Syrian-Kurdish rights: Syrian presidential adviser Mazloum Abdi met Kobani officials after a Kobani prison fire killed nine inmates, calling for a transparent, independent investigation and stronger judicial-security coordination. Kurdish-language education: In Rojava, students and teachers keep protesting a Damascus decree that ends Kurdish-language schooling and replaces it with limited elective lessons. Turkey-Syria diplomacy: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said preparations for President Erdogan’s planned Damascus visit were discussed with Ahmed al-Sharaa and other senior officials, including meetings with Turkmen representatives. Displacement in Suwayda: Families in Suwayda remain displaced as the Syrian-Jordanian-U.S. return roadmap stays stalled, with security and services still missing. Cultural life & community: The St. George Middle Eastern Festival marks 100 years of the church community in Fishers with food, music and traditions. Books & media: Riyadh International Book Fair 2026 dates were announced (Dec 10–19), with Syria set as guest of honor, while Dubai hosts the Arab Media Summit starting Tuesday. Palestinian campus case: Mahmoud Khalil and other pro-Palestinian students sued Columbia over alleged failure to protect activists from harassment and doxxing.