The Democrats' 2024 defeat had many causes, starting with inflation and immigration. In today's newsletter, I'll examine another item on the list: candidate quality.

President Putin says Russia is still deciding whether to keep military bases in Syria and claims that most Middle Eastern countries and ruling factions in Syria want Russia to stay.

Israel has launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks on Israel. The strikes killed nine people and targeted ports and energy infrastructure.

The New York Times presents '2024: The Year in Pictures,' a collection of powerful and history-making images that capture the biggest stories of the year.

Hundreds of soldiers and police officers who served under Bashar al-Assad heeded the call of Syria's new rulers to formally relinquish their ties to his ousted regime.

A stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments sold for over $5 million at auction. The tablet is about 1,500 years old and weighs 115 pounds.

The White House is intensifying efforts to find Austin Tice, an American journalist abducted in Syria in 2012, by providing a list of former Syrian officials to a rebel group and seeking assistance from Russia and Lebanese officials.

Ohad Fisherman, accused of sexual battery in connection with an alleged sexual assault in 2016, turned himself in to authorities in Miami. He will be released on bond once his family secures funds.

David Bonderman, co-founder of TPG, has died at 82. He helped transform private equity and was a key figure in reshaping corporate America.

Naomi Beckwith, the deputy director and chief curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, has been appointed as the artistic director of Documenta, the prestigious German contemporary art exhibition. She aims to navigate crises as a central theme of her exhibition and hopes to move on from recent controversies.

The Giving Pledge has removed Arif Naqvi, founder of the Abraaj Group, from its philanthropy group due to fraud allegations. Naqvi is the third person to be forcibly removed from the group.

The New York Times presents 'The Year in Pictures' featuring powerful and evocative images captured by their photographers in 2024.

The Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation and illicit drugs has led to the rapid decline of a once-booming drug town in Afghanistan.

Ukraine claims responsibility for the assassination of a Russian general in Moscow, raising concerns about potential retaliation from Russia.

George Santos, the disgraced former congressman, is still seeking attention after his lies and expulsion from Congress. He recently hosted a party to celebrate the launch of his podcast, 'Pants on Fire With George Santos.'

Ahmed al-Shara, the leader of the rebel coalition in Syria, has announced plans to disband armed opposition groups and integrate them under the defense ministry. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel visited territory in southwestern Syria, further complicating the situation in the region.

President Biden is nearing the end of his presidency, with signs of weariness showing as he embarks on his final days in office. Despite his age, Biden remains focused on accomplishing his goals and shaping his legacy as a consequential president. He plans to finish strong by checking off items on his presidential bucket list, such as visiting Angola and the Amazon rainforest. However, he faces challenges, including a lack of attention and influence compared to incoming President Donald J. Trump. Despite this, Biden remains engaged and determined to make a lasting impact before leaving office.

The U.S. has released a Kenyan prisoner who was held at Guantánamo Bay for nearly 18 years without charges. The detainee was approved for transfer three years ago as part of the Biden administration's effort to empty the wartime prison.

President Biden's request for additional military aid for Ukraine has received little attention and no serious consideration from lawmakers, signaling a shift in U.S. support for the country.

Hamas and Israel are engaged in serious talks to reach a cease-fire in Gaza and free the remaining hostages held there. Both sides have refrained from leaking details of the negotiations to the media, indicating a more serious approach this time.

New restaurants in Brooklyn, including Wayward Fare and F&F Restaurant and Bar, offer Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Entre Nous in Clinton Hill is a spacious wine bar with French specialties, while Libera in the Ace Hotel serves well-researched wines and tinned seafood. Peck Slip Social in the South Street Seaport offers a wide selection of whiskeys and a menu inspired by various cuisines. Fomo Momo brings Indian fusion dumplings to the East Village, and Edith's Sandwich Counter expands to the West Village. En Japanese Brasserie and Contento are both closing, and Frog Club has closed after less than a year. Gertie offers Hanukkah catering boxes, and Maison Passerelle is the upcoming fine-dining restaurant at the Printemps retail complex. The East Village Cookbook and Hatch Valley Green flakes make unique holiday gifts.

The United States has been collecting tips about the disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria since 2012, but potential clues remain untouched or destroyed.

Richard W. Murphy, a career diplomat and Mideast expert, has died at the age of 95. He served as ambassador to three Arab countries and played a key role in ending a civil war in Lebanon.

Elon Musk and SpaceX are under federal review for violating security reporting rules, including not providing details of meetings with foreign leaders. The Air Force has denied Musk high-level security access due to potential security risks. SpaceX employees have complained about lax reporting, and some have been fired or forced out.

A nominee to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit writes a letter to President Biden, thanking him for the nomination and addressing the religious discrimination and false accusations faced during the confirmation process.

Adeel Mangi, the first Muslim American nominated for a federal appellate court judgeship, has withdrawn his name and criticized the Senate confirmation process in a letter to President Biden.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains silent on the collapse of his close ally, Bashar al-Assad, in Syria, indicating that the war in Ukraine is his top priority.

A private schools group has apologized after speakers at a conference made antisemitic remarks, characterizing Israel's war in Gaza as a genocide and the establishment of the state of Israel as a racist project.

Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, claims that his impatience helped push Japan to make bold revisions to its defense policy.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is meeting with Arab leaders in Jordan to discuss a political transition in Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

The Palestinian Authority has launched a crackdown on militants in the West Bank, particularly in the city of Jenin, to address the rising influence of armed groups and restore order. The violence in the West Bank has escalated since the Hamas attack on Israel last year, and the Palestinian Authority has struggled to fully control the situation.

Bluesky, a social media platform created by one of Twitter's original founders, has gained popularity as users seek an alternative to Twitter. However, the article questions whether Bluesky can avoid the same fate as Twitter and other social media platforms that have become toxic over time.

Syrians in Damascus are searching for loved ones who disappeared into the black hole of torture prisons under Assad's government after the rebel coalition overthrew the regime.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has been most active in the evenings, hosting lavish dinners, announcing nominations, and firing off texts to his aides.

President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Middle East adviser, Massad Boulos, is a truck salesman in Nigeria and not a billionaire mogul as previously believed.

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival will showcase politically charged films and mark the return of filmmakers Justin Lin and Bill Condon. The festival is also preparing to move from its Park City headquarters to a new location in 2027.

Sari Khoury, a Palestinian winemaker in the West Bank, continues to produce excellent natural wines despite the hardships and challenges he faces due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host of the 2034 men's World Cup, despite concerns over human rights and other issues.

Israel has launched airstrikes in Syria, targeting military assets and suspected chemical weapons stockpiles. Meanwhile, a hospital in northern Gaza is in danger due to a lack of basic supplies.

The British government must balance its clean energy agenda with support for the oil and gas industry, which provides jobs and energy for the country.

Efforts to remove honors accorded to Romanian fascists have faced resistance, contributing to the rise of ultranationalist Calin Georgescu and highlighting an identity crisis in the country.

The suspect in the killing of a health insurance executive in Manhattan is fighting extradition to New York and has been denied bail.

Patients in a hospital in northern Gaza are in danger of dying due to a lack of food and water, highlighting the dire living conditions and risk of famine for civilians in the area.

A group of nuns in Spain are facing eviction after breaking with the Roman Catholic Church and denouncing the Vatican.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to testify in his corruption trial, which has caused political instability and a deep political rift among Israelis.

Rebel forces in Syria have made significant advances, taking control of Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and finally entering the capital city of Damascus, bringing an end to more than five decades of rule by the Assad dynasty.

President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and fled Syria for Russia as rebels claim power.

Corruption and internal deterioration within Syria's military contributed to President Bashar al-Assad's fall from power, as rebels advanced on the capital, Damascus. The rebels' advance was also aided by their own organization and momentum, as well as al-Assad's effective abandonment by his foreign allies.

Israel enters Golan Heights buffer zone amid rebel offensive in Syria, positioning forces between rebel groups and Israeli communities.

The al-Assad family's legacy is one of savage oppression, with decades of bombing, detaining, and brutalizing opponents to maintain power.

Global leaders react to the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria with cautious optimism and support for the Syrian people. The U.N. special envoy calls it a 'watershed moment' and expresses hope for peace and reconciliation.

Australian musician Nick Cave has taken on a new role as a grief counselor, responding vulnerably to questions about faith, love, and loss on his website, the Red Hand Files. Cave's recent album, 'Wild God,' reflects his transformative journey through grief and has earned the Bad Seeds their first Grammy nomination.

Syrian forces are withdrawing from the suburbs of Damascus as rebel offensives approach the capital, posing a serious challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Rebel groups in Syria are challenging President Bashar al-Assad's power and pushing towards the capital, Damascus, after seizing much of the country's northwest.

Israeli attacks around Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza have killed or wounded scores of people, according to the hospital's director. The hospital was ordered to be evacuated by Israeli forces, causing panic and adding to the casualties. The situation inside and around the hospital is described as catastrophic, with medical supplies nearly depleted and hundreds of victims.

Anti-Assad rebels in Syria have made surprising gains, capturing major cities and heading toward the capital. The war has had a significant impact on the rest of the world, with the flood of refugees into Europe destabilizing politics in several countries.

Arsonists set fire to a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, causing significant damage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as antisemitism.

A manhunt is ongoing in New York City for the gunman who assassinated a health care executive. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay on in France despite his government falling in a no-confidence vote. Syrian rebels have advanced toward Damascus, seizing the city of Hama.

Pete Hegseth fights for defense secretary nomination; manhunt in New York City; Syrian rebels advance; stegosaurus fossil exhibited in New York; Pantone announces color of the year for 2025.

Lance Morrow, an award-winning essayist for Time magazine, has died at the age of 85. His elegant essays, often with historical sweep, appeared on Time's back page for two decades.

Pete Hegseth, the nominee for secretary of defense, has praised the Crusades and called for a Christian approach to governing. Concerns have been raised about his association with white supremacists and his religious expressions.

Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the most expensive F1 track ever built, presents challenges for teams with its unique features and twilight race conditions.

The war in Gaza has been especially challenging for people with disabilities, who face shortages in resources and restrictions on leaving Gaza.

Pete Hegseth's behavior and managerial experience have raised concerns about his ability to lead the Department of Defense.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol lifts martial law declaration after political turmoil.

The drop-off in Democratic votes in big blue cities does not mean that Kamala Harris would have won if Democrats had turned out in the numbers they did four years ago.

A cease-fire deal between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has been violated by both sides, raising questions about the durability of the truce.

The top U.N. envoy for the Middle East peace process criticizes the international community's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a permanent settlement and warning against sidelining the Palestinian Authority.

Black people in the United States suffer from psychosis at a rate roughly twice that of white people, according to growing research.

T Magazine explores the unique and eccentric artists who have made New York their home.

A new book by Julie Gilbert explores the life and work of writer Edna Ferber and the impact of her novel 'Giant' and its film adaptation.

Russia and Iran have pledged support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as his forces attempt to repel a rebel advance. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire, straining a recent cease-fire. The situation has increased the likelihood of a government collapse in France.

President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter for multiple felony convictions has drawn criticism from fellow Democrats and has further eroded Americans' faith in the justice system.

Democrats criticize Biden's pardon of his son, Russian strikes in Syria, and France's government faces a no-confidence vote.

Woody Allen reflects on his collaboration with Marshall Brickman, his friend and co-writer on movies like 'Annie Hall' and 'Manhattan'. Brickman passed away on Friday.

Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have launched an offensive on Aleppo, expanding their territory in northwest Syria. HTS, a former Al Qaeda affiliate, has rebranded and focused on governing the territory it controls. The group's rule is less brutal than that of the Islamic State, but it remains unpopular among residents.

President Biden pardoned his son Hunter last night, brushing away two federal convictions and granting his son clemency for any wrongdoing over the past decade.

A 1983 Pentagon war game called Proud Prophet provided critical lessons about the dangers of nuclear war and the need for clear communication and de-escalation. The game simulated a limited nuclear war that quickly escalated into global devastation, highlighting the risks of miscommunication and the difficulty of controlling an escalation once it begins. The lessons from Proud Prophet influenced American strategy during the Cold War, but have been largely forgotten in recent years as attention shifted to other security concerns. As the world enters a new era of nuclear uncertainty, the importance of clear communication and de-escalation cannot be overstated.

Miami's MiMo and Little River neighborhoods have been revitalized with locally owned hotels, restaurants, and shops, offering unique dining experiences, shopping opportunities, and cultural attractions.

President Biden pardons son; rebels advance in Syria; protests in Georgia

Opposition forces in Syria have taken advantage of weakened support for the government to seize new territory and shift the balance of power.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has offered Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and the father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany, a senior adviser role covering Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

Angelina Jolie stars in the film 'Maria' about the life of opera singer Maria Callas, which opened this week in select theaters and will be available on Netflix on Dec. 11. Jolie recently attended a performance of Puccini's 'Tosca' at the Metropolitan Opera in New York to prepare for her role.

Hal Lindsey, author of 'The Late, Great Planet Earth,' has died at the age of 95. His book became a best-seller and he was known for his apocalyptic predictions based on biblical interpretations.

Israel accuses a World Central Kitchen worker of involvement in an attack in Gaza, leading to the worker's death. The aid group denies affiliation with Hamas and pauses operations in Gaza.

'English Teacher,' 'My Brilliant Friend,' 'Shogun,' 'Babylon Berlin' and 'Somebody Somewhere' were among the best TV shows of 2024.

Dozens of people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza, according to emergency rescue workers.

House Democrats are considering replacing Representative Jerrold Nadler with Representative Jamie Raskin as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, out of concern that Nadler will be ineffective in pushing back against any efforts by Trump to abuse his power.

The Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire depends on the Lebanese Army, which has struggled to control Hezbollah in the past.

Landmark laws across the country have come into existence to preserve things we deem culturally significant. But they don't always protect what we actually want to save.

Africa experienced a major internet outage due to damaged undersea cables, highlighting the continent's vulnerability and lack of backup systems. Efforts are being made to improve connectivity, but challenges remain.

President Biden and the first lady made their customary Thanksgiving rounds in Massachusetts, delivering pumpkin pies and calling members of the armed services. Biden reflected on the political climate in the US and anticipated hurdles ahead for President-elect Donald J. Trump. He criticized Trump's proposal to impose major tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China and emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with these trading partners. Biden also expressed gratitude for progress in the Middle East.

Kamala Harris received 15% fewer votes than Joe Biden in some urban areas, contributing to the Democrats' loss of ground since 2020. Trump gained support in Latino neighborhoods and low-income areas, flipping Miami-Dade County.

Thanksgiving has long been a time for debate and controversy in the United States, with arguments over the date, American iconography, the Middle East, gender equality, Vietnam, and food.

The Israeli military has warned Lebanese civilians not to return to villages in the country's south, as thousands of people attempt to go back to their war-ravaged communities following a U.S.-brokered cease-fire.

Female designers in Amman, Jordan are reinterpreting the country's jewelry heritage to create contemporary one-of-a-kind pieces. Using traditional motifs and techniques, these architects, artists, and graphic designers are incorporating Arabic calligraphy, numerology, and older reclaimed gems into their designs. Their work is gaining attention both locally and internationally.