Syrian news reports explosions in Damascus; incident follows fighting last week between Israel and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and a strike targeting a commander in the group in Syria

Travel warning follows Washington's policy shift, saying settlements not 'inconsistent with international law'; Americans advised to take care 'in light of the current environment'

PM tells US president that move to indicate settlements not illegal 'corrected a historic injustice' and advances peace because an agreement cannot be built 'based on lies'

Abbas's spokesman says announcement is 'baseless, unacceptable and condemned'; Hamas states Palestinian people will continue 'its struggle until settlements are swept away'

After Washington says settlements not illegal, European Union says its position 'remains unchanged'; UN Security Council to hold meeting to discuss the move

Moscow says shift will undermine peace efforts, Ankara insists 'no country is above international law'

It has become easier to masquerade as Mom than it is to discuss the Alzheimer’s that keeps her from paying her bills

3 key ways you can be harshly critical of something and love it dearly at the same time -- in conversation with Yaffa Tegegne