Ahmad al-Sharaa takes over as Syria’s transitional president

Full Episode
49:45

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa walks in the presidential palace ahead of his meeting with Walid Ellafi, Libyan minister of state for communication and political affairs, in Damascus, Dec. 28, 2024.

Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP/File photo

Syria’s de-facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa was declared the country’s transitional president on Wednesday. The former rebel leader addressed Syrians directly yesterday and called for justice and elections following a transitional period. Also, 10 days into President Donald Trump’s administration, the US southern border remains closed to asylum-seekers, and many are now considering ditching the American Dream to settle in Mexico instead. And, seven candidates are vying for a chance to be the next president of the International Olympic Committee. Plus, a three-tiered popcorn tax in India.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

In This Episode

Former rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa assumes Syria’s presidency
5:26
Migrants give up on American Dream, look toward Mexico instead
4:38
Popcorn taxation travesty
2:59
US senator says UAE lied about sending weapons to fuel Sudan war
8:15
Who will be the new president of the International Olympic Committee?
5:21
Bird flu is evolving and the mutations worry scientists
4:47
Kremlin’s internet crackdown is taking on YouTube
Special Coverage
6:19
Nigerian musician Tems hopes to win big at the Grammys
1:27
In South Korea, shamans are shunned — and revered 
Special Coverage
5:45
Remembering Marianne Faithfull
4:08