AMERICA
Tariffs, Politics, and Controversy: Key Issues Impacting Global Relations
1. Black Friday Shoppers Fear Tariffs Will Drive Up Prices
Black Friday shoppers were looking for bargains because they were worried that the tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump would impose would raise prices in 2025. After reading blogs regarding the effects of tariffs on commonplace things, Teagan Hickson, a mother of two, became concerned about increased expenses in the upcoming year. Fearing the financial impact of future price increases on food and daily costs, customers compared in-store prices to online offers when businesses reopened following Thanksgiving.
2. Trump’s Tariff Plans to Raise Prices on Imports
Beginning in January, President-elect Donald Trump intends to apply a 10% tax on Chinese goods in addition to 25% levies on imports from Canada and Mexico. It is anticipated that the action, which aims to solve border control concerns and drug movement, will result in higher pricing for a variety of goods. Growing trade tensions could have an effect on the US economy, according to economists. 43 percent of US imports come from these three nations.
3. Bolsonaro Hopes Trump’s Return Aids Political Comeback
Even though he was accused of being involved in a failed coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro expects that US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to power will help his political comeback. Bolsonaro is under criminal investigation for his suspected involvement in a coup attempt to overturn the election results, and he has been barred from office until 2030 for undermining Brazil’s voting system. He calls the accusations “politically motivated” and refutes them.
4. Mexico’s Plan to Dismantle Watchdog Agencies Sparks Controversy
Opposition parties have denounced Mexico’s Senate’s decision to disband seven independent government watchdogs as a threat to democracy and openness. Opponents contend that the reform, which is backed by the Morena Party of President Claudia Sheinbaum, may make government accountability less strong. Sheinbaum argues that the suggestion is a way to cut government spending and bureaucracy.
ASIA
Global Tensions, Diplomacy, and Cultural Insights: Key Headlines
1. Chinese Journalist Sentenced to 7 Years for Espionage
In a case that underscores growing concerns about China’s judicial system and possible repression of diplomatic interactions, Dong Yuyu, a former editor at Guangming Daily, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Beijing court on espionage charges related to meetings with Japanese diplomats. His family criticised the verdict as unjust and lacking evidence.
 2. Qatar Mediates Russia-Ukraine Child Exchange
Nine youngsters will be reunited with their families in Russia and Ukraine in a Qatar-brokered humanitarian exchange. Seven children from Russia will return to family in Ukraine, while two boys will go back to Russia. After facilitating the repatriation of 22 children to Ukraine in the past, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful conflict settlement.
3. Japan’s Etiquette Tips for Tourists
To encourage travellers to behave with courtesy, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) has published instructions in five different languages. Avoiding loud discussions, not eating while walking, paying attention to sidewalks, and honouring local norms are important advice points. In order to reduce crowding, the campaign also suggests going to attractions at off-peak times and avoiding rush hours. The rules are intended to stop crimes like theft and graffiti that have infuriated locals.
4. Protester Pushed Off Container Stack During Islamabad Protest
On November 29, 2024, Pakistani soldiers pushed a guy off a stack of containers during an Imran Khan-supporting demonstration in Islamabad. Tensions between demonstrators and security officers were rising at the time of the event. The demonstration was a part of a series of protests connected to Khan’s political unrest. The occasion draws attention to the ongoing turmoil in the capital of Pakistan.
MENA
Middle East Tensions, Charity Challenges, and Digital Infrastructure Developments
1. Hezbollah Leader Announces Cooperation with Lebanese Army for Ceasefire
According to Hezbollah chairman Naim Qassem, the organisation will work with the Lebanese army to implement the truce that was reached with Israel. The truce, which is in effect for the third day following more than a year of fighting, calls for the gradual departure of Israeli and Hezbollah soldiers. Qassem stressed the need to fortify Lebanon’s defences and stop its weaknesses from being exploited. To carry out the terms of the truce, the Lebanese army is getting ready to send troops to the south.
2. Muslim Charities Face Banking Discrimination Amid Gaza Crisis
The practice of “de-risking” is preventing banking services for numerous Muslim groups that assist Palestinians in Gaza. This has made it difficult for groups like LaunchGood to deliver vital goods in the midst of Gaza’s continuing humanitarian catastrophe. Because of political sensitivities surrounding Israel and Palestine, financial institutions are reportedly hesitant to partner with organisations established by Muslims.
3. Qareeb Data Centers Partners with Gcore to Strengthen GCC Digital Infrastructure
An MOU was struck by international IT company Gcore and Bahrain-based Qareeb Data Centres to improve digital infrastructure in the GCC. The collaboration supports innovation and scalability by integrating Gcore’s edge, cloud, and AI solutions with Qareeb’s edge data centres. With Qareeb growing its network throughout the Middle East, the data centre industry in Bahrain is anticipated to grow dramatically due to the influence of AI, IoT, and 5G.
4. Syrian War Rekindled by Insurgent Attack on Aleppo
A five-year peace was broken when Syrian opposition forces stormed Aleppo, retaking important neighbourhoods from Assad’s army. As Turkish-backed forces seize portions of the M5 highway—which is essential for connecting Aleppo and Damascus—the fierce combat continues. Russian and Syrian military have launched heavy airstrikes in response to the offensive, with heavy deaths reported. The Islamist organisation Tahrir al-Sham backs the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which is in charge of the assault.
 EUROPE
Escalating Russia-Ukraine Conflict, NATO’s Response, and Climate Change Solutions
1. Russia-Ukrainian Conflict Escalates
With Moscow using new medium-range ballistic missiles to retaliate against Ukrainian missile attacks, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has reached its most perilous phase. Ukraine’s deep strikes into Russian territory, which resulted in Russian troops being killed, are attributed by President Putin to NATO. As the battle worsens, especially in the east, Russians’ anxieties are growing.
2. Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure: Key Developments
Russia launched its second significant strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on November 29, 2024, depriving more than a million people in western regions of electricity. Russia retaliated for Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory by targeting energy and fuel installations with 91 missiles and 97 drones. Zelenskyy denounced the escalation, as President Putin threatened more attacks on Kyiv. Western and American officials have demanded more assistance for Ukraine.
3. NATO May Invoke Article 5 in Response to Russian Hybrid Warfare
Germany’s intelligence head cautions that NATO may activate its Article 5 mutual defence clause in response to Russia’s hybrid warfare techniques, which include attacks on vital infrastructure and election meddling. Recent events, like the severing of two cables in the Baltic Sea, demonstrate the increasing dangers of these hybrid strategies. If these activities are connected to Russian efforts, NATO might respond.
4. Plant-Based Treaty: Tackling Climate Change Through Vegan Diets
Since the production of food, especially meat, dairy, and eggs, is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, the Plant-Based Treaty seeks to combat climate change by encouraging a vegan diet. It is in line with the Paris Agreement and is backed by cities, academic institutions, and Nobel laureates. Food systems are highlighted in this endeavour as being essential to addressing the climate catastrophe.
