Despite Trump's 2019 claim, ISIS thrives in Syria's power vacuum

The American attack on roughly 70 Islamic State targets on Saturday was an impressive display of power, but it is far from posing a challenge to the organization

Haaretz • 4h

Australian state parliament reconvenes to push through stricter gun laws after Bondi mass shooting

By Renju Jose SYDNEY, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Australia's New South Wales state parliament was recalled on Monday to vote on proposed new laws that would impose major curbs on firearm ownership, ban the display of terror symbols and restrict protests, following a mass shooting at

Al Monitor • 6h

Macron, on UAE visit, announces new French aircraft carrier

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he had given the official go-ahead to replace his country's flagship, the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. That vessel, the only nuclear-powered carrier outside the US Navy, entered service in 2001 following

Al Monitor • 15h

Iranians celebrate Yalda festival as economic woes bite

Iranians of all religions and walks of life mark the ancient Persian festival of Yalda Sunday, though many say economic hardships fanned by international sanctions will put a damper on this year's celebrations. Yalda falls on the winter solstice and is characterised by family

Al Monitor • 17h

France will build new aircraft carrier, Macron tells troops

PARIS, Dec 21 (Reuters) - France will build a new aircraft carrier to boost its capacities as a maritime power, President Emmanuel Macron told French troops gathered at a military base in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. "The decision to launch this vast programme was taken this week,"