Ruth Sherlock

It's also worth pointing out that Trump himself faced criticism for pardons that he doled out to several political allies and friends in his first term. That includes His one-time campaign manager, Paul Manafort, Republican operative Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, and Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.

Charles Kushner, by the way, Trump has selected to be the next ambassador to France in the president-elect's incoming administration.

Charles Kushner, by the way, Trump has selected to be the next ambassador to France in the president-elect's incoming administration.

Charles Kushner, by the way, Trump has selected to be the next ambassador to France in the president-elect's incoming administration.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thousands of Syrian opposition rebels have moved into Aleppo, Syria's second most populous city. Videos show them at the Old Citadel, burning posters of Syrian President Bashar Assad. It's a sudden and stunning development in Syria's 14-year civil war.

Thousands of Syrian opposition rebels have moved into Aleppo, Syria's second most populous city. Videos show them at the Old Citadel, burning posters of Syrian President Bashar Assad. It's a sudden and stunning development in Syria's 14-year civil war.

The Syrian regime, backed by Russia and Iran, was heralded as having largely won the conflict, with opposition militias pushed to rural areas along the border with Turkey. There, they were funded and received military training by Turkey. And now, in just three days, these rebels have stormed deep into Syria and are now targeting the government stronghold of Hama in the centre of the country.

The Syrian regime, backed by Russia and Iran, was heralded as having largely won the conflict, with opposition militias pushed to rural areas along the border with Turkey. There, they were funded and received military training by Turkey. And now, in just three days, these rebels have stormed deep into Syria and are now targeting the government stronghold of Hama in the centre of the country.

The Syrian military says it's regrouping to launch a counteroffensive. One reason for the regime's sudden loss may be intensified Israeli airstrikes on the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah in Syria, who were helping the regime control the country. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News.

The Syrian military says it's regrouping to launch a counteroffensive. One reason for the regime's sudden loss may be intensified Israeli airstrikes on the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah in Syria, who were helping the regime control the country. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News.