Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, Ann Selzer, claiming election interference following the publication of a poll he believes is biased against him.



Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Selzer, Alleging ‘Election Interference’

Syria's new rulers are reaching out to countries that once treated Bashar al-Assad as a global pariah. The rebels in Damascus are promising to usher in change. Yet, in a startling twist, it now appears Assad, who is a trained doctor, performed his most intricate operation by handing out military secrets to Israel before fleeing to Moscow. Watch in for more details!

Syria War: Did Assad & Netanyahu Work Together To Cripple The Rebels?

Following Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country after a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), all eyes are on what lies ahead and the shape that the transitional government in the country will take. Here are the key developments and their implications. Watch in for more details!

GRAVITAS: Syria's People Must be Allowed To Determine Their Future: UNSC

"Syria's conflict has not ended" even after the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad, the UN's envoy to the country has warned, highlighting clashes between Turkish-backed and Kurdish groups in the north. Watch this report for more details!

Syria's Conflict 'Has Not Ended', UN Envoy Warns

"Syria's conflict has not ended" even after the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad, the UN's envoy to the country has warned, highlighting clashes between Turkish-backed and Kurdish groups in the north. Watch this report for more details!



Former President Donald Trump has criticized Turkey's actions in Syria, describing them as an "unfriendly takeover" amid ongoing tensions in the region. His remarks add to the complexity of US-Turkey relations.

USA: Trump Calls Rebellion In Syria 'Unfriendly Takeover' By Turkiye

Former President Donald Trump has criticized Turkey's actions in Syria, describing them as an "unfriendly takeover" amid ongoing tensions in the region. His remarks add to the complexity of US-Turkey relations.



UN Envoy For Syria Warns That Conflict Has Not Ended In Country

The UN Security Council has called for an inclusive and Syrian-led political process to be implemented in West Asia, following the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad. The council emphasized that the people of Syria should have the right to determine their own future. In a press statement, which was supported by both the United States and Assad's ally, Russia, the council also urged Syria and its neighboring countries to avoid any actions that could undermine regional security. Watch this report for more details!

Syria's People Must Be Allowed To Determine Their Future: UNSC

The UN Security Council on Tuesday called for an “inclusive and Syrian-led” political process to be implemented after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, saying the country’s people must be allowed to determine their future. Watch this report for more details!

UN Security Council Calls for Syrian-Led Political Process

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: - Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security - Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza - US denies roll in Kirillov killing - Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Netanyahu Visits Mount Hermon, Vows to Protect Israel's Security | WION Speed News

Tehran 
Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman.
"With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. 
Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria?
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"They are completely wrong," he added. 
On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. 
Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.
Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-jerusalem-man-for-spying-on-behalf-of-iran-784740">Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran</a>
"The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.



Tehran Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman. "With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria? "They are completely wrong," he added. On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon. Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran. Also read | Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran "The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran's Khamenei says 'resistance' not over after Assad ouster

Damascus
Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that its embassy in Syrian would reopen once the "necessary conditions" are met, after the diplomatic mission was vandalised following the ouster of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad.
"The reopening of the embassy in Damascus requires preparations, the most important of which is ensuring the security and safety of the embassy and its staff," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
He added that work to that end will be pursued "as soon as the necessary conditions are provided", without offering a specific timeline.
The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after diplomats abandoned it as rebel forces seized the capital and ousted Assad.
Iran had supported Assad throughout Syria's civil war, which began in 2011.
Since his fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the deposed leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjg0Kjg1K6KAxWlg2MGHW0PFgYQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjg0Kjg1K6KAxWlg2MGHW0PFgYQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">West Asia crisis: Israel strikes Syria overnight, rebel leader warns of `unwarranted escalation`</a>
Baqaei said on Tuesday that Iran's "advisory" presence in Syria was "at the invitation of the government".
"We were never in Syria to support a specific person, group or party," he said.
"Our presence in Syria was fundamental and principled, and our withdrawal was responsible."
Baqaei also said that Iran's rival Israel, which has conducted hundreds of air strikes in Syria since Assad's fall and sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone, "severely violated Syria's territorial integrity".
Watch: Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Prison Break?
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On Monday, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said Russia and Iran "should not have a place" in war-torn Syria now that Assad is gone.
Baqaei slammed the remarks as a "joke," adding that the era of foreign powers "trying to dictate (policies) on another region is over."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after diplomats abandoned it as rebel forces seized the capital and ousted Assad.



Damascus Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that its embassy in Syrian would reopen once the "necessary conditions" are met, after the diplomatic mission was vandalised following the ouster of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad. "The reopening of the embassy in Damascus requires preparations, the most important of which is ensuring the security and safety of the embassy and its staff," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. He added that work to that end will be pursued "as soon as the necessary conditions are provided", without offering a specific timeline. The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after diplomats abandoned it as rebel forces seized the capital and ousted Assad. Iran had supported Assad throughout Syria's civil war, which began in 2011. Since his fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the deposed leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel strikes Syria overnight, rebel leader warns of `unwarranted escalation` Baqaei said on Tuesday that Iran's "advisory" presence in Syria was "at the invitation of the government". "We were never in Syria to support a specific person, group or party," he said. "Our presence in Syria was fundamental and principled, and our withdrawal was responsible." Baqaei also said that Iran's rival Israel, which has conducted hundreds of air strikes in Syria since Assad's fall and sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone, "severely violated Syria's territorial integrity". Watch: Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Prison Break? × On Monday, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said Russia and Iran "should not have a place" in war-torn Syria now that Assad is gone. Baqaei slammed the remarks as a "joke," adding that the era of foreign powers "trying to dictate (policies) on another region is over." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria crisis: Iran 'awaiting necessary conditions' to reopen embassy

Iraqi security officials have issued a warning about an imminent mass jailbreak planned by the Islamic State, raising concerns over the safety and stability of the region. Authorities are on high alert as they prepare to thwart the escape attempt and prevent further escalation.

Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Prison Break?

Donald Trump has labeled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "butcher," intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has called on Russia to reconsider its military presence, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of the ongoing Syrian conflict.

Trump Labels Assad a 'Butcher' as Syrian Govt Urges Russia To Reconsider Its Presence

Donald Trump has labeled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "butcher," intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has called on Russia to reconsider its military presence, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of the ongoing Syrian conflict.



Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Jailbreak, Warn Iraqi Security Officials

Iraqi security officials have issued a warning about an imminent mass jailbreak planned by the Islamic State, raising concerns over the safety and stability of the region. Authorities are on high alert as they prepare to thwart the escape attempt and prevent further escalation.



Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of&nbsp;resistance&nbsp;had collapsed with the&nbsp;ouster&nbsp;of Syria's longtime strongman.

"With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the&nbsp;resistance&nbsp;was&nbsp;over," Ayatollah Ali&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said in a televised speech.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-coffee-promote-good-bacteria-784743/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"They are completely&nbsp;wrong," he added.&nbsp;

On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad&nbsp;fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus&nbsp;after&nbsp;a lightning offensive.&nbsp;

Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.

Since&nbsp;Assad's fall,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries.&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;has also insisted that&nbsp;Assad's overthrow will not weaken&nbsp;Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-jerusalem-man-for-spying-on-behalf-of-iran-784740">Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran</a>

"The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel,"&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said on Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

&nbsp;

Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman.

Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman. "With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria? "They are completely wrong," he added. On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon. Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran. Also read | Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran "The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A UN envoy called for a quick end to Western sanctions against Syria as the country's new leaders and regional and global powers begin to chart a path forward following the fall of President Bashar Assad.

After Assad's Ouster in Syria, UN Envoy Calls For End to Sanctions

Moscow, Russia
Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in his first statement since his regime fell, said on Monday (December 16) that his departure to Russia was not “planned”.
Assad said that he was evacuated from Syria to Russia via the Hmeimim base in Latakia province. He added that his departure was coordinated with Russian allies, as he initially intended to remain at the Russian base and continue fighting. However, when the base came under drone attack on the night of December 8, the Russians decided to move him to Russia for his safety. “I did not leave the country as part of a plan as it was reported earlier,” Assad said.
"Moscow requested... an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday December 8," he added.
"When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose," the statement added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-conflict-assad-secretly-airlifted-250mn-to-moscow-before-fleeing-to-russia-report-784382">Assad secretly airlifted $250mn to Moscow before fleeing to Russia: Report</a>
The statement was shared on the former Syrian presidency’s social media accounts and dated 16 December from Moscow. Assad said that he turned to social media to release the statement after “several unsuccessful attempts” to share it through Arabic and international media outlets.
The statement read, “As terrorism spread across Syria and ultimately reached Damascus on the evening of Saturday 7 December 2024, questions arose about the president's fate and whereabouts. This occurred amidst a flood of misinformation and narratives far removed from the truth, aimed at recasting international terrorism as a liberation revolution for Syria.”
Assad fled Syria on December 8, following an 11-day rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). After ruling Syria since 2000—following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad—Bashar al-Assad took an early morning flight to Russia as rebels approached Damascus. The Kremlin later confirmed that Assad had been granted political asylum.
Assad’s decision to flee as the rebels advanced has angered even some of his former supporters, who see it as evidence of him looking out for himself instead of being loyal to his regime or country.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Assad said that he was evacuated from Syria to Russia via the Hmeimim base in Latakia province. He added that his departure was coordinated with Russian allies, as he initially intended to remain at the Russian base and continue fighting.



Moscow, Russia Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in his first statement since his regime fell, said on Monday (December 16) that his departure to Russia was not “planned”. Assad said that he was evacuated from Syria to Russia via the Hmeimim base in Latakia province. He added that his departure was coordinated with Russian allies, as he initially intended to remain at the Russian base and continue fighting. However, when the base came under drone attack on the night of December 8, the Russians decided to move him to Russia for his safety. “I did not leave the country as part of a plan as it was reported earlier,” Assad said. "Moscow requested... an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday December 8," he added. "When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose," the statement added. Also read: Assad secretly airlifted $250mn to Moscow before fleeing to Russia: Report The statement was shared on the former Syrian presidency’s social media accounts and dated 16 December from Moscow. Assad said that he turned to social media to release the statement after “several unsuccessful attempts” to share it through Arabic and international media outlets. The statement read, “As terrorism spread across Syria and ultimately reached Damascus on the evening of Saturday 7 December 2024, questions arose about the president's fate and whereabouts. This occurred amidst a flood of misinformation and narratives far removed from the truth, aimed at recasting international terrorism as a liberation revolution for Syria.” Assad fled Syria on December 8, following an 11-day rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). After ruling Syria since 2000—following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad—Bashar al-Assad took an early morning flight to Russia as rebels approached Damascus. The Kremlin later confirmed that Assad had been granted political asylum. Assad’s decision to flee as the rebels advanced has angered even some of his former supporters, who see it as evidence of him looking out for himself instead of being loyal to his regime or country. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'Not part of the plan,' Syria's Assad breaks silence, says Russia 'requested' immediate evacuation

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