For today, links to five reports: from the Cradle, National Public Radio, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on its initials below. (GAZA and UKRAINE entries for this date are HERE and HERE.)

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FROM JAN. 2  Israeli army bombs Damascus outskirts, seizes control of Syrian water sources. From the Cradle. The Israeli air force launched a violent attack near the Syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday, coming as Israel’s military continues to expand its occupation in the country, reaching a key dam in the southern Quneitra area. READ MORE . . .

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Israel reinforces occupation of Deraa in south Syria. From the Cradle. Al-Mayadeen reported today that the Israeli army brought reinforcements to the Al-Jazeera barracks in the village of Maariyah in the countryside of Deraa, on the Syrian-Jordanian border, in a further sign that Israel plans to expand its occupation of Syrian territory. READ MORE . . .

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FROM JAN. 2  U.S. lays groundwork for new military base in northern Syria: report.  From the Cradle. The U.S. army mobilized at least 50 trucks transporting concrete fortifications to the town of Kobani (Ain al-Arab) in the eastern countryside of Aleppo on Thursday in preparation for building a new military base, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. READ MORE . . .

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The Damascus airport is slowly reopening — and showing the cracks in the revolution. Reported by Diaa Hadid | NPR  The push to reopen Damascus International Airport highlights the challenges facing Syria’s new leaders in rebuilding the country, Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM JAN. 3  U.S. plans $8 billion arms sale to Israel, U.S. official says, by Mike Stone and Kanishka Singh | Reuters  — The administration of President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, a U.S. official said on Friday, with Washington maintaining support for its ally whose war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands. READ MORE . . .