NPR News Now - December 8, 2024, 11AM EST
1. Opposition Forces Seize Damascus, Overthrow Assad Regime
At 00:12, Nora Rahm reports a significant development in Syria as opposition forces officially announce the takeover of the capital, Damascus. This follows a rapid series of offensives that led to the rebels capturing the city within less than two weeks.
Hadil Al Shalchi details the dramatic takeover:
“Dressed in a black hoodie and flanked by eight men, a rebel leader announces the liberation of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al Assad's reign” (00:35). The announcement includes the release of all prisoners and a call for Syrians to protect national properties, culminating in the declaration, “long live a free Syria.”
Additionally, footage shows Prime Minister Ghazi Jalali handing over power to the Syrian Military Operations Command, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirms that President Bashar al Assad has fled the country to an undisclosed location. The Syrian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Assad's departure.
2. Israel Establishes Buffer Zone in Syria Amid Regime Change
Following the upheaval in Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that Israeli forces are now controlling a buffer zone in the region. Speaking at 01:41, Netanyahu calls the day "historic for the Middle East" and attributes the success to Israeli actions against Iran and its proxies, which he believes influenced the collapse of the Iranian-backed Assad government.
An unnamed analyst provides a nuanced perspective:
“The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers” (01:54).
Netanyahu emphasizes the temporary nature of this control, stating:
“Syrian forces abandoned their positions in a buffer zone that was created in 1974. For now, the Israeli military is taking control and will do whatever necessary to secure Israel's borders” (02:02). NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports from Tel Aviv on the developments (02:02).
3. Donald Trump Outlines Bold Agenda for Post-Election Presidency
With the presidential election results pending, Nora Rahm highlights President-elect Donald Trump's commitments to significant policy changes set to commence on January 20th.
In an interview on Meet the Press at 02:19, Trump outlines his plans:
- Pardons for January 6th Rioters: “I'll grant pardons for January 6th rioters”
- Deportation of Undocumented Immigrants: “deport millions of undocumented immigrants”
- Tax Cuts Extension: “I've worked to extend the tax cuts passed in my first term”
Trump also addresses rumors regarding Project 2025, a governmental overhaul blueprint, asserting his disassociation:
“I purposely didn't even want to see it because when somebody like you asked me a question about Project 2025, I can honestly say I've never seen it. I have nothing to do with it. I didn't read it. But I did hear some things in there that I would totally disagree with” (02:47).
This statement comes amid reports that several of Trump’s appointed administration members are writers for Project 2025, raising questions about future policy directions.
4. Ghana's Presidential Election Results Point to Economic Challenges Ahead
Official results from yesterday’s presidential election in Ghana have yet to be announced, but Nora Rahm notes that former President John Drumani Mohamma is emerging as the likely victor after one candidate conceded. Mohamma, who previously led Ghana from July 2012 to January 2017, steps into office during a period marked by the country's worst economic crisis in a generation.
5. El Salvador's Bitcoin Investment Yields Substantial Returns
Ida Peralta reports on President Nayib Bukele's strategic move to embrace Bitcoin, which is now proving lucrative for El Salvador. Since making Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 and investing millions of dollars of public funds into the cryptocurrency, the nation is witnessing a significant return on investment. With Bitcoin's recent rally, Bukele announces that selling all national Bitcoin holdings could generate $333 million, a symbolic but impactful victory amidst El Salvador's $20 billion debt.
“If they sold all the bitcoin the country owns, they would stand to make $333 million. That's not much for a country $20 billion in debt, but this is still a symbolic win for Bukele” (03:47).
6. Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens for Mass After Extensive Renovations
Marking a momentous occasion, Nora Rahm shares that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrated its first mass since the devastating fire in 2019. The landmark officially reopened after extensive renovations, with the mass attended by approximately 2,500 invited guests from around the world. This event symbolizes both the resilience and enduring cultural significance of one of France's most iconic structures.
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