November 30, 2021

*) Barbados becomes world's newest republic Barbados has removed Britain's Queen Elizabeth as head of state, severing its last remaining colonial bonds nearly 400 years after the first English ships arrived at the Caribbean island. During the ceremony, the Royal Standard flag was lowered and the governor-general, Dame Sandra Mason, was sworn in as the nation's first president. Hundreds of people lined Chamberlain Bridge in the capital, Bridgetown to watch a dazzling display of Barbadian dance and music, complete with speeches celebrating the end of colonialism. *) Pentagon orders new probe into 2019 air strike in Syria The US defence secretary orders a review of air strikes in Syria that killed at least 70 civilians. In March 2019, US jets dropped two bombs on the town of Baghuz, along the Euphrates river. Washington said they were targeting Daesh, but a New York Times investigation published earlier this month found that mostly women and children were killed. *) Biden promises no new Covid-19 curbs in wake of Omicron panic US President Joe Biden has warned Americans not to panic about the new Omicron variant, as global concern is growing over the spread of the heavily mutated strain of Covid-19. Speaking at the White House, Biden said it was inevitable that the new variant would reach the US, but he also said the country has the tools necessary to protect Americans - particularly the approved vaccines and booster shots. Biden said he was not considering any widespread lockdown, and that the country is making contingency plans with pharmaceutical companies if new vaccines are needed. *) Myanmar junta court postpones verdict in Suu Kyi incitement trial A Myanmar junta court has postponed giving a verdict in the incitement trial of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The court adjourned the verdict "until December 6," to allow testimony from an additional witness, Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, according to a legal official. The Nobel laureate faces three years in prison if found guilty of incitement a