The United States is drawing down its military presence in Syria. This is happening after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The US aims to close all but one of its bases. The US envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, shared this information. Syria still faces security challenges under interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
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James Rondeau, the Art Institute of Chicago's director, is set to return after a leave of absence following an incident on a United Airlines flight to Munich. He was detained after allegedly disrobing mid-air due to intoxication from alcohol and medication. Despite the embarrassment, the museum has reinstated Rondeau, expressing confidence in his leadership after an independent investigation.
European Commission plans to boost EU's influence in Black Sea. This counters Russia's actions through collaboration with Ukraine, Moldova, and others. A maritime security hub will enhance monitoring and information sharing. The EU aims to improve regional transport infrastructure. Discussions with member states and Black Sea countries will follow. China's growing presence adds complexity to the region.
Amid rising tensions, China deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and numerous warships around Taiwan in May, conducting extensive military activities. These actions, involving 70 vessels and numerous aircraft, aimed to pressure Taipei and assert Beijing's sovereignty claims. The increased military presence signifies a strategy of comprehensive pressure and military expansion, particularly after Lai assumed office.
FEMA's new head, David Richardson, sparked controversy by seemingly unaware of the US hurricane season during a staff briefing, raising concerns about the agency's readiness. Despite a Homeland Security spokesperson claiming it was a joke and affirming preparedness, the remark, coupled with staff departures and reduced preparations, drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders.
Egypt has denied that a controversial court ruling over Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery threatens the UNESCO world heritage landmark, after Greek and church authorities warned of the sacred site's status. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's office defended the ruling Thursday, saying it "consolidates" the site's "unique and sacred religious status", after the head of the Greek Orthodox church in Greece denounced it.
Since relocating to California in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's presence in Montecito has drawn varied reactions. While Prince Harry is seen as approachable and friendly, Meghan Markle maintains a low profile, says local journalist Richard Mineards. He noted Markle's detachment from community events, contrasting it with Oprah Winfrey's active involvement.
A Guatemalan man, wrongfully deported to Mexico despite fearing persecution, has been returned to the US following a judicial order. This marks the first successful return after similar directives to the Trump administration. The man's return highlights judicial interventions against administrative errors in deportation cases, differing from other cases where individuals remain abroad despite court orders.
A delegation from northeast Syria's semi-autonomous Kurdish administration was headed to Damascus on Saturday for talks on implementing a March deal to integrate Kurdish institutions into the state, a member of the delegation said.that "a delegation from the autonomous administration is on the way to Damascus to discuss" details of the March deal.
The race to become Africa's next "super banker" ends on Thursday, with five candidates, including one woman, vying to succeed Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina as head of the African Development Bank in a contest that appears too close to call. In 2015 it took six rounds of voting to elect Adesina as president of the AfDB, which was founded in 1964 and now has 81 members, including 54 African nations.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin, accusing him of "playing with fire" amid stalled peace talks and escalating attacks on Ukraine. Trump hinted at potential severe consequences for Russia if it weren't for his past actions.