AMERICA
US Military Aid, Syria Withdrawal, and Trump’s Inaugural Campaign Highlights
1. US News Highlights – December 7, 2024
The components of US News range from the ongoing politics, economics, and healthcare issues to other social matters affecting the United States. Arizona saw flags on half-mast, as it were, on December 7 when something big happened. The report brings in timely updates and analysis on the most impactful national happenings. Catch the latest from around America.
2. US Announces $988 Million Military Aid for Ukraine
Unveiling a new military aid package worth $988 million for Ukraine, the Biden administration declared itself committed to bolster the war-torn country’s defenses against Russia’s invasion. Included in the aid package are drones and munitions for HIMARS systems, which bring total US support to $62 billion since February 2022. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored the need to ensure steady support at this time when President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to take office.
3. Trump Signals US Withdrawal from Syria
President-elect Donald Trump has declared that in his administration, the US would not be a participant in the civil war in Syria, thus putting an end to support for Kurdish-led forces. In a social media post, he stated that Syria is not America’s fight and asked to let it all play out. Trump’s stance perfectly fits into his “America First” platform and is also setting a new standard for foreign policy in America. The US is currently supporting Kurdish forces while it does not have formal relations with the regime of Assad.
4. Trump’s Inaugural Campaign Offers Elite Donors Exclusive Dinner
Donald Trump’s inaugural committee is giving a chance to wealthy donors to dine privately with the US President-elect and Melania Trump before his inauguration. The campaign- which aims to fundraise a total of $2 million- invites donors to stump up $1 million to dine with the couple and has included it in several other expensive events that will happen between January 17-20, 2025, before the inauguration.
ASIA
South Korea’s Impeachment Crisis, BRICS and USD, and Political Meetings
1. Impeachment Motion Against South Korea’s President Fails
A walkout by the ruling party deprived the opposition of the votes needed to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. The walkout followed tensions over a failed bill to investigate First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s role in a controversial martial law decree. It was followed by protests in Seoul asking for the resignation of Yoon, with critics accusing him of being an authoritarian. Yoon apologized for the martial law attempt, saying it was done out of “desperation.”
2. South Korean President Faces Impeachment Over Martial Law Crisis
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stated that he made the declaration of martial law under necessity, given the threats for alleged pro-North Korean activities. The whole declaration was rescinded within hours only to face intense political backlash and an upcoming impeachment vote. Current talks are about investigations underway for the alleged insurrection and abuse of powers. Should impeach or resign, the Prime Minister will take up acting presidency until elections.
3. BRICS Dismisses Intent to Undermine USD
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in Doha that the BRICS are not into anything that can weaken the U.S. dollar. That statement was made after the warning from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to BRICS about not entertaining any currency to replace the dollar and even threatened them with 100% tariffs. Jaishankar’s statements truly reaffirm BRICS’ stand on economic stability.
4. South Korean PM Meets Ruling Party Leader Amid Crisis
South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is expected to meet ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s apology for the martial law declaration. The meeting is just a few hours ahead of a crucial impeachment vote against Yoon. Demands for Yoon’s resignation have grown, even coming from within his party.
MENA
Middle East Tensions: Syria’s Impact, Gaza Ceasefire, Israel-Lebanon Conflict, and Diplomatic Efforts
1. Syria’s Weakening Impact on Lebanon: US Envoy Hochstein
According to US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, the weakening of the Syrian government, owing to the recent gains made by the opponents, will produce a certain negative impact on Lebanon. He said that there would be problems for Iran in the supply of weapons to Hezbollah, which had suffered serious losses under Israeli might. Hochstein said that it is pressing to have a grip on the Syrian-Lebanese border in order to maintain a tenuous ceasefire. Also, the US diplomat said that Hezbollah is gradually losing its ability to strengthen the Assad regime in Syria.
2. Qatar Sees Momentum in Gaza Ceasefire Efforts
Commenting in light of the U.S. presidential election, Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expresses renewed emotionalism for some negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. Said although Israeli bombardments continue claiming dozens of lives that Qatar is now activating mediation efforts once more. The Qatari emphasized that this process needs the involvement of both parties in bringing about the end of the conflict and the exchange of a ceasefire deal.
3. Israel Attacks Gaza Hospital, Kills Six in Lebanon
Israeli forces have carried out another massacre at least 40 people within its borders, including 26 in the Nuseirat refugee camp and six in southern Lebanon, on Saturday. The shelter lessened at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which is in disarray, was also hit by fire, throwing the establishment into power outages and casualties. Since the war broke out on October 7, more than 44,600 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 4,000 have died in Lebanon.
4. Russia, Turkey, and Iran Call for End to Syria Conflict
They insist on the immediate cessation of hostilities in that country as Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia would address the foreign ministers of Iran and Turkey by calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria. The two diplomats also called for full implementation of UN Resolution 2254 for a Syrian-led political solution without delay. An entire statement comes amid fast gains by opposition fighters who recently managed to seize major cities, such as Aleppo and Hama.
EUROPE
Notre-Dame Reopens, Trump Meets Macron, Europe Condemns Police Violence
1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens After 2019 Fire
President Macron expressed gratitude to those who’ve assisted in restoring the site in this reopening ceremony on such historic occasion attended by leaders from around the world such as Macron, Zelenskyy, and Trump to mark the recovery of the cathedral to his former self. “Tonight, the bells of Notre-Dame will ring again,” said Macron.
2. Trump, Macron, and Zelensky Meet in Paris
On December 7, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace in Paris. The meeting took place during ongoing political and economic discussions worldwide. Tension around the globe mounted, and support was still being marshaled for continued support to Ukraine.
3. Germany, France, and Poland Condemn Police Violence in Georgia
Gerhard Müller, French foreign minister, and Radoslav Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister, condemned the inordinate forceful reaction to pro-EU citizens’ protests in Georgia and called on officials to free immediately opposition leaders and protect elementary rights. It was reported that around 500 demonstrators were confined, more than 200 injured. The anger over the suspension of EU accession talks causes protests which attract international attention, including the US.
4. Emilia Pérez Dominates 2024 European Film Awards
The Emilia Pérez of Jacques Audiard has been the talk among the town in the 37th European Film Awards this year, as it garnered five awards, which include Best European Film, Director, and Screenplay besides Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón for her role in it, while Best Actor went to Abou Sangare for Souleymane’s Story. No Other Land got Best European Documentary and Flow, Best Animated Film.
