Kristen Bell set to host Screen Actors Guild Awards again

France announced that it will host an international meeting on Syria in January, signifying a notable shift in its diplomatic stance toward Syria's political future. This decision comes after a meeting between French diplomats and representatives of the Syrian transitional authority in Damascus, where the French flag was raised over the embassy for the first time in twelve years. Acting Foreign Minister Jan-Noel Barrot stated that while positive signals have been observed from the transitional authority, France insists that any relief from sanctions and reconstruction aid will depend on clear political and security commitments from the new leadership. This effort follows a recent meeting in Jordan that included various state representatives from Turkey, Arab nations, and Western countries to discuss a path forward for Syria. However, uncertainty remains regarding the participation of Syrian representatives in the forthcoming conference and the specific goals it aims to achieve. Since severing ties with Bashar al-Assad in 2012, France has aligned itself with secular opposition forces and Kurdish factions that have played crucial roles in combatting Islamic State militants. Barrot emphasized the necessity of including Kurdish groups in any political transition, noting their significant contributions to the anti-Islamic State coalition and their current responsibility for safeguarding numerous detained terrorists in camps. As diplomatic efforts unfold, France recognizes Ankara's security concerns regarding the PKK, despite seeking to negotiate a resolution that accommodates the interests of all parties involved. Ultimately, these developments underscore a complex and evolving landscape in Syrian diplomacy, where the conditionality of aid and sanctions will hinge on genuine political commitments from the transitional government.