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While some NATO members have acknowledged the need to boost their defense spending and have made efforts to increase their contributions in recent years, Trump's blunt and confrontational approach to the issue has strained relations within the alliance. Critics argue that his aggressive tactics risk alienating allies and undermining the unity and cohesion of NATO, which relies on mutual trust and cooperation among its member states.LONDON (AP) — Half a century of rule by the Assad family in Syria crumbled with astonishing speed after insurgents burst out of a rebel-held enclave and converged on the capital, Damascus, taking city after city in a matter of days. Opposition forces swept across the country and entered Damascus with little or no resistance as the Syrian army melted away. President Bashar Assad, Syria’s ruler for 24 years — succeeding his father, Hafez Assad — fled the country. Russian state media reported that he was in Moscow. It’s a stunning development in Syria’s devastating 13-year conflict . Anti-government protests in 2011 met with a brutal crackdown, escalating into a civil war that has killed more than half a million people and displaced half of Syria’s prewar population of 23 million. Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, gradually regained control of more than two-thirds of Syria, leaving the rebels with one stronghold in the northwest of the country. And there the conflict remained, largely frozen, for years until late November. Here’s a look at a seismic two weeks for the Middle East. Armed opposition groups launch a large-scale attack on areas controlled by government forces in northwestern Syria and claim to have wrested control of over 15 villages from government forces in northwestern Aleppo province. The government and its allies respond with airstrikes and shelling in an attempt to halt the insurgent advances. The offensive is led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. Formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaida and known as the Nusra Front, HTS later distanced itself from al-Qaida, seeking to market itself as a more moderate group. It is classed as a terrorist group by the United Nations and the U.S. The attack on Aleppo follows weeks of simmering low-level violence, including government attacks on opposition-held areas. Turkey, a main backer of Syrian opposition groups , says the rebels began a limited offensive to stop the attacks, but it expanded as government forces began to retreat. The offensive expands to reach the countryside of Idlib province amid reports government troops are retreating. The insurgents enter Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, for the first time since they were pushed out in 2016 after a grueling military campaign by Syrian government forces backed by Russia and Iran. They meet with little resistance. The rebels say they control Aleppo, raising a flag over the city’s citadel and occupying the international airport. The Syrian armed forces claim to have redeployed troops and equipment in preparation for a counterattack. By evening, the insurgents have seized at least four towns in the central Hama province and claim to have entered the provincial capital. The Syrian military launches a counterattack with troops and airstrikes on Idlib and Aleppo. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visits Damascus, telling Assad that Tehran will support the counteroffensive. But Assad receives little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine , and Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular airstrikes. Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. The insurgents push south, advancing to within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city and a key crossroads in central Syria, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Damascus. State media reports fierce fighting in the province, and both state media and a U.K.-based observer group say government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have recaptured some territory . Turkey urges Assad to hold talks with the opposition . After several days of fighting the rebels sweep into Hama . Dozens of jubilant fighters are seen firing into the air in celebration in Assi Square, the site of massive anti-government protests in the early days of the uprising in 2011. The Syrian army says it has redeployed to positions outside the city to protect civilians. Rapidly advancing now, the rebels seize two towns on the outskirts of Homs , Syria’s third-largest city. About 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Hama, Homs is the gateway to Damascus and the location of one of Syria’s two state-owned oil refineries. Capturing it would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support. The government denies reports that its military has withdrawn from the city. Top diplomats from countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Russia, hold talks on Syria in the Qatari capital, Doha. Opposition forces take Homs after government forces abandon it. The insurgents say they have encircled Damascus and are carrying out the “final stage” of their offensive. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition,” as Syrian state media denies Assad has fled the country. Syrian state television airs a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad has been overthrown and all prisoners have been set free. HTS commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani visits the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and calls Assad’s fall a victory for “the Islamic nation.” Russian officials and Iranian state TV say Assad has left Syria. Russian state news agencies later report he and his family are in Moscow and were granted asylum. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali says Syria's government is ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and hand over its functions to a transitional government.
Hurricanes’ Bobby and Robby Washington reportedly enter transfer portal
In the end, Sora's arrival in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was not just a momentous occasion for the character or the game itself, but a celebration of the power of storytelling, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring legacy of a hero who had touched the hearts of millions. And as the Dreamland continued to pulse with life and vitality, Sora stood tall, a testament to the eternal bond between gamers and the characters who inspire them.
Wu Jinyan announced earlier this month that she would be taking a break from work to focus on her pregnancy. The actress, known for her roles in popular historical dramas, shared a series of stunning photos on social media, showcasing her radiant beauty and graceful presence amidst a snowy landscape. The photos captured her ethereal beauty, with the snow adding a touch of magic to the scene.
The highly-anticipated comedy film "Moonlight Bang!" has finally announced its official release date for New Year's Eve. Starring the comedic trio Fei Xiang, Ma Dongxi, and Song Xiaobao, the film promises to be a laugh-out-loud riot that will have audiences rolling in the aisles.
‘Move Smart’: UDST hosts inspirational sustainable transportation eventAs the drama unfolds in the world of Italian football, fans of both AC Milan and Inter Milan are awaiting further updates on these developing stories. The uncertainty surrounding the potential sale of AC Milan, the intense anticipation of Inter's Champions League lineup, and the worries over Teo's form all add to the intrigue and excitement of Serie A football.
Filling up your PlayStation 5's storage is all too easy, especially if you have the base, digital-only version like I do. So if you've been on the hunt for more storage, you could knab the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive with Heatsink for just $133 today during Cyber Monday -- a 33% discount, which saves you $66. The drive has 2 terabytes of storage, which more than doubles what comes with the base PS5 model. It's also a good option for your PC if you don't have a PS5. Whether you're a PC or console gamer , adding extra storage to your build is a great way to improve your machine's performance. This model also features a built-in heatsink to keep things cool deep into your gaming session. Its simple slot-and-screw installation shouldn't give you much trouble, either. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money . Why this deal matters If you're looking for a way to upgrade your PS5 or PC's storage without dropping hundreds more on a new system (looking at you, PS5 Pro ), this WD_BLACK SSD could give your base PS5 or PC a slight edge. You might have to watch a short video on how to install it, but it's not too complicated (especially if you have experience building your own PC). For a little extra legwork, you could also enjoy 2 TB of extra space.
This article was originally published on December 16, 2020, but the holidays haven’t gotten any less scary since then. We’ve updated the list to include subsequent films like Terrifier 3 . It’s that time of year again: The temperature is dropping, festive decorations are going up, e-commerce platforms have slashed prices for Cyber Monday — the holiday season has arrived. While the rest of the world seems to be gearing up for Christmas , there are those who might be less than enthused when it comes to snowflakes and string lights. If you’re not a fan of winter — or if you’re simply missing Spooky Season — don’t resign yourself to yuletide cheer quite yet. There are plenty of Christmas horror movies to watch when you’re craving more Krampus and less jolly old Saint Nick. Whether it’s watching mall Santas killing or being killed, elves engaging in neo-Nazi conspiracies, or the terror of family members turning on one another, you have options when it comes to holiday horrors. So throw a log on the fire, curl up in your favorite festive quilt, and hold onto your mittens — you’re in for all the thrills, chills, and kills this time of year has to offer. Based on Richard Matheson’s 1971 horror novel, Hell House , The Legend of Hell House kicks off a week before Christmas Eve when a group of researchers opt to spend the lead-up to the holiday in a haunted house. Specifically, this house belonged to an alleged murderer and “sadist” thought to have retained the spirits of his victims within the confines of his walls. A prior cohort of researchers “inexplicably” died during the last attempted investigation of the property — and the only survivor has opted to come back to solve the mystery. All of the tropes of the infamous slasher genre can be found in this seminal film — and it just so happens to be a holiday movie. Join a group of sorority sisters who, after receiving an ominous phone call consisting of disturbing voices and guttural animal sounds the night of their Christmas party, begin to disappear one by one. The alcoholic house mom and the psychotic pianist boyfriend make this one a fun tryst into Canadian horror. A remake of this classic came out in 2019, but there’s no topping the original. What happens when an impressionable child sees Santa Claus kissing his mom’s lower lips on Christmas Eve? He develops an unparalleled Christmas fetish that culminates in a murder spree to protect the sanctity of the holiday, of course. Join factory worker Harry as he decides to take the spirit of the holiday — and an ax — into his hands and kill everyone who doesn’t embrace the selflessness of the season. Plus, Christmas Evil features an identity parade of Santa Clauses that gives the police lineup in The Usual Suspects a run for its money. A remote all-girls school about to go on winter break? Check. A party thrown while the head of the school is gone for the holidays? Check. A group of boys crashes the party and suddenly a maniac in ol’ Saint Nick garb starts slaughtering co-eds? Check and check. Another “guy in a Santa Claus costume goes on a killing spree,” To All a Goodnight is notable for being the worst “guy in a Santa Claus costume goes on a killing spree.” We have over-the-top acting, ridiculous kills, and a nuts final sequence that lacks some internal logic. Who knew bad could be such a good time? Who could forget the timeless story of a father gifting his son a mogwai — a cute creature that looks like a bipedal Pekinese — for Christmas, only to have the mogwai reproduce asexually and then dupe the son into letting them chow down after midnight, after which they transform into the infamous gremlins who terrorized pilots during World War II? Highlights include the gremlins holding a bartender captive to drink ad nauseum in a dive bar and that same bartender divulging the horrible truth about why she hates Christmas to Billy, who replies, “Oh.” Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 is a notoriously bad movie, but bad has never been so festive. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the first one — Part 2 revisits the events of the first movie in a series of flashbacks. This movie focuses on Ricky, the brother of the first film’s murderer. The sequel begins in a mental hospital where Ricky is being held after his own run of murders, years after his brother’s. After a brief recap of his and his brother’s exploits, Ricky escapes from the hospital, steals a Santa suit, and the real schlocky fun commences. As December rolls around, it’s time for anti-Christmas teenagers to hold pagan rituals in the woods and accidentally summon a demonic Christmas elf hell-bent on bringing Hitler’s vision to life — a vision that actually included a eugenic plot to create a half-human, half-elf master race. Luckily, Dan Haggerty (you may know him as Grizzly Adams ) plays a disgraced ex-cop turned department-store Santa and is ready to redeem himself by killing some Nazi elves. Not a great movie in the traditional sense, but a great Christmas movie that teaches the most important lesson of all: Nazis are always the enemy. If an overt holiday movie isn’t your idea of a good time, try the French movie Dead End . It combines everything that makes the holidays special: a dysfunctional family, romantic partners on vastly different pages about their relationship, and a brother who thinks any time is an appropriate time to masturbate. But the movie doesn’t feature Santa — or his elves. On a Christmas Eve road trip that never seems to end, two parents, their two adult children, and their daughter’s boyfriend encounter a mysterious woman in white, her unsettling baby, and a continuously reappearing hearse on a dark, abandoned road. Dead End will remind you that sheltering in place is sometimes the best holiday plan you can make. This Finnish film begins with a research team excavating a site in Finland that turns out to be an ancient burial ground — possibly housing the remnants of Santa Claus. When the excavation’s explosions begin disrupting the safety of nearby reindeer slaughterer Rauno’s herd, Rauno approaches the research team, only to find the site vacant, the earth scorched, and a giant pit at the center of it all. From there, Rare Exports gets weirder. After laying traps for the wolves that Rauno assumed the research team provoked, he finds the trap hasn’t ensnared a wolf at all but a thin, naked old man. Is it Santa Claus? In Rare Exports , the answer isn’t that simple. The same year Krampus had its debut, a second comedy-horror film revolving around the anti-Claus came out. This one features William Shatner as an out-of-touch DJ trying to spread non-politically correct holiday — scuse me, Christmas — cheer. With foul-mouthed zombie elves, murderous changelings, and more, these connected vignettes take place in the same town, with varying degrees of separation between characters. A Christmas Horror Story satirizes all of the overly saccharine ensemble holiday movies, which means if a family member broaches watching Love Actually , you can now say you have a similar suggestion. This Australian horror film boasts genre favorite Dee Wallace — whom you probably know from The Howling (1981), Cujo (1983), The Frighteners (1996), or many, many other outings — as the matriarch Diane and focuses on the truly most terrifying part of the holidays: family secrets. Diane’s past comes back to haunt her when a mysterious man appears at a family holiday gathering to exact revenge — and reveal his familial ties. Not for the faint of heart, the “red” in this movie’s title is rightly earned — you’ve never enjoyed watching an entire family be slaughtered this much. If you’ve ever wondered what a mash-up of Shaun of the Dead and High School Musical would be like, wonder no more. (And if musical numbers sound unappealing, don’t worry, most of the singers die gruesomely.) Join Anna Shepherd and her ragtag crew of classmates as they try to make it back to the school where their families have taken shelter after a zombie outbreak occurs the night of the high school Christmas show. With high production values, some snappy songs, and plenty of nods to classic zombie and slasher flicks, Anna and the Apocalypse straddles its genres amazingly well. Let’s just call it like it is: Kids can be freaky. They’re especially freaky when they’re your newly minted stepkids who hate you since their father (Richard Armitage) left their mother (Alicia Silverstone) for you and then she died by suicide. Also, you’re trapped in a remote locale during a snowed-in holiday, and your husband must leave you all on short notice to attend to a work emergency. The premise alone will leave you uneasy, and it only intensifies with the revelation of the stepmom’s (played by Riley Keough) horrific past and cultish father. But also, these kids are little shits. In the same vein as the 1960 television show the Alfred Hitchcock Hour , Netflix’s new anthology series tells tales of horror, often featuring great creature design, hosted by the master of creatures himself, Guillermo del Toro. Though “The Outside” is technically a television episode, we’re going to consider this hour-long entry directed by Ana Lily Amirpour ( A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night , The Bad Batch ) as a short movie for the sake of this list. This particular story centers around a co-worker holiday party gone wrong. Kate Micucci, from the folk-rock-comedy duo Garfunkel and Oats , stars as Stacey, a quirky woman who loves taxidermy. Her boyfriend, Keith (Martin Starr), not-so-secretly wishes she could join the ranks of the other bank tellers — gregarious and gossipy women ultra-focused on outward appearances. An invitation to the clique leader’s Secret Santa party, plus the gift of a mysterious lotion, sends Stacey on a downward spiral too bonkers to believe. In typical horror fashion, be careful what you wish for. Technically an action-comedy, Violent Night qualifies for this list by the sheer number of graphic kills that take place during its 107-minute run time. From the producers of John Wick , which should surprise no one, Violent Night stars David Harbour as a particularly murderous Santa Claus defending an estate against a team of thieving mercenaries who break in, take the family hostage, and slay the house staff on Christmas Eve. With weapons including an icicle, sledgehammer, and chimney, Santa uses all the accoutrements of the season to prove he is, indeed, real — real deadly. Starring Cassandra Naud, whom you may know from Shudder’s 2022 horror film Influencer , as well as genre favorites Justin Long, Katharine Isabelle, and Yellowjackets ’ Jane Widdop, It’s a Wonderful Knife answers the question, “Would the world be better off if I had never been born?” with “No, a lot of people would have died at the hands of a serial killer, actually.” Definitely leaning more comedic than scary, It’s a Wonderful Knife still serves several seasonal slashings that’ll make you reconsider if all angels deserve their wings. In this wintry offering, two strangers break into a house to escape a Christmas blizzard and encounter an overprotective mother and otherworldly daughter who give Stephen King’s Carrie and her zealot mom a run for their money. The mother is a nurse who keeps her daughter locked in her room and lethargic on methadone to keep her mystery “illness” at bay. Naturally, there’s more to the daughter’s ailment — and the mother — than meets the eye. From the director of The Cleansing Hour , Damien LeVeck, this one promises more twists than a defective candy cane. True-crime podcaster Lola returns to her hometown for the holidays. She’s apprehensive for a few reasons: The town is deeply conservative, it’s her first visit since transitioning, and there’s been a slew of murders that seem to follow the modus operandi of a Yuletide-themed urban legend from days of yore. Known as “The Toymaker,” this killer commits his crimes sporting a Santa mask. Lucky for everyone, Lola is on the case. This Australian comedy-horror came out in May of 2024 to coincide with down-under wintertime. If you missed it then, now’s the time to catch up. With a runtime of an hour and 10 minutes, Carnage for Christmas is the perfect quick-fix for generating holiday spirit(s) in a time crunch. After Art the Clown’s Halloween festivities in Terrifier 2 , we’re treated to a five-year time jump and a seasonal shift for Terrifier 3 . The final girl of the previous Terrifier entry, Sienna Shaw, has just been released from a mental-health center to stay with her aunt and uncle over the holidays. It just so happens Art the Clown and his possessed sidekick, Victoria, simultaneously emerge — and they’re ready for festivities. Art greets the season by literally snatching the beard off a Santa Claus impersonator’s face, donning his costume, and delivering his version of Christmas cheer to all the boys and girls. If you’ve ever wanted to see Santa Claus kill children, this one’s for you — but beware: This film is a splatterfest from beginning to end. Definitely a permanent entry on the naughty list.
In response to the incident, local authorities in Nanning have launched an investigation to identify the man who assaulted the city management officer and hold him accountable for his actions. The incident has also prompted a discussion on the importance of respecting and cooperating with law enforcement officials to maintain social order and harmony in urban areas.ROSEN, TOP RANKED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Unisys Corporation Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - UIS
According to the latest data released by the PBOC, the country's gold reserves rose to XX tonnes in the month of [Month], marking the first increase since [Previous Month]. This upward trend in gold holdings reflects the central bank's strategic decision to bolster its assets with a precious metal that is traditionally considered a safe-haven investment.
Rumors and leaks have only added fuel to the fire, with whispers of a dark and atmospheric world teeming with supernatural creatures, unexpected twists, and moral dilemmas that will challenge players at every turn. The prospect of unraveling the mysteries of "Fading Light" and uncovering its hidden truths has gripped the imagination of gamers worldwide, turning the upcoming TGA showcase into a hotly anticipated event.Rivalry Closes Third Tranche Of Non-Brokered Private Placement
Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump didThe remaining two signings, a dynamic winger with pace and flair, and a prolific striker with a knack for scoring goals, further showcase Beijing Guoan's intention to strengthen their attacking options and improve their offensive capability. These players bring a mix of talent, experience, and hunger for success, which align perfectly with Setien's vision for the team and his goal to elevate Beijing Guoan to new heights in the Super League.
Engaging your core muscles is another benefit of standing on tiptoe. This move requires you to stabilize your torso and pelvis, which strengthens your abdominal and lower back muscles. A strong core not only improves your posture but also reduces the risk of back pain and other spinal issues.AMGEN TO PRESENT AT CITI'S 2024 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE
Similarly, in the stock market, the principles of countercyclical adjustments are being applied to address volatility and prevent market crashes. Through measures such as circuit breakers, trading halts, and regulatory oversight, authorities seek to ensure that market participants act in a responsible and stable manner. By introducing mechanisms that can temporarily pause trading or limit extreme price movements, regulators aim to protect investors and maintain confidence in the financial system.
In conclusion, the raid on the South Korean Defense Ministry's Counterintelligence Command has sent shockwaves through the country's security establishment, raising serious concerns about national security risks and espionage activities. The seizure of top-secret documents underscores the challenges faced by South Korea in protecting sensitive information and countering security threats. As the investigation continues, the full extent of the breach and its consequences remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the incident has exposed vulnerabilities that will require urgent attention and strengthened security measures to ensure the country's security and integrity.
