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American "Pilgrim" Freed from Syrian Prison Flies out of Syria
Travis Timmerman, an American citizen who had been imprisoned in Syria, has been flown to safety after his release by rebel forces earlier this week, a U.S. official confirmed on Friday. The official, speaking anonymously, stated that Timmerman had been transferred to Jordan, where he is now under the care of State Department officials. The American’s disappearance had been a source of distress for his family. His parents revealed that he went missing in June, leaving them with no information about his whereabouts for months. His release came shortly after Syrian rebels overthrew Assad's control in parts of the country, leading to a reshuffling of local power dynamics. In a statement to the media, Timmerman identified himself and dispelled initial rumors on social media suggesting he might be Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012. Instead, Timmerman shared that he had been held in Syria for seven months after crossing into the country illegally from Lebanon. Referring to himself as a "pilgrim," he explained his detention and eventual release during an interview with CBS News. "I was trying to find my way out after being released from prison earlier this week," Timmerman said, describing his ordeal. His physical condition reflected his difficult experience: pale and bearing a long, unkempt beard. A video posted on Thursday showed him being introduced in Arabic as an American, marking the first visual confirmation of his identity since his disappearance. The White House has indicated that it had no prior knowledge of Timmerman's presence in Syria. His unexpected reemergence underscores the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict and the challenges of accounting for foreign nationals in the war-torn region. For now, Timmerman’s safe transfer to Jordan represents a rare moment of relief amid a backdrop of uncertainty. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-14 -
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Prince Andrew's Chinese Spy Connection Gained access to Multiple Royal Residences
Prince Andrew is facing scrutiny after revelations that an alleged Chinese spy, barred from entering the UK on national security grounds, gained access to multiple royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle. The Chinese businessman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, reportedly attended these venues at the duke’s invitation and was even a guest at Andrew’s birthday party at Royal Lodge, his Windsor estate home. This individual, now linked to espionage activities for the Chinese Communist Party, entered the UK undetected prior to being stopped at the border under counterterrorism laws in 2021. During a hearing on Thursday, the businessman’s failed attempt to overturn his entry ban brought his connections with the Duke of York to light, raising questions about the extent of his access and influence within British institutions. A statement from Prince Andrew's office confirmed that he had “ceased all contact” with the individual after concerns were flagged by His Majesty’s Government. The statement emphasized that all meetings with the businessman occurred through official channels and involved no sensitive discussions. However, the revelations have reignited debates about Andrew’s associations and the oversight of his activities, particularly during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy. The businessman’s phone reportedly contained a letter from Dominic Hampshire, a senior adviser to Andrew, indicating the depth of their connection. The letter, dated March 2021, described the businessman as being at “the very top” of Andrew’s network of confidants and referenced his invitation to the duke’s birthday party. Another letter confirmed that the businessman was authorized to represent Andrew in meetings with potential Chinese partners for the Eurasia Fund, an international financial initiative. Prince Andrew’s ties to China date back over two decades, stemming from his role as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment, a position he held from 2001 to 2011. Although he did not receive a salary for this role, his expenses and travel costs were covered by public funds. Records show his international trips, including numerous visits to China, amounted to significant taxpayer expenditures, sparking questions about his activities beyond official duties. Concerns over Andrew’s associations have been compounded by broader warnings about Chinese espionage. MI5 and the FBI have highlighted efforts by China’s United Front Work Department to influence key figures in the UK and US. Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat called for an urgent investigation, emphasizing the need to understand the level of influence exerted on figures like Andrew. Tugendhat noted that such activities are often subtle, involving efforts to cultivate relationships for indirect access to influential networks rather than direct espionage. The controversy adds to Prince Andrew’s embattled legacy, which has been marred by his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his widely criticized 2019 Newsnight interview. After stepping down as trade envoy in 2011, Andrew continued traveling extensively and using Buckingham Palace as his business address. His official royal duties ceased entirely in 2019, and recent reports indicate the King has since cut him off financially. While Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the recent revelations, a palace source confirmed that the King had been briefed about Andrew’s connections to the alleged spy. The ongoing fallout underscores the enduring challenges surrounding Prince Andrew’s public image and the broader implications of security vulnerabilities at the heart of British institutions. Based on a report by The Times 2024-12-14 -
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Daniel Penny Joins Trump and Vance as Guest of Honor at Army-Navy Game
Daniel Penny, the New York City subway rider recently acquitted of killing a homeless man during a subway altercation, attended the annual Army-Navy football game near Washington, D.C., as a guest of honor of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The game, a storied rivalry between two branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, was held at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and marked the finale of the college football season's Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy series. Penny, a former U.S. Marine who became a prominent conservative figure during his trial, was invited by Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. Ahead of the game, Vance shared on social media, “Grateful Daniel Penny accepted my invitation to join us in President Trump’s suite on the Army side.” Penny was cleared earlier this week of criminally negligent homicide after using a fatal chokehold to restrain Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, during a May 2023 subway incident. Neely, who had a history of mental illness, had been shouting at passengers and asking for money. The case drew widespread attention and sparked debates on public safety and the treatment of mental health and homelessness in New York City. Speaking about the acquittal, Vance defended Penny, stating, “He’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone.” The senator also criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, calling it “a scandal” that Penny was prosecuted. At the game, Penny was photographed speaking with Trump and Vance inside the suite. Penny’s lawyer, Steven Raiser, emphasized that his attendance was not politically motivated, saying his client viewed the invitation as an honor. “If it were a president in office who was a Democrat, who invited him to the Army-Navy game as a way to show support to the military and for his country, he would have gladly accepted that as well,” Raiser said. The event drew several high-profile attendees from Trump’s inner circle, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Others present included Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, and Kash Patel, slated to head the FBI under the incoming administration. Notably, Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, also made an appearance. Penny’s acquittal followed prosecutors’ decision to drop a second-degree manslaughter charge after jurors could not reach a consensus. Despite being cleared of criminal charges, Penny faces a civil lawsuit filed by Neely’s father, who is seeking damages for alleged civil assault and battery. Raiser previously dismissed the lawsuit as a “distraction.” The Army-Navy game provided a symbolic stage for Penny, who has been at the center of a national debate. His case has polarized opinions, with some viewing him as a vigilante and others commending his actions as protective of fellow passengers. The May subway incident triggered protests across New York City and reignited discussions about the challenges of mental health and homelessness in urban areas. As the fallout from the case continues, Penny’s presence at the game alongside Trump and Vance underscored his evolving role as a conservative icon while also highlighting the broader conversations his case has ignited in American society. Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-16 -
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The Fall of Assad: A Blow to His British Apologists and Global Allies
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has not only shaken the geopolitical landscape but has also left a trail of embarrassment for his staunch defenders in Britain. Figures like Jeremy Corbyn and George Galloway, who vocally opposed intervention against Assad, now face a reckoning as Syrians celebrate the end of his tyrannical rule. George Galloway: "The Arab world is now dead to me. The Syrian Arab Republic was its last gasp." In the aftermath of Ghouta, British Prime Minister David Cameron called for military intervention to enforce President Barack Obama’s "red line" on the use of chemical weapons. Yet, Cameron’s efforts were thwarted in Parliament, where a coalition of Conservative and Labour MPs voted against action, rejecting regime change in Syria by a narrow margin of 285 to 272. This decision marked a turning point, signaling Western reluctance to confront Assad militarily. Jeremy Corbyn, who became Labour leader in 2015, carried forward the anti-interventionist banner. When the United States launched missile strikes on Shayrat Airbase in April 2017 after Assad used chemical weapons again, Corbyn condemned the act as lacking UN authorization. He went further in 2018, describing coordinated strikes by the US, UK, and France on Assad’s facilities as "legally questionable" and likely to escalate the conflict. Yet, Corbyn’s fierce criticism of Western actions was conspicuously absent when it came to Russia’s brutal role in propping up Assad through relentless bombing campaigns and atrocities. This glaring inconsistency highlighted the selective outrage of British Assad apologists. While these figures had limited direct influence on policy, their rhetoric clouded public debate and eroded support for action against Assad. This allowed the West to step back, leaving the Syrian opposition to fend for itself. The consequences were devastating, as Assad tightened his grip on power with the help of Russia and Iran. Now, as Assad’s military defenses crumble and his regime disintegrates, Syrians are cautiously celebrating his ousting. His downfall lays bare the truth that he was a despised despot, devoid of popular legitimacy. The jubilant scenes of ordinary Syrians rejoicing are tempered by uncertainty over what groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) might do next and fears about the nation’s battered economy. For Assad’s defenders in Britain, his fall is a bitter pill to swallow. Their efforts to shield him from criticism and obstruct Western intervention stand in stark contrast to the Syrian people's desire for liberation. As the region moves into a new chapter, the legacy of Assad’s tyranny—and the misguided loyalties of his apologists—serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of ideological blindness. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-16 -
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Dubai's Dark Side: The Strict Rules That Could Land Tourists in Jail
Dubai is often seen as a paradise of luxury, attracting visitors with its glittering skyline, five-star hotels, and glamorous nightlife. However, behind the city’s opulent facade lies a stringent legal system that can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare for unsuspecting tourists. The strict rules governing behavior in Dubai are not just cultural guidelines—they are enforceable laws with serious consequences. Eighteen-year-old Londoner Marcus Fakana learned this the hard way. His consensual relationship with a 17-year-old fellow tourist resulted in a one-year jail sentence, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposes severe restrictions on sexual relationships involving minors, regardless of consent. Even for adults, relationships outside of marriage can be fraught with legal risks. While generally permitted, extra-marital relationships can lead to imprisonment if the other person’s spouse or parent files a complaint. The UK Government warns travelers to be vigilant about other less obvious legal pitfalls in Dubai. For instance, taking photos without someone’s permission is not just a breach of privacy but a punishable offense under UAE law. Simon Hood, Executive Director at John Mason International, explains, “Snapping a quick photo of someone without their permission is a serious no-go and can land you in trouble—even if it’s just in the background. It’s not just about courtesy—it’s the law.” Other seemingly harmless activities can also have grave repercussions. Using a VPN to bypass internet restrictions, a common practice in many countries, is illegal in Dubai. Many tourists inadvertently break the law by leaving VPNs running on their devices, unaware of the potential consequences. Posting critical or defamatory content online—whether about the government, companies, or individuals—is another legal minefield. An Irish man, for example, faces several years in prison for sending a ninja emoji in a dispute over stolen belongings, an act deemed offensive under UAE law. Public displays of affection, including kissing, are frowned upon and could lead to arrest. The UK Government also warns against using profanity or making rude gestures, as these are considered obscene acts that could result in jail time or deportation. Alcohol consumption is similarly restricted. Tourists may drink in licensed establishments, but being intoxicated in public or drinking without a license in a private residence is illegal. Even road rage incidents involving offensive gestures can lead to hefty fines, jail, or deportation. Same-sex relationships are another area where Dubai’s legal system diverges significantly from Western norms. Same-sex sexual activity remains illegal, and same-sex marriages are not recognized. These laws are rigorously enforced, leaving little room for personal discretion. Dubai’s allure lies in its blend of modern luxury and traditional values, but for tourists, understanding and respecting its laws is essential. What might seem like an innocent action elsewhere could result in severe penalties in the UAE. Visitors should take heed of these rules, as ignorance is no defense under Dubai’s unforgiving legal system. The city’s glittering appeal comes with a sobering caveat: its strict laws leave no room for missteps. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-12-16 -
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Introduction to Personal Income Tax in Thailand
The word pension doesn't need to be mentioned specifically, it is covered by the high level statement. "income from personal services rendered to employers;" ....... is the broadest highest level statement which includes everything related to having a job and being paid for doing work. Page 11 of the PWC tax handbook explains it better than the RD code, which is translated from Thai and loses some definition in the translation. https://www.pwc.com/th/en/tax/assets/thai-tax/thai-tax-booklet-2022-23.pdf -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 16 December 2024
Landslide Buries Workers’ Camp on Koh Samui, Two Missing In the early hours of the morning, of December 15, a landslide struck a workers’ camp in Koh Samui, leaving two individuals missing. The incident occurred at 04:00 in the construction area located on a hillside in Soi Hima Thong, Moo 1, Maret Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346256-landslide-buries-workers’-camp-on-koh-samui-two-missing/
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