TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - French investigating magistrates have issued an arrest warrant against ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for suspected complicity in war crimes, notably the launch of a deliberate attack on civilians, a legal source said late on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

In our news wrap Sunday, Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone amid signs of progress in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, efforts are underway for Syria to re-engage with other nations, South Korea’s suspended president will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial,

A 24-year veteran of the DC Fire and EMS Department (DCFD) passed away Wednesday while in the line of duty. DCFD said Lt. Robert J. Heaney passed away “due to an occupational illness he developed while performing his duties as a dedicated member of the DC Fire and EMS Department.

A winter storm has made its way to the Lowcountry. Here’s what will be opened and closed for the rest of the week.

The fall of the regime in Damascus has also led to a backlash against the Orthodox patriarchate heir to one of the most important seats of ancient Christianity by a mysterious movement

Discover the dramatic fall of Assad's regime in Syria. Explore the pivotal battles, the rise of HTS, and the uncertain future of a nation on the brink of transformation.

Syria's interim rulers are trying to form a united national army after the fall of Bashar Assad late last year.

President Trump placed Cuba back on the State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism just one week after the Biden administration had removed the country's designation. That puts Cuba back on a short list with just three other countries: Iran,

"The past year was marked by armed conflicts and humanitarian crises that exposed the fraying of international protections for civilians and the devastating human cost when they are flouted" - HRW

As you would expect, it makes for some grim reading. In much of the world, government repression has expanded and deepened, cracking down on political opponents, activists, and journalists. Armed groups and government forces unlawfully killed civilians, drove millions from their homes, and blocked access to humanitarian aid.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday she hopes a political agreement on easing Syria sanctions can be reached at a gathering of European ministers next week.

“Over the course of next year, Putin will likely face mounting domestic problems. Russia’s central bank has forecast economic growth of 0.5 to 1.5 per cent in 2025, down from 3.5 to 4 per cent in 2024, suggesting that the wartime boom may have run its course.”