France President Emmanuel Macron praised the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, calling it a testament to what great nations can achieve. During the reopening ceremony, Paris firefighters, who saved the landmark during the 2019 blaze, were given a standing ovation for their heroic efforts. Macron emphasized the importance of preserving the cathedral, describing the reconstruction as a lesson in humility and determination. The five-year restoration, costing 700 million euros, was completed on time, despite setbacks such as lead contamination, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tragic death of the project’s overseeing general.

Syrian rebels took over Damascus on Sunday, ending the Assad regime's decades-long rule. Russia confirmed President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, issuing orders for a peaceful power transfer before departing. Rebel leader Golani declared on state television, "The future is ours," vowing to continue their revolution. Celebrations erupted as fighters and residents took to the streets, proclaiming Damascus "liberated." Russia’s military bases in Syria are on high alert, though no immediate threats are reported. Earlier speculation suggested Assad's plane might have crashed during his escape. The fall of Damascus marks a pivotal shift in Syria's tumultuous civil conflict.

South Korea faces a political crisis as opposition parties plan to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his brief martial law declaration. Yoon apologized for the chaos but refused to step down, leaving his party to decide his fate. The Democratic Party demands his suspension and prosecution for alleged insurrection, alongside investigations into ex-defense officials. Massive protests outside parliament, with over 150,000 participants, amplify public anger. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured allies of stability amid ongoing tension. Yoon's controversial martial law, rescinded in six hours, remains a focal point of unrest in the nation.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus, with rebels entering the capital and declaring the "end of an era." Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali stated the government is ready for a power handover. Rebels from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham breached the Sednaya prison, symbolizing Assad's regime’s downfall. Hezbollah forces, once loyal to Assad, have withdrawn, while panic spread through Damascus. The rebellion, which began in 2011 as a peaceful protest, has now led to Assad's ousting, with Syrian soldiers fleeing to Iraq amid the ongoing civil war.

King Charles and Queen Camilla unveiled their 2024 Christmas card, featuring a sunny garden portrait taken in April at Buckingham Palace. Photographed by Millie Pilkington, the image captures a smiling King in a grey suit with a blue tie, and Queen Camilla in a blue wool crepe dress. This marks their third Christmas card since Charles ascended the throne. The message inside reads: “Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year.” Unlike last year’s formal coronation photo, this year’s card reflects a more casual moment following the King’s recovery from cancer. Around 2,700 cards will be sent worldwide.

Syrian rebel forces have taken control of Damascus, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year regime. Facing no resistance, rebels declared the city free, as Assad reportedly fled to an undisclosed location. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham faction proclaimed the fall of the "dark era," liberating key areas, including the notorious Saydnaya prison. The rapid advance followed a week-long offensive, with cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Homs falling swiftly. Panic gripped the capital, with gunfire and mass exodus of loyalists reported. Assad's departure signals a dramatic turn in Syria’s 13-year civil war, reshaping the nation’s political landscape.

President-elect Donald Trump declared the U.S. should avoid involvement in Syria, describing the nation as “not our friend.” In a post on Truth Social, he emphasized, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.” Trump cited Russia's preoccupation with the Ukraine conflict, suggesting Moscow’s diminishing role in Syria might benefit it. He also highlighted his long-standing opposition to the deployment of U.S. troops in Syria, advocating for withdrawal to prevent regional power vacuums. Trump's comments reflect his skepticism of prolonged U.S. military presence, which he criticized during his first term as detrimental to American interests.

Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced they are closing in on Damascus, claiming to be in the final phase of encircling the capital. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani stated forces are within 20 kilometers of the city, while government officials denied any retreat, affirming control over the Damascus countryside. Despite the government's claims, significant losses in Daraa and Quneitra were reported. Airstrikes by government forces continue as casualties rise. Rebel forces have pledged to protect Syria's minorities, while Hezbollah deploys fighters to support the regime near the Lebanese border.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided impeachment after his martial law declaration, as his People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. Opposition protests drew up to 1 million demonstrators demanding Yoon’s removal. Yoon had briefly suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, sparking global concern. Despite his apology for the turmoil, the impeachment motion failed to gain the required two-thirds majority. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung vowed to reintroduce the motion. Analysts predict a prolonged crisis with weekly protests as Yoon's approval rating plummets to 13%. Critics call Yoon "politically dead," urging his resignation.

Syrian forces have lost control of Daraa city, a key area in the 2011 uprising. Daraa’s fall marks another major defeat for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now control most of Daraa province. The rebels are advancing toward Homs and Damascus, pushing closer to Assad’s power base. In the east, government forces retreated from Deir Ezzor, losing territory to Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces have failed to halt the rebels. Over 280,000 people have been displaced amid the ongoing conflict.