Cheat Sheet - Happy New Year From Around the World

Today: CIA: Syria War Could Last a Decade , The Most Anticipated Culture Events of 2014: 'Inherent Vice,' 'Divergent,' and More , Apple Denies NSA Claims January 01, 2014 AULD LANG SYNE 1. Happy New Year From Around the World Revelers from around the world celebrated 2013 coming to an end and the beginning of 2014. A new mayor was sworn in for New York City and Dubai set a world record for pyrotechnics. From Moscow to Sydney, and Tokyo to New York, see photos of the best celebrations around the world. Read it at The Daily Beast NEVERENDING STORY 2. CIA: Syria War Could Last a Decade Remember when President Obama said it wasn't if Bashar al-Assad would go, but when? A new CIA analysis based on a historical look at other insurgencies expects the civil war could actually last another decade or more, a much longer time frame than originally suggested by the White House. Intelligence officials say that light American efforts to steer the outcome are ineffective next to Assad's powerful allies of Iran and Hezbollah. The war in Syria has killed over 100,000 people and forced millions from thier homes. Read it at The Wall Street Journal GET READY 3. The Biggest Culture Events of 2014 From Miley Cyrus to Gravity, the year 2013 had its fair share of culture moments. But with events like the Winter Olympics, the World Cup in Brazil, and the release of Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2014 is primed to be one to remember. Check out the The Daily Beast's list of can't-miss events coming up this year. Read it at The Daily Beast BACK OFF 4. Apple Denies NSA Claims After a report in Der Spiegel that uncovered an NSA program called DROPOJEEP that allowed the agency to retrieve data from iPhones, Apple says it did not collaborate with the NSA. "Apple has never worked with the NSA to create a backdoor in any of our products, including iPhone. Additionally, we have been unaware of this alleged NSA program targeting our products," the company said. The NSA program used a "software implant" to receive information from iPhones, including contact lists Read it at Reuters OBAMACARE 5. Sotomayor Stays Birth Control Mandate Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who oversees the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, has issued a stay on the birth control mandate for religious groups. The request, made by an order of Catholic nuns in Colorado, was granted just hours before the new mandate went to effect on January 1. It comes as the Supreme Court takes up a legal challenge to the mandate brought by for-profit company Hobby Lobby, which says the mandate violates its religious freedom. Read it at NBC News TICKED OFF Afghan Prisoner Release Angers U.S. After it handed over control of prisons. UNCONSTITUTIONAL Judge Nixes FL Welfare Drug Tests Makes permanent a temporary ban. DANGER Bomb Found Near Musharraf Home As he fails to show up to court. TRAGEDY Woman Crushed in Boston Drawbridge Trapped between plates while walking across. PERSONAL Dwyane Wade Confirms 'Secret' Son Fathered during break with Gabrielle Union. GQ 10 Foolproof Hangover Cures WonderWall 14 Fads We Hope Disappear in 2014 BuzzFeed John Kerry Heads For Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks And No One But Him Is Excited GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET Culture Beast Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. Can Russia Keep Sochi Safe? After two suicide bombings in 24 hours rocked a major transport hub, fear of terrorism at the upcoming Sochi Olympics is spreading. This chilling photo explores the attacks' aftermath. More Videos New Year's With P.J. by P.J. O'Rourke The Dummy's Guide to College Football Games by Ben Jacobs Travel Bucket List: Where to Go in 2014 by Nina Strochlic

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