Russia declares not to betray Syria
On December 9, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved asylum for former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family in Moscow after Damascus fell to opposition forces.
Russia's permanent representative to international organizations, Mikhail Ulyanov, stressed that the decision demonstrated Russia's commitment to its allies in difficult times. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Mr. Assad had stepped down after talks with the opposition and called for a peaceful transfer of power.
South Korean President banned from leaving the country
On December 9, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was officially banned from leaving the country due to his involvement in the failed attempt to impose martial law. The exit ban was issued by the Corruption Investigation Office, which targets high-ranking officials, headed by Oh Dong-woon.
Justice Ministry official Bae Sang-up confirmed the order had been carried out. Earlier, President Yoon survived an impeachment vote in the National Assembly on December 7 and publicly apologized to the people for the inconvenience caused.
Syria has an interim prime minister
Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed as Syria's interim prime minister and will hold the position until March 1, 2025. In a speech on state television, al-Bashir said he had held a cabinet meeting with members from the interim government and the old government.
He once led a small area in northwestern Syria controlled by opposition forces. In Damascus, after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown, life gradually returned to normal with banks, shops, and security forces operating steadily.
Mr. Trump was honored as "Person of the Year" for the second time.
Time magazine named President-elect Donald Trump "Person of the Year" on December 12, marking the second time he has received the title after 2016. This is a recognition given to the individual who has the greatest influence on global issues.
To mark the occasion, Mr Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. His family, including Ivanka Trump, attended the ceremony. Time has previously awarded the title to a wide range of prominent figures, from heads of state to activists and artists.
