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WASHINGTON — The FBI should have done more to gather intelligence before the Capitol riot, according to a watchdog report Thursday that also said no undercover FBI employees were on the scene on Jan. 6, 2021, and that none of the bureau's informants was authorized to participate. The report from the Justice Department inspector general's office knocks down a fringe conspiracy theory advanced by some Republicans in Congress that the FBI played a role in instigating the events that day, when rioters determined to overturn Republican Donald Trump's 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden stormed the building in a violent clash with police. The review, released nearly four years after a dark chapter in history that shook the bedrock of American democracy, was narrow in scope, but aimed to shed light on gnawing questions that have dominated public discourse, including whether major intelligence failures preceded the riot and whether the FBI in some way provoked the violence. People are also reading... Rioters loyal to Donald Trump gather Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. The report offers a mixed assessment of the FBI's performance in the run-up to the riot, crediting the bureau for preparing for the possibility of violence and for trying to identify known "domestic terrorism subjects" who planned to come to Washington that day. But it said the FBI, in an action the now-deputy director described as a "basic step that was missed," failed to canvass informants across all 56 of its field offices for any relevant intelligence. That was a step, the report concluded, "that could have helped the FBI and its law enforcement partners with their preparations in advance of January 6." The report found 26 FBI informants were in Washington for election-related protests on Jan. 6, including three who were tasked with traveling to the city to report on others who were potentially planning to attend the day's events. While four informants entered the Capitol, none were authorized to do so by the bureau or to break the law, the report said. Rioters storm the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Many of the 26 informants provided the FBI with information before the riot, but it "was no more specific than, and was consistent with, other sources of information" that the FBI acquired. The FBI said in a letter responding to the report that it accepts the inspection general's recommendation "regarding potential process improvements for future events." The lengthy review was launched days after the riot as the FBI faced questions over whether it had missed warning signs or adequately disseminated intelligence it received, including a Jan. 5, 2021, bulletin prepared by the FBI's Norfolk, Virginia, field office that warned of the potential for "war" at the Capitol. The inspector general found the information in that bulletin was broadly shared. FBI Director Chris Wray, who announced this week his plans to resign at the end of Biden's term in January, defended his agency's handing of the intelligence report. He told lawmakers in 2021 that the report was disseminated though the joint terrorism task force, discussed at a command post in Washington and posted on an internet portal available to other law enforcement agencies. "We did communicate that information in a timely fashion to the Capitol Police and (Metropolitan Police Department) in not one, not two, but three different ways," Wray said at the time. FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks March 11 during a hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Separately, the report said the FBI's New Orleans field office was told by a source between November 2020 and early January 2021 that protesters were planning to station a "quick reaction force" in northern Virginia "to be armed and prepared to respond to violence that day in DC, if necessary." That information was shared with the FBI's Washington Field Office, members of intelligence agencies and some federal law enforcement agencies the day before the riot, the inspector general found. But there was no indication the FBI told northern Virginia police about the information, the report said. An FBI official told the inspector general there was "nothing actionable or immediately concerning about it." A cache of weapons at a Virginia hotel as part of a "quick reaction force" was a central piece of the Justice Department's seditious conspiracy case against Oath Keeper leader Stewart Rhodes and other members of the far-right extremist group. Trump supporters, including Douglas Jensen, center, confront U.S. Capitol Police on Jan. 6, 2021, in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington. The conspiracy theory that federal law enforcement officers entrapped members of the mob has been spread in conservative circles, including by some Republican lawmakers. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., recently suggested on a podcast that agents pretending to be Trump supporters were responsible for instigating the violence. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who withdrew as Trump's pick as attorney general amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, sent a letter to Wray in 2021 asking how many undercover agents or informants were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and if they were "merely passive informants or active instigators." Wray said the "notion that somehow the violence at the Capitol on January 6 was part of some operation orchestrated by FBI sources and agents is ludicrous." Images of chaos: AP photographers capture US Capitol riot Rioters scale a wall at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump attend a rally on the Ellipse near the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Trump supporters participate in a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Trump supporters participate in a rally Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Then-President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to speak at a rally in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) People listen as then-President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters of then-President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A supporter of then-President Donald Trump is injured during clashes with police at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A rioter pours water on herself at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) A Trump supporter holds a Bible as he gathers with others outside the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) A demonstrator supporting then-President Donald Trump, is sprayed by police, Jan. 6, 2021, during a day of rioting at the Capitol.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) Rioters try to enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) U.S. Capitol Police try to hold back rioters outside the east doors to the House side of the U.S. Capitol, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Rioters gather outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Jacob Anthony Chansley, center, with other insurrectionists who supported then-President Donald Trump, are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber in the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Chansley, was among the first group of insurrectionists who entered the hallway outside the Senate chamber. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) U.S. Capitol Police hold rioters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Lawmakers evacuate the floor as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Police with guns drawn watch as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Congressmen shelter in the House gallery as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Members of Congress wear emergency gas masks as they are evacuated from the House gallery as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) The House gallery is empty after it was evacuated as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2021, after rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Members of the DC National Guard surround the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., read the final certification of Electoral College votes cast in November's presidential election during a joint session of Congress after working through the night, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool) A flag hangs between broken windows after then-President Donald Trump supporters tried to break through police barriers outside the U.S. Capitol, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) A flag that reads "Treason" is visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2021, after rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) An ATF police officer cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2021, after rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Fencing is placed around the exterior of the Capitol grounds, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 in Washington. The House and Senate certified the Democrat's electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Because we share this space every weekend, I often go back to see what previously occupied this location to avoid repetition. Inevitably, it happens. When you write 52 of these a year, the same stories ultimately pop up over the course of several years. So we’ll try not to be repetitive with stories you’ve heard before. Last year’s entry was about Christmas memories of long ago. Those thoughts inevitably come back to us to at this time of year, Since COVID, Christmases have been different for us. The number of empty seats, empty spots in hearts, slowly grows. There are reasons to celebrate, of course. Older babies have started college. Younger babies are getting a little more mobile. Weddings and engagements point to a growing family. The holiday season — for me covering Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year — represent a magical month. Busy, yes. Hectic, yes. Special, yes. The newsroom has spent the last 6-8 weeks planning what we think is cool, engaging content to close out the year. The content is what we call “evergreen,” so it can run at any time. Our annual Made a Difference series started Saturday with a look at Karen Musser, who is involved in just about everything moving in Mifflinburg. Today Eric Frantz is something making a difference in the Valley. His junior firefighting club has taken off in Danville with other schools inquiring about establishing a similar club in their districts. Today’s page A1 is the launch of our week-long series looking at repurposed neighborhood schools. Today looks at the community hub that was once Lewisburg High has remained a community hub, housing among other great outreaches the Lewisburg Children’s Museum. Over the course of the next few days, we will look at four other schools, including some on Danville, Montandon, Sunbury and Middleburg. These packages offer a chance to dig into our memory banks. When you have some time over the coming days — hopefully you have some off to spend with friends and family — read them at your leisure. And let us know of others who have made a difference in your life, or the Valley. We are always stocking nominees for next year’s profiles. A reminder: There will be no print edition of The Daily Item on Wednesday. In line with the decision made by a previous publisher, our staff will spend Christmas Eve with their families so no print edition will be sent. Normal production will resume Christmas night in the newsroom with both The Daily Item and the weekly Danville News landing in your inboxes or doorstep Thursday morning. Rest assured, if any news breaks, it will be available at dailyitem.com as soon as possible Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Have a great holiday. Email comments to bbowman@dailyitem.com .Sunday, December 22, 2024 Rosen Law Firm, a prominent global advocate for investor rights, has announced an investigation into the actions of Southwest Airlines’ directors and officers. The focus of the probe is on potential breaches of fiduciary duties related to the airline’s information technology infrastructure and its impact on the company’s operations, financial health, and stock performance. As a key player in the aviation industry, Southwest Airlines has faced increasing scrutiny over its IT systems, particularly in light of disruptions and challenges that have raised questions about the company’s management and governance. The investigation seeks to determine whether Southwest’s leadership adequately safeguarded shareholder interests by ensuring robust oversight of its technological resources and operational efficiency. Rosen Law Firm has built a global reputation for representing investors in complex securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. The firm’s distinguished record includes achieving the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company, a groundbreaking victory that underscores its commitment to holding corporate leaders accountable. Recognized as the top firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services for the number of settlements in 2017, Rosen Law Firm has maintained a consistent presence among the leading firms in securities litigation since 2013, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone, the firm secured an impressive $438 million in settlements for its clients. Under the leadership of founding partner Laurence Rosen, who was named a Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 in 2020, the firm has earned accolades for its relentless pursuit of justice. Many of its attorneys have been honored by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers, highlighting their expertise and dedication to investor advocacy. Rosen Law Firm’s enduring success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to protecting investor interests worldwide. By consistently challenging corporate misconduct and advocating for accountability, the firm has become a trusted ally for investors seeking justice and fair treatment. In this latest investigation into Southwest Airlines, Rosen Law Firm aims to shed light on whether the airline’s leadership upheld their fiduciary responsibilities, particularly regarding the technological backbone that is critical to its operations. Investors are encouraged to monitor developments in this case closely, as the findings could have far-reaching implications for corporate governance and shareholder value. Rosen Law Firm’s efforts once again highlight its mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in the corporate world.
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setupSaint-Denis FC’s dream run in the Coupe de France ended abruptly as they faltered at the 32nd finals, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against SU Dives-Cabourg. The match unfolded at the frosty Heurtematte Stadium in Dives-sur-Mer, Normandy, leaving the Saint-Denis players disheartened while their opponents celebrated their advancement. Before the kickoff, a solemn minute of silence was observed in memory of victims of Cyclone Chido. As the whistle blew, both teams seemed poised for battle, but the first half concluded with a goalless stalemate. Saint-Denis displayed early promise, with midfielder Jeffrey Damour reflecting that an initial lead could have changed the game’s dynamics. Opportunities Slip Away Saint-Denis had their moments, missing several chances to take the lead. Dorian Bertrand’s attempt in the 7th minute was one of few opportunities. However, fortune didn’t favor them, and as Tito, a forward for Saint-Denis, noted, the game hinged on capitalizing on such chances. Normandy Reigns The tide turned in the second half when SU Dives-Cabourg’s Théo Fontaine broke the deadlock at the 60-minute mark. Alban Bekombo sealed the victory with a second goal 15 minutes later. Saint-Denis goalkeeper Tony Derfla lamented a key error that led to new heights for their opponents. Meanwhile, other shocking results on December 21 included Le Puy’s stunning 4-0 victory over Ligue 1’s Montpellier and Saint-Brieuc’s triumph over Le Havre. The thrilling weekend of French football continued with marquee clashes featuring Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon. What the Future Holds for Saint-Denis FC After Their Coupe de France Exit In the chilly ambiance of Heurtematte Stadium, Saint-Denis FC’s promising journey in the Coupe de France came to an end, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to SU Dives-Cabourg. As the team reflects on their performance, questions about the future of Saint-Denis FC and what comes next for the club emerge, along with insights into their journey and the broader footballing trends. Trending Football Insights The Coupe de France remains a tournament where surprises are the norm, as seen with shocking results like Le Puy’s dominant 4-0 victory over Montpellier. Such outcomes highlight the increasing competitiveness and unpredictability in French football, providing optimism for smaller clubs like Saint-Denis FC in future competitions. The Road Ahead for Saint-Denis FC Despite their exit, the journey offers valuable lessons and the opportunity for growth. Developing stronger attacking strategies and focusing on capitalizing on opportunities will be crucial. Saint-Denis FC’s management, including Coach Greg Yao, will likely consider reinforcements and tactical adjustments to enhance the team’s competitive edge. Key Players to Watch Midfielder Jeffrey Damour and forward Tito have shown potential, indicating they could form the spine of future team strategies. Their performance in crucial matches underscores the importance of honing key talent and handling pressure situations effectively. Spotlight on the Club’s Development Programs With a focus on nurturing young talent, Saint-Denis FC might amplify its investment in youth development programs. Initiatives to scout and develop grassroots talent can ensure a sustainable pipeline of players equipped for both domestic and national-level challenges. Embracing Innovation and Technology Saint-Denis FC might explore adopting technology-driven solutions for player training and match analysis. Data analytics could play a pivotal role in devising strategies, improving player performance, and minimizing errors seen in critical match moments. Exploring Financial Sustainability The club also needs to look at financial sustainability and growth. By fostering partnerships and exploring sponsorships, Saint-Denis FC can secure the financial backing necessary for player acquisitions and infrastructure improvements. Conclusion For teams like Saint-Denis FC, a setback in the Coupe de France is both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing innovation, focusing on player development, and ensuring financial stability, the club can pave a path for future success in French football. As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, they will undoubtedly seek to convert experience into triumphs on the field. For more insights and updates regarding Saint-Denis FC, you can explore the relevant resources by visiting the [French Football Federation’s official website](https://www.fff.fr).Harte hanks director Bradley Radoff buys over $100k in stockTrump says it could be worth keeping TikTok in US for a little while
Mary Fowler's return overshadowed by horrible incident after withdrawal from Matildas gamesDade Phelan, the two-time Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, announced Friday he will not seek a third term, stepping aside amid criticism from within his own party. The speaker faced significant backlash after initiating a failed impeachment of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton . During a May runoff race, Phelan’s opponent, Dave Covey, received endorsements from Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and President-elect Donald Trump. “By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country—a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent,” Phelan wrote in a statement . STATEMENT: Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the Speaker’s race. #TxLege pic.twitter.com/a3nfKWtGQD — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) Paxton celebrated his decision, calling his legacy “one of betrayal.” “Phelan’s legacy is one of betrayal: prioritizing Democrat interests over his own caucus, leaving Republican members exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt and consistently failing to deliver for the voters who sent him to Austin,” Paxton wrote in an official statement . “His so-called ‘leadership’ disqualified him long before this moment.” “Any Republican backing Phelan is a fool, and should be disassociated from the Republican Party,” Trump posted to Truth Social in February. Republican State Reps. Dustin Burrows and David Cook are now the leading contenders for the speakership. Burrows has faced his own criticism, particularly regarding transgender medical treatments for minors. Paxton attacked Burrows as Phelan’s handpicked candidate and a representative of the “Austin establishment.” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Prominent Police Organization Throws Support Behind Kristi Noem In Confirmation Process) During his tenure as the Calendars Committee chairman in the 87th Legislature, Burrows was accused of allowing bills that would have banned certain “gender-affirming” medical procedures for minors to die in committee. One such bill, House Bill 1399 , which would have prohibited such procedures for individuals under 18, remained on the General State Calendar until the legislative session’s end. Jeff Younger, a Texas resident and independent writer whose ex-wife is raising his son as a girl , criticized Burrows, arguing that the state was delayed in preventing children from undergoing sex change surgeries. As leader of the Calendar Committee, Dustin Burrows killed the bill outlawing sex change surgeries on kids. It took us another two years to get it passed. Hundreds of children were harmed. Dustin Borrows supports transing kids. He must not lead the House. — Jeff Younger (@JeffYoungerShow) December 5, 2024 The race for Texas House speaker continues to be a contentious issue within the state’s Republican Party.
Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives , hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, explore recent advancements in incretin-based therapies, highlighting their transformative potential for diabetes management and weight loss. The episode opens with a detailed discussion on Amgen’s maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide; AMG-133), an investigational antibody peptide conjugate offering remarkable efficacy for obesity and overweight in Phase 2 trial data. At 52 weeks, participants without type 2 diabetes (T2D) experienced an average weight loss of ~20% with MariTide treatment without a weight loss plateau, while those with T2D achieved up to a ~17% average reduction without a plateau. The hosts underscored the potential impact of this type of therapy, particularly in addressing adherence challenges posed by the more frequent dosing schedules of current options. Hosts cited the potential safety concerns, but noted that AMG-133 could represent a significant step forward in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders. The conversation then shifted to a head-to-head comparison of two leading incretin therapies for obesity: tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy). Tirzepatide emerged as a frontrunner in the SURMOUNT-5 trial, contributing to a mean body weight reduction of 20.2% versus 13.7% achieved with semaglutide. Isaacs and Bellini discuss how these findings might influence clinical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs. They also touch on the practical implications of these therapies in both obesity and diabetes care, given the growing prevalence of these conditions. In the final segment, Isaacs and Bellini addressed a critical safety issue: the proliferation of non-FDA-approved compounded glucgaon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released a statement warning against these unregulated formulations due to concerns over safety, quality control, and potential adverse effects. Despite the growing popularity of compounded versions as a lower-cost alternative, the hosts stressed the importance of prioritizing patient safety. They advised clinicians to steer patients toward evidence-based, FDA-approved therapies that have undergone rigorous testing and demonstrated consistent efficacy and safety profiles. Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others.Syrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. - 'Shuffle the cards' - One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. - Deadly crackdown - But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhb
NEW YORK — Darrion Williams scored 13 of his 20 points in the second half and Texas Tech kept Syracuse at bay for a 79-74 victory in the third-place game of the Legends Classic on Friday. JT Toppin scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half, Chance McMillian finished with 13 and Elijah Hawkins had 11 points and six assists for the Red Raiders (5-1). J.J. Starling was 9-of-15 shooting and scored 27 points and Chris Bell 22, making all 11 of his free throws, to lead the Orange (3-2). Donnie Freeman grabbed 13 rebounds to go with five points. Shooting stats were about even but Syracuse had 12 turnovers to the Raiders' three giving Texas Tech an 18-7 edge on points off errors. The game was tied when McMillian hit consecutive 3-pointers five minutes into the second half. Texas Tech built on that lead with an 11-3 run with Toppin and Williams combining for nine points as the Red Raiders went up 59-47 with nine minutes remaining. Bell missed a wide-open 3 from the baseline and Williams then worked inside for a bucket and a seven-point edge with 1:13 to go. From there eight free throws held off the Orange. Texas Tech led most of the first half with its largest lead of seven coming with five minutes left on a Christian Anderson 3-pointer. Starling brought the Orange back, scoring seven points in the final four minutes, including a 3 in the final minute to go into the break tied at 31-all.
NEW YORK -- NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” The Manhattan district attorney's office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won't include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn't sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump" who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.
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