is rapidly ascendant in the region—Turkey. The UAE, which started the normalization process with Assad in the Gulf, was the last Gulf country to publicly signal positive engagement with Syria’s new administration, marked by a phone call between the respective foreign ministers on December 23. It remains to be seen whether Abu Dhabi will cautiously move to fully and publicly support the new administration in Damascus by sending humanitarian or financial aid to the country in the upcoming weeks, as neighboring Qatar has already done . On December 14, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president, expressed optimism about the new leadership’s language on unity. Gargash also strongly emphasized the need to remain on guard given the new leadership’s ties to Islamist factions. He also wrote in an X post that the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria’s meeting “reflected a positive Arab approach to support our brothers in the path of political and peaceful transition” in Syria. These moves across the Gulf add up to a positive signal that the countries that normalized with Assad are likely to deal pragmatically with the realities of the new Syria. Turkey’s rising influence As the country with the strongest relationship with Syria’s new leadership, Turkey is likely to hold ample leverage over Syria’s future—and even the region, given its increasingly assertive role across the Middle East and North Africa. Turkey’s gains in Syria bolster its standing vis-à-vis Iran in other areas such as the South Caucasus, where Turkey maintains close cooperation with Azerbaijan while Iran has close ties with Armenia. However, Ankara should not shoulder the role of reconstruction and state-building in Syria alone. Collaborating with the Arab states of the Gulf could bring both legitimacy and essential financial resources to Syria’s reconstruction efforts. Among the Gulf states, Qatar is likely to wield the most influence over the new leadership in Damascus, having played a central role in facilitating talks between foreign ministers from Arab states, Turkey, Russia, and Iran during the Doha Forum that ultimately determined Assad’s fate . In meetings in Doha with Atlantic Council experts (myself included) just hours after the fall of Assad had been announced on December 8, senior Qatari national security figures expressed an air of vindication for their refusal to normalize with the Assad regime. Notably, Qatar was the only country in the Gulf already hosting the Syrian National Coalition, which it recognized as Syria’s sole legitimate representative. The Trump administration’s opportunity The fall of Assad represents a massive setback for Iran, and Gulf states must seize this moment as an unparalleled opportunity to reinforce the Arab role in Syria’s future. By pressuring and guiding the new leadership in Syria to form an inclusive government, Gulf countries can safeguard their interests while minimizing the risks of renewed instability that threaten the entire region. The Trump administration also has a key role to play. As the new Syrian government faces the daunting and costly task of reconstruction, regional and international support will be indispensable to ensure that Syria does not fail again and destabilize the region. President-elect Donald Trump should lead the way alongside Turkey and the Arab Gulf states in pooling the funds required for Syria’s reconstruction and transitional governance, which would also strike a decisive strategic blow to Iran’s presence in Syria. Such assistance should be tied to clear conditions that would guarantee stability and an inclusive political process to build something better than what Syrians endured under Assad. The fall of the Assad regime will have profound consequences for the region in the years ahead. And the United States and Gulf states have new leverage—both financial and diplomatic—to shape what those consequences will be. Any new administration in Damascus is likely eager to get Washington’s approval at the earliest possible moment to solidify its international legitimacy. That gives the United States and its Gulf allies the chance to positively impact the new political process in the country—and to secure any necessary changes from Syria’s new leadership—if it strays off course. Joze Pelayo is an associate director at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.One of the key drivers of China's export growth has been the resilience of the country's manufacturing sector. Despite disruptions in the global supply chain and reduced external demand, Chinese manufacturers have adapted quickly to the changing market conditions and have continued to export a wide range of products to countries around the world.