For today, links to four reports: from Reuters, National Public Radio, and the Associated Press, and to commentary from Middle East Monitor and Consortium News; other articles are accessible by clicking on their names and initials below. (GAZA and UKRAINE entries for this date are HERE and HERE.)
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UN refugee agency expects 1 million Syrians to return in six months. From Reuters. GENEVA — A UN refugee agency official said on Tuesday that some 1 million Syrian refugees are expected to return to the country in the first six months of 2025, asking states to refrain from forcing them to do so. Reuters reports. READ MORE . . .
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Syrians can finally tell their stories about Assad’s chemical attacks. Reported by Leila Fadel | NPR Survivors of the Syrian regime’s chemical attacks are free now speak about how they lost their families. We meet people who endured attacks that Syria’s former president used to stay in power. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
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Russian presence in Syria remains. But it’s unclear for how long, by Abby Sewell | AP HMEIMIM, Syria — Whether and how long Russia’s military presence in Syria will last after the fall of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad is an open question. READ MORE . . .
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FROM DEC. 16 Assad gives account of last hours before leaving Syria. From Reuters. BEIRUT — Syria’s Bashar al-Assad issued his first statement since being toppled from power, saying he was evacuated to Russia from the Hmeimim base on Dec. 8 as it came under drone attack, after leaving Damascus that morning with rebel fighters closing in. READ MORE . . .
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FROM DEC. 16 The ouster of tyrant Assad paves the way for Palestine, not the other way round, by Amira Abo el-Fetouh | Multinational Monitor December 6 was memorable for millions of Syrians all over the world who celebrated the liberation of their land from the Assad dynasty. Many raised the original flag used in Syria after it was . . . READ MORE . . .
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FROM DEC. 16 Blinded to Syria, by Patrick Lawrence | Consortium News / ScheerPost I do not know anyone who has achieved the age of reason who does not recognize the U.S. hand in the stunning sweep through Syria of Hay`at Tahrir al–Sham, long-recognized as a terrorist organization. All one needs to grasp this is . . . READ MORE . . .