Year. Questions remain. Plus turkey wants a looming crisis as tens of thousands of syrians flee attacks. The president says any influx of refugees would have consequences for europe. And remain at marks 30 years since its bloody struggle against communist role romania marks 30 years honoring those who died and remembering dramatic events as a country vanquished its dictator who turned its countries guns on his own people. I am laila harrak, to our viewers in the United States on pbs and our viewers around the world, a very warm welcome. We get with boeing. The aircraft companys chief executive, dennis muilenburg,. Has resigned. The board said it is necessary to resolve restore confidence in the firm. The company has struggled since two fatal crashes that killed 346 people. Boeing has been mired in crisis since the loss of its seven aircraft. Two crashes in indonesisia last yeyear and if you bid this year killed all passengers and crew on board. Flight control Software Designed to stop the plane from stalling was a major factor in both disasters. After the second crash in march, the 737 max was grounded worldwide. 2019 has left the aviation giant facing massive costs. A raft of investigations, and potentially devastating losses. Last week, boeing said it would temporarily suspend production of the 737 max. The federal Aviation Administration says recertification of the jets s wt extend into next year, suggesting there is still a long way to go. There has been keen focus on the companys Crisis Management and on the chief executive Dennis Muilenburgs leadership. He came under further scrutiny this month when thehe faa called management out for its overly optimistic timeframe for recertifying the 737 max. It created the oppression that boeing was trying to force the fma into taking quicker action. Thats it nothing to shore up the ceos position. Laila lets get you more on this story. Chris s kober joins me now. Was he fired or pushed out . It was a mix of getting pushed out by the board, in the end they said he needs to go. The statement says that he resigned but it also reads like a slap in the face. It says that a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence in the company, meaning under his leadership, a lot of it was lost. Dennis muilenburg had said before he wanted to stay at the home and steer going through this crisis. He said as much on capitol hill in a hearing in front of victims families but in the end, he had little speaking in his favor so it was somewhat inevitable. Laila why did boeing decide to replace their ceo right now . They could have done it months ago, what happens, what changed . Chris there are several factors. Theres so much pressure on boeing from several sides. We have the airlines, saying we bought this product, the 737 max from you. It is a workhorse of our fleet and it cannot go anywhere. It is grounded since march, the second fatal crash. This is costing them a ton of money, on top of the latest go problem. Then we on top of the logistical problem. Then the regulators, when boeing said, unilaterally, we are making progress on t the recertification. They said it is going to be until march before we give any thumbs off, if at all. And we have the victims family saying, how can the guy at the top of the organization stay there when 350 people lost their lives. The background picture, 400 planes are sitting on the ground in seattle not going anywhere, because they cannot fly. So boeing said we are halting production as of january. And this mix is a gigantic problem for the company. Laila tell us about his successor, is he going to be the savior boeing is looking for . Chris David Calhoun has steered Big Companies through crises, at general electric, at caterpillar. So he has weathered the storm in these cases. He has a finance background and is not an engineer. He did call up the faa as a sign of goodwill saying, i am the new one on the job, lets work together. But we will see. He has proven to be, to have crisis experience. Laila but will he be able to restore confidence in boeing . Is this the move that boeing needs . Chris we have seen before that a change in leadership at a battered company can help, in other cases. But they need to get on top of the problem and get the plane recertified, and get the trust of the regulator saying we fix the software and this thing is safe again. And even if it does fly, who says that passengers will feel the same way and get on board . Even if they fix it, this problem might still last. Laila a mammoth task for the new successor. Thank you so much. We turn our attention now to saudi, where court has sentenced five people to death for the killing of journalists jamal khashoggi. The saudi writer and washed most columnist was assassinated and reportedly dismembered in the saudi consulate in his temple year ago. But his remain were never found. In istanbul a year ago. The Court Proceedings were shrouded in secrecy and the identity of those sentenced are unknown. In a country that enforces 100 death penalties each year, the sentence against murdererers of Jamal K Khashoggi is s no surprise. Five defendants will be sentenced to death, the participants in the killing, may god have mercy on them. Three other men received sentences totaling 24 years for covering up the crime. Questions remain following announcement about the sentencing. On october 2, 2018, Jamal Khashoggii entered the saudi consulate in his temple for an official appointment. Inside, according for saudi and international investigators, he was overpowered and strangled. His body has never been found. Entered the saudi consulate in istanbul. The killing Spot International outrage. Especially against crown Prince Mohammed bin salman. But he denies any involvement. A year afterward, khashoggis fami d does not belelieve theree wawas no blood, they for the crime. That there was no politicalal motivation for the crime. What has happened to his body . I wantnt his friend d to be read from jaiail. I want those in power to be held accountable for their action. Visit wish that will hard to be fulfilled i this verdict from riau to react, saudi arabia. Riyadh. The court did not consider the crime to be intentional. Others were acquitted. Including the intelligence chief. Laila we asked for the reaction to the outcome of the trial. There are many shortcomings with the trial, some of which i can highlight. First and most importantly, the chain of command was not investigated. Nobody about the hitmen have been charged or prosecuted. The prprosecutor himself has identified one person, the personal advisor to the crown prince, as having incited the team before it left for turkey. And yet, the same cut tiny has not katani, has not been brought to court or interviewed or charged. Second, the trial was held behind closed doors even though there is no reason under International Law for holding such a trial behind closed doors. It was a trial that attracted International Attention and for which there was a need for justice beyond the boundaries of saudi arabia. The defendant at the trial, according to the information i received, insisted they were obeying orders. And yet, those who gave them the orders, have never been wrought to court brought to court. And so on and so forth, it goes on. They have been sentenced to death, five of them. But the prosecutor of the judge has said there was no intention to kill. Under International Law the death sentence can only be imposed upon very stringent conditions and one of which is that the murder must be intentional. So here, the death sentence is imposed on the basis of a murder that was unintentional and therefore should not be the objective of the death sentence. So these are some of the reasons for which this trial did not deliver justice. Laila that was the u. S. Special reporter on extrajudicial extrications speaking executions speaking with us earlier. Heres around about new stories making news around the world. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in india to protest a controversial citizen law. It fast tracks citizenship for persecuted minority groups but excludes muslims. Some critics call the law it discriminatory and others fear it will lead to mass migration into india. More than 20 people have died in unrest length to protest against the bill. Thousands of prodemocracy activists have rallied in hong kong to demand an inquiry into alleged police brutality. The demonstrations now in their seventh month are expected to continue for the holiday season. Algerias military chief, general Ahmed Gaid Salah has dieted a heart attack at the age of 80 has died of a heart attack at the age of 80. Prior to his death, he backed Holding Elections were marred by mass protests and boycotts. Syrian Government Forces backed by russia and other allies are pushing to retake the idlib regent, the last major part of a rebel held territory in syria and home to 3 million people. Tens of thousands are fleeing the violence and heading now to the Turkish Border. And the turkish president , erdogan fears he they will try to enter turkey which is already had 3. 7 million syrians, the largest refugee publishing in the world. He warns that whwhat he warned sibley consesequence for e eurof thatat hpens. The syrian army has been subjecected to susustained atta. President bashar also wants to regain control and italy province. Tens of thousands of people have fled since biden began and many want to head north to safety in turkey. The turkish president erdogan saysys that more than 80,000 people are on their way to his country. He warns the situation is like the 2015 migration crisis. If this violence against the people of idlib does not end, this number will rise further. In this case, turkey will not carry the burden of this migration alone. The negative effects of this pressure on us will be an issue felt by all European Countries. Especiallyly grarace. Especially greece. 3. 7 million Syrian Refugees are already living in turkey in difficult conditions. But most have come to terms with their situation and see no other option. It is safe here. We cannot enendure link to the bomb attttacks. We have no relatives left in syria. Safety for the civilian population is one of many problems the International Community has yet to solve. Friday the Un Security Council could not agree to an extension of the program. Russia and china blocked humanitarian assistatance. For the time being, many Syrian Refugees will remain near the Turkish Border region. Laila we are now joined in the studio by malta roschinski a mideast analyst and managing director of the Security Consulting firm, plan for risk. We just heard president erdogan warned that turkey cannot cope with this influx he expects his country to receive. Is this a plea for help or a threat . On the one hand, erdogan president points to a severe problem emerging in the area, an increase in the refugee migration, that is a point that he has. On the other hand, we know that turkey, president erdogan has been in conflict with nato partners and with the eu and with other geopolitical issues for sometimes. So that is, of course, another bargaining c chip he happilyly. Laila he does have a point, he alluded to in his speech that we just aired out that Migrant Reception Centers in greece are filled to capacity, that has been well documented. Can europe deal with another influx of refugees of that scale . That will be problematic in some European Countries cynthia messick was here towards refugee influx countries since the domestic attitude toward refugee influx is divided. Laila or hostile. Hostile even. You have hostilities going on toward refugees. That will add to the pressure already facing the european governments regarding that issue. Laila lets talk about this country, germany. Back in 2015 when the crisis, the migrant crisis as we call it here started, this country received one million people. What is the readiness, the willingness, the preparedness of germany now to shelter or give refuge to people, say from idlib . In technical terms, it is doable, of course. The numbers in and of itself, they might appppear big. Thesese are largrge numbers. But technically, germany coululd receive more of thosee people. But the climate, the overall opininion in society, has developed since 2015. , so you have more skepticism and criticism toward that. It requires a certain take that, for example, the leaear of the grgreen party, by pointing out d using the subject in times of christmas, to appeal to the humanitarian sentiments. Laila but the Political Landscape is such that they are not going to roll out the welcome mat . That will be more difficult than four years ago. Laila all right, thank you. In france, a nationwide rail strike is into its third week and wreaking havoc on transport across the country. The strikers are protesting president ememmanuel macrons plans to reform the Pension System and it is disrupting trouble in the middle of holiday season. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is nowhere in sight at this parisian train station. Nearly every other Long Distance train has been counseled across france. Still, many are determined to travel or go home for the holidays. Some passengers tried to rebook, others give up. My ticket has been canceled as has my entire trip. I will not be able to visit my children. It is just not normal that 10 of real workers come around to her people, are blocking the whole country around 200 people, blockingng the whole country. I believe in christmas miracles and them hoping for a train tomorrow. The french president , visiting the ivory coast, is not hoping for a miracle but at least a gesture of goodwill from the unions. The right to strike is enshrined in the constitution. But there are situations where a temporary truce would be good for families. But you did plan to strike over the holidays. Laila more stories making news. High tide in venice left the Historic City Center underwater monday. The city is still counting the cost from pleasant November Venice is a World Heritage city. Russias envoy at toss between ukraine and russia have announced plans for a prisoner swap last exchange took place in september and appeared to help a slight botton relations after russias annexation with crimea five years ago speaking of crimea, russia has launched direct Passenger Train Service to crimea thing about that bypasses may lead ukraine. People can out travel from st. Petersburg south toward the crimean city. The trip takes 44 hours and crosses the newbridge moscow is accused of bridging building illegally. Is the leading story on russian tape russian state tv, putins opening of a bridge that links crimea to russia. Its a major triumph for the russian president , the bridge built despite russian protests following annexation of from you its what he 14. This event is important for crimea, for all of southern russia, infrastructure products lilike this will have an effectn the entire economy. The project took three years and cost 3 billion euros, the first schedule train departed st. Petersburg today. Starting wednesday trains will had crimea each day, bypassing may lead ukraine. The russia hopes to increase tourism of the bridge is mainly a display of power. Until now, crimimea could only e reached from russia by ferry or plane. Now there is a direct land route to the peninsusula which russia annexed in violation of International Law in 2014. Laila it is been 30 years since romanias bloody revolution, when citizens brought down communist dictator neglect such sq nikolai touch sq the dictator of rimini. Romanians. Romanians have been acknowledging the uprising that took place 30 years ago. In 1989 demonstrators stepped up their protest of communist rule and the dictator gave orders to kill them. The first demonstrators, led by romanias hungarian as more citizens dared to revolt against the regime, the resistance gained force. The next day, 72yearold chai just do made a last attempt to retain power with an impassioned speech but the table would have none of it. Chaos broke out as he was shouted down. The leader and his wife fled. The situation as. Soldiers abandoned him and shot his party followers. The dictator and his wife were taken prisoners. On christmas day, 1989, they were sentenced to death and immediately shot. But the revolution did not end with his death. Over what thats over 1100 were killed in the uprising. Few were held accountable. Of all of the prodemocracy revolutions in eastern europe, remain yet stands out as the bloodiest. Football now and in england, the professional Players Association is calling on the British Government to launch an inquiry into racism. It starts as a defender allegedly faced monkey chants during his teams when on sunday. Teams win on sunday. He hears chants from some fans. He complained about the verbal abuse. The referee briefly stopped play during the second half and a public announcement was made in the stadium warning that raises behavior was interfering with again. N. Chchelsea went on to win the match. The incident overshadowed the victory. I hate racism in society. I hate racism in football. I am disappointed. It seems like that canan still happen. If it is true edited happened, the punishment needs to be strong. He is hopeful that the fans can be identified. I hope the offender is can be found. I hope the offenders can bee found. It musust be possible to find ad punish them. But this is not an isolated incident in this league. And chester united fielder was targeted Manchester United fielder was targeted by a fan. The professional Footballers Association is urging the british g government to getet involved and set up an inquiry into the game. They promimised to take the strongest possible action but for many, that is exactly what is lacking action. The top story we are tracking for you at this hour. A saudi court has sentenced five men to death for their roles in the murder of washington posost journalistst to mall could isha. Three others were given prison terms in connection to the killing. But is it for the news this hour. I am lay low in berlin and i will be back with more news at the hour. Up next, our science program, global 3000 and we will take you to australia where some of the farmers are denying the Climate Crisis even as drought and wildfires ravaged the country. But we want to leave you now with some christmas carols. They have posted their yearly caroling tradition with over 28,000 fans joining in a festive singalong at their stadium in the capital. C oh tannenbaum. Algerias most inflfluential militiaman has did of tennis channel out and guide sela had become the most visible figure in lolook for wht the power as algerians described as secretive routing leaked. Rain down long time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in april. Saudi arabia sentenced f five pepeople to deh over the murder of the dissident journalist jim ill show she. Is last seen entering the seven concert in october last year. Washington has a a thirty as an importrtt stepp towawa h