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Syria phone shops free from Assad-linked monopoly
Syria phone shops free from Assad-linked monopoly
by  AFP

Syrian phone shop owner Abdel Razzaq Hamra was thrilled to finally be working in peace after years of being harassed and detained by security personnel enforcing an Assad-linked company's monopoly. Phone shop owners said security forces linked to Branch 215 of the Military Intelligence would raid their shops, while Shabiha -- pro-Assad militiamen -- also stalked the stores.

Bitcoin hits record above $109,000 awaiting Trump 
Bitcoin hits record above $109,000 awaiting Trump 
by  AFP

Bitcoin hit a record high above $109,000 on Monday as Donald Trump, who has signalled plans to deregulate the cryptocurrency sector, prepares to be sworn in as US president. It came after he nominated cryptocurrency backer Paul Atkins to head the US securities regulator, reinforcing optimism that the new president will deregulate the sector.

Asian markets track Wall St and Europe rally after Trump-Xi talks
Asian markets track Wall St and Europe rally after Trump-Xi talks
by  AFP

Most Asian markets rose Monday following a rally on Wall Street and record-breaking day in Europe, with sentiment boosted by positive talks between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping that soothed worries about the incoming US leader's second term.

New 'oligarchy' under fire as elites descend on Davos
New 'oligarchy' under fire as elites descend on Davos
by  AFP

A leading NGO warned Monday of an emerging "aristocratic oligarchy" with massive political clout and primed to profit from Donald Trump's presidency, as global elites descend on Davos for their annual confab.