Podcasts about Homs

C dans l'air l'invité du 14 mai 2025 avec Christophe Boltanski, journaliste et écrivain, qui rentre de Homs, en Syrie, où il a réalisé un reportage auprès de la population pour l'hebdomadaire Le 1.Hier, Donald Trump a annoncé la levée des sanctions américaines contre la Syrie, libérée du dictateur Bachar al-Assad, provoquant des scènes de liesse dans le pays. Un geste fort, suivi par la rencontre ce matin entre le président américain et le nouveau président syrien Ahmad al-Chara à Ryad, en Arabie saoudite. Notre invité, Christophe Boltanski, journaliste et écrivain, nous décrira la situation dans ce pays en pleine reconstruction. En mars dernier, environ 1.700 personnes, majoritairement alaouites avaient été tuées dans des massacres. Le nouveau président syrien, en visite à Paris la semaine dernière, s'est engagé à protéger "tous les Syriens sans exception".

Thirteen million Syrians - half the population - left their homes during their country's 13-year civil war. Seven million were internally displaced. Six million fled abroad. Bringing them home is perhaps the biggest challenge facing Syria's new rulers. But many can't return, because their homes are in ruins, and jobs and essential services are lacking. Tim Whewell follows a variety of returnees back to Homs, Syria's third city, which saw some of the worst destruction of the war. A private charity organises convoys of families wanting to return from camps in the north of the country. But once returnees like Fatima Hazzoura get back, they're left to cope on their own. Some who came back earlier have managed to repair their homes. But others find their houses are just empty, burnt-out shells. Meanwhile, some in Homs who stayed throughout the war - members of the Alawite minority, whose neighbourhoods remained intact - are thinking of leaving now, fearful that the new government of former Islamist rebels will not protect them. And Homs people who made new lives abroad are hesitant to return permanently while the situation is so unstable, and the economy still crippled by international sanctions. Can the fabric of an ancient and diverse city be rebuilt? Tim finds grief and fear among the ruins - but also laughter, and flashes of Homs's famous humour.

Thirteen million Syrians - half the population - left their homes during their country's 13-year civil war. Seven million were internally displaced. Six million fled abroad. Bringing them home is perhaps the biggest challenge facing Syria's new rulers. But many can't return, because their homes are in ruins, and jobs and essential services are lacking. Tim Whewell follows a variety of returnees back to Homs, Syria's third city, which saw some of the worst destruction of the war. A private charity organises convoys of families wanting to return from camps in the north of the country. But once returnees like Fatima Hazzoura get back, they're left to cope on their own. Some who came back earlier have managed to repair their homes. But others find their houses are just empty, burnt-out shells. Meanwhile, some in Homs who stayed throughout the war - members of the Alawite minority, whose neighbourhoods remained intact - are thinking of leaving now, fearful that the new government of former Islamist rebels will not protect them. And Homs people who made new lives abroad are hesitant to return permanently while the situation is so unstable , and the economy still crippled by international sanctions. Can the fabric of an ancient and diverse city be rebuilt? Tim finds grief and fear among the ruins - but also laughter, and flashes of Homs's famous humour. Production: Tim Whewell Research/field production/translation: Aref al-Krez Translation: Maria Mohammad Security/photography: Rolf Andreason Sound mixing: James Beard Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy

Le pèlerinage de la Famille Mondiale de Radio Maria « Ton peuple en marche » fait halte en Syrie pour vivre un grand moment de foi, d'unité et d'espérance.Depuis la cathédrale Sainte-Marie de la Ceinture à Homs, en Syrie.Mystères douleureux

En Syrie, après 54 ans d'une dictature qui appliquait une censure implacable aux médias et éliminait toute voix critique, une nouvelle ère s'ouvre pour les journalistes en Syrie. L'agence de presse et les chaînes officielles, qui ne servaient qu'à diffuser la propagande du régime, ont été renversées et de nombreux reporters exilés se réinstallent progressivement en Syrie. Ahmed al-Charaa, le nouveau maître de Damas, a promis de faire respecter la liberté d'expression. Si certains veulent y croire et investissent dans la création d'un nouveau paysage médiatique pour la Syrie, d'autres restent méfiants. Travailler et émettre depuis Damas, en plein cœur de la Syrie. Une scène encore impensable il y a quelques semaines pour Mohamed Al Dughaim, producteur de la chaîne Syria TV, un des médias d'opposition les plus suivis en Syrie, dont le siège est à Istanbul en Turquie. « Nous sommes actuellement dans l'hôtel Sheraton, à Damas, et nous avons transformé une partie des chambres de l'hôtel en studio temporaire pour Syria TV, indique-t-il. Nous sommes arrivés à Damas progressivement avec les forces rebelles au fil des offensives militaires, d'abord Alep, puis Hama, puis Homs, et enfin Damas. C'est la première fois que l'on parle de Damas en étant à Damas. C'est un très beau sentiment pour tous les syriens et pour tous les journalistes. »Financée par le Qatar, Syria TV compte 250 employés répartis entre la Syrie et la Turquie. Sur la terrasse de l'hôtel, un plateau télé a été érigé. La chaîne diffuse des informations en direct 3 à 4 h par jour depuis Damas. Pour le producteur originaire d'Idlib, c'est le début d'une nouvelle ère. « Aujourd'hui, on peut parler de tout en Syrie sans être inquiété, sans que les services de renseignement ne vous convoquent, et sans risquer d'être emprisonné. L'avenir des médias en Syrie est bien meilleur qu'à l'époque de Bachar al-Assad. »Après 54 ans de dictature durant lesquels aucune critique du pouvoir n'était tolérée, la nouvelle administration dirigée par Hayat Tahrir Sham (HTS) – l'un des groupes rebelles qui a repris Damas – a annoncé début janvier s'engager en faveur de la liberté d'expression, avec quelques limites. « Dans la nouvelle Syrie, nous garantissons la liberté de la presse, mais il existe des lignes rouges sur certaines questions, comme la diffusion de la haine au sein de la société, ou tout ce qui touche à des sujets susceptibles d'attiser les tensions sectaires. Ne pas préserver la cohésion sociale est aussi une ligne rouge », explique Ali Al Rifai, directeur des relations publiques au ministère de l'Information. Le ministère a aussi annoncé que les journalistes ayant collaboré avec le régime devront rendre des comptes. Dans les cafés de la capitale, de nombreux Syriens se retrouvent pour débattre à haute voix de l'avenir du pays. Une scène, elle aussi, inimaginable il y a peu. « Nous sommes heureux d'avoir cette nouvelle liberté d'expression. J'ai beaucoup confiance dans la société syrienne qui est aujourd'hui très éveillée. Rien ne passe inaperçu. Il y a une pression populaire contre toute décision qui serait inappropriée », raconte Colette Bahna, écrivaine et activiste pour les droits des femmes, qui savoure cette liberté retrouvée. Pour de nombreux syriens, la prudence reste de mise. Seul le temps permettra de savoir si ces promesses de liberté dureront.À lire aussiSyrie: à Jaramana, la vie reprend dans une atmosphère de peur et de méfiance

En Syrie, après 54 ans d'une dictature qui appliquait une censure implacable aux médias et éliminait toute voix critique, une nouvelle ère s'ouvre pour les journalistes en Syrie. L'agence de presse et les chaînes officielles, qui ne servaient qu'à diffuser la propagande du régime, ont été renversées et de nombreux reporters exilés se réinstallent progressivement en Syrie. Ahmed al-Charaa, le nouveau maître de Damas, a promis de faire respecter la liberté d'expression. Si certains veulent y croire et investissent dans la création d'un nouveau paysage médiatique pour la Syrie, d'autres restent méfiants. Travailler et émettre depuis Damas, en plein cœur de la Syrie. Une scène encore impensable il y a quelques semaines pour Mohamed Al Dughaim, producteur de la chaîne Syria TV, un des médias d'opposition les plus suivis en Syrie, dont le siège est à Istanbul en Turquie. « Nous sommes actuellement dans l'hôtel Sheraton, à Damas, et nous avons transformé une partie des chambres de l'hôtel en studio temporaire pour Syria TV, indique-t-il. Nous sommes arrivés à Damas progressivement avec les forces rebelles au fil des offensives militaires, d'abord Alep, puis Hama, puis Homs, et enfin Damas. C'est la première fois que l'on parle de Damas en étant à Damas. C'est un très beau sentiment pour tous les syriens et pour tous les journalistes. »Financée par le Qatar, Syria TV compte 250 employés répartis entre la Syrie et la Turquie. Sur la terrasse de l'hôtel, un plateau télé a été érigé. La chaîne diffuse des informations en direct 3 à 4 h par jour depuis Damas. Pour le producteur originaire d'Idlib, c'est le début d'une nouvelle ère. « Aujourd'hui, on peut parler de tout en Syrie sans être inquiété, sans que les services de renseignement ne vous convoquent, et sans risquer d'être emprisonné. L'avenir des médias en Syrie est bien meilleur qu'à l'époque de Bachar al-Assad. »Après 54 ans de dictature durant lesquels aucune critique du pouvoir n'était tolérée, la nouvelle administration dirigée par Hayat Tahrir Sham (HTS) – l'un des groupes rebelles qui a repris Damas – a annoncé début janvier s'engager en faveur de la liberté d'expression, avec quelques limites. « Dans la nouvelle Syrie, nous garantissons la liberté de la presse, mais il existe des lignes rouges sur certaines questions, comme la diffusion de la haine au sein de la société, ou tout ce qui touche à des sujets susceptibles d'attiser les tensions sectaires. Ne pas préserver la cohésion sociale est aussi une ligne rouge », explique Ali Al Rifai, directeur des relations publiques au ministère de l'Information. Le ministère a aussi annoncé que les journalistes ayant collaboré avec le régime devront rendre des comptes. Dans les cafés de la capitale, de nombreux Syriens se retrouvent pour débattre à haute voix de l'avenir du pays. Une scène, elle aussi, inimaginable il y a peu. « Nous sommes heureux d'avoir cette nouvelle liberté d'expression. J'ai beaucoup confiance dans la société syrienne qui est aujourd'hui très éveillée. Rien ne passe inaperçu. Il y a une pression populaire contre toute décision qui serait inappropriée », raconte Colette Bahna, écrivaine et activiste pour les droits des femmes, qui savoure cette liberté retrouvée. Pour de nombreux syriens, la prudence reste de mise. Seul le temps permettra de savoir si ces promesses de liberté dureront.À lire aussiSyrie: à Jaramana, la vie reprend dans une atmosphère de peur et de méfiance

Le ministère syrien de la Défense a accusé jeudi les milices libanaises du Hezbollah d'avoir tiré plusieurs obus d'artillerie depuis le territoire libanais en direction de positions de l'armée syrienne, dans la région de Qusayr, à l'ouest de Homs. L'armée syrienne affirme avoir riposté aux tirs et engagé une coordination avec l'armée libanaise pour éviter toute escalade. --

Are we ready to face death fearlessly? In this Easter Vigil homily, Fr. Dom dives into the core of our faith: Christ's triumph over death. This isn't myth; it's history that transforms us. From the world's chaos to the Easter candle's light, Fr. Dom unpacks the liturgy's power and challenges you to live the resurrection daily. This year, thousands of new Catholics are being baptized or entering the Catholic Church. Fr. Dom calls you to be Christ's warriors: to love fiercely, proclaim boldly, and lead others to God's house. Powerful Quotes from the Homily:  “Not even death itself. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Nowhere.”  “Jesus the Christ, defeating death. What a great warrior. He's not some soft pacifist. He's going to war.”  “Bring them out of the darkness. All of us are called to do that.”Key Takeaway for Men: Live the resurrection daily by loving those closest to you with fierce devotion and boldly proclaiming Christ, drawing others from the world's chaos into God's house. Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

Does Christ's Resurrection ignite your soul? In this Easter Sunday homily, Fr. Dom proclaims the victory of Jesus over death: a real, historical event that demands you live differently. From the empty tomb to the Shroud of Turin's mysterious radiation, Fr. Dom reveals the Resurrection's power and challenges you to embrace it every day. Be a warrior for Christ: let the Eucharist transform you and build God's kingdom. Powerful Quotes from the Homily:  “Every day is a resurrection day. Every day is full of joy and peace and gladness if you want it.”  “What we celebrate here is Jesus Christ conquering death that has a grip on our soul.”  “The image found is limited to the very topmost fibers suggesting that radiation was involved in its creation.”Key Takeaway for Men:Embrace the resurrection daily by receiving the Eucharist and letting Christ transform your heart, mind, and body to build His kingdom with zeal and courage. Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

Heute ist der „Internationale Tag des Sports für Entwicklung und Frieden“. Wie können Sport und Kirche einen Beitrag für den Frieden leisten? Dieser Frage geht Autorin Stephanie Rieth nach und findet Antworten auch im beeindruckenden Lebenszeugnis des Erzbischofs von Homs, Jacques Mourad.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Holmes, a seasoned real estate investor with over 45 years of experience. Joe shared his journey, from purchasing his first investment property to his current strategy of using "subject to" financing for house flipping. We dove into the details of subject-to loans, the process of creating notes as part of real estate deals, and the challenges that come with selling those notes on the secondary market. Joe also offered his insights on the current state of the real estate market, predicting an economic turnaround and a continued lack of supply that could drive prices higher. It was a fascinating conversation packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating the real estate and note investing world. Connect with Joe: https://joehoms.com/ Want to create your own seller-financed notes? MAKE SURE YOUR NOTES ARE SELLABLE, VALUABLE, AND COMPLIANT: https://calltheunderwriter.com/ Are you Ready to work with Dan to learn how to invest in notes yourself? SMALL GROUP LIVE COACHING: https://www.fusionnotes.com/livetraining  

Ever feel like life's throwing you into a tailspin, and you're just crash-landing into Sunday? From the 1st Sunday of Lent, Fr. Dom is pulling back the curtain on a wild week that led him straight into the First Sunday of Lent with no prep and a whole lot of trust. Picture this: 900 men at the KEPHA Men's Conference, Trent Horn and Father Don Calloway lighting up the room, and a 19-year-old kid bawling his eyes out because God crashed into his life. That's the kind of desert miracle we're unpacking today.We're diving into the Gospel where Jesus faces temptation in the desert—40 days of Satan hitting Him with lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. He didn't need to do it, but He did—for us. I'll break down each temptation, from turning stones to bread to jumping off a temple, and show you how Jesus hands us the playbook to fight back: Scripture, trust, and surrender. This isn't just a story—it's your roadmap for Lent. Satan's real, not some cartoon villain, and he's after your heart. But God? He's the divine surgeon, ready to cut out the idols holding you back.So here's your challenge: Pick one temptation you're wrestling with—maybe it's the phone, food, or pride—and fast from it this week. Replace it with 10 minutes of Scripture daily (start with Luke 4). Tell a buddy to keep you honest. Miracles happen when you show up in the desert, vulnerable and ready.Push play now to get fired up for Lent. This isn't about surviving 40 days—it's about letting God transform you through them. Let's hit the ground running, together.3 Powerful Quotes“Satan wants you to stay attached to your idols that keep you away from God. God wants to cleanse your heart of your idols so that you can fall more in love with him and he can move through you and be with you in a very powerful way.”“Jesus shows us what to do when we're tempted by Satan in the desert. He combats Satan with the weapon of holy sacred scripture.”“When you blessed me, I was walking away. God spoke to me. Wow. Just like that. He says it's unbelievable because there was a whole week before this conference in our retreat, I was in the desert. I didn't want to go, but I came.”1 Key Takeaway for Men to Adapt Immediately:Face your temptations head-on with Scripture. Pick one weak spot today—scrolling, snacking, whatever—and hit it with a verse like “One does not live on bread alone” (Luke 4:4). Say it out loud when the urge hits. It's your weapon, and it works.Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

À Homs, dans le quartier de Zahra, peu de temps après des meurtres tragiques sur fond de tensions communautaires, nous plongeons au cœur d'un récit déchirant. La famille des victimes, issues de la minorité alaouite, raconte comment leur monde s'est effondré, et comment, dans un contexte de violences persistantes, la recherche de sécurité et de dignité devient une quête désespérée.  De notre envoyé spécial à Homs,Il y a quelques jours, le quartier Zahra, à Homs, connu pour sa population à majorité alaouite, en Syrie, a été le théâtre d'un meurtre ayant coûté la vie à deux jeunes hommes issus de cette minorité. Comme le confirme Zaynab, la sœur des victimes, ce crime n'était pas un crime ordinaire, mais un meurtre communautaire perpétré par des hommes armés sur fond des combats qui ont eu lieu dans les zones côtières syriennes, entre les nouvelles autorités et les milices loyalistes de l'ancien régime.« Ceux qui les ont tués n'ont pas tué qu'eux, ils ont tué toute la famille. Mes frères, Dieu merci, sont désormais considérés comme des martyrs aux yeux de Dieu et reposent en paix, mais toute la famille a péri après leur mort, se désole Zaynab. Pourquoi ont-ils été tués si les criminels ne leur ont pas pris d'argent, ni aucun de leurs documents ? Ils les ont simplement tués et ont laissé une de leurs pièces d'identité sur la table. Mes frères étaient très polis, et vous pouvez demander à tous ceux qui les connaissaient, ils témoigneront qu'ils étaient de bonnes personnes. Mais ils sont partis et ne reviendront jamais, même s'ils représentaient tout pour nous. »Quant au père des victimes, il n'a pas de mots pour décrire sa douleur. Il souhaite quitter le pays avec les membres de sa famille encore en vie pour ne pas connaître le même sort que ses fils. « La vérité, c'est que nous avons perdu notre sécurité, notre sûreté et nos vies. J'ai tout perdu dans ma vie, dénonce-t-il. Quand les gens sont venus me présenter les condoléances, je leur ai dit que je ne voulais pas de condoléances, mais plutôt qu'on m'aide à quitter ce pays pour pouvoir élever les filles de mon fils et de ma fille. J'ai demandé aux gens de m'aider à aller dans n'importe quel pays. Je leur ai dit que je ne voulais ni argent, ni nourriture, je voulais juste la sécurité pour moi et ma famille, quel que soit le pays, que ce soit le Sénégal ou la Somalie. Nous sommes une famille simple qui n'a jamais cherché à obtenir une position politique ou un statut social. Nous aspirons simplement à vivre dans la dignité, sans luxe. »À lire aussi Syrie : la désinformation s'ajoute aux violences subies par la communauté alaouite« La loi martiale doit être instaurée »Avec la chute du régime de Bachar el-Assad, la vie de la communauté alaouite en Syrie a radicalement changé. Comme le dit Jamal, un homme lui aussi alaouite, tous vivent désormais dans une sorte de prison, confrontés à un danger de mort imminente à tout moment. « La sécurité est totalement inexistante dans le pays et le problème réside dans l'incapacité du gouvernement à contrôler ceux qui enfreignent la loi, juge-t-il. Par conséquent, la loi martiale doit être instaurée et tout homicide doit être condamné à mort par pendaison. »Comme chaque jour depuis les événements sur la côte, les membres de la communauté alaouite se barricadent dans leurs maisons après 17 heures. En attendant, dans la même ville, sur la place de l'horloge à Homs, des milliers de Syriens sunnites sont venus célébrer le nouveau régime et commémorer la révolution et leur victoire sur Assad, après 14 ans de lutte. À lire aussi Violences dans l'ouest de la Syrie : la commission d'enquête « déterminée à garantir la justice »

What if you could recalibrate your life to hear God's voice above the noise and chaos of this world? From the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Fr. Dom dives deep into the heart of Lent, a season that's not just about giving up chocolate or coffee, but about repositioning yourself to know, love, and serve God in a way that changes everything.We start with a piece of Scripture that echoes through Lent: “If today you hear the Lord's voice, harden not your hearts.” It's a call to action, brothers, and I'm breaking it down for you—why it matters, where to find His voice, and what happens when we tune out. From Abram's 4,000-mile journey of faith 4,000 years ago to the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, I connect the dots to show how these ancient stories aren't just history—they're blueprints for us today. You'll hear about Abram's covenant with God, a wild ritual with split animals that proves God's promises are unbreakable, and how Jesus' disfigured body on the cross leads to our glorified future.But here's where it gets real: Lent isn't just a 40-day slog through the desert. It's a chance to meet Jesus where you're at—messy, broken, or doubting—and let Him work miracles in your life. I'll walk you through the power of the Eucharist, where science meets faith (yes, every Eucharistic miracle studied points to the flesh of Jesus' wounded heart), and why submitting to God—tough as it is—unlocks a strength you didn't know you had.Your Challenge: This week, carve out 15 minutes a day to sit in silence and listen for God's voice. No phone, no distractions—just you and Him. Journal what you hear, even if it's just a whisper. Then, hit Mass and receive the Eucharist with intention, asking God to transform your heart as you consume His. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Listen now to discover how to make this Lent your turning point—because when you give your heart to the Lord, He doesn't just take it; He transfigures it. Push play and let's journey into the desert together.3 Powerful Quotes“If you want to give your heart over to the Lord, you eat his heart. Every Eucharistic miracle, when it's given to scientists, just a piece of that Eucharistic miracle that has changed into the body and blood of God, when it's dissected and studied, it's always the flesh of Jesus' heart.”  “God makes his covenants with us and he holds himself accountable. That's how much he loves us and wants to redeem us.”  “He climbs Mount Calvary and on Mount Calvary his body is not transfigured but his body is greatly disfigured. Scourged, beaten, bruised, bloodied, whipped. You can't even know who he is. And he did that for you.”Submit to God's voice daily, even when it's hard. Start by listening in silence for 15 minutes—tune out the world and trust He'll meet you there. It's not about control; it's about surrender that builds unshakable faith.Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

Ash Wednesday is here, and with it, the challenge to reclaim your soul for Christ. In this episode, we dive into the heart of Lent—what it truly means to fast, pray, and give alms as warriors of Christ, not as comfortable, lukewarm Christians. This is not just a season of self-denial; it is a battle against the three enemies of your soul: the world, the flesh, and the devil.Are you ready to fight? In this episode, I lay out a direct challenge for you: push yourself this Lent. If you've been soft, if you've let your passions control you, if you've allowed distractions to steal your time with God, then it's time to declare war on your heart.This isn't about doing Lent halfway. This is about transformation. It's about walking into Easter as a new man, purified, disciplined, and ready to lead.Powerful Quotes:“You don't rend your heart to the world, the flesh, or to Satan. You rend it to Christ alone.”“The Christians of old were made of granite. Have we grown soft? Lent is the time to prove otherwise.”“Fasting is not just about giving something up—it's about making war on what keeps you from God.”Pick something hard: something that actually challenges you, and give it up for Lent. If alcohol is a struggle, give it up. If you waste hours in a YouTube vortex, shut it down. Rend your heart to Christ and let Him do the work of cleansing you. This is not about checking a box. It's about preparing your soul for eternity.This is your call to arms. Lent is not a season to endure—it's a season to rise. Will you take the challenge?Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesCheck out our websiteContact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.comSend us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

Je ne connaissais pas Brice Homs avant de faire ce podcast, C'est Dominique Dalcan, dans sa grandeur et sa somptuosité, qui m'a conseillé de le contacter, Brice étant membre du conseil d'administration de la Sacem mais aussi président du conseil pour l'innovation, en charge notamment du dossier intelligence artificielle et droit d'auteur. Il est également parolier, musicien, scénariste, et écrivain. Brice nous fait part ici de sa manière d'appréhender ce sujet. L'IA en musique est-elle une alliée, une menace, pouvons nous vivre avec ? et si oui, comment ? Nous n'avons évidemment pas toutes les réponses, étant donné le caractère récent et particulièrement changeant de ce phénomène mais Brice est un puit de science à ce sujet et a la générosité de nous en parler, en nous accueillant au 7e étage de la Sacem, à Neuilly. Bonne écoute ! (photo P.Matzas)

Your heart is a battlefield. What rules it—your emotions or God's will? In this episode, we dive into the raw struggle between passion and virtue, drawing from Scripture to expose how unchecked emotions can either destroy or transform. David had every reason to kill Saul, yet he chose mercy. Saul let jealousy consume him, and it led to his downfall. What about you? Are you ordering your passions toward God, or are they leading you into sin?Lent is coming. It's time to examine what idols have crept into your heart and reclaim it for Christ. We unpack why the sacraments—especially the Eucharist—are the key to forming a heart like Christ's. You'll learn how to fight against destructive passions like anger and lust and replace them with ordered love, discipline, and righteousness.This isn't just a call to reflection—it's a call to action. If you want true peace, if you want to be free, you must embrace the radical love Christ calls us to.3 Powerful Quotes from the Episode:"The passions of the heart, if left unchecked, will rule you. If you don't allow God to order them towards the good, they will control you and dictate every move.""You want a heart like Christ? Then receive the Eucharist. His very heart—His body, blood, soul, and divinity—transforms yours.""To turn the other cheek isn't weakness. It's standing your ground in righteousness, refusing to be overcome by evil, and showing the world what true strength looks like."Order your passions toward God. Don't let anger, lust, or jealousy dictate your actions. Instead, discipline your desires through prayer, confession, and the Eucharist. A man who rules his heart under Christ's authority is a man who cannot be shaken.Push play now—this might be the wake-up call your heart needs.Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesCheck out our websiteContact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.comSend us a text Support the showSupport the show at Buy Me A CoffeeSubscribe to our YouTube pageCheck out our websiteMystic Monk Coffee → For the best coffee for a great cause, we recommend Mystic Monk Coffee. Roasted with prayer by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, Mystic Monk Coffee has the ultimate cup waiting for you. See more at mysticmonkcoffee.com Contact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com.

Menos divulgada que sus encantos playeros, la cordillera que cierra el flanco noroeste de Mallorca custodia el gran tesoro histórico, etnográfico y natural de la mayor isla de Baleares. Su paisaje cultural, caracterizado por la construcción en piedra seca, fue declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco en 2011. En esta ruta de mar y montaña nos dejamos guiar por el cantautor Bruno Sotos, quien, además de regalarnos versiones en directo de sus temas "El chico de Andratx" y "Hoy duele", nos muestra la sección occidental de esta sierra de 90 kilómetros de longitud que abarca desde la isla de Sa Dragonera hasta el Cap de Formentor. Contamos también con Lluís Vallcaneras, gerente del Consorcio Serra de Tramuntana, entidad que agrupa a la veintena de municipios incluidos en esta extensa área protegida. Descubrimos sus principales rasgos identitarios en compañía de la escritora y periodista Marga Font y del propietario de la empresa Guies de Tramuntana, José Homs. En nuestro camino nos detenemos en poblaciones como Port d'Andratx, Sant Elm, Valldemossa, Estellenchs, Banyalbufar, Sóller o Deià, donde reside el guía de montaña Martín Bestard, dueño de Martín's Walks. El extremo nororiental de la sierra lo exploramos junto a Pere Salas, cronista oficial de Pollença.Escuchar audio

C'est l'une des priorités affichées du nouveau gouvernement de Damas, et l'un des sujets qui devrait être évoqué, jeudi 13 février, lors de la conférence internationale pour la Syrie qui se tient à Paris. Après plus de 50 ans d'un régime très autoritaire et près de 14 ans de guerre civile, comment rendre justice pour tous les crimes commis ? Torture, bombardement de zones civiles, utilisation d'armes chimiques : les atrocités commises en Syrie sous Assad sont nombreuses. Et les attentes de la population sont grandes. De nos envoyés spéciaux à Damas,Au siège de la Défense civile de Damas, une sirène retentit. Un camion de pompiers se met alors rapidement en mouvement. Ce sont des Casques blancs, la Défense civile active avant la chute de Bachar el-Assad dans le Nord-Ouest de la Syrie. Ils sont désormais installés dans la capitale.Après une dizaine d'années passées à porter secours à des victimes de bombardements, les Casques Blancs ont désormais une activité plus classique de pompiers. Mais la guerre reste présente dans leur travail ; ils sont toujours à la recherche de charniers. Depuis la chute de Bachar el-Assad et sa fuite en Russie, ils en ont découvert 40.Ces charniers révèlent l'ampleur des crimes et du cynisme du régime déchu, souligne Ahmad Yazji, l'un des fondateurs des Casques blancs : « Le charnier le plus révulsant est celui que nous avons trouvé à Damas dans un endroit que le régime voulait transformer en parc. Un parc sous lequel se trouvaient des centaines de corps. »Pour l'heure, les charniers découverts sont refermés et préservés, dans l'attente de pouvoir identifier les victimes et afin de permettre la collecte de preuves. Depuis qu'ils ont commencé leurs activités, les Casques blancs ont tenu à recenser les victimes et garder des traces des bombardements sur lesquels ils intervenaient. « Des crimes de guerre », dit Ahmad Yazji. Des crimes pour lesquels il y a un besoin de justice.À lire aussiProcès en France des crimes du régime syrien: «Des détenus mourraient quotidiennement sous la torture»« Nous réclamons toujours justice pour la nouvelle Syrie »« Depuis le début, nous croyons que la justice doit avoir lieu, quel que soit le parti au pouvoir. Et maintenant que le régime a disparu, nous réclamons toujours justice pour la nouvelle Syrie. Nous exigeons aussi que les criminels rendent des comptes devant des institutions gouvernementales et rejetons les actes de revanche », insiste Ahmad Yazji.Entre 2011 et 2020, Shadi Haroun a connu près d'une décennie d'emprisonnement. Le crime qui lui était : avoir organisé des manifestations anti-Assad dans sa ville de la Ghouta orientale, dans la banlieue de Damas. Pour cela, lui et son frère ont été transférés de prison en prison. Homs, Tartous, Alep et la plus sinistre d'entre elles : Saïdnaya.« Le plus important, c'était la mentalité des geôliers. Je me souviens d'une phrase forte de l'un d'entre eux : "Je suis Dieu ici. Je peux te faire vivre ou te faire mourir." À cause de cette mentalité, vous pouviez mourir à tout moment. Ou au contraire, ils pouvaient vous donner un peu plus de nourriture », raconte Shadi Haroun.« Le rôle central des victimes dans ce processus est essentiel »Une étude de l'association des anciens détenus de Saïdnaya indique qu'entre 2011 et 2020, 40 000 personnes ont été incarcérées dans cette prison. Seules 5 000 en sont sorties vivantes. Aujourd'hui, l'association souhaite que justice soit rendue à travers un processus national. Et celui-ci doit véritablement être collectif, insiste Shadi Haroun :« Le rôle central des victimes dans ce processus est essentiel. Il ne faut pas que gouvernement prenne des décisions seul à propos des victimes. Aucune des parties prenantes ne le devrait, qu'il s'agisse de personnes influentes ou de responsables politiques. Parce que c'est un processus collectif. ​​​​​​»L'association des anciens détenus de Sednaya a déjà eu des contacts avec les nouvelles autorités pour évoquer la mise en place de cette justice transitionnelle. Ils ont eu un entretien avec le nouveau président intérimaire, Ahmed al-Charaa. Mais dans un pays qui recherche encore des milliers de disparus, la justice prendra du temps. « Plusieurs décennies », anticipe Shadi Haroun.Et pour être sincère, la justice devra examiner tous les crimes commis durant ses 14 années de guerre par l'ensemble des parties en conflit, y compris par les vainqueurs d'aujourd'hui.À lire aussiSyrie: après la chute d'Assad, les attentes des Syriens à l'égard de la communauté internationale

Two months on from the fall of the Assad regime, Syria is still uncovering the depths of the horrors inflicted on its own citizens during his rule. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay and senior foreign producer Dominique Van Heerden, who have been inside a notorious prison complex in Homs, near Damascus.  They have been examining the hundreds of thousands of burnt documents left behind, which reveal the extent of Assad's crimes. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont         

Most men give God just a little—one net when He asks for all of them. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the transformation of Simon Peter and what his encounter with Christ teaches us about surrender. Are you holding back from God? Are you giving Him only part of your heart, your time, your effort? Today, we break down how true transformation happens when we finally let go and give Him everything.

Hace dos meses, los sirios recobraron su libertad, celebrando el fin de más de medio siglo de régimen Al Asad. Del mismo modo también descubrieron la dura realidad de la temida prisión de Sednaya, tras 37 años de tortura e inhumanidad. Por las enviadas especiales de RFI en Damasco, Melissa Barra y Anne Bernas“Apenas llegábamos aquí, empezaba la 'fiesta de bienvenida', o sea los primeros actos de tortura”, explica a RFI Hadi Haroun desde una enorme sala que compone el vestíbulo de la prisión de Sednaya. “Luego nos colocaban durante días o semanas en esta diminuta celda sin luz. Éramos cinco, hacinados y desnudos”, detalla, cinco años después de su liberación.  Hadi Haroun es un hombre alto y hoy en día ha recobrado su musculatura. Pesaba 100 kilos antes de su encarcelamiento. Salió en 2019 pesando 50.  “Nos golpeaban constantemente”Camina entre escombros en los pasillos de este gigantesco complejo invadido por el olor de la muerte. Rodea una escalera de caracol que permitía a los carceleros tener una visión general de las tres alas de la prisión. En cada una hay una sucesión de celdas colectivas. Cada una mide unos 25m2 y puede albergar hasta 50 presos, apiñados. “Cuando los guardias abrían esta cerradura, los presos debían prepararse para horas de tortura. El sonido de esa puerta aún me persigue: es el sonido más aterrador de Sednaya”, prosigue.La prisión está vacía desde principios de diciembre, cerrada por las nuevas autoridades. Pero las cicatrices del horror están por todas partes, con habitaciones llenas de montañas de ropa sucia, restos de prótesis, mechones de pelo rapado. “En estos baldes nos tiraban arroz o pan. Todos comíamos del mismo balde”, explica Haroun con actitud distanciada, recogiendo las cestas de plástico rotas. "Lo peor era cuando teníamos que ir a las duchas. Todo el mundo tenía miedo. Nos obligaban a andar a gatas con las manos cubriendo los ojos”, dice imitando la escena, mientras se dirige al final del pasillo donde, en un espacio estrecho, hay una fila de duchas diminutas, oxidadas y sin puertas. “No sabíamos lo que podía pasarnos. Nos colocaban de a tres bajo la ducha unos minutos. Nos golpeaban constantemente”, agrega. La tortura psicológica y la físicaLa prisión de Palmira, en el desierto central de Siria, representaba la brutalidad del régimen del clan Al Asad hasta 2015, cuando fue destruida por los yihadistas del grupo Estado Islámico. Integrantes del movimiento comunista o de partidos como los Hermanos Musulmanes, así como todos los demás opositores políticos, eran encerrados y torturados allí. La prisión de Sednaya, construida en 1987, adoptó sus métodos de terror al comienzo de la guerra en 2011. A partir de la revolución, las autoridades comenzaron a encarcelar a cualquier persona sospechosa de tener alguna animadversión hacia el régimen, incluidas mujeres y menores. El 75% de los detenidos tenían diplomas universitarios. La tortura psicológica precedía la física. Todo lo que ocurría fuera de Sednaya repercutía en el trato a los prisioneros con brutales represalias.   “Me detuvieron por haber protestado al principio de la guerra civil. Luego me soltaron y me volvieron a detener por ‘actos de terrorismo'”, recuerda Hadi Haroun. Las acusaciones de terrorismo eran las más usadas por autoridades cuando comenzaron las protestas. En 2011, el Gobierno sirio puso fin a 48 años de estado de excepción. Era una de las principales reivindicaciones de los manifestantes, que reclamaban liberalizar del régimen. Pero de inmediato lo sustituyó por tribunales antiterroristas, que encarcelaron a miles de sirios en las 12 cárceles del país durante años. A Hadi Haroun le cuesta recordar por cuantas prisiones pasó durante ocho años. “Cuando tenían sospechas sobre alguno de nosotros  o sobre nuestra familia, nos trasladaban a otra prisión, aunque normalmente un preso debía ser encarcelado en su provincia de residencia”, precisa.  Esta era una de las tácticas para romper todos los lazos sociales e infligir una forma de tortura psicológica a la población siria.  Bajo Bashar Al Asad, el pueblo sirio estaba obligado a proclamar “Assad ila al-abad”, “Asad para la eternidad”. El dirigente controlaba el espacio político y la vida de los habitantes. “Al liberar a Sednaya se reveló la magnitud de las muertes”   “Pasé dos años en Sednaya con mi hermano gemelo”, relata Hadi Haroun. Vivieron las peores atrocidades en este complejo rodeado de minas y torres de vigilancia, ubicado a unos 30 kilómetros al norte de Damasco, hacinados junto a miles de hombres enfermos de sarna, diarrea y tuberculosis, en el calor sofocante del verano sirio y el frío húmedo del invierno.  Convivían con cadáveres abandonados en las celdas, a veces durante dos días, antes de ser apilados en una cámara de sal. Haroun recoge una manta marrón en el suelo de una oscura celda y explica: “La usábamos como cama, y por la mañana teníamos que enrollarla. No nos dejaban acostarnos encima, y además, no había sitio”. Sednaya, como todas las prisiones del antiguo régimen, se parecía a la peor pesadilla. Todos los presos eran torturados, golpeados con barras de hierro, azotados, abusados sexualmente, electrocutados.  Incluso las visitas de familiares acababan con crueldad, algo que Hadi Haroun llama con frecuencia las “fiestas de tortura”. Los visitantes se volvían testigos auditivos de lo que el régimen infligía a un hermano, padre o hijo encarcelado. Eso los disuadía de regresar. Desde el inicio de la guerra, ONG y asociaciones han alertado sobre las condiciones de vida de los prisioneros. Se revelaron en 2014, con el informe “César”, un documento que contenía 55.000 fotos de hombres y mujeres torturados hasta la muerte en las cárceles sirias, tomadas por un fotógrafo militar desertor.   El 8 de diciembre del año pasado, el mundo pudo ver las imágenes de los 2.800 prisioneros liberados, demacrados y enloquecidos en muchos casos.La magnitud de lo que ocurrió salió a la luz: este macabro lugar era más que una prisión, era un centro de concentración y ejecución. En Sednaya había salas de ahorcamiento, donde los verdugos ejecutaban a los prisioneros dos veces por semana por la noche. Los cadáveres eran trasladados a hospitales militares, donde los militares emitían certificados de defunción falsos, y luego enterraban los restos en fosas comunes en los alrededores de la capital siria.  La búsqueda de los cadáveres continúa hoy en día. Se estima el número de desaparecidos a al menos 150.000.Leer tambiénEn la cárcel siria de Sednaya: tras la liberación, la búsqueda de los desaparecidosEntender el sistema de tortura Desde hace cinco años, Hadi Haroun es miembro activo de la Asociación de Presos y Desaparecidos de Sednaya, fundada en 2017.  “Liberar la prisión no fue un momento feliz. Fue más bien triste. Porque reveló la realidad de las muertes bajo tortura. Lo primero que hicimos fue intentar recopilar los documentos que contenían la lista de presos y muertos. Necesitamos saber cuántas personas ingresaron a Sednaya entre 2011 y la liberación, y cuántas salieron, para calcular el número de desaparecidos. Estamos empezando a hacernos una idea de la magnitud de la situación: entre 100.000 y 300.000”, lamenta. La asociación ayuda a los ex presos a recobrar una vida normal, pero también recoge testimonios y documentos para archivarlos. Busca proteger las pruebas que aún se encuentran en la docena de cárceles del país. Muchísimos archivos fueron robados o destruidos al abrirse la cárcel. El objetivo final es poder probar los crímenes cometidos por el régimen durante años y esclarecer lo ocurrido con los desaparecidos. Los documentos contienen  informaciones primordiales sobre la estructura del aparato de seguridad y de los servicios de inteligencia sirios, y también sobre la identidad de los desaparecidos. Haroun explica que las nuevas autoridades han recibido el apoyo de Gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales. “Somos una de las organizaciones que más conocimiento tiene sobre las cárceles. Aunque vengan equipos del extranjero, no podrán prescindir de nosotros. Por otro lado, las instituciones y organizaciones internacionales disponen de recursos financieros y técnicos. Para las fosas comunes, por ejemplo, disponen del material necesario para los análisis de sangre y de ADN”.   El ex preso espera que la prisión de Sednaya se convierta en un museo, un lugar de memoria para que nadie pueda olvidar a los cientos de miles de torturados y desaparecidos, y que nunca más en la “nueva Siria” se repitan atrocidades tan metódicas y planificadas.  Según el Observatorio Sirio de Derechos Humanos, al menos 10 personas murieron en las cárceles de las nuevas autoridades sirias en la provincia de Homs, entre el 28 de enero y el 1° de febrero. 

En Syrie, les treize années de guerre ont laissé des traces : quelque 300 000 mines et engins explosifs sont disséminés à travers le pays. Depuis la chute du régime, au moins 144 personnes ont été tuées, selon Halo Trust, une organisation internationale spécialisée dans l'enlèvement des mines terrestres, notamment en raison du retour des déplacements. Des équipes de déminage ont commencé la lourde tâche de nettoyer le pays, mais manquent d'effectifs et de soutiens financiers. De notre envoyée spéciale dans la province de Homs, Chaque matin depuis deux mois et la chute du régime, le rituel d'Hassan Talfah est le même. Trouver le point de localisation de l'engin explosif, avant d'enfiler sa tenue, un casque à visière et une veste de protection : « Jusqu'à présent, nous n'avons pas eu d'accident, parce que nous sommes bien préparés. »Le risque est moindre pour ces démineurs de la Défense civile syrienne que pour les habitants du petit village de Buwaydah al-Sharqiyah, situé à 25 km au sud de Homs, longtemps en proie à la guerre. Les combats entre les rebelles et le régime de Bachar el-Assad ont ici, comme ailleurs, laissé leurs legs. Des maisons à terre, des murs criblés d'impacts de balle, et des champs chargés de mines et d'engins explosifs encore actifs.Dans la région, les accidents ont tué ou blessé entre 40 et 50 personnes en deux mois, explique Abdel, l'un des démineurs : « La plupart sont des enfants. Ils pensent que ces mines sont des jouets. Ils s'amusent avec et les font exploser. »À lire aussiMalgré le traité d'Ottawa, les mines antipersonnel font davantage de victimes chaque année« Je m'étonne qu'il y ait encore des mines ici »À l'aide d'un ruban, il balise un champ et d'une pioche, installe des panneaux de prévention. L'explosif est entouré de sacs de sable. Les habitants sont invités à rentrer chez eux. « Allez les gars, on perd du temps, s'exclame Hassan Talfah. Rentrez à l'intérieur, s'il vous plait, je ne peux rien faire exploser tant qu'il y a du monde dehors ! »Depuis sa maison, Houda regarde l'explosion. « J'ai peur pour mes enfants… Je m'étonne qu'il y ait encore des mines ici. Je suis revenue il y a dix jours. Juste avant, ils ont trouvé 35 petits obus en grappe dans mon jardin. Les gars du HTS [le groupe rebelle à l'initiative dans la chute du clan Assad, NDLR] ont enlevé ces 35 obus. Et heureusement, aucune explosion ne s'est produite suite à mon arrivée. » Depuis la chute du régime, avec le retour d'exil des familles et l'intensification des déplacements dans le pays, les accidents se multiplient. Face à l'ampleur de la tâche, la Défense civile syrienne manque de soutien. À Homs, ils sont sept à déminer, 130 dans tout le pays à travailler. Jamais le gouvernement n'a mis en place de programme de déminage. Les nouvelles autorités ne se sont pas encore prononcées.À lire aussiSyrie: Ahmed al-Charaa face à la difficile conciliation des attentes de ses partenairesDes mines qui explosent depuis le début de la guerreLe problème, pourtant, n'est pas récent. Les accidents liés aux engins explosifs datent du début de la guerre. Mahmoud est berger. Il a perdu sa femme et son frère en 2017 et sa jambe porte encore les marques de l'explosion : « Nous étions sur un petit chemin de terre, comme celui-ci. Nous allions rejoindre la route principale, mais après avoir parcouru 100 mètres, une mine a explosé sous notre voiture, se rappelle-t-il. Nous espérons que les choses s'amélioreront, que la Syrie sera totalement nettoyée. Mais malheureusement, nous n'oublierons jamais ce qu'il s'est passé. » Ahmad, son neveu, intervient. Le problème est loin d'être fini, dit-il. « Mon cousin a des moutons ici. Il y a deux semaines, une mine a explosé sur son passage alors qu'il allait les faire paître, raconte-t-il. Quelques jours plus tard, c'était un petit enfant. Il a jeté une pierre sur une mine et celle-ci a explosé. Heureusement, il n'a pas été tué. Mais il a été gravement blessé aux yeux. »Ici, tout le monde a une histoire à raconter. Des voisins, des amis, des enfants cibles de mines encore cachées. La guerre est peut-être terminée. Ses victimes, elles, n'ont pas fini d'être comptées.À lire aussiSyrie : après la chute de Bachar al-Assad, la difficile unification du pays

Send us a textMany Catholics don't realize that the Bible as we know it today was compiled by the Catholic Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For the first 400 years of Christianity, believers didn't have personal copies of Scripture. Instead, they learned the faith through oral tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. This is why sola scriptura—the idea that Scripture alone is all we need—is false. We need Sacred Tradition and the Church's authority to rightly interpret the Word of God. Without these, confusion and division take hold.Fr. Dom also emphasized that reading Scripture should not be passive—it should stir our souls. When the Jewish people in Nehemiah's time heard the Word of God proclaimed, they stood in reverence, recognizing its holiness. That's why we stand when the Gospel is read at Mass! Scripture is meant to pierce our hearts and set them on fire. If we aren't being changed by what we read, we need to ask ourselves: Are we truly engaging with it?3 Takeaways for Men to Put into Action Today:Make Scripture a Daily Habit – Even if you start with just five minutes a day, open your Bible and read. Use the 14-book guide from St. Augustine to help you see the bigger picture of salvation history.Learn the Church's Role in Preserving the Bible – Knowing that the Church safeguarded and compiled Scripture strengthens your ability to defend the faith and grow in confidence as a Catholic man.Live the Word, Don't Just Read It – Choose one verse that speaks to you and put it into practice today. If Scripture isn't transforming your life, it's time to start taking it seriously.3 Memorable Quotes from Fr. Dom's Homily:"When I found your words, I devoured them. Your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart, because I bear your name, Lord God of hosts." – Jeremiah 15:16"Sacred Scripture is not just some book written by human beings… it cuts through flesh, bone, and marrow into the soul. It convicts us. It transforms us.""You cannot remove the Church from the Bible. It was the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, that safeguarded and compiled the very Scriptures we hold today."Support The Manly Catholic Podcast!If this episode strengthened your faith, don't keep it to yourself—share it with another man who needs to hear it. We are only at 30% of our funding goal for 2025, and we need your help to continue bringing solid Catholic content to men who are hungry for the truth.

Send us a textIn this stirring homily, Fr. Dominic unpacks the profound significance of epiphanies in the liturgical season, focusing on the Baptism of the Lord. From the Magi's historic journey to Jesus' transformative act in the Jordan River, Fr. Dominic challenges us to encounter Christ in ways that will forever change our hearts and lives.He weaves together Scripture, Church history, and vivid examples, including the incredible story of St. Genesius of Rome, to illustrate the transformative power of baptism and the call to choose God every day. This homily is not just a reflection—it's a battle cry for men to reclaim their identity in Christ.3 Memorable Quotes"You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." Let this truth resound in your heart daily as a constant reminder of God's unwavering love for you."Epiphany is the supernatural crashing into the natural—a moment meant to transform us." Encounter Christ and let Him radically alter your path."Baptism isn't just a ritual; it's the gateway to salvation, removing original sin and filling us with God's grace."3 Actionable Steps for MenReflect Daily on Your Baptismal Identity: Meditate on the reality that you are a beloved son of God. Begin each day with the prayer: "Lord, I belong to You. Help me to know, love, and serve You."Fast and Pray for Loved Ones: If family members have strayed from the faith or delayed baptizing their children, offer intentional fasting and prayer for their conversion and return to the Church.Be a Witness to Christ's Transformation: Like the Magi and St. Genesius, let your encounter with Jesus change your direction. Share your faith boldly, even when it's challenging, and trust in God's grace to guide you.Join us as we reflect on this powerful message of hope, redemption, and the call to embrace God's transformative love through baptism. Let's be men who rise to the challenge of choosing Christ every single day!Support us Support the showSupport the show at Buy Me A CoffeeSubscribe to our YouTube pageCheck out our websiteMystic Monk Coffee → For the best coffee for a great cause, we recommend Mystic Monk Coffee. Roasted with prayer by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, Mystic Monk Coffee has the ultimate cup waiting for you. See more at mysticmonkcoffee.com Contact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com.

Minor military operations are still ongoing in Syria as HTS attempts to root out Assad loyalists in the city of Homs. In Gaza the genocide is ongoing, and Israel has forcibly disappeared doctor Hossam Abu Safiya, Director of the Kamal Adwan Medical Complex. Trump has promised to unleash hell in Gaza if hostages are not released – this comes just over a week before his inauguration on January 20. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3/month you'll gain access to full length interviews with all our guests and lots of bonus material - including our series Kalam Shorts: 10-15 explainers of concepts like Zionism and Orientalism. Join at patreon.com/kalampodcastFor continuous updates on the podcast and content about Palestine and the Middle East, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Please subscribe to Kalam Podcast in whatever podcast application you're listening to right now - and give us a rating. It helps other people find out about us.

Depuis la semaine dernière, la ville syrienne de Homs vit aux sons des tirs et des opérations de ratissage contre les derniers fidèles de l'ancien régime. Les hommes de Hayat Tahrir al-Cham, qui ont mené à la chute de Bachar el-Assad, traquent les anciens officiers et soldats mais aussi les miliciens qui refusent de rendre les armes. Plusieurs personnalités ont été arrêtées, dont l'un des responsables des caméras de surveillance de la prison de Saydnaya. Au cœur de ces quartiers passés au peigne fin, une population alaouite, assimilée au régime sanguinaire des Assad, et qui crie à l'injustice et au sectarisme de la part des combattants de HTS. Ces derniers jours, plusieurs quartiers à majorité alaouite de Homs sont en état de siège. Tirs de sommation pour faire rentrer les gens chez eux, survole de drone, fouilles et arrestations parfois musclées se multiplient... Abou Bakr Sheikh Al Souq, membre d'une brigade de HTS explique. « C'est une opération qui vise les derniers éléments du régime du "fugitif". Pourquoi ces quartiers ? Parce que les gens ont refusé d'enregistrer leurs armes, malgré plusieurs appels, malgré l'installation de bureaux dédiés dans leur quartier. Personne ne s'est présenté, pas même les suspects. On est donc là pour les arrêter afin d'éviter les troubles. Il y a eu des arrestations. Et des affrontements car certains résistent encore ».Dans une mosquée du quartier de Wadi-Dahab, un registre des « disparus » a été établi pour toutes les familles qui n'ont plus de nouvelles de leurs proches arrêtés. « Rue Jamil-Serhan, ils ont pris tous mes frères. Qu'ils nous les rendent, et s'ils sont morts qu'ils nous le disent. On saura quoi faire ! Mes frères n'avaient pas d'armes, ils n'ont rien trouvé ! », raconte une femme. « Mon fils portait une arme pour nous défendre, vous, moi, tout le monde. Pas pour le pouvoir. Et quand on est pauvre, on n'a pas le choix. On n'a pas de fortune, pas d'argent. L'armée, c'est pour vivre, pour le salaire ! », ajoute une autre.Tensions croissantes entre familles et nouvelles autoritésAssailli par les plaintes, l'imam alaouite Mohieddine Saloum tente de calmer les esprits. « J'entends votre douleur. Je dirai à mes frères sunnites de ne pas enfermer nos enfants sans raison légale, ni preuve. Mais il faut rester guidés par la raison. Je vous jure que certains essaient de nous monter les uns contre les autres, sur Facebook et ailleurs, en insultant les Alaouites. Que cherchent nos ennemis ? Semer la haine pour justifier notre massacre. On leur donne cette occasion ? »Après les belles paroles, l'imam espère des actes des nouvelles autorités. Dehors, les combats continuent y compris à l'arme lourde contre ceux qui sont accusés par HTS d'avoir du sang sur les mains. 

Send us a textFather Dom's Homily from The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Christmas DayPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesCheck out our websiteContact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.comSupport us Support the showSupport the show at Buy Me A CoffeeSubscribe to our YouTube pageCheck out our websiteMystic Monk Coffee → For the best coffee for a great cause, we recommend Mystic Monk Coffee. Roasted with prayer by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, Mystic Monk Coffee has the ultimate cup waiting for you. See more at mysticmonkcoffee.com Contact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com.

Elia Ayoub reads from his newsletter piece "Merry Christmas Homs: Tribute to Bassel Shehadeh's Last City" which is available for free. It is a reference to a short film directed by Bassel during Christmas 2011 in Homs under heavy shelling by the Assad regime. You can watch it on YouTube. Trigger warning: this audio features some sounds from the original film, including airstrikes. They come right after Elia says 'at times getting closer' at around 1:25 seconds. Skip to 1:59 to avoid them. As this is time sensitive, it is released on the public feed shortly after the Patreon. If you're seeing this from the public feed, please consider joining our Patreon to support this podcast as well as all the other podcasts by FTP. Follow Wafa Mustafa on Instagram to get updates on her ongoing search for her father, Ali Mustafa. Quick announcement: Elia and Leila Al-Shami are going to launch a new podcast called The Inconvenient Revolution focusing on Syrian history between 2011 and 2024. From the Periphery (FTP) Patreon subscribers will get all episodes before the general public. From The Periphery is built by Elia Ayoub, Leila Al-Shami, Ayman Makarem, Dana El Kurd, Karena Avedissian, Daniel Voskoboynik, Anna M, Aydın Yıldız, Ed S, Alice Bonfatti, israa abd elfattah, with more joining soon! ⁠⁠⁠The Fire These Times⁠⁠⁠⁠ by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elia Ayoub⁠⁠⁠⁠ is licensed under ⁠⁠⁠⁠Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Send us a textOn this Gaudete Sunday episode of The Manly Catholic, Fr. Dom delves into the transformative gift of joy—a hallmark of true Christian masculinity. He unpacks the profound difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy, a gift infused in us through baptism. With vivid examples from saints like St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Mother Teresa, he reveals how joy becomes an unshakable strength even amidst suffering, chaos, and spiritual combat.Learn practical ways to protect your joy from the enemy's grasp, confront pride and selfishness, and reignite your spiritual fire. Hear how prayer, the sacraments, and daily surrender to Christ equip us to lead with purpose and sacrifice. This isn't just a feel-good message—it's a call to arms for men ready to lead their families and communities with unwavering joy.Don't let life's storms extinguish your light. Find out how to become a man on fire for Christ. Tune in now and embrace the mission of a lifetime.Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesCheck out our websiteContact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.comSupport us Support the showSupport the show at Buy Me A CoffeeFollow us on XSubscribe to our YouTube pageCheck out our websiteMystic Monk Coffee → For the best coffee for a great cause, we recommend Mystic Monk Coffee. Roasted with prayer by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, Mystic Monk Coffee has the ultimate cup waiting for you. See more at mysticmonkcoffee.com Contact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com.

On today's episode we speak to Farouq Habib from Syria's White Helmets about returning to his home city of Homs for the first time in over a decade. He tells us about the devastation Bashar al-Assad wreaked across Syria, and how the country can heal now that the regime has fallen. Plus: The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan has been on the Turkish-Syrian border. She's been speaking to refugees excited to finally be able to go back, but also to Turkish Alawites who continue to have an affinity for Assad. ReadSyrians stream across border from Turkey as guards open crossings, by Sophia Yan:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/10/syrians-flood-across-border-from-turkey-open-crossings/It's too soon to return to Syria – its new rulers were al-Qaeda members just a few years ago, by Abdulrahman Bdiwi:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/10/first-person-too-soon-go-back-syria-al-qaeda-few-years-ago/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made its final march on the Syrian capital of Damascus. The rebels had already claimed the major cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs. In a matter of hours and with little violence, Syrian government forces abandoned their posts and HTS claimed victory. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country and has been granted asylum in Russia.After more than five decades, Syria is no longer under the rule of the Assad dynasty. And the region is transformed forever. But as people rejoice across Syria – what's left is immense uncertainty about the future of the country's government and its place in the region.We get to the latest and look to the future for both Syria and the Middle East.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Este domingo Siria y el resto del mundo asistieron a un hito histórico: la caída del régimen de Bashar Al Assad, segundo y último representante de una dinastía que ha dominado el país desde que en 1971 su padre, Hafez Al Assad, tomó el poder tras un golpe de Estado. Bashar Al Assad llevaba casi un cuarto de siglo en la presidencia, aunque los últimos trece años ha tenido que librar una sangrienta guerra civil en varios frentes que, tras una prolongada pausa, se reactivó hace unos días con la captura de la ciudad de Alepo por parte de las milicias rebeldes que operaban en el norte del país. El régimen de los Al Assad ha durado más de cinco décadas y ha estado caracterizado por el culto a la personalidad y el control absoluto sobre la política y la vida pública de Siria. Tras la muerte de Hafez en 2000, Bashar, un oftalmólogo educado en Occidente, heredó la presidencia y fue bien recibido en las cancillerías occidentales ya que se pensaba que traería reformas. Pero la realidad fue otra, especialmente tras la primavera árabe de 2011, cuando desató una brutal represión contra los que salieron a la calle a protestar. A aquello le sucedió un levantamiento armado y una guerra civil. La caída de Bashar Al Assad ha sido tan rápida como inesperada. Las fuerzas rebeldes, acaudilladas por el grupo Hayat Tahrir al Sham, iniciaron una ofensiva relámpago que comenzó en Alepo a finales de noviembre y en los días siguientes se extendió a otras ciudades importantes como Hama y Homs. En cuestión de días, lograron cercar y finalmente tomar Damasco, la capital. Las celebraciones en las calles de Siria, con ciudadanos derribando estatuas y retratos de los Assad, mostraron que seguramente esto ya no tenga vuelta atrás. La huida de Assad de Damasco fue confirmada por varios medios y fuentes oficiales. Tenía previsto comparecer por televisión el sábado por la noche, pero no lo hizo. Horas más tarde se supo que había tomado un avión hacia un destino desconocido. Se habló de Teherán, también de Abu Dhabi, incluso algunas fuentes aseguraban que el avión fue derribado en el desierto sirio. A última hora del domingo se supo que estaba en Moscú, donde el Gobierno ruso le concedió asilo político. Lo que parece claro es que en los últimos días todos sus aliados le habían abandonado. Rusia e Irán, sus principales apoyos durante la guerra civil, no intervinieron para detener el avance rebelde. Ambos están ocupados con otros asuntos más urgentes y probablemente consideraron que el régimen de Assad ya no se podía sostener. El impacto de la caída de Assad es importante no sólo para Siria, sino para todo Oriente Próximo. Israel, por ejemplo, ve con buenos ojos este cambio, ya que desvía la atención del Líbano y podría conducir a una tregua duradera con Hezbolá. Para Estados Unidos y Rusia la reconfiguración política de Siria supone todo un desafío ya que se trata de un país central en aquella región. En el interior del país la Coalición Nacional Siria y otros grupos de oposición han comenzado a trabajar en el modo en el que se repartirán el poder. Por ahora han prometido una Siria libre, democrática y pluralista, pero, habida cuenta de los antecedentes de muchos de ellos, es difícil que Siria camine en esa dirección. La incertidumbre sobre el futuro inmediato de Siria es máxima. La guerra civil ha devastado la infraestructura y la cohesión social del país, ha dejando miles de muertos y mantiene a millones de sirios desplazados, muchos de ellos en el extranjero. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 3:48 La caída de Assad 28:53 El registro turístico 34:05 El 'gran hermano' turístico 39:44 Divorcio por la DANA · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #siria #assad Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Presidential picks and pardons. As President-elect Donald Trump defends his embattled choice for Defense secretary, there are growing fears that his other cabinet choices will seek revenge on his political opponents. I'll ask Rep. James Clyburn why President Biden should preemptively protect Trump's critics with blanket pardons, even though they've committed no crimes. Two presidents, one global stage. After President Biden's trip to Africa, Donald Trump takes the spotlight at the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris and meets with French and Ukrainian leaders. I'll talk to Max Boot of the Washington Post about what happened to having one President at a time. And, the new clues in the search for a gunman who killed the CEO of United Healthcare. Why the search is now expanding beyond New York. I'll also dive into breaking news out of Syria, where rebel forces claim to have seized the key city of Homs and are  posing a real threat to President Bashar Al-Assad's grip on power. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.” 

Syrian President's grip on power wanes as another strategic city falls to Islamist rebels. Also: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is rededicated in front of world leaders and the conman in India who duped families into thinking he was their long lost son.

Rebel forces in southern Syria have reportedly captured most of the Deraa region - the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.Also on the programme: we hear from South Korea after a tumultuous week in politics there; and the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is set to welcome visitors once more. (Image: Rebel fighters pass a tank in Homs countryside, after Syrian rebels pressed their lightning advance in Syria on 7 December 2024. Credit: Reuters/Mahmoud Hasano)

The latest reports from Syria say Islamist rebels are closing in on the centre of the city of Homs - as they continue their advance to Damascus. On this programme we will hear from the Syrian opposition as well as the UN envoy Geir Pederson.Also on the programme: The singer Angelique Kidjo on the re-dedication of the Notre Dame cathedral in Pais.(Picture: A member of the Syrian opposition stands at an entrance to the Hama governorate on the Damascus-Aleppo International Highway, Syria. Credit: MOHAMMED AL RIFAI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

In Syria, Islamist-led rebels continue their rapid advance. The UN says 300,000 have fled their homes as rebels reach the outskirts of Homs. Also: Romania will rerun its election, and how to survive a polar bear attack.

Government forces in Syria appear to be struggling on several fronts as rebel groups advance.  Islamist-led factions are within kilometres of Homs.  Also on the programme, Romania's top court has annulled the results of the presidential election on fears the far-right winner benefitted from a massive illegal TikTok campaign; and, Finland has become the world's first country to launch a national soundscape — a fifteen-part composition inspired by the country's nature.(Photo: A rebel fighter stands atop a military vehicle as he carries a Hayat Tahrir al-Sham flag in Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province, Syria December 1, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hassano TPX)

Rebel forces in Syria are bearing down on the city of Homs, a vital link between the capital, Damascus, and the Assad regime's coastal stronghold. We hear from a Christian priest in the coastal city of Latakia.Also in the programme: Romania's top court annuls the results of the first round of the presidential election, after the surprise victory of an unknown far-right nationalist; and Notre Dame cathedral in Paris is reborn after a devastating fire five years ago.(IMAGE: Opposition fighters pose for a selfie in front of a Syrian government building after they entered the city of Hama, Syria, 06 December 2024 / CREDIT: Bilal al Hammoud/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

In our news wrap Friday, investigators believe the gunman who shot and killed a healthcare CEO has fled New York, Syrian rebels are seizing more territory and closing in on the country's third-largest city of Homs and the leader of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's own party now supports impeaching him. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

//The Wire//2300Z December 6, 2024////ROUTINE////BLUF: TENSIONS REMAIN HIGH IN SOUTH KOREA AMID POTENTIAL FOR ANOTHER SERIES OF ESCALATIONS. SYRIAN REBELS CONTINUE ADVANCE, ARRIVE IN HOMS. DANIEL PENNY TRIAL CONTINUES IN NYC, INCREASING POTENTIAL FOR CIVIL UNREST.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Syria: The situation has deteriorated significantly over the past 24 hours. Pro-Assad forces have largely been completely absent throughout most of the country as the conglomeration of rebel forces being led by HTS have continued their advance. Overnight HTS arrived in Homs, and have taken the northern suburbs of the city.South Korea: Tensions remain high amid the rapid-pace of events that have occurred over the past 24 hours. Specifically, concerns have arisen that President Yoon may declare a state of Martial Law once again as a vote on his impeachment is carried out in Parliament tomorrow. As this impeachment vote essentially comes down to whether or not his own party will support him, the situation remains very fluid. Yoon's political bloc, the People Power Party, has flip-flopped on supporting him during the impeachment efforts, at first denouncing him because of his first Marital Law declaration, then supporting him a few hours later and vowing to oppose any impeachment efforts. This morning indications emerged that his party would indeed support an impeachment due to the revelation that Yoon has issued military orders for the armed forces to remain on alert until tomorrow…after the impeachment vote. By midday, his party held a meeting and flipped again, confirming the party line that they would not support an impeachment of President Yoon. As it stands President Yoon's impeachment vote is scheduled for Saturday.Several high-level officials have also resigned and/or been suspended due to their part in the first coup attempt. The leadership of the RoK Special Warfare Command, the Capital Defense Command, and the Defense Counterintelligence Command have all been suspended by the Defense Ministry.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. – The USDA has issued an order for the entire national milk supply to be tested for bird flu. AC: This mandate is somewhat perplexing as any sort of bacteria, virus, or pathogen is neutralized by the HTST pasteurization process that is currently mandated in the United States.New York: The potential for civil unrest remains elevated as the Daniel Penny trial verdict is expected Monday. This afternoon, the primary charge of manslaughter against Penny was dismissed before the court adjourned for the weekend. The prosecution is trying the comparatively unorthodox attempt to get the second charge to stick with the jury, which will begin deliberating again on Monday. AC: As a reminder this is a very high-profile case that has resulted in high-tensions already due to the racial component of the incident, as well as the extreme levels of bias that have been on display during this trial. As such, though the most serious charge against Penny has been dropped, if he is found guilty of the lesser charges on Monday the potential for civil unrest is greatly reduced. However, if he is found not guilty, acquitted, or the jury is hung on all charges, the potential for civil unrest becomes substantial. As the primary charge has been dropped, malign actors will have time to prepare for demonstrations and unrest operations over the weekend.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Concerning the tactical situation in South Korea, many Members of Parliament remain on ready alert, with reports of some politicians sleeping in their offices, or even in the main assembly hall, to prevent another late-night coup attempt. Outside the National Assembly Building, varying demonstrations have been persistently underway since the crisis began three days ago. Politicians, staffers, and civilians alike have been observed emplacing obs

Join Paul, Phil and Tiana as they discuss Syria, Israel, SCOTUS and much more.News:Bible sales soar as world events continue to shakeSyrian rebels capture northern Homs countryside, push Assad army out of Inhal - reportThe toppling of Assad's regime in Syria may be bad news for Israel - analysisA weakened Syrian regime under Assad, therefore, is in Israel's interest. But here's the rub: Israel would like to see Assad weakened, but not overmuch, and not toppled.Supreme Court appears ready to uphold Tennessee ban on youth transgender careBiden considering blanket preemptive pardons for perceived enemies of TrumpTo learn more go to www.thewarriorsrising.com

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Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Rebel forces are closing in on the strategically important city of Homs

It's reported Islamist-led rebels may be closing in on Homs - the country's third biggest city - as they continue their advance on Thursday.

//The Wire//2300Z December 5, 2024////ROUTINE////BLUF: CALIFORNIA EXPERIENCES TSUNAMI SCARE DUE TO SUBSTANTIAL EARTHQUAKE OFF THE COAST. CHINESE CYBER INCIDENTS HIGHLIGHT TELECOM VULNERABILITIES. SYRIAN REBELS CAPTURE HAMA.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Syria: On the southern front, rebel forces have taken the city of Hama, and have begun the southern push toward Homs. On the eastern front HTS has made a rapid advance to the Upper Euphrates River Valley, reaching Lake Assad overnight.AC: HTS and other rebel forces have been able to take significant ground, while the Syrian Army has largely ceded most of their terrain to the rebel advance. In most areas, HTS has encountered little resistance from the Syrian Army. Russian forces have offered up varying levels of resistance to HTS operations, with some reports claiming significant Russian retaliatory bombings (such as in Aleppo), but other reports indicating Russian forces largely withdrawing without a shot being fired. At the moment, the Russian naval base of Tartus is very much in danger of being cut-off from Damascus by land.France: Following a vote of no-confidence yesterday, Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted from his position. As of this morning, PM Barnier became the shortest-serving PM in French history by resigning his post which he was appointed to only in September. AC: To highlight Barnier's unpopularity, both the far-left and far-right factions in government united to oust him for their disapproval of his handling of the budget, making his removal the only successful no-confidence vote in France since 1962. -HomeFront-California: This afternoon a Tsunami Warning was issued for the coast of northern California due to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the region. In response to the tsunami threat, the mass evacuation of millions of people was ordered, with limited success. After some time, the Warning was canceled, with no tsunami being reported due to the earthquake. AC: Considering the sheer number of people that live directly within the high-tsunami-risk areas in California, the chances of a mass evacuation being successful in the little time allotted were always minimal. However the attempt was made, and mass traffic gridlock was reported before the Tsunami Warning was cancelled.Washington D.C. – During ongoing investigations into the incidents surrounding the inadequacies of the US Secret Service to protect Donald Trump, Director Ronald Rowe appeared to have a psychological episode during his testimony before Congress. While being questioned by Congressman Pat Fallon, a shouting match erupted between Congressman Fallon and Director Rowe, which began rather suddenly without much warning. As Congressman Fallon was asking Rowe about a photograph of Rowe which was taken at a 9/11 memorial (where Rowe was on-the-job in an official USSS capacity on protective detail), Rowe began rambling about his role in the actual 9/11 attack itself, which immediately devolved into a shouting match between himself and the Congressman.AC: Shouting at an elected official who represents the people who sign one's paycheck demonstrates a rather interesting perspective of job security. Regardless of political party, Director Rowe, was not shouting at a suit in Washington…he was shouting at the American taxpayer who demands accountability. Either way, this incident is yet another in a long list of indications of what the American political system has become, and also demonstrates the very serious problems within the agency. A Director who is mentally unwell or has anger issues to the point that he can't even control himself while answering basic questions about his job (a job which involves the use of lethal force) is probably a more practical indicator of how serious the problems within the USSS are than any other Congressional testimony.USA: This morning, vario

Last weekend, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate with a base in northwest Syria, launched a surprise offensive. The rebels captured Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, and headed toward Homs and Hama, two major population centers. The weekend's battles mark the first significant shift of battle lines in Syria since 2020. With Russian and Syrian airstrikes on rebel strongholds picking up, Asher Grant-Sasson speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the CSIS Middle East Program, about the regional and geostrategic implications of a possibly new phase in Syria's 13-year civil war.

//The Wire//2300Z December 2, 2024////ROUTINE////BLUF: ALEPPO OFFENSIVE CONTINUES, ADDITIONAL AXIS OF ADVANCE OPENS TOWARDS HAMA. HUNTER BIDEN PARDONED. TENUOUS CEASEFIRE IN LEBANON COLLAPSES.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Syria: The advance on Aleppo continues, with rebel forces (mostly HTS) now controlling most of the western half of the city. The airport in Aleppo is also now controlled by rebel forces, to include a few major Syrian Army (SAA) depots and the complement of fighter aircraft that were abandoned by the Army as the airport was being overrun.Over the weekend, a separate axis of advance was observed maneuvering toward Hama, another major city just north of Homs. This southern advance now threatens the logistical corridor used by the Russian Naval base in Tartus, Russia's only direct access point for the Mediterranean Sea that does not involve going through the Turkish Straits.Lebanon: The ceasefire has collapsed following targeting in Lebanon this afternoon. Today, Hezbollah launched two rockets toward Israeli positions, prompting Israel to renew aerial targeting efforts. AC: Both sides claim the other broke the ceasefire first; Hezbollah claims their rockets were the retaliation for earlier Israeli targeting, while Israel omits any previous targeting that they have conducted after the ceasefire was brokered.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. – Yesterday afternoon President Biden pardoned his son Hunter for any and all crimes he has committed from January 1, 2014 until December 1, 2024. This afternoon the White House confirmed that this will not be the only pardon issued by President Biden before leaving office, and that other pardons are currently in the works.Also in Washington, this morning mainstream media (citing unnamed sources) have claimed that the United States is preparing another $725 million aid package to Ukraine, which allegedly includes military aid in the form of Anti-Personnel Landmines (APLs).Florida: Controversy has erupted following some of the more contentious cabinet appointment choices that Donald Trump has announced as his administration takes shape. Over the weekend the incoming Trump administration announced the nomination of Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the DEA. AC: Chronister has gained infamy over the years for his draconian policies during the COVID era, which included the arrest of a local pastor who dared to hold Church services in violation of social-distancing orders. Chronister is also a supporter of transgender ideology (and law enforcement taking part in it via various social events celebrating social degeneracy), and has been a champion of DEI initiatives, to include the early release of violent criminals who have gone on to immediately reoffend.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Online, the reaction to Hunter Biden's pardon has been mixed. Most people seem to be reflecting on the hypocrisy of Joe Biden pardoning a family member when he explicitly stated that he would not do that, while many others have taken the perspective that Biden's act was a respectable one. However, for those equating Biden's act as one of a father doing anything to save his son, one detail might derail that wholesome thought. Hunter's pardon was a blanket amnesty, covering anything Hunter might have done over a period of 11 years. Considering the potential crimes that he may have committed that we will never even know about (because no investigation will ever be conducted now), this distinction is important and has a wider range of implications than a simple case of corruption. For instance, if we were to find out that Hunter Biden was the kingpin of the Epstein human trafficking network, he's already been pardoned for it. Though no one actually expects any member of society's elite to actually serve a sentence for a crime they have committed, by issuing a blanket pardon the inve