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Hello from CNN. I'm Joe Beck, with the five things you need to know for Friday, December 13th.

The international community continues to grapple with the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

U.S. officials have been taking part in a string of meetings in the region, and Secretary

of State's Anthony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq today.

He met with the country's Prime Minister, as he works urgently to coordinate an approach to

Syria after he laid out what he wants to see from the new Syrian governments.

One that is inclusive and non-sectarian.

One that protects the rights of minorities and women.

One that preserves institutions of the state and delivers services to the people.

One that deals with any chemical weapons it may find to secure them and appropriately destroy them.

One that rejects any alliances with extremist groups.

And of course, one that does not pose any kind of threat to any of Syria's neighbors.

Meanwhile, thousands of Syrians are celebrating the fall of

...