Celebrations, military parade mark one year since fall of Assad

The Tanzanian government has canceled Independence Day events scheduled for Tuesday amid calls for a day of action from protesters, reflecting rising tensions in the country following recent elections. This decision comes as authorities anticipate significant unrest and have deployed a heavy police presence in major cities to deter protests.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron has faced backlash after a video emerged in which she used a derogatory term to describe feminist activists who interrupted a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who has previously faced allegations of rape. Her comments were intended to criticize the activists' protest methods but have sparked significant outrage.

Families of individuals who disappeared during the Syrian conflict continue to seek closure as the new government pledges to uncover the truth. Despite these promises, hope is dwindling for many as the search for the missing remains fraught with challenges and uncertainty.

Authorities in the Gaza Strip are warning that an incoming winter storm will severely impact hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals living in tents and makeshift shelters, as violence continues in the region, including the recent killing of a civilian by Israeli forces.

Australia has enacted a law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. This legislation aims to mitigate online risks for minors, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, as critics express concerns about normalizing surveillance and cutting off support networks for young people.

Renewed clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated tensions significantly, with both nations accusing each other of violating a ceasefire agreement. The recent violence has resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including the deaths of seven civilians and three Thai soldiers, indicating a potential shift towards a more severe phase of conflict.

Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Israeli military incursions into southern Syria have intensified, particularly in Quneitra, causing alarm among residents who report living in a state of terror. The presence of Israeli soldiers, replacing Assad's militias, has raised concerns about security and the future of the region.

Syrians celebrated the one-year anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape after decades of his regime. The celebrations were vibrant, particularly in Hama, where large crowds gathered to express their joy and newfound sense of freedom.