World News – Page 154 – Prologue Journal

U.S. Strategy on Syria Risks ISIS Resurgence, Kurdish General Warns

New York Times Gen. Mazlum Kobani, commander of Kurdish forces in Syria, said recent decisions by the U.S. in Syria potentially “leaves a vacuum behind that can be taken advantage of by ISIS.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/11/world/middleeast/syria-isis-united-states-kurds.html

The world’s largest Christmas tree farm in Oregon sells nearly 1 million trees annually

Fox News There is surely no shortage of Christmas trees in Oregon. Oregon is the largest producer of Christmas trees in the United States, harvesting around 4 million trees annually, according to World Population Review. That equals out to be about 33% of the total amount of Christmas trees produced in the country each year,…

Could Cats Become a Vector for Bird Flu?

New York Times A new study highlights the need for public health officials to ramp up bird flu surveillance in our feline companions. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/11/health/bird-flu-h5n1-cats.html

Hundreds of tractors block central London streets as farmers protest tax change

Fox News Hundreds of tractors blocked streets in central London on Wednesday, the latest protest by farmers against the government after it ended an exemption from inheritance tax for agricultural families. The measure, dubbed the “tractor tax” by critics, was introduced by the government to boost funds to pay for strained public services, but farmers…

Israel and Iran agree on major Israeli role in Assad downfall

Washington Post In his first address since the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Iran’s supreme leader blasted the United States and Israel. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/11/iran-syria-assad-israel-khamenei/

Who Is Mohammed al-Bashir, Syria’s New Prime Minister?

New York Times Mr. al-Bashir previously headed a rebel-led administration in northwestern Syria. He has been tasked with running the country’s interim government until March. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/11/world/middleeast/syria-bashir-prime-minister.html

Tycoon Adani pulls request for U.S. loan to finance strategic Sri Lanka port

Washington Post The withdrawal marks another low point in U.S.-India ties after the billionaire’s indictment on charges related to fraud, and a blow to Washington’s bid to counter China’s regional clout. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/11/adani-withdraw-loan-sri-lanka-port-china/

Senators call on Biden to brief upper chamber on efforts to return Austin Tice from Syria

Fox News EXCLUSIVE – In a rare bipartisan push Wednesday morning, senators on both sides of the aisle called on President Biden to instruct his administration to brief the upper chamber by Dec. 20 on efforts underway to free Austin Tice from Syria. A letter, first obtained by Fox News Digital, was sent to the…

North Korea condemns South Korea as ‘fascist dictatorship’ after martial law scare

Fox News This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). North Korea condemned South Korea as a “fascist dictatorship” Wednesday in reaction to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law. North Korea had…

Afghan blast kills key minister, shocking Taliban

Washington Post Khalil Haqqani was the acting minister for refugees and a key member of the notorious Haqqani network. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/11/taliban-khalil-haqqani-attack/