NPR News: 12-08-2024 12PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 8, 2024, 12PM EST Summary

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on global and national events in its December 8, 2024, episode. Hosted by Norah Rahm, the episode covered significant developments in Syria, South Korea’s political landscape, cultural milestones, and remarkable auction news. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

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Syria’s Civil War Ends as Rebels Seize Damascus

Timestamp: [00:18]

NPR’s Norah Rahm reported that after a protracted 13-year civil war, rebel forces have successfully taken control of Damascus, Syria’s capital. The longstanding regime of President Bashar al-Assad is reportedly on the run, though his current whereabouts remain unknown. The offensive that led to this pivotal moment began less than two weeks prior with the capture of Aleppo, swiftly spreading to other cities. The fall of Assad has sparked widespread jubilation, particularly in Lebanon, home to over one million Syrian refugees. Many are eager to return to Syria following the regime's collapse.

Reporter Insight:
Emily Fang of NPR provided on-the-ground reporting from Beirut, highlighting the emotional response of displaced Syrians. She shared the perspective of Haidar Ghazi Farqan, a Syrian resident, who expressed relief over Assad’s departure, declaring him a "criminal" ([01:05]).

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United States Signals Continued Commitment in Syria

Timestamp: [01:39]

In response to the evolving situation in Syria, Daniel Shapiro, Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for the Middle East, affirmed the United States' intention to maintain its military presence in eastern Syria. Shapiro emphasized the necessity of preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) and ensuring regional stability.

Notable Quote:
Shapiro stated, “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria's minority communities, to respect international humanitarian norms and to work to achieve a resolution through an inclusive political settlement consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254” ([01:52]).

Shapiro delivered these remarks at a security conference in Bahrain, underscoring the U.S. commitment to a peaceful and inclusive resolution in Syria.

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Political Turmoil in South Korea: Calls for Presidential Resignation

Timestamp: [02:11]

South Korea is experiencing significant political upheaval as the ruling People Power Party moves to engineer the resignation of President Yoon Sung Yeol. This development follows a failed parliamentary impeachment attempt, which was triggered by the president’s brief imposition of martial law last week.

Reporter Insight:
Anthony Kuhn from NPR reported from Seoul, detailing the ruling party's strategy. Han Dong Hoon, leader of the People Power Party, advocated for an “early and orderly departure” of President Yoon to minimize political instability ([02:34]). He clarified that the prime minister and the ruling party would manage state affairs until Yoon steps down. However, the opposition has criticized this move as unauthorized and likened it to insurrection. Concurrently, prosecutors have charged President Yoon with treason and abuse of power, initiating a special investigation into the matter.

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Cultural Milestones: Notre Dame’s First Mass in Five Years & Kennedy Center Honors

Timestamp: [03:12]

Norah Rahm highlighted two significant cultural events:

1. Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration:
   A mass was celebrated at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, marking the first religious service held in the iconic cathedral since it was severely damaged by fire five years ago. This event symbolizes a hopeful step towards the cathedral’s full restoration.

2. Kennedy Center Honors Gala:
   The annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala is set to take place in Washington, D.C., featuring honorees such as the Grateful Dead and the Apollo Theater. NPR’s Elizabeth Blair provided insights into the gala’s highlights.

Notable Quotes from Elizabeth Blair:
Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein praised filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola as “a masterful storyteller,” highlighting his contributions with films like The Godfather, American Graffiti, and Apocalypse Now ([03:45]). Additionally, Blair mentioned that multiple Grammy-winning musicians Arturo Sandoval and Bonnie Raitt are among this year’s distinguished honorees ([03:59]).

The gala is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount on December 22nd ([04:16]).

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Historic Auction: Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Fetch $28 Million

Timestamp: [04:25]

In a remarkable event, Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz were sold at a Heritage Auctions event for a staggering $28 million, far exceeding the anticipated $3 million estimate. Including taxes and fees, the final price reached nearly $32 million, establishing it as the most valuable piece of film memorabilia ever auctioned.

Saying the name of the buyer remains undisclosed, NPR’s Norah Rahm reported on this historic sale, highlighting its significance in the realm of film collectibles.

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Notable Quotes Compilation

• Haidar Ghazi Farqan on Assad’s Departure:
  “He was a criminal.” ([01:05])

• Daniel Shapiro on Syria’s Future:
  “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria's minority communities...” ([01:52])

• Han Dong Hoon on South Korea’s Presidency:
  “An early and orderly departure for President Yoon Sung Yeol would minimize political instability.” ([02:34])

• David Rubenstein on Francis Ford Coppola:
  “A masterful storyteller.” ([03:45])

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This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with timely updates on international conflicts, political crises, cultural celebrations, and significant auction achievements, ensuring a well-rounded overview of the day's most pressing news.

Transcript

[Sponsor Announcer]

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[Norah Rahm]

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Norah Rahm. President Biden is meeting with his national security team today to receive an update on the situation in Syria. Rebel forces took control of the capital Damascus, today after a 13 year civil war. President Bashar al Assad reportedly has fled the country. It's not known where he is. The latest rebel offensive began less than two weeks ago when the insurgents took over the city Aleppo, then quickly moved into other cities. There's jubilation and fireworks in Lebanon, where more than 1 million refugees from Syria live. Today, there's a rush to return to Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. NPR's Emily Fang reports. An elation at Lebanon's one operating border crossing into Syria.

[Emily Fang]

A rush of displaced Syrians living in Lebanon are trying to get across and return home, some for the first time since the start of Syria's Civil War in 2011. This man, a Syrian by the name of Haidar Ghazi Farqan, told NPR that he was happy Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad was out of power. He called al Assad a criminal. Around him, Syrians in cars and bikes, some loaded down with luggage and even mattresses, headed towards Syria. Emily Fang, NPR News, Beirut, Lebanon.

[Norah Rahm]

Deputy Assistant Defense secretary for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro says the United States will maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of Islamic state.

[Daniel Shapiro]

We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria's minority communities, to respect international humanitarian norms and to work to achieve a resolution through an inclusive political settlement consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

[Norah Rahm]

Shapiro spoke at a security conference in Bahrain today. Calling on all parties to protect civilians. South Korea's ruling party says it will engineer the president's resignation. This comes a day after parliament tried but failed to impeach the president for briefly putting South Korea under martial law last week. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports from Seoul.

[Han Dong Hoon]

Ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong Hoon told reporters that an early and orderly departure for President Yoon Sung Yeol would minimize political instability. He said the prime minister and ruling party, and not Yun, would handle state affairs until Yoon resigns. Han did not give a timeline or any legal basis for the move. The main opposition party complained that nobody authorized the ruling party and prime minister to run the country, and their plan amounts to yet another insurrection. Meanwhile, prosecutors say they've booked Yoon as a suspect on charges of treason and abuse of power, and a special investigation is underway. Anthony Kun, NPR News, Seoul.

[Norah Rahm]

You're listening to NPR News in Washington. Mass was celebrated today at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It was the first mass since the cathedral was almost destroyed by fire five years ago. The annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala takes place in Washington, D.C. tonight. The grateful Dead and the Apollo Theater in New York City are among this year's honorees. NPR's Elizabeth Blair has more.

[Elizabeth Blair]

Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein calls filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola a masterful storyteller. The five time Oscar winner's canon includes the Godfather, American Graffiti and Apocalypse Now.

[Unknown Speaker]

I Love the Smell of Night, Pum.

[Elizabeth Blair]

In the Morning, chosen for pushing creative boundaries and influencing American culture. This year's class of honorees also includes multiple Grammy winning musicians Arturo Sandoval and Bonnie Raitt.

[Norah Rahm]

It's in the lock of the Dr.

[Elizabeth Blair]

The Kennedy Center Honors will broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount on December 22nd. Elizabeth Blair, NPR News, Washington.

[Norah Rahm]

Ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland during the filming of the wizard of Oz were sold for a record price yesterday. The auction house expected the winning bidder would pay at least $3 million. It ended up being close to 10 times that much, $28 million, plus another 4 million in taxes and fees. Heritage Auctions says it was by far the most valuable film memorabilia sold at an auction. The name of the buyer has not been released. I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News, in Washington.

[Sponsor Announcer]

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