Damascus (AFP) – Sarah Latifa had feared that her Christian community in Syria may struggle to celebrate its first Christmas since Islamist-led rebels toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
Christmas in post
Ecuador vice president says Noboa seeking her 'banishment'
Quito (AFP) – A rift between Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa and his deputy deepened on Tuesday as his ally-turned-adversary accused the leader of the South American nation of trying to banish her to Turkey.
Leicester boss Van Nistelrooy aware of 'bigger picture' as Liverpool await
London (AFP) – Ruud van Nistelrooy is determined to keep sight of the “bigger picture” after recent defeats followed a winning start to his reign as Leicester boss.
Syria authorities say armed groups have agreed to disband
Damascus (AFP) – Syria’s new leaders announced Tuesday that they had reached an agreement with the country’s rebel groups on their dissolution and integration under the defence ministry.
Maresca expects Man City to be in title hunt as he downplays Chelsea's chancs
London (AFP) – Enzo Maresca believes Manchester City will bounce back into Premier League title contention, while insisting it is “just reality” that Chelsea are not genuine challengers for the crown.
Man Utd boss Amorim vows to stay on course despite Rashford row
London (AFP) – Ruben Amorim has insisted he knows what he’s doing as the Manchester United manager looks to revive the fallen English giants amid a row over the future of Marcus Rashford.
Mystery drones won't interfere with Santa's work: US tracker
Washington (AFP) – Santa Claus has no need to worry about recent mystery drone sightings over New Jersey, a US Air Force general said Tuesday, as an annual tradition of “tracking” Saint Nick swung into action.
South Africa opt for all
Centurion (South Africa) (AFP) – South African captain Temba Bavuma on Tuesday announced an all-pace attack for the first Test against Pakistan starting at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.
Guardiola adamant Man City slump not all about Haaland
London (AFP) – Pep Guardiola has insisted Erling Haaland alone is not responsible for Manchester City’s dramatic collapse in form this season.
Bethlehem marks sombre Christmas under shadow of war
Bethlehem (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Christians gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark a solemn Christmas overshadowed by war, as Pope Francis led mass in the Vatican.