For today, links to three reports: from Reuters, National Public Radio, and the Associated Press; other published material is accessible by clicking on their names below. (GAZA, UKRAINE and 9/11 TRUTH entries for this date are HERE, HERE and HERE.) — MCM

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Syria’s new rulers declare crackdown as tensions flare in coastal area. From Reuters. Syria’s new authorities launched a security crackdown today in the coastal region of Tartous, where 14 policemen were killed on Wednesday, vowing to pursue “remnants” of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government accused of the attack, state media reported. READ MORE . . .

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FROM DEC. 25  Christians in Syria celebrate the first Christmas since the end of the Assad regime. Reported by Hadeel Al-Shalchi | NPR  Christians in Syria are struggling with how publicly to celebrate Christmas this year. There is a lot unknown about the interim government ruling Syria and their tolerance of religious minorities. Click HERE to listen and read.

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FROM DEC. 24  Kurdish-led forces push back Turkish-backed Syrian rebels in a tense offensive, by Kareem Chehayeb and Hogir al Abdo | AP  QAMISHLI, Syria — Kurdish-led fighters in Syria, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, said Tuesday they have launched a counter-offensive against the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army to take back areas near Syria’s northern border with Turkey. The Kurdish-led SDF is Washington’s . . . READ MORE . . .