- Paul Ryan, despite initial reluctance, was elected speaker of the House of Representatives (replacing John Boehner) (CNN).
- The Senate voted to repeal Obamacare, while democrats launched a gun control debate (CNN).
- 14 people were killed and 21 injured at a holiday party In San Bernadino, CA by a 28-year-old co-worker and his wife. The couple was killed by local police after a car chase and the violence has been called the single deadliest terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11. The couple kept not only their plans but their radical beliefs a secret while stockpiling an arsenal of weapons in their home (CNN). The heavy implications of this are demonstrated by President Obama’s decision to address the nation from the Oval Office for the first time since announcing the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan (CBS News). ISIS has claimed the two were supporters, and made specific threats on 14 states claiming they have over 70 fighters embedded in the US waiting to attack. Meanwhile, a great emphasis is being placed on fighting the root of combating ISIS’ influence through social media and community based efforts to counter violent extremism. (NY Times)
- Controversy grows around the fear of possible terrorists hiding among Syrian immigrants to the US and many states are enacting restrictions (ABC News) (CNN).
- Congress approved a 5-year Highway bill which included various other features not associated with transportation (Cleveland.com).
- A budget needs to be passed to avoid shutdown by 11 Dec, recent snags are planned parenthood funding, Syrian refugees, and environmental issues (NY Times).
- Women are now officially allowed to serve in all combat roles (CNN).
- US Special Forces will begin new attacks to combat ISIS in Iraq (NBC News).
- Turkey shot down a Russian fighter allegedly in violation of their airspace (Eurasia Review) then Russia accused their president of trading oil illegally with ISIS (CNN).
- A glimmer of hope appears for women in Saudi Arabia as their government allows those divorced and widowed to now manage family affairs without requiring approval by a male relative or court order (Huffington Post).
- In Syria, Russia has stepped up attacks after a Russian Airliner crashed after leaving Sharm El Sheikh airport killing all 224 aboard and ISIS claimed responsibility (Wall Street Journal). A Russian spy was supposedly beheaded in response (NBC News).
- The U.S. and France have stepped up anti-ISIS airstrikes as well after a series of attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 claimed 130 lives and ISIS said it was responsible for the coordinated carnage (NY Times)
- A huge art protest accompanied the opening of the COP21 climate change conference in Paris despite a ban on protests… the conference runs through 11Dec (COP21) .
- Belgium locked down the entire city of Brussels for days on end in light of threats following the Paris terrorist attacks, culminating in a large raid on a terror cell there. Some have asserted Belgium is a weak link in combatting terrorism in Europe (Reuters).
- China issued it’s first red alert for smog pollution in Beijing restricting school openings and vehicles operations (NY Times).
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