Latest news with #Derian
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Couple Buy Couch From Facebook Marketplace, Get a Big Surprise at 3 A.M.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. About a year ago, a couple who purchased a couch on Facebook Marketplace quickly realized that the item came with more than they had bargained for. Derian, known on TikTok as @ recently shared a clip about the surprise he received after placing his newly purchased couch in his home. He set it up in the living room, noticing the perfect fit, but at 3 a.m., things took a turn. He looked between the back of the couch and the wall and saw an object moving. A furry animal began shimmying her way out. As it turned out, this Facebook Marketplace purchase came with a surprise that wasn't part of the buying agreement: a cat. He posted the throwback video to TikTok on July 27, showing the moment the feline crawled out from the couch. She hesitantly climbed from behind to the top, cautiously taking in her new surroundings. Derian wrote in the video that she was "so confused." She entered an entirely new home, with new smells, new people and new surroundings. Whatever home she had previously was no longer. Plus, she made it through the transport and travel while the couch was on a truck. He told Newsweek via TikTok that he had contacted the sellers, but they said they did not own a cat. This left him with a new cat. Screenshots from a July 27 TikTok video of a cat coming out of a couch someone bought off Facebook Marketplace. Screenshots from a July 27 TikTok video of a cat coming out of a couch someone bought off Facebook Marketplace. @ With confirmation the cat didn't belong to the sellers, Derian and his family happily welcomed her into their home and named her Maddie. They couldn't turn down an extra furry companion, even if they didn't plan on it. "Maddie is in excellent condition," Derian said. "She's a beautiful, loving blue Russian cat. She just loves to love. She also has a sister named Mia." Viewer Reactions The TikTok video amassed over 1.2 million views and 144,600 likes within two days of posting. Stunned at the unusualness of this video, people flooded the comment section, calling it a "win" for this family. "Listen, the cat's name is now Couch, and you bought him fair and square," joked a viewer. Another pointed out: "That cat's probably like, ' long was I sleeping? Where am I? WHO am I?!'" Looking on the bright side, someone else wrote: "Better a cat than bugs or mice. Cats are sweet creatures." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aoun: The Lebanese Are Exhausted and Cannot Endure Another War
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared on Thursday that the country stands at a critical crossroads, stressing that unity, cooperation, and solidarity are essential to navigating the current phase. 'The Lebanese are tired,' Aoun said, 'and they can no longer bear another war. We do not want to drag the country into more bloodshed. We have significant opportunities ahead, especially with our Arab brothers extending a hand. We must seize these chances and lift Lebanon out of its current state.' He made his comments during a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, who was accompanied by a delegation of regional muftis, at the Baabda presidential palace. The gathering also included Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Aoun voiced concern over some political actors who, he said, 'lack a sense of responsibility and insist on spreading groundless rumors and fostering a negative atmosphere.' He emphasized the important contributions of all Lebanese communities, particularly the Sunni community, which he said brings 'two vital values to Lebanon: internal moderation and a firm affirmation of Lebanon's Arab identity.' In turn, Derian expressed his full support for Aoun, praising him as 'a symbol of Lebanese unity and guardian of the Taif Agreement and the Constitution.' He stressed that only national unity and adherence to state institutions can protect Lebanon at this critical juncture. Derian condemned ongoing Israeli violations, calling for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which he said has only been honored by the Lebanese side. 'Instead of proposing new agreements, we should insist on applying all provisions of this resolution,' he said. Following the meeting, Derian echoed Berri's optimism that the situation in the country is heading in a positive direction, despite public concern. He described Berri as a 'genuine national guarantor' working diligently to protect Lebanon from war and resolve ongoing crises. 'We are optimistic and confident that any challenges can only be overcome through unity,' he added. 'At Dar al-Fatwa, our message is clear: we speak not in sectarian terms, but in the language of national inclusion.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
6 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
There will be 'no return to the language of war' in Lebanon, Aoun says
Mufti Abdel Latif Derian visited Baabda Palace Thursday morning, where he said, following his meeting with President Joseph Aoun, that no "plan to divide" the Lebanese would succeed, after clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouins in southern Syria in recent weeks sparked fears of spillover into Lebanon. The president stated that there would be "no return to the language of war" in the country, as the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament — which the president pledged to address in his inaugural speech — has also raised concerns about tensions in the country. During the meeting, the president stated that Lebanon was at a "crucial and decisive crossroads," for which "unity, cooperation and solidarity are essential." "The fatal mistake made by the Lebanese in the past was to rely on foreign parties to oppose others within the country, and we have seen the consequences of that. I want to rely on my partner and brother inside the country against outsiders, whoever they may be," he added. Lebanon saw 15 years of civil war between 1975 and 1990, marked by numerous foreign interventions. "No one can eliminate anyone in Lebanon, and no one is more deserving than the other, because it is together and united that we make Lebanon strong," he stated, emphasizing that Sunnis in Lebanon offer the country "moderation internally, and the guarantee of Lebanon's belonging to its Arab environment." "Lebanon is doing well and there will be no return to the language of war, our common framework is Lebanon," Aoun added, before stating that he would "follow through to the end with the issue of fighting corruption." "Our main problem in Lebanon is corruption and the absence of accountability. Corruption has no color, no religion, no sect," he said. No one can divide the Lebanese From Baabda, Sheikh Derian stated that "communication is ongoing" with the president and that he used this meeting to discuss "what can be done to protect Lebanon," stressing that he was on the same page as Aoun on this issue. The president "insisted that he is committed to implementing his inauguration speech, which is important for maintaining the country's stability and security," Derian said. In his speech before Parliament, after his election in January 2025, Aoun notably promised that the state would restore its monopoly on weapons, a commitment that includes the disarmament of Hezbollah and Palestinian refugee camps. Derian also said that U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 and forming the framework for the November 2024 cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, "has only been implemented on the Lebanese side." Israel "has repeatedly violated" the terms of this resolution and still does not respect the truce agreement, he said. Faced with ongoing Israeli army attacks, which have killed more than 270 people since the start of the cease-fire, Sheikh Derian stated that "the most powerful weapon against Israel is the unity of the Lebanese people. No one will manage to push through a partition or fragmentation project that would divide the people." In recent weeks, reports — subsequently denied — had circulated notably in Israeli media about an annexation of certain Lebanese regions to Syria as part of a normalization agreement between Syria and Israel. The spiritual representative of the Sunni community in Lebanon also welcomed Lebanon's strengthened "presence" on the Arab and international scene, thanks to meetings the president held in Gulf countries and Europe in recent months. On Wednesday, Joseph Aoun was in Bahrain, where King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced the establishment of a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut. Several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, had recalled their diplomats from Beirut in October 2021 in response to comments by then-Information Minister Georges Qordahi criticizing the Saudi military intervention in Yemen. Since then, the Gulf monarchies essentially severed ties with Lebanon, suspending their imports from the country, amid multiple drug seizures from Lebanon, and banning their citizens from traveling there. Only the United Arab Emirates allowed its citizens to travel to Lebanon again in May 2025. The election of President Aoun and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister signified Beirut's clear intention to rebuild ties with Arab countries in the region. Derian also went, with a delegation of muftis from different Lebanese regions, to Ain al-Tineh to meet Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri.
L'Orient-Le Jour
20-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Derian to army commander: Dar al-Fatwa will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into sectarian strife
Lebanon's Mufti Abdul Latif Derian received a phone call from Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal Sunday, during which he affirmed that 'Dar al-Fatwa will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into the furnace of sectarian strife," the state-run National News Agency reported, citing a statement by Dar al-Fatwa. The statement was released as fears mounted in Beirut that clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes in Syria's southern Sweida region could spill over into Lebanese territory. A new cease-fire was announced Saturday in Syria, and relative calm was reported in the region Sunday, according to AFP. The statement also addressed 'Lebanese affairs and the role the army plays in preserving the security and safety of Lebanon and its people.' Derian stated that 'Lebanon must remain distant from what is happening in sisterly Syria. They have a capable state to manage their security situation and wise leadership.' 'We affirm the unity of Syria in its land, people and institutions. We should not interfere in others' affairs, nor should anyone interfere in our Lebanese affairs,' he added. He praised the Lebanese Army for 'fulfilling its national duty and handling any security incidents throughout the country,' and stressed that 'there is no alternative to the state, its authority and the enforcement of its rule across all its territories. The state is the umbrella for all, the sole guarantor of order, the rule of law, rights and freedoms, equal citizenship and justice among all citizens.' On Friday, Derian had called Sami Abi al-Mona, the spiritual leader of Lebanon's Druze community. Both religious figures emphasized the importance of 'avoiding falling into the trap of sedition.' The Lebanese Army also issued a statement on Friday, affirming that troops 'will not allow any breach of security or civil peace.'
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UK reestablishes diplomatic ties with Syria as Lammy visits Damascus
Syria's state media noted, 'during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation were discussed, in addition to regional and international development." Syria's new government took another step forward this weekend as it hosted UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus. He met with Syria's President Ahmed al-Shara'a and also with Syria's Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Shaibani is Lammy's counterpart in Syria. This comes at an important time for Syria as the country has launched a new visual 'identity,' changing key symbols of the state. The country has also revitalized its airports and is working to do outreach to key figures in Lebanon. Lammy is the latest important figure to visit Syria. Syria's state media noted that 'during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation were discussed, in addition to regional and international developments.' The BBC noted that the UK is providing a support package for Syria to help with humanitarian aid and long-term recovery for the country. 'Lammy told the BBC the purpose of his meeting was to promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability with the new government,' the BBC noted. "It's important that the UK leans in to ensure that the balance is tipped in the right direction, a balance towards accountability, transparency, inclusivity for all of the communities that make up this country, a prosperous one and a peaceful one,' Lammy said. "I'm here to speak to this new government, to urge them to continue to be inclusive, to ensure that there's transparency and accountability in the way that they govern…But [also] to stand by the Syrian people and Syria as it makes this peaceful transition over the coming months." At the same time, the grand mufti of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, also 'affirmed that any positive developments in Syria would have a beneficial impact on Lebanon,' a report at Syrian state media said. Derian attended a meeting in Beirut with various local officials. 'If our beloved sister Syria is well, then we in Lebanon are well.' He added, 'We can only remain loyal to our people, our communities, and our surroundings.' This came as a delegation of Lebanon's religious group Dar al-Fatwa met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in Damascus. 'During the meeting, President al-Sharaa was awarded the gilded Dar al-Fatwa Medal by the Grand Mufti. Derian presented the medal in recognition of the president's Arab nationalist stances, his efforts, and his sacrifices in service of Syria,' SANA noted. At the same time, Syrians are celebrating a new 'visual' identity. This includes changing key aspects of state symbols, such as the eagle and stars, and other symbols that form how Syria is presented in official documents. These are symbols many people take for granted on government seals or on passports. Most people rarely consider the small details. However, Syria has been through a long trauma of the Assad regime and is now emerging as a new government with a new hope. Alongside that, there is a need to change all elements associated with the old regime. The new symbols are supposed to unite people and symbolize the unity of Syria's regions and groups.
