jiliko.ph
Across the Middle East and beyond, the fall of Syria’s authoritarian government at the hands of jihadi fighters set off waves of jubilation, trepidation and alarm. Expatriate Syrians and many residents across the Middle East exulted at the overthrow of a leader who led his country through 14 years of civil strife that left half a million Syrians dead and displaced millions to countries around the world. Others worried about still more instability rocking a region in turmoil. Governments — whether allies or opponents of Assad — scrambled to absorb the sudden, stunning development and assess the implications for the Middle East and the world. In Lebanon, thousands of Syrians headed for the Masnaa border crossing to return to their home country, despite the uncertainty. “Anything is better than Bashar,” said Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading back to join his wife and four children. “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for,” said Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to the capital Damascus. Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well organized and take care of their country.” Many citizens in Syria’s neighboring countries reacted with joy to news Assad was gone. In Jordan’s capital, Amman, resident Muhab al-Majali said his fall marked the end of “unjust and tyrannical rule.” “I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians,” he said. Others were not so sure, in a region that saw the energy of the 2011 Arab Spring democracy movement collapse into conflict and authoritarian rule. Saeed Sawy, an engineer in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, predicted that Syria’s rebel groups would descend into infighting over the country’s future. “We saw this happen before,” he said. “We saw this in Libya, in Tunisia, in Yemen and Sudan. People rejoice over the fall of tyrants, then they disagree and fight, and a civil war starts.” Syria’s neighbors stepped up security along their borders. Lebanon said it was closing all but one of its land border crossings with Syria. Jordan also closed a border crossing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces had — temporarily, he said — seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement, after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Airstrikes were reported on a military airport near Damascus, which has previously been targeted by Israel, and on other Syrian military sites. Iran, a key ally of Assad, said the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry in Tehran said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. The Iraqi government, which is close to Iran, said it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria. Egypt’s foreign ministry urged a “comprehensive political process” to establish a new era of peace in the war-torn county. The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of Assad as “a historic moment.” Yemen’s government is at war with the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. Turkey has backed anti-Assad fighter groups in Syria, and could play a key role in what happens next. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the fall of Assad brought “hope.” He called on the world to help “unite and reconstruct” Syria. Fidan, who met in Qatar on Saturday with diplomats from Russia and Iran, the main backers of the Assad regime, said regional and global powers should try “to act with prudence and calm.” The war sent millions of Syrians fleeing to Europe and expatriates took to the streets in celebration in cities including Paris, London, Stockholm, Helsinki and Athens. Many European governments welcomed Assad’s departure while urging a rapid return to stability. “The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development,” said Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s newly appointed foreign policy chief, in a post on X. “Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners, in Syria and the region.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement that the end of Assad’s rule was “good news,” adding that “what matters now is that law and order are quickly restored in Syria.” France’s foreign ministry welcomed the fall of Assad, saying “the Syrian people have suffered too much.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the end of Assad’s “barbaric regime.” “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for calm and urged work to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions.” Russia, which backed Assad with troops and warplanes, said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern.” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, wrote on X that the ousted Syrian leader had suffered the fate of “all dictators who bet on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him.” In Washington, President Joe Biden was meeting with his national security team Sunday for an update on the situation in Syria. President-elect Donald Trump said in a social media post Saturday, before Assad’s fall was confirmed: “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria, including U.S. forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group.Tommy Fury opponent Genadij Krajevskij dies aged 37 as tributes pour inFootball is more than just a sport, it’s a cultural multiplier that influences people around the world, shaping trends and inspiring communities beyond the field. Central to this phenomenon is the powerful partnership between athletes and brands, where collaborations go beyond the game itself. From David Beckham, who was included in FourFourTwo's greatest team of our lifetime and his iconic work with Predator to Lionel Messi’s cross-category campaigns with Adidas, these collaborations are not just endorsements. They are defining moments that connect cultures and forge strong emotional ties with fans. Athletes have evolved into cultural icons whose impact reaches into fashion, music, and social causes. Collaborations enable them to amplify their voices, providing a platform to express their individuality while partnering with brands that resonate with their values. Collaborations can be win-win For fans, these alliances make their heroes more relatable, showcasing them as aspirational figures who excel on the field and navigate their journeys off it. For the athletes, these partnerships present opportunities to diversify their income, build their profile, and explore new creative paths. Brands benefit as well, gaining access to engaged audiences and enhancing their credibility and cultural relevance by aligning with some of the most followed players in this global sport that we love. The landscape of athlete collaborations is as varied as the athletes themselves. On one side, high-profile partnerships with global stars like Lionel Messi , David Beckham, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Kylian Mbappe capture the spotlight. These collaborations lead to iconic moments, from signature products to memorable brand campaigns. However, niche collaborations with next-generation talents or community-focused initiatives offer a refreshing sense of authenticity. By highlighting younger players these partnerships build trust and loyalty within specific communities, creating a personal connection that larger collaborations often miss - connecting with fans and the audience on a deeper and real level. At DEFY, we take a look at creating partnerships that showcase a distinct perspective. By connecting niche brands with some of our most talented individuals, we illustrate that meaningful collaborations don’t always need large budgets. The work of Ruby Doe and Jessie Gale with Sergio Tacchini, or Cole Deeming’s partnership with LUKE – a Midlands-based brand rich in football tradition – serve as excellent examples. Especially with Cole signing his first professional contract for West Brom, LUKE’s rich football heritage was a no-brainer. These collaborations highlight how focused partnerships, can produce substantial returns for niche brands while enhancing the visibility of emerging talent. Traditionally, athlete collaborations in football focused on performance. Signature boots and technical gear were the foundation of these partnerships, highlighting on-field achievements. However, the narrative has shifted. Today’s collaborations blend sport, lifestyle, and culture. Capsule collections like Beckham’s 70s-inspired Predator line or multi-category campaigns that include apparel reflect the modern athlete’s muse both on and off the pitch. Footballer collaborations now shape global fashion trends, transforming players into influencers who redefine the essence of being a professional athlete. The power of these collaborations lies in their ability to convey engaging stories. Athletes’ personal experiences often resonate with their fans' aspirations, fostering a connection that feels genuine and intimate. Through the vast number of social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Tiktok these narratives reach audiences instantly, enhancing the impact of partnerships and bringing fans closer to their heroes. Collaborations also merge inspiration with accessibility, allowing fans to envision themselves like their idols while interacting with products that seem attainable. Navigating the world of athlete collaborations comes with its own set of challenges. Striking a balance between authenticity and commercial goals is crucial, as overly commercial partnerships can alienate fans and drive them running to the hills. Excessive exposure may lessen the uniqueness that makes these collaborations appealing, and brands increasingly need to ensure their partnerships reflect the diversity and inclusivity of football’s global audience. One often overlooked benefit of these collaborations is their impact on an athlete’s self-identity. Footballers lead highly structured lives, often lacking control over their daily routines, from diet to public appearances. The pressure to perform consistently, both on and off the pitch, is significant. Engaging in meaningful collaborations provides players with an avenue for self-expression, allowing them to explore their creativity and pursue passions beyond the sport. When these partnerships resonate with an athlete’s personal identity, they can be genuinely transformative. Partnerships hold particular importance for lesser-known footballers. For young players or those in lower leagues, collaborations are crucial for enhancing their personal brand and social standing. These deals not only offer an additional income stream for players earning lower wages but also introduce them to the business landscape beyond football. As the commercial aspect of the sport expands, young players are becoming aware of the significance of brand collaborations earlier, enhancing their value both on and off the field. Looking to the future, athlete collaborations are set to become even more innovative and purposeful. With social responsibility taking centre stage, we can anticipate more partnerships that support meaningful causes, showcasing the commitment of both athletes and brands to effect positive change. Technology will be a key player, with digital advancements transforming how athletes engage with their fans. Sustainability will also be a priority, as consumers increasingly demand more eco-friendly practices. Athlete collaborations have transformed football into more than just a sport. They’ve created a global culture that blends performance, storytelling, and aspiration. As brands like Adidas, New Balance, Nike and challenger brands such as Skechers continue to push boundaries, these partnerships will remain a powerful force, inspiring the next generation to see football not just as a game but as a lifestyle, a movement, and a story that continues to unfold.
In conclusion, Jack Harlow's social media post celebrating Coach Mauresmo as his mentor and guiding light has shed light on the importance of mentorship in the music industry and beyond. As the rapper continues to rise to greater heights, his words of gratitude serve as a testament to the transformative power of a supportive coach in shaping the careers and lives of aspiring artists. Let us all take a moment to appreciate and honor the mentors who have helped us become the best versions of ourselves.MUMBAI: The central cyber police have busted a racket of illegal SIM card suppliers and arrested eight persons from different parts of the city, including six direct sales executives of two leading mobile service providers and two shop-owners from Colaba. The accused generated new SIM cards by porting inactive or discontinued mobile numbers and duplicating biometric details of hapless customers; they then sold the SIM cards to cyber frauds and foreign tourists at inflated prices, for ₹ 5,000-10,000 a piece, said police officials. They were arrested following a probe into an online trading scam complaint, which revealed that cyber frauds, including customers of the accused, were using 5,000-7,000 SIM cards on a single device in a month, the officials added. Cyber fraud complaint In July, a Mumbai central resident approached the central cyber police station saying he had been duped of ₹ 51.33 lakh by cyber frauds who ran a WhatsApp group on online share trading. He was randomly added to the group named ‘MSFL Stock Chart 33’ on May 14. Enticed by tips from the group admins regarding investments on certain trading platforms and members’ claims regarding massive profits, he invested the money in several tranches till June 28, with his virtual account showing unbelievably high returns. His bluff was called when he tried withdrawing the money, he told the police. “We started following the WhatsApp group mentioned by the complainant, zeroed in on some numbers which were most active and started tracking them,” said inspector Mausami Patil from the central cyber police station. In October, it was found that one of the numbers which was being used in West Bengal had been recently ported from Airtel to Vi in Colaba, through Rohit Kanhaiyalal Yadav, a direct sales executive with Vi. “The number was used in West Bengal from October 22 to 26 and then was deactivated. But it was reactivated two days later, on October 28, in Diva. This raised our suspicion,” said Patil. By then, police had found out that Yadav lived in Diva. He was detained soon and his interrogation led to the discovery of a WhatsApp group where he and other direct sales executives shared details about the generation illegal SIM cards using biometrics of customers who purchased SIM cards or porting old and inactive numbers. Identifying, nabbing the accused The WhatsApp group Yadav told the police about had three admins – Mahesh Pawar, a territorial manager with Vi; Raj Ravinath Arde, a Vi direct sales agent; and Gulabchand Kanhaiya Jaiswar, an Airtel direct sales agent. The group also included three other Vi sales agents – Mahesh Mahadev Kadam, Rohit Kanhaiyalal Yadav, Sagar Pandurang Thakur. The probe, based on WhatsApp chat histories and technical support from mobile service providers, revealed that Pawar was the ringleader while Kadam, Yadav, Thakur, Arde and Jaiswar worked under him, illegally porting several Airtel numbers from other states to Vi in Mumbai, said police. The group used two methods to generate new SIM cards, the police noted. First, when customers approached sales agents/ shopkeepers for SIM cards, they would take fingerprints and biometric details twice or thrice citing some technical issue and generate more than one SIM card without even informing the customer. Second, they would port numbers which were no longer in use, including spare numbers purchased in bulk by corporate customers. They did this by sharing the universal port code (UPC) issued by mobile service providers amongst themselves and or using the same code multiple times. “The accused would activate SIM cards after porting them, recharge them for a minimum amount and sell them – mostly to cyber frauds for ₹ 5,000-10,000 per piece,” said the police officer quoted earlier. They also gave some SIM cards to shopkeepers to sell them to foreign tourists, the official added. After tracking the WhatsApp groups for considerable time and interrogating the suspects, police arrested eight accused persons in mid-November, said a press note issued by Mumbai police. They included four Vi sales agents Kadam, Yadav, Thakur and Arde; Vi territorial manager Pawar; Airtel sales agent Jaiswar; and two mobile shop owners in Colaba – Usman Ali Mohammad Hejabur Rahman Sheikh and Abubakar Siddiqui Yusuf. “The eight accused comprise just one group working with cyber frauds. Further investigation is on to trace others involved in such activities,” said Patil.As the gaming world eagerly awaits the official unveiling of the PS5 Pro, one thing is certain: Sony's inspiration may come from a variety of sources, but the resemblance to a bathroom heater will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most amusing and unexpected twists in the realm of gaming hardware design.One key aspect of European football culture that Chinese football should approach with caution is the relentless pressure on young players to succeed from a very early age. In many European countries, children as young as 6 or 7 years old are scouted by professional clubs and thrust into highly competitive youth development systems. While this approach has produced stellar talents, it has also been criticized for placing undue stress on young players and limiting their overall development as individuals.
Furthermore, it is crucial for individuals to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of cosmetic procedures and to prioritize their overall health and well-being above societal pressures and beauty standards. Mental and emotional well-being are equally important as physical appearance, and seeking professional help and support when facing insecurities or body image issues can lead to healthier and more sustainable self-improvement.Word Count: 514In a tragic turn of events, a mother and daughter from Taiwan have taken their own lives after falling victim to a fraudulent investment scheme that cost them millions. What is even more disturbing is the fact that when the duo had bravely reported the scam to the police prior to their deaths, they were met with mockery and disdain instead of the support and assistance they desperately needed.
The Sun: Manchester United to Abolish Sporting Director Role; Arsenal Keeping Tabs on AshworthThe end of an Eras tour, marks a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fansAs the battle rages on, communities come together to support one another through acts of kindness and generosity. Neighbors check on the elderly, volunteers distribute warm clothing and blankets to those in need, and shelters open their doors to provide refuge from the cold. In the face of adversity, the human spirit shines bright, offering hope and warmth in the midst of the cold front's icy grip.
Hydrom set to begin third public bidding process for green hydrogen project landsOne of the key objectives of the roadshow activities is to assist budding entrepreneurs in navigating the complex process of brand development and international expansion. Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, participants can gain valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, product positioning, and marketing strategies. By equipping these entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills, Guangzhou aims to empower them to create innovative and competitive brands that resonate with global audiences.
As the tech industry continues to evolve and expand, incidents such as the Alibaba data center fire serve as important learning experiences for companies to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities. By drawing lessons from such events and implementing proactive measures, organizations can better safeguard their operations and uphold their commitments to reliability, security, and resilience.