In a surprising turn of events, several senior U.S. diplomats stationed at the Syria Regional Platform (SRP) in Istanbul have been abruptly dismissed, according to sources familiar with the matter. The SRP, which functions as the de facto U.S. mission to Syria, has been a key player in Washington’s efforts to integrate Syrian Kurdish allies with the central administration in Damascus. The dismissals, which occurred suddenly and involuntarily, are part of a broader reorganization of the team, though they are not expected to impact U.S. policy in Syria. The diplomats reported to Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria and a close confidant of former President Donald Trump. Barrack, who was appointed in May, has been advocating for a unified Syrian state under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who rose to power in a swift advance last year. The move to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into national security forces has been met with resistance from some SDF leaders, who have fought alongside the U.S. against Islamic State during former President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The SDF continues to push for a less centralized government, aiming to retain the autonomy they gained during Syria’s civil war. Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. ambassador to NATO member Turkey, has been actively involved in addressing regional issues, including a recent plan to resolve a standoff with the Druze minority in southern Syria. The State Department has declined to comment on the dismissals, emphasizing that core staff working on Syrian issues remain operational from various locations. The SRP, headquartered at the U.S. consulate in Istanbul, has been the primary U.S. diplomatic presence in Syria since the closure of the embassy in Damascus in 2012.
标签： North America
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Hollywood comes to Kimmel’s defense after ABC pulls late-night show
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has indefinitely suspended ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ following intense regulatory threats from the Trump administration. The decision came after Jimmy Kimmel, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, made controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his September 10 monologue. Kimmel suggested that Kirk’s allies were exploiting his death for political gain, a statement that sparked widespread backlash from conservative circles. The Walt Disney-owned broadcaster faced pressure from Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which threatened investigations and potential fines. FCC Chair Brendan Carr urged local broadcasters to cease airing the show, praising Nexstar for its stance. Unions representing writers, actors, and musicians have condemned the suspension, labeling it an attack on free speech and a form of state censorship. The Writers Guild of America West and East issued a joint statement, emphasizing the importance of protecting constitutional rights. Meanwhile, actor Ben Stiller and SAG-AFTRA voiced their support for Kimmel, criticizing the decision as a dangerous precedent. The incident has reignited debates about media freedom and government interference in the entertainment industry.
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Fed’s rate cut comes with caveats, leaving investors lukewarm
The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points has left investors navigating a complex landscape of economic uncertainty. On September 17, 2025, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced the first rate cut since December, lowering the policy rate to a range of 4%-4.25%. While the move signaled a dovish shift, Powell tempered expectations by highlighting persistent inflation risks and a weakening labor market, leaving markets cautious about the pace of future easing. The Fed’s updated economic projections, including its ‘dot plot,’ indicated a potential 50 basis points in cuts by year-end, but inflation is still forecasted to remain above the 2% target at 3%. This nuanced messaging has dampened optimism, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 closing lower in choppy trading. Treasury yields rose, reflecting market unease. Analysts warn of stagflation risks, a mix of sluggish growth and high inflation, complicating the Fed’s ability to support the economy. Internal disagreements within the Fed, including a lone dissent advocating for a larger rate cut, have added to the volatility. Investors now face a challenging environment as they digest conflicting signals and brace for heightened market fluctuations.
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US vaccine panel to vote on the use of combined measles shot this week
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to host a pivotal meeting this week, where vaccine advisers will vote on a proposal to eliminate recommendations for the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under four. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned vaccine safety despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. Kennedy has promoted the unfounded claim that the MMRV vaccine is linked to autism, a theory repeatedly debunked by rigorous scientific studies. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will convene on September 18-19 to deliberate on the proposal, as outlined in a draft agenda on the CDC’s website. The meeting follows Kennedy’s controversial decision in June to dismiss all 17 ACIP members and appoint eight new advisers, some of whom have previously opposed vaccines. Since assuming his role under the Trump administration, Kennedy has initiated a review of vaccine policies, including the measles shot, which remains the most effective method to prevent the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. Currently, the CDC recommends that children under four receive separate doses of the MMR and varicella vaccines, with the MMRV vaccine preferred for older children. This year, the U.S. has reported 1,454 measles cases, the highest in over three decades, underscoring the urgency of the debate. The MMRV vaccine is marketed in the U.S. by pharmaceutical giants Merck and GSK, with Merck also offering the ProQuad shot, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
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Trump tariffs could fund bailout for US farmers, agriculture secretary tells FT
The Trump administration is reportedly formulating a plan to utilize tariff revenue to finance a support program for U.S. farmers, according to a Financial Times report published on Thursday. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed in an interview that the administration is actively considering this approach, stating, ‘There may be circumstances under which we will be very seriously looking to and announcing a package soon.’ Rollins emphasized that using ‘tariff income that is now coming into America’ is ‘absolutely a potential’ funding source. The White House has yet to comment on the matter. This development comes amid mounting pressure from agricultural groups, exacerbated by China’s halt in soybean purchases from the U.S. due to the ongoing trade dispute. Additionally, tariffs have increased costs for essential farming inputs such as fertilizer and machinery. Agriculture has become a focal point in the escalating trade tensions between the two superpowers, initiated by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The situation underscores the broader economic challenges faced by U.S. farmers in the current geopolitical climate.
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Facebook owner unveils new AI-powered smart glasses
At the annual Meta Connect conference held in Silicon Valley, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced a groundbreaking lineup of smart glasses and AI-powered wearable devices, signaling the company’s ambitious push into the future of wearable technology. The event, attended by hundreds of tech enthusiasts and industry leaders, showcased Meta’s latest innovations, including the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and the Oakley Meta Vanguard, both designed to integrate seamlessly with the company’s AI ecosystem. The Meta Ray-Ban Display features a high-resolution, full-color screen embedded in one lens, enabling users to conduct video calls, view messages, and capture photos with a 12-megapixel camera. Additionally, Meta unveiled a neural wristband that pairs with the glasses, allowing users to perform tasks like sending messages through subtle hand gestures. Despite a minor hiccup during the live demonstration—a WhatsApp call failed to connect—Zuckerberg emphasized the transformative potential of these devices, calling the technology a ‘huge scientific breakthrough.’ Analysts predict that smart glasses, with their everyday practicality, could outperform Meta’s Metaverse project in terms of market adoption. However, challenges remain in convincing consumers of their value, particularly given the $799 price tag for the Meta Ray-Ban Display. Zuckerberg also highlighted Meta’s massive investments in AI infrastructure, including plans to build sprawling data centers across the U.S., as part of its mission to develop ‘superintelligence.’ The event was not without controversy, as activists protested outside Meta’s New York headquarters, demanding stronger safeguards for children on social media platforms. These concerns were amplified by recent Senate testimonies from former Meta researchers alleging the company downplayed potential harms of its VR products. Meta has denied these claims, labeling them as ‘nonsense.’
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NYT chief executive warns Trump is deploying ‘anti-press playbook’, FT says
On September 17, 2025, Meredith Kopit Levien, CEO of The New York Times, publicly addressed the $15-billion lawsuit filed by U.S. President Donald Trump against the newspaper. Speaking at a Financial Times conference, Levien dismissed the lawsuit as ‘legally baseless’ and lacking any legitimate claims. She asserted that the suit was a strategic move to intimidate and suppress independent journalism, particularly the fact-based reporting that The New York Times is renowned for. ‘The New York Times will not be cowed by this,’ Levien declared, emphasizing the paper’s commitment to upholding journalistic integrity. This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal actions Trump has taken against media outlets during his second term, including a $10-billion defamation case against The Wall Street Journal in July. The White House has yet to comment on the matter. The New York Times, in response to Reuters, reiterated that the lawsuit was an attempt to stifle independent reporting and lacked any substantive legal foundation. The case underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the press, raising concerns about press freedom and the role of media in holding power to account.
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Leonardo DiCaprio on why his new film addresses ‘divisiveness in our culture’
Leonardo DiCaprio, the Oscar-winning actor, recently spoke to the BBC about the political undertones of his latest film, ‘One Battle After Another.’ Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film has been in development for over two decades and features an all-star cast including Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall. DiCaprio plays Bob, a paranoid ex-revolutionary who must confront his past when his daughter goes missing. The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel ‘Vineland,’ blends political satire, black comedy, and action, offering a nuanced look at societal polarization. DiCaprio described the film as a reflection of the growing divisiveness in culture, stating, ‘It holds a mirror up to society and talks about the polarity.’ He emphasized that the film is ‘political without making it feel like medicine,’ highlighting its entertaining yet thought-provoking nature. Critics have lauded the film, with many praising DiCaprio’s performance as a flawed yet relatable protagonist. Benicio del Toro, who plays a martial arts instructor, expressed his excitement about working with DiCaprio, calling it a ‘dream come true.’ The film has received widespread acclaim, with reviewers hailing it as a ‘ferocious American masterpiece’ and a potential Oscar frontrunner. Anderson, known for his previous works like ‘Phantom Thread’ and ‘There Will Be Blood,’ is praised for his ambitious direction, with DiCaprio calling him a ‘visionary and seminal director.’
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US House advances stopgap bill to avert government shutdown
The U.S. House of Representatives, under Republican control, has taken a critical step toward averting a partial federal government shutdown by approving a procedural measure to debate a stopgap funding bill. The vote, which passed 216-210 on Wednesday, sets the stage for a final decision later this week. The proposed continuing resolution (CR) aims to fund federal agencies through November 21, providing Congress additional time to negotiate comprehensive appropriations for fiscal year 2026, which begins on October 1. The CR also allocates $88 million to enhance security for members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the executive branch, a response to the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. House Republicans aim to pass the CR by Friday and send it to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be essential for approval. The White House has endorsed the resolution, while Democrats have criticized it as partisan. In response, Democrats introduced an alternative bill to extend government funding through October 31, which includes provisions to restore Medicaid funding and extend healthcare tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. However, the Democratic proposal is unlikely to pass. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration, stating, ‘We have two weeks. They should sit down and talk to us, and we maybe can get a good proposal.’ The annual funding debate addresses approximately one-quarter of the federal government’s $7 trillion budget, excluding mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare. The outcome of this legislative battle will have significant implications for government operations and public services.
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Fired CDC director says Kennedy plans to change children’s vaccine schedule
In a revealing Senate hearing on September 17, former CDC Director Susan Monarez detailed her contentious interactions with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which ultimately led to her dismissal. Monarez testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, shedding light on Kennedy’s demands for pre-approval of changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without scientific review. Kennedy allegedly insisted on blanket approval of recommendations from the agency’s vaccine advisory board and required Monarez to seek political staff approval for her decisions, actions she resisted to maintain the CDC’s scientific integrity. Monarez was fired on August 28 after just 29 days in office, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and led to the resignation of four CDC officials. The hearing also highlighted the broader debate over U.S. vaccination policy, with Kennedy advocating for reduced vaccine use and public health experts calling for his resignation. Republicans and Democrats alike expressed concerns over the politicization of vaccine policy, with some Democrats apologizing for their initial lack of support for Monarez. The Department of Health and Human Services defended Kennedy’s actions, stating that any changes to the vaccine schedule would be science-based. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, now with 12 new members, is set to discuss two children’s vaccines in an upcoming meeting, raising questions about the future of U.S. vaccination policy.