The man who ended Nadal's career helps the Netherlands beat Germany to reach the Davis Cup final
( MENAFN - Pressat) HQ, the industry-leading global enterprise solution for corporate mobility, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Transferz, a renowned global supplier specializing in ground transportation services. Through this partnership, HQ clients will now have seamless access to Transferz's expansive Network of over 1,500 directly sourced and vetted transfer companies across more than 150 countries from the HQ SummitGround platform. This ensures unmatched global coverage for a range of travel options, from standard to luxury, and a rapidly expanding fleet of electric vehicles. The integration of Transferz into the HQ Connect network significantly enhances global coverage and offers users even greater flexibility when booking and managing ground travel. Transferz's dedication to safety, sustainability, and diversity aligns perfectly with HQ's mission to deliver an unparalleled transportation solution for businesses and their travelers. Transferz's dedication to safety, sustainability, and diversity aligns perfectly with HQ's mission to deliver an unparalleled transportation solution for businesses and their travelers. As part of the HQ Connect supplier network, Transferz vehicles, and drivers are thoroughly vetted and fully insured, meeting HQ Connect's stringent safety standards. This ensures a consistently high-quality experience for every passenger, every time. This is bolstered by Transferz's 24/7 multilingual customer support and continually growing electric vehicle fleet. "We are excited to partner with Transferz, who share our vision for creating a seamless ground travel experience with reliable, global car services and a laser-like focus on duty of care and passenger safety,” said Jeff LaFave, Managing Director of HQ. "This partnership also allows us to provide our clients with a wide range of ground travel options that are both cost-efficient and reliable. With millions of rides serviced across 150 countries, Transferz has a proven track record in providing a comfortable and convenient ground travel journey, especially airport rides.” “At Transferz, we are proud to partner with HQ to revolutionize global travel by delivering sustainable, scalable, and high-quality transportation solutions. Our shared commitment to reliable service, clear communication, and eco-friendly innovation ensures Peace of Mind for travelers and corporate clients alike. With Transferz's network of over 1,500 vetted providers in 150+ countries and HQ's industry-leading technology, this collaboration reflects our vision for a seamless and sustainable future in travel. We are excited about the impact this partnership will have in shaping the next generation of ground transportation solutions.” - Simen Schimmel, COO and Founder at Transferz. For more information about HQ and its new partnership with Transferz, please visit About HQ HQ is a global leader in enterprise solutions for corporate mobility, providing innovative and efficient transportation services to Fortune 500 companies. HQ's SummitGround platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to streamline and optimize business travel. About Transferz Transferz is revolutionizing global travel with sustainable and scalable transfer solutions, partnering with the world's most trusted travel brands across 150+ countries. Our expansive network of over 1,500 directly sourced and vetted transfer companies offers a range of options from standard to luxury vehicles, including a rapidly growing fleet of electric cars. At the core of our mission is a commitment to driving the global shift towards greener travel. We provide seamless airport and city transfers, ensuring reliable, safe, and comfortable journeys tailored to individual needs. With 24/7 customer support and a focus on innovation, Transferz is setting new standards in the travel industry, prioritizing sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction in every transfer we facilitate. We have over 1300 hubs globally that we service of which in >150 hubs we provide sustainable solutions. MENAFN02122024004644010603ID1108948849 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Mass evacuation of Philippine towns underway after a brief but major volcanic eruption
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After struggling to run the ball consistently all season, the Los Angeles Rams finally made some progress on the ground in New Orleans. Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum carried the Rams (6-6) to a 21-14 win that kept them squarely in the playoff race for another week. Los Angeles racked up a season-high 156 yards rushing against the Saints, with Williams going for 104 yards and a touchdown while Corum added 42 yards on a season high-tying eight carries. The game was the inverse of most afternoons this season for the Rams, who came into the week averaging fewer than 100 yards rushing per game. The running game was sturdy and productive, while Matthew Stafford and his receivers struggled to get into a rhythm at the Superdome. Coach Sean McVay always prefers to use his run game to set up the pass, and it finally worked for once this season. “I thought Kyren ran really well," McVay said. “I thought Corum ran really well. I thought our offensive line set the line of scrimmage in the run game. We really started slow in the pass game, but I thought Matthew was excellent in the second half. We were able to get some different things off of those run actions going, and that ended up being the difference in the game.” Not coincidentally, the Rams' running game worked well on the Sunday when the offensive line finally had a starting five uncompromised by injuries or suspension for the first time all season. Right tackle Rob Havenstein returned from an ankle injury, making the group whole around rookie center Beaux Limmer, who has beaten out high-priced free agent Jonah Jackson for a starting job. The Rams still had yet another slow start in a season full of them. They ran only three plays in the entire first quarter, and they were held scoreless in the first half when their other two drives resulted in a turnover on downs and a punt. But Los Angeles rebounded with an 11-play scoring drive to open the second half featuring seven runs by Williams. He eventually moved up to fifth in the NFL with 926 yards rushing despite averaging just 4.2 yards per carry — nearly a yard less than he had last season, and the lowest average among the league's top 10 rushers this season. The Rams have thrived without a strong rushing attack before: They averaged just 99.0 yards per game on the ground, ranking 25th in the NFL, during their Super Bowl championship season in 2021-22. But McVay prefers his first option to be a strong running attack, which he had during his first three seasons in charge with Todd Gurley in the backfield and Andrew Whitworth at left tackle. “Anytime the guys up front are moving them, and (Williams) is making great reads and moves on the second level, then that is a fun feeling for the offense," Stafford said. “It’s great when you can hand the ball off and get big creases. We converted when we needed to in short-yardage stuff. I thought our guys did a really great job up front, and Kyren ran it great.” What's working The Rams have struggled in the red zone all season, but they scored touchdowns on all three trips in New Orleans. They did it by committing to the run game up the middle, setting up TD passes on the outside to Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua. What needs help Alvin Kamara racked up 112 yards rushing in the latest strong game by an opposing running back. Los Angeles is 28th in the league against the run, allowing 144.2 yards rushing per game — including 194 per game over the past three weeks. Stock up Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse had another outstanding game, racking up five tackles, three quarterback hits and numerous big plays that don't show up on stat sheets. He capped the performance by hitting Derek Carr from behind and forcing an incompletion from the Los Angeles 9 on New Orleans' final play. Stock down Cornerback Darious Williams gave up a touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and the ensuing 2-point conversion pass to Dante Pettis early in the fourth quarter, capping a second straight rough week for the free-agent signee. Williams is the Rams' best cornerback, but they haven't had an above-average shutdown pass defender since trading Jalen Ramsey. Los Angeles added cornerback depth Monday, claiming 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington. Injuries Robinson injured his hand during the game, and Stafford incurred a lateral ankle sprain. McVay said he doesn't expect either injury to affect the veterans' preparations this week. Key number 17 — Cooper Kupp's yards receiving. That's his lowest total in a game in which he didn't get injured since Oct. 18, 2020. Kupp had only six targets, few downfield routes and curiously scant chances to make big plays. Next steps The Rams are home underdogs this week against powerhouse Buffalo, followed by a Thursday night game at San Francisco. Getting even one win out of these two matchups will be difficult, but probably necessary to keep pace with Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Greg Beacham, The Associated PressResearcher’s Indian citizenship questioned over his RTI query
On Sunday night, I checked my phone during the intermission of an emotionally wrenching but joyful play and read news that was, for me, also emotionally wrenching but joyful: President Joe Biden had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden . On a human level, it is totally understandable that a father – especially one who lost two of his four children to tragic early deaths – would pardon his only remaining son for non-violent crimes. That is self-evident and needs no explanation. From a rule of law perspective, as a former assistant Watergate special prosecutor who is familiar with pardons dating back to the Nixon and Ford administrations, I can confidently say that this pardon was legal and, in my view, appropriate. As the president wrote in his statement released Sunday night, “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong.” Indeed, the prosecution of the president’s son was politically motivated. Another suspect accused of the same crimes would almost certainly not have been pursued in the same way. While I recognize that Biden’s pardon is very likely to be politically problematic for his legacy , I want to challenge the critiques of Biden for pardoning his son after promising not to – criticisms that are coming from both the left and the right. Consider this: Had the president never vowed to withhold his power to pardon his son, there would be no grounds for Democrats saying he reversed a promise and is paving the way for Trump to pardon any criminal crony he wishes to protect. And Trump and his Republican allies couldn’t call the president a hypocrite. It’s often said of the Watergate scandal that it was not so much the crime as the coverup that ensnared the Nixon administration; this time, for many critics, it seems to be less the pardon, and more his promise not to issue one, that is dogging Biden. Laura Mannweiler Dec. 2, 2024 Yes, Democrats tend to hold their elected officials to a higher ethical standard than Republicans do. Yes, Biden has given a get-out-of-jail-free card to President-elect Donald Trump to claim that he's justified in pardoning anyone he wants. But let’s be honest: In his first term, Trump already issued legally unjustified pardons to a rogue’s gallery of loyalists and relatives. And he pledged on the 2024 campaign trail to continue to use the presidential pardon in ways that no respectable legal scholar can justify. Trump’s first pardon as president was to former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio , convicted of contempt of court for defying a judicial order to stop detaining Latinos he suspected of being illegal immigrants. His last was to convicted tax evader Albert Pirro Jr ., the ex-husband of staunch Trump supporter and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro. In between, he pardoned Charles Kushner , his daughter Ivanka’s father-in-law, who was convicted of tax evasion , illegal campaign donations and witness tampering and is now perhaps the only person pardoned of federal crimes ever to be named to one of the best jobs in any administration: U.S. ambassador to France. ( Trump nominated him last week.) The motley crew of criminal loyalists pardoned by Trump in his first term includes his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn , found guilty of giving false statements to the FBI about his Russia contacts; Roger Stone , the political operative found guilty of witness tampering, lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election; Paul Manafort , Trump’s former campaign manager who was found guilty of tax evasion and bank fraud; and Steve Bannon , Trump’s former chief strategist who was convicted of contempt for defying a congressional subpoena but released from prison last month in time to work on the 2024 Trump campaign. He also pardoned or reversed the sentences of three members of the U.S. military who were convicted of or charged with war crimes , and pardoned four U.S. military contractors for the massacre of unarmed civilians in Iraq . All in all, Trump granted 237 acts of clemency in his first four years in the White House, including at least one that I approve of: his pardon of women’s suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony for voting illegally . In contrast, Biden has granted only 26 so far. Remember that it was Biden’s own Justice Department that pursued investigations and prosecutions of the president’s son and a number of high-profile Democratic allies, including then-Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and New York City Mayor Eric Adams . Ahead of his second term, Trump has promised to pardon all of those convicted of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Even if Biden’s pardon of his son is politically questionable, it is nonsensical to argue that it somehow opens the door for future pardons by Trump. That door was already open. Biden’s reversal of his pledge not to pardon his son is especially understandable after Trump’s election, since the president-elect would almost certainly have sought to further politicize the younger Biden’s conviction. Remember that it was Republican members of Congress who began investigating Biden’s son to bolster Trump and weaken Joe Biden before his expected run against Trump in 2020. The younger Biden was a pawn. “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” the president wrote, after spending the Thanksgiving holiday with Hunter and his family, only a few weeks from the anniversary of the tragic deaths of the president’s first wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident. It is also worth looking at the legal facts of the case against Hunter Biden . Illegal gun possession charges are typically brought only when the gun is used to commit a crime . Hunter possessed the gun for only 11 days, never loaded a single bullet into it and got rid of it without using it. I am not excusing his behavior. It was illegal to lie on the permit form and obtain the gun, but indicting him was unfair and selective prosecution. The president was right to call it politically motivated and a “miscarriage of justice.” That is why a pardon actually serves justice in this case. Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder Dec. 2, 2024 The tax case , too, is one that would not normally have been pursued because Hunter Biden already had paid his back taxes before he was indicted . The special counsel pursuing the charges surely saw the weakness of his case and therefore agreed to accept a plea deal with no jail time, which later fell apart for other reasons. Again, Hunter Biden’s last name played a role in a case in which he had pleaded guilty to avoid further embarrassment to his family. Despite the blowback he now faces over his son, I would urge the president to double down by granting preemptive pardons to protect many people who have worked hard for his administration and for the American people, but who have been threatened with political prosecution by Trump . Those threatened by Trump include Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith and his team assigned to investigate Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 insurrection and his mishandling of classified government documents; judges and prosecutors involved in other criminals cases against him; Senator-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), former head of the House Intelligence committee; impeachment witness Alex Vindman and many of those involved in the impeachment and Jan. 6 committees ; former heads of military and intelligence agencies; and too many others to list. There is no legal predicate or justification to prosecute these people because they have committed no crimes; rather, they have been singled out for retribution by the president-elect for lawfully doing their jobs to uphold democracy and rule of law. They should not be facing criminal or congressional investigations. Preemptive pardons are not new. President Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal rather than face guaranteed conviction by the Senate after being impeached by the House. One month later, his successor, Gerald Ford, granted Nixon a full and unconditional pardon for any crimes he might have committed as president. Those crimes included the Watergate burglary and coverup that my team led by special prosecutor Leon Jaworski was investigating, and that pardon ended our ability to indict Nixon, whereas his top aides were tried, convicted and imprisoned. Ford did require that Nixon be told that accepting a pardon was an admission of guilt under a Supreme Court decision, Burdick v. United States. I believe justice was served by Biden’s pardon of his son, and I would urge the president to go further and issue preemptive pardons to protect others from the baseless, politically motivated prosecutions that Trump has pledged to pursue against his perceived enemies. Jill Wine-Banks was a prosecutor during the Watergate scandal and later served as the first woman general counsel for the U.S. Army and as executive director of the American Bar Association. She’s the author of “The Watergate Girl,” a legal analyst for MSNBC and a host of #SistersInLaw podcast and her YouTube show, "Just The Facts."
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a new chapter for Syria can begin that's free of terrorism and suffering for its people. In a social media post on X on Sunday, Trudeau said the fall of the Assad dictatorship "ends decades of brutal oppression." Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country on Sunday and is now reported to be in Moscow, bringing to a dramatic close his nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto control as his country fragmented in a brutal civil war. The toppling of Assad comes after opposition forces entered the Syrian capital of Damascus, ending half a century of rule by his family. Trudeau said Canada is monitoring the transition closely, and he urged "order, stability, and respect for human rights." Ottawa is urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told a news conference on Sunday that Assad "was a puppet for the tyrants of Tehran." "He has carried out genocides against the Sunni people in his own country, and now he appears to have been toppled," Poilievre said in Ottawa. Poilievre said it's unknown who will replace Assad, adding it isn't Canada's fight and that he doesn't believe Canada should get involved. "We should stand with our allies, including Israel, against the terrorists. We should focus on protecting our own country." Ottawa describes the security situation as volatile, and said the Damascus and Aleppo airports as well as some border crossings are closed. An updated travel advisory from the Canadian government warns people to avoid the Middle Eastern country due to what it calls "ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, criminality, arbitrary detention, torture and forced disappearance." Canada has urged its citizens to leave Syria since November 2011, and its embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press. The Canadian PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — After struggling to run the ball consistently all season, the Los Angeles Rams finally made some progress on the ground in New Orleans. Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum carried the Rams (6-6) to a 21-14 win that kept them squarely in the playoff race for another week. Los Angeles racked up a season-high 156 yards rushing against the Saints, with Williams going for 104 yards and a touchdown while Corum added 42 yards on a season high-tying eight carries. The game was the inverse of most afternoons this season for the Rams, who came into the week averaging fewer than 100 yards rushing per game. The running game was sturdy and productive, while Matthew Stafford and his receivers struggled to get into a rhythm at the Superdome. Coach Sean McVay always prefers to use his run game to set up the pass, and it finally worked for once this season. “I thought Kyren ran really well," McVay said. “I thought Corum ran really well. I thought our offensive line set the line of scrimmage in the run game. We really started slow in the pass game, but I thought Matthew was excellent in the second half. We were able to get some different things off of those run actions going, and that ended up being the difference in the game.” Not coincidentally, the Rams' running game worked well on the Sunday when the offensive line finally had a starting five uncompromised by injuries or suspension for the first time all season. Right tackle Rob Havenstein returned from an ankle injury, making the group whole around rookie center Beaux Limmer, who has beaten out high-priced free agent Jonah Jackson for a starting job. The Rams still had yet another slow start in a season full of them. They ran only three plays in the entire first quarter, and they were held scoreless in the first half when their other two drives resulted in a turnover on downs and a punt. But Los Angeles rebounded with an 11-play scoring drive to open the second half featuring seven runs by Williams. He eventually moved up to fifth in the NFL with 926 yards rushing despite averaging just 4.2 yards per carry — nearly a yard less than he had last season, and the lowest average among the league's top 10 rushers this season. The Rams have thrived without a strong rushing attack before: They averaged just 99.0 yards per game on the ground, ranking 25th in the NFL, during their Super Bowl championship season in 2021-22. But McVay prefers his first option to be a strong running attack, which he had during his first three seasons in charge with Todd Gurley in the backfield and Andrew Whitworth at left tackle. “Anytime the guys up front are moving them, and (Williams) is making great reads and moves on the second level, then that is a fun feeling for the offense," Stafford said. “It’s great when you can hand the ball off and get big creases. We converted when we needed to in short-yardage stuff. I thought our guys did a really great job up front, and Kyren ran it great.” What's working The Rams have struggled in the red zone all season, but they scored touchdowns on all three trips in New Orleans. They did it by committing to the run game up the middle, setting up TD passes on the outside to Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua. What needs help Alvin Kamara racked up 112 yards rushing in the latest strong game by an opposing running back. Los Angeles is 28th in the league against the run, allowing 144.2 yards rushing per game — including 194 per game over the past three weeks. Stock up Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse had another outstanding game, racking up five tackles, three quarterback hits and numerous big plays that don't show up on stat sheets. He capped the performance by hitting Derek Carr from behind and forcing an incompletion from the Los Angeles 9 on New Orleans' final play. Stock down Cornerback Darious Williams gave up a touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and the ensuing 2-point conversion pass to Dante Pettis early in the fourth quarter, capping a second straight rough week for the free-agent signee. Williams is the Rams' best cornerback, but they haven't had an above-average shutdown pass defender since trading Jalen Ramsey. Los Angeles added cornerback depth Monday, claiming 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington. Injuries Robinson injured his hand during the game, and Stafford incurred a lateral ankle sprain. McVay said he doesn't expect either injury to affect the veterans' preparations this week. Key number 17 — Cooper Kupp's yards receiving. That's his lowest total in a game in which he didn't get injured since Oct. 18, 2020. Kupp had only six targets, few downfield routes and curiously scant chances to make big plays. Next steps The Rams are home underdogs this week against powerhouse Buffalo, followed by a Thursday night game at San Francisco. Getting even one win out of these two matchups will be difficult, but probably necessary to keep pace with Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Greg Beacham, The Associated Press
The brutal 54-year reign of the Assad family in Syria looks to be over . In a matter of days, opposition forces took the major city of Aleppo before advancing southward into other government-controlled areas of Hama, Homs and finally, on Dec 7, 2024, the capital, Damascus . The offensive was all the more astonishing given that the 13-year civil war had largely been in a stalemate since a 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Reports suggest President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and left the country . But what has he left behind and what happens next? As an expert on Middle East security , I believe the opposition forces’ ability to maintain unity will be critical in the transition to a post-Assad Syria. Since the civil war started in 2011 , the many opposition factions in Syria have been fractured by ideological differences and the interests of external backers – and that remains true despite their current victory. Meanwhile, the rapid change of fortunes in Syria’s civil war poses serious questions for those countries that have backed one side or the other in the conflict. For Iran and Russia, the fall of their ally Assad will damage regional aspirations. For the backers of elements of the opposition – notably Turkey but also the U.S., both of which maintain a military presence in Syria – there will be challenges, too. Fears of a ‘catastrophic success’ Iran, the U.S., Russia and Turkey have been crucial players throughout Syria’s civil war. The recent opposition offensive came as Assad’s three key allies — Russia, Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah — were stretched thin. Russia’s focus on Ukraine and Iran’s setbacks from Israeli strikes have limited their ability to provide Assad robust support, while Hezbollah appeared hesitant to commit additional fighters, as it had done previously. Then, on Dec. 2, as opposition forces were on the move, Russia began withdrawing naval assets from its strategic Mediterranean base at Tartus, Syria. This erosion of external backing substantially undermined Assad’s capacity to regroup and mount an effective counteroffensive. Syrians celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in the town of Bar Elias, Lebanon, near the border with Syria, on Dec. 8, 2024. AP Photo/Hassan Ammar The U.S. will no doubt welcome this diminished Russian and Iranian influence in Syria. But concern in Washington has already been aired over a scenario of “ catastrophic success ” in which Assad is replaced by an Islamist group that many in the West see as terrorists. It was members of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that spearheaded much of the opposition gains in Syria, fighting alongside the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. And while Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has not directly targeted the U.S. troops stationed in the northeast – which is under the control of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces – instability and the potential for clashes between opposition factions and U.S. allies could increase the risks for the 900 Syria-based American personnel. A fragmented landscape The fact that different opposition groups have taken control of various once-government-held areas points to a crucial fact: Syria is de facto partitioned. The northwest is controlled by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. The northeast is under the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the United States. Despite a shared goal of ousting Assad and the joint offensive on Aleppo, conflicts between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian National Army are frequent. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Mohammad al-Golani aims to assert control over opposition-held areas, including those currently managed by the Syrian National Army. And the Syrian National Army and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham maintain complex, often conflicting relationships with the Syrian Democratic Forces, shaped by ideological, territorial and strategic differences. The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army frequently engages in direct clashes with the Syrian Defense Forces, which Turkey views as a terrorist organization and an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party it has been fighting in southern Turkey for more than four decades. The opposition’s internal fragmentation may weaken its ability to bring stability to Syria in the long run. Adjustment problems Assad’s fall will have major implications for those countries that have a stake in the region. Iran’s grand strategy of preserving the “ Shia Crescent ” — connecting Tehran to Beirut through Baghdad and Damascus and in the process countering Sunni Islamist factions — has failed. For Washington, Assad’s departure doesn’t necessarily fit any hoped-for outcome. The U.S. has prioritized balancing, containing and potentially diminishing Russian and Iranian influence in Syria. But until recently that did not mean the removal of Assad. The Biden administration had even hinted in early December that it would be prepared to lift sanctions on Syria if Assad severed ties with Iran and Hezbollah. There was also talk of Assad’s government allying with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces . But as city after city fell to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, it became increasingly unlikely that the Kurdish group would align with the weakening Assad forces – especially as Kurdish forces themselves made significant territorial gains . Syrian Democratic Forces will need to adapt in response to the fall of Assad. This will be doubly true if, as many anticipate and President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at , the U.S. withdraws from Syria. Currently, the 900 U.S. troops are in eastern Syria, alongside a military base in Al-Tanf, located near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders. Should American forces withdraw, the Syrian Democratic Forces and the autonomous region it administers — known as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria — would need to negotiate their autonomy with both different factions of the opposition and Syrian neighbor Turkey. A Kurdish and Islamist alliance? The precarious role of Syrian Democratic Forces in the transition to the post-Assad era could make for a significant foreign policy headache for the U.S. Given Turkey’s history of military incursions and campaigns against the Syrian Democratic Forces in northern cities like Afrin and Kobani, the Kurdish group may need to align with some factions of the opposition, likely Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, should the U.S. eventually withdraw. Of late, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has largely avoided antagonizing the Syrian Democratic Forces. Indeed, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s efforts to rebrand and moderate itself are notable , especially given its origins as a Salafist group with ties to al-Qaida. By adopting a range of policies like issuing an amnesty for Syrian army personnel, facilitating evacuation agreements and using the language of building an ethnically and religiously diverse governance structure, the Islamist group has attempted to soften its hardline image and gain favor – or at least neutrality – from international stakeholders, like the U.S. Yet skepticism about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s ultimate objectives persists. Strategic calculations for Turkey Turkey’s position on Syria now is equally complex. Turkey is home to 3.6 million Syrian refugees — the largest refugee-hosting country globally. A prolonged economic downturn and rising anti-refugee sentiment had pressured Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to signal a willingness to engage with Assad prior to the opposition offensive. Turkey’s hope was that normalized relations with Syria would help facilitate refugee return and address concerns about a potential Kurdish state in northeastern Syria. But Assad dismissed such overtures, and intensified airstrikes on Idlib – triggering new waves of displacement near the Turkish border. Turkey’s Syria policy is also closely linked to its renewed peace process with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. These talks reportedly include discussions about the potential release of imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader Abdullah Öcalan – whose influence runs deep in Kurdish-led regions in northern Syria. The chance for a new Syria The apparent end of Assad’s rule after half a century of brutal oppression signifies a pivotal moment for Syria – offering an opportunity to rebuild the nation on foundations of inclusivity, pluralism and stability. Achieving this vision depends on the opposition factions’ ability to navigate the immense challenges of transition. This includes fostering unity among diverse groups, addressing grievances from years of conflict and establishing governance structures that reflect Syria’s ethnic, religious and political diversity. That will be no easy task. Sefa Secen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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ABC chair Kim Williams has been slammed for recent comments made about broadcasters like Joe Rogan, as the national broadcaster undergoes a wave of structural changes. During his first Press Club address, Kim Williams took aim at the podcaster, saying commentators such as Rogan “prey on fear”. Mr Williams was there to deliver a speech calling for greater investment in the ABC, which he said had lost $150 million a year over the past decade, and to talk about the importance of public broadcasting in an age of disinformation designed to sow division. Williams’ tenure as ABC chair comes at a time of deep disruption for the broadcaster, with the departure of many beloved presenters sparking questions about the competency of management. Today, ABC chair Kim Williams on what’s ahead for the broadcaster, and whether he’s in the right job. Socials : Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest : Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Kim Williams.Britain, Germany, France, Italy and several other European countries said Monday they would freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians, a day after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad. While Berlin and other governments said they were watching the fast-moving developments in the war-ravaged nation, Austria signalled it would soon deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians elsewhere made similar demands, including in Germany -- home to Europe's largest Syrian community -- at a time when immigration has become a hot-button issue across the continent. Alice Weidel, of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, reacted with disdain to Sunday's mass rallies by jubilant Syrians celebrating Assad's downfall. "Anyone in Germany who celebrates 'free Syria' evidently no longer has any reason to flee," she wrote on X. "They should return to Syria immediately." World leaders and Syrians abroad watched in disbelief at the weekend as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, ending Assad's brutal rule while also sparking new uncertainty. A German foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that "the fact that the Assad regime has been ended is unfortunately no guarantee of peaceful developments" in the future. Germany has taken in almost one million Syrians, with most arriving in 2015-16 under ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said many Syrian refugees "now finally have hope of returning to their Syrian homeland" but cautioned that "the situation in Syria is currently very unclear". The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees had imposed a freeze on decisions for ongoing asylum procedures "until the situation is clearer". She added that "concrete possibilities of return cannot yet be predicted and it would be unprofessional to speculate in such a volatile situation". Rights group Amnesty International slammed Germany's freeze on asylum decisions, stressing that for now "the human rights situation in the country is completely unclear". The head of the UN refugee agency also cautioned that "patience and vigilance" were needed on the issue of refugee returns. In Austria, where about 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the interior ministry "to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and to review all asylum grants". Interior Minister Gerhard Karner added he had "instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation programme to Syria". "The political situation in Syria has changed fundamentally and, above all, rapidly in recent days," the ministry said, adding it is "currently monitoring and analysing the new situation". The French interior ministry said it too would put asylum requests from Syrians on hold, with authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announcing similar moves. Britain's interior ministry said it was taking the same measure "whilst we assess the current situation". The Italian government said late Monday after a cabinet meeting that it too was suspending asylum request "in line with other European partners." The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a coalition partner in the government, said residence permits for Syrian refugees should now be "reviewed". "Destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power" in Syria, wrote their leader Jimmie Akesson on X. "I see that groups are happy about this development here in Sweden. You should see it as a good opportunity to go home." In Greece, a government spokesman voiced hope that Assad's fall will eventually allow "the safe return of Syrian refugees" to their country, but without announcing concrete measures. In Germany, the debate gained momentum as the country heads towards February elections. Achim Brotel, president of a grouping of German communes, called for border controls to stop fleeing Assad loyalists reaching Germany. The centre-right opposition CDU suggested that rejected Syrian asylum-seekers should now lose so-called subsidiary protection. "If the reason for protection no longer applies, then refugees will have to return to their home country," CDU legislator Thorsten Frei told Welt TV. CDU MP Jens Spahn suggested that Berlin charter flights to Syria and offer 1,000 euros ($1,057) to "anyone who wants to return". A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats criticised the debate as "populist and irresponsible". Greens party deputy Anton Hofreiter also said "it is completely unclear what will happen next in Syria" and deportation talk was "completely out of place". Many Syrians in Germany have watched the events in their home country with great joy but prefer to wait and see before deciding whether to return. "We want to go back to Syria," said Mahmoud Zaml, 25, who works in an Arabic pastry shop in Berlin, adding that he hopes to help "rebuild" his country. "But we have to wait a bit now," he told AFP. "We have to see what happens and if it is really 100 percent safe, then we will go back to Syria." burs-fz/rlp/phz/gv/giv
Rays push back on county ultimatum: Stadium agreement ‘in effect’
Humble ISD trustees will consider naming a lone finalist for the district’s vacant superintendent position on Dec. 17—less than a month after terminating former Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s contract. The details The specially called meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at the district’s Board, Business & Technology Center, located at 20200 Eastway Village Drive, Humble. How we got here The meeting is coming roughly three weeks after trustees voted 6-1 in favor of formally terminating Fagen’s contract . In May, trustees voted 4-2 in favor of placing Fagen on paid administrative leave before voting 4-3 in July to propose the termination of her contract . Fagen initially appealed the board’s decision to the Texas Education Agency , which resulted in a three-day hearing held on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 6. While her initial appeal was unsuccessful, Fagen said she will now appeal the matter directly to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. Deputy Superintendent Roger Brown has been serving as acting superintendent since Fagen was placed on paid leave. What’s next HISD Chief Communications Officer Jamie Mount said the board will need to wait at least 21 days after naming a finalist before trustees can vote to formally appoint a new superintendent.
BERLIN (AP) — Harry Kane scored a hat trick including two penalties for Bayern Munich to beat Augsburg 3-0 in the Bundesliga on Friday. The win stretched Bayern’s lead to eight points ahead of the rest of the 11th round, and Kane took his goals tally to a league-leading 14. The England forward is the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the Bundesliga in what was his 43rd game. However, coach Vincent Kompany should be concerned by his team’s ongoing difficulty of scoring in matches it dominates. Bayern previously defeated St. Pauli and Benfica only 1-0. Kompany’s team had to wait until stoppage time before Kane sealed the result with his second penalty. Two minutes later, Kane scored with a header after controlling Leon Goretzka's cross with his first touch for a flattering scoreline. “We had to be patient,” Kane said. “And at halftime that’s what we said, to keep doing what we’re doing. We had a few chances in the first half and we just had to be a bit more clinical and obviously, thankfully, we got the penalty to kind of open the game up.” Mads Pedersen was penalized for handball following a VAR review and Kane duly broke the deadlock in the 63rd. Bayern continued as before with 80% possession, but had to wait for Keven Schlotterbeck to be penalized through VAR for a foul on Kane. Kane sealed the result in the third minute of stoppage time and there was still time for him to grab another. It’s Bayern’s seventh consecutive win without conceding a goal since it conceded four at Barcelona (4-1) on Oct. 23 in the Champions League. “You can see now that we have a solid defense and that's the basis, also in games like today's,” Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich said. “When it's a game of patience, then it's important for us to know that sometimes one goal will have to do. Like today we added two more before the finish, but in the end you only need to score one more than the opponent.” Bayern next hosts Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, then Borussia Dortmund away in the Bundesliga next weekend, before defending champion Bayer Leverkusen visits in the third round of the German Cup. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerCancer Vaccines Pipeline Drugs Analysis Report, 2024: FDA Approvals, Clinical Trials, Therapies, MOA, ROA by DelveInsight | Vaccitech, BrightPath Biotherapeutics, Hangzhou Neoantigen Therapeutics, Transgene, Enterome, Amal Therapeutics, OncoPep, Inc., Mod 12-09-2024 09:34 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: DelveInsight Business Research (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) As per DelveInsight's assessment, globally, Cancer Vaccines pipeline constitutes 250+ key companies continuously working towards developing 300+ Cancer Vaccines treatment therapies, analysis of Clinical Trials, Therapies, Mechanism of Action, Route of Administration, and Developments analyzes DelveInsight. "Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Insight, 2024" report by DelveInsight outlines comprehensive insights into the present clinical development scenario and growth prospects across the Cancer Vaccines Market. The Cancer Vaccines Pipeline report embraces in-depth commercial and clinical assessment of the pipeline products from the pre-clinical developmental phase to the marketed phase. The report also covers a detailed description of the drug, including the mechanism of action of the drug, clinical studies, NDA approvals (if any), and product development activities comprising the technology, collaborations, mergers acquisition, funding, designations, and other product-related details. Some of the key takeaways from the Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Report: https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/cancer-vaccines-competitive-landscape?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=gpr •Companies across the globe are diligently working toward developing novel Cancer Vaccines treatment therapies with a considerable amount of success over the years. •Cancer Vaccines companies working in the treatment market are Vaccitech, BrightPath Biotherapeutics, Hangzhou Neoantigen Therapeutics, Transgene, Enterome, Amal Therapeutics, OncoPep, Inc., Moderna Therapeutics, Gradalis, Inc., IO Biotech, Dendreon Pharmaceutical s LLC, and others, are developing therapies for the Cancer Vaccines treatment •Emerging Cancer Vaccines therapies in the different phases of clinical trials are- VTP-1100, BP-1209, iNeo-Vac-P01, TG4050, EO2401, ATP128, PVX-410, mRNA-4157, Vigil, IO102-IO103, Sipuleucel-T, and others are expected to have a significant impact on the Cancer Vaccines market in the coming years. •In September 2024, Moderna's mRNA cancer vaccine for solid tumors has shown early potential in interim data from a Phase I study. The mRNA specialist revealed that the vaccine has demonstrated initial signs of an immune response against cancer, prompting the activation of cancer-killing cells. Moderna is scheduled to present the findings from the first-in-human study of mRNA-4359 on September 14 at the European Society of Medical Oncology meeting. •In August 2024, Everest Medicines has launched an investigator-initiated clinical trial (IIT) for its personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, EVM16. The trial, named EVM16CX01, is being carried out at Peking University Cancer Hospital and Fudan University's Cancer Hospital in China. The study aims to assess the tolerability, safety, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy of EVM16, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with a PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced or recurrent solid tumors. Cancer Vaccines Overview The emergence of cancer immunotherapy has significantly transformed cancer treatment, providing renewed optimism for cancer patients. While this therapy has shown remarkable success in certain cases, it is not universally effective, and there are various cancer types that do not exhibit a response to this treatment. Get a Free Sample PDF Report to know more about Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Therapeutic Assessment- https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/cancer-vaccines-competitive-landscape?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=gpr Emerging Cancer Vaccines Drugs Under Different Phases of Clinical Development Include: •VTP-1100: Vaccitech •BP-1209: BrightPath Biotherapeutics •iNeo-Vac-P01: Hangzhou Neoantigen Therapeutics •TG4050: Transgene •EO2401: Enterome •ATP128: Amal Therapeutics •PVX-410: OncoPep, Inc. •mRNA-4157: Moderna Therapeutics •Vigil: Gradalis, Inc. •IO102-IO103: IO Biotech •Sipuleucel-T: Dendreon Pharmaceutical s LLC Cancer Vaccines Route of Administration Cancer Vaccines pipeline report provides the therapeutic assessment of the pipeline drugs by the Route of Administration. Products have been categorized under various ROAs, such as •Oral •Parenteral •Intravenous •Subcutaneous •Topical Cancer Vaccines Molecule Type Cancer Vaccines Products have been categorized under various Molecule types, such as •Monoclonal Antibody •Peptides •Polymer •Small molecule •Gene therapy Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Therapeutics Assessment •Cancer Vaccines Assessment by Product Type •Cancer Vaccines By Stage and Product Type •Cancer Vaccines Assessment by Route of Administration •Cancer Vaccines By Stage and Route of Administration •Cancer Vaccines Assessment by Molecule Type •Cancer Vaccines by Stage and Molecule Type DelveInsight's Cancer Vaccines Report covers around 300+ products under different phases of clinical development like •Late-stage products (Phase III) •Mid-stage products (Phase II) •Early-stage product (Phase I) •Pre-clinical and Discovery stage candidates •Discontinued & Inactive candidates •Route of Administration Further Cancer Vaccines product details are provided in the report. Download the Cancer Vaccines pipeline report to learn more about the emerging Cancer Vaccines therapies at: https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/cancer-vaccines-competitive-landscape?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=gpr Some of the key companies in the Cancer Vaccines Therapeutics Market include: Key companies developing therapies for Cancer Vaccines are - GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Merck & Co. Inc., OSE Immunotherapeutics, Sanofi SA, Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC, Moderna Inc., Vaccitech Limited, Anixa Biosciences Inc., AstraZeneca PLC, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, F Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Genentech), Providence Therapeutics, eTheRNA immunotherapies, and others. Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Analysis: The Cancer Vaccines pipeline report provides insights into •The report provides detailed insights about companies that are developing therapies for the treatment of Cancer Vaccines with aggregate therapies developed by each company for the same. •It accesses the Different therapeutic candidates segmented into early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage of development for Cancer Vaccines Treatment. •Cancer Vaccines key companies are involved in targeted therapeutics development with respective active and inactive (dormant or discontinued) projects. •Cancer Vaccines Drugs under development based on the stage of development, route of administration, target receptor, monotherapy or combination therapy, a different mechanism of action, and molecular type. •Detailed analysis of collaborations (company-company collaborations and company-academia collaborations), licensing agreement and financing details for future advancement of the Cancer Vaccines market. The report is built using data and information traced from the researcher's proprietary databases, company/university websites, clinical trial registries, conferences, SEC filings, investor presentations, and featured press releases from company/university websites and industry-specific third-party sources, etc. Download Sample PDF Report to know more about Cancer Vaccines drugs and therapies- https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/cancer-vaccines-competitive-landscape?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=gpr Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Market Drivers •Clinical trial data using personalized cancer vaccines are highly encouraging, cancer vaccines offer clinical benefits to patients with advanced metastatic disease, an attractive approach to synergize with currently available immune therapeutics strategies are some of the important factors that are fueling the Cancer Vaccines Market. Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Market Barriers •However, hurdles in developing appropriate methods to identify, refine and test candidate therapies, high cost associated with the research and other factors are creating obstacles in the Cancer Vaccines Market growth. Scope of Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Drug Insight •Coverage: Global •Key Cancer Vaccines Companies: Vaccitech, BrightPath Biotherapeutics, Hangzhou Neoantigen Therapeutics, Transgene, Enterome, Amal Therapeutics, OncoPep, Inc., Moderna Therapeutics, Gradalis, Inc., IO Biotech, Dendreon Pharmaceutical s LLC, and others •Key Cancer Vaccines Therapies: VTP-1100, BP-1209, iNeo-Vac-P01, TG4050, EO2401, ATP128, PVX-410, mRNA-4157, Vigil, IO102-IO103, Sipuleucel-T, and others •Cancer Vaccines Therapeutic Assessment: Cancer Vaccines current marketed and Cancer Vaccines emerging therapies •Cancer Vaccines Market Dynamics: Cancer Vaccines market drivers and Cancer Vaccines market barriers Request for Sample PDF Report for Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Assessment and clinical trials- https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/cancer-vaccines-competitive-landscape?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=gpr Table of Contents 1. Cancer Vaccines Report Introduction 2. Cancer Vaccines Executive Summary 3. Cancer Vaccines Overview 4. Cancer Vaccines- Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5. Cancer Vaccines Pipeline Therapeutics 6. Cancer Vaccines Late Stage Products (Phase II/III) 7. Cancer Vaccines Mid Stage Products (Phase II) 8. Cancer Vaccines Early Stage Products (Phase I) 9. Cancer Vaccines Preclinical Stage Products 10. Cancer Vaccines Therapeutics Assessment 11. Cancer Vaccines Inactive Products 12. Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Analysis 13. Cancer Vaccines Key Companies 14. Cancer Vaccines Key Products 15. Cancer Vaccines Unmet Needs 16 . Cancer Vaccines Market Drivers and Barriers 17. Cancer Vaccines Future Perspectives and Conclusion 18. Cancer Vaccines Analyst Views 19. Appendix 20. About DelveInsight Latest Reports: •Human Papillomavirus Hpv Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/human-papillomavirus-hpv-market •Blood Gas And Electrolyte Analyzers Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/blood-gas-and-electrolyte-analyzers-market •Interspinous Spacers Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/interspinous-spacers-market •Dengue Fever Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/dengue-fever-market •Chronic Hemodialysis Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/chronic-hemodialysis-market •Brucellosis Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/brucellosis-market •Childhood Atropine For Myopia Progression Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/childhood-atropine-for-myopia-progression-market Contact Us: Gaurav Bora gbora@delveinsight.com +91-9650213330 Healthcare Consulting https://www.delveinsight.com/consulting-services About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. It also offers Healthcare Consulting Services, which benefits in market analysis to accelerate business growth and overcome challenges with a practical approach. This release was published on openPR.