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  1. Overview On December 11, 2024, the Syrian rebel coalition captured Damascus, officially declaring the city “liberated.” This marks a critical turning point in the 13-year Syrian civil war. The rebels claim a decisive victory aimed at "ending dictatorship and restoring democracy." 2. Key Developments 2-1. Advance on Damascus The rebels captured Aleppo and Hama before advancing to Damascus, overpowering the last government stronghold. Thousands of troops participated in the offensive, culminating in fierce battles that forced government forces to retreat. 2-2. Rebel Goals The rebels announced plans to establish a new democratic government, promising "a new era of freedom and justice." Efforts to form an interim government are reportedly underway. 2-3. Role of External Forces Reports suggest that Turkey and Gulf states provided critical military and logistical support to the rebels, enabling their successful advance. 3. International Reactions 3-1. Support from We...

  On December 1, 2024, Romania held parliamentary elections in which the pro-Western Social Democratic Party (PSD) secured victory with 23.9% of the vote. However, the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) garnered significant attention by finishing second with 17.9% of the vote. Yna This election followed the first round of the presidential election on November 24, where independent far-right candidate Călin Georgescu led with 22.94% of the vote. These outcomes signal a substantial shift in Romania's political landscape, highlighting the rise of far-right forces. Yna As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), Romania has maintained close ties with the West. The recent surge of far-right influence raises concerns about potential changes in foreign policy. Notably, AUR's increased vote share aligns with the broader trend of expanding far-right influence across Europe. The election results reflect a diversification of p...