Is democracy in Syria’s future?

Bashar al-Assad’s reign over Syria ended this week after 13 years
of contentious civil war. Rebel forces captured the capital city
of Damascus, freed prisoners from detention facilities, and
ousted Assad from his palace. As Syrian citizens celebrate the
end of Assad’s regime, President Biden has reaffirmed the need
for a “Syrian-led” political transition. What’s next for Syria?
Should the United States get involved to uphold international
democracy?


Political violence struck in New York City last week when a
gunman killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Police
identified the suspect as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. Americans
across the political spectrum, many of whom are upset about the
state of health care in the U.S., have shared support for the
shooter’s actions. Their anger isn’t new, but have these
frustrations crossed a line? 


As the NFL ramps up for its two Christmas Day marquee games, the
Left, Right, and Center panel examines how modern sports culture
mirrors politics. Both fields evoke a strong personal connection.
Are sports as much of an identity as politics? Plus, how has
gambling, ever more popular, affect the way we watch?