Live Briefing: ‘Hell to pay’ if hostages not released, Trump says; Lebanon ceasefire under strain
The ceasefire in Lebanon appears to be coming apart after Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah firing rockets. In Syria, Russia and Iran have pledged to back Assad.
By Niha MasihMichelin chef appeals to Christmas spirit of thieves who stole 2,500 pies
“I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas,” said British chef Tommy Banks, after thieves stole a van full of pies.
By Rachel PannettAustralian police seize country’s largest-ever cocaine bust
Authorities in Australia announced the record-breaking bust on Monday.
By Kelsey BakerAt least 56 killed in crowd crush at soccer match in Guinea, officials say
An unknown number of others in the country’s largest southern city were injured when security tried to stop clashes over a disputed penalty,
By Cindy Boren, Mohamed Barry and Rachel ChasonBiden surges arms to Ukraine, fearing Trump will halt U.S. aid
Biden’s Ukraine directive has stirred debate, as some officials worry it will cut too deeply into American stockpiles and jeopardize military needs elsewhere.
By Michael Birnbaum, Missy Ryan and Siobhán O'GradyIsraeli military strikes Lebanese targets after Hezbollah fires on Israel
The rebel offensive in Syria started after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a cease-fire in Lebanon, where conflict has weakened key backers of Syria’s government.
By Susannah George, Niha Masih, Annabelle Timsit and Adam TaylorSyrian forces regroup with help from Iran, Russia after shock rebel advance
Russia and Iran have offered military and diplomatic support to the Syrian government as it tries to stanch a major rebel advance.
By Susannah GeorgeIn a ruined Hezbollah stronghold, supporters question the costs of war
Displaced families are streaming back into Tyre, in southern Lebanon, to take stock of the destruction.
By Abbie Cheeseman and Suzan HaidamousU.S. citizen believed held hostage in Gaza was killed on Oct. 7, IDF says
Omer Neutra, a U.S.-Israeli citizen believed held hostage by Hamas, was killed on Oct. 7, 2023, the Israeli military said Monday.
By Joanna Slater, Annabelle Timsit and Lior SorokaStorm Bora brings days of flooding to Greece, with more rain ahead
The weather pattern fueling Storm Bora is similar to the one that caused severe flooding in Spain this fall.
By Ian LivingstonWho are the key players fighting in Syria’s civil war?
Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a lightning assault against pro-Assad forces in Aleppo. Here’s who else is fighting in Syria’s civil war.
By Leo SandsFrom beer to barley: How Trump’s tariff threat could affect your wallet
Donald Trump’s threat to hit Mexico with tariffs could raise prices on a surprising number of foods and drinks Americans love — from beer to berries to broccoli.
By Mary Beth Sheridan and Valentina Muñoz CastilloWhat’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?
More than 200 were arrested and dozens injured during protests after Georgia’s ruling party said it would suspend talks to join the European Union.
By Kelly Kasulis ChoSyrian rebels wrest control of most of Aleppo; U.S. and allies ‘urge de-escalation’ in joint statement
The offensive, led by rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, shifts the front lines of Syria’s civil war. Government forces appeared to withdraw from some areas.
By Niha Masih, Annabelle Timsit, Mohamad El Chamaa, Maham Javaid and Praveena SomasundaramIn Syria, a sudden reminder of a war that never ended
The dramatic unraveling of the past days might show how hollow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s supremacy was.
By Ishaan TharoorWhat led to Syria’s 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again?
The sudden assault by Syrian rebels has rapidly redrawn the civil war’s front lines and threatened once again the authority of President Bashar al-Assad.
By Kelly Kasulis Cho and Kelsey BakerDivided over whether to stop making plastic, U.N. treaty talks collapse
Delegates from more than 170 countries huddled for a week of marathon negotiations but came up short on delivering a treaty.
By Andrew JeongSyrian rebels regrouped, seized on weakness of government’s key allies
The rebels have made stunning gains against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, with Russia, Iran and Hezbollah distracted by other conflicts.
By Louisa Loveluck, Kareem Fahim and Susannah GeorgeTrump win emboldens Israeli settlers seeking control of the West Bank
Israel’s extremist settlers see few barriers to their plans to rule the West Bank now that Trump is returning to the White House.
By Rebecca Tan and Adam TaylorInside the effort to market Russia and Putin to Africans
The Africa Initiative is part of an opaque network of groups that Western officials and analysts say the Kremlin uses to spread Russian influence in Africa.
By Rachel Chason