Up First from NPR
Opposition Forces in Syria, Crypto's Milestone Week, New York City's Housing Plan
06 Dec 2024
Syrian opposition forces swept into another government stronghold as they continue with their largest offensive in years against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. It's been a milestone week for cryptocurrencies as a single Bitcoin hit a valuation of one hundred thousand dollars. And, officials in New York City have taken a step toward addressing the city's housing crisis with a new plan that could pave the way for 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Pallavi Gogoi, Andrea DeLeon, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Ben Abrams. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Erika Aguilar. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Full Episode
Syrian opposition forces swept into another government stronghold as the Syrian army withdrew. This puts the fighters closer to their goal of taking Damascus. Can they topple the Syrian regime? I'm Leila Fadil, that's Michelle Martin, and this is Up First from NPR News. The value of a single Bitcoin hit $100,000 for the first time ever this week.
This will create a short-term boom over the next couple of years. But it's going to be a sugar high.
Will the momentum behind crypto last? And New York City has a new plan to address its housing crisis.
The greatest city in the world has just passed the greatest housing legislation in our history.
Will it be enough to address soaring costs and homelessness? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day. Syrian opposition forces are storming ahead with their largest offensive in years against the government of Bashar al-Assad.
The rebel push started last week when fierce fighting led to the stunning capture of Syria's second largest city, Aleppo. Then, as of yesterday, they swept into the city of Hama. a major government stronghold on the road south to Damascus.
NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi is with us now with more. Good morning, Hadil. Good morning. So where does this rebel advance stand now?
They seem to be moving so fast. They really are. I mean, it's been a week of violent fighting between the rebel forces. and pro-government factions which are backed by Russia and Iran. Army troops withdrew yesterday from the fringes of the city of Hama and the opposition forces were seen celebrating in the city center.
We do know that Syrian groups have said that more than 100 civilians have been killed in the fighting.
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