AMERICA
US Strikes, Healthcare Backlash, Trump, TikTok, Murdoch
1. US Strikes ISIL Targets in Syria After Assad’s Fall
The airstrikes that were inspired by the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government above turned to coincide with the immediate requirement of engaging over 75 ISIL targets using US CENTCOM B-52 and F-15 warplanes. The purpose was to suppress what could have been the void left in the security of ISIS. In the position statement, CENTCOM emphasized the fact that it would not allow ISIS to reconstitute itself in the region. Damages assessments are ongoing and the condition of civilian casualties has been reported.
2. Headline: US Healthcare CEO Murder Sparks Public Backlash
Brian Thompson, head of UnitedHealthcare, was at a New York City venue on December 4, 2024. Killing, however, has received mixed actions for some Americans complain little, as they claim to associate Thompson with an ill-functioning health care system. Many companies within UnitedHealthcare have angered the individuals for their practices of denying life-saving treatments. This case reflects the growing discontent towards the healthcare institution for being-profit oriented that ignited the public debate in the country concerning systematic inequality.
3. Trump’s Plan to End Birthright Citizenship
On the part of newborn babies, Donald Trump has disclosed plans to make such changes permanent: e.g., exemption of birthright citizenship in the United States under the 14th amendment. The president-elect, however, alleged that he intended to change this through an executive order, although he would face criticism regarding legality from legal experts, as the requirements would necessitate an amendment to the constitution that is very difficult. The 14th amendment, ratified in 1868, is the one that grants citizenship to all individuals born in the US regardless of whether their parents were US citizens. The plan has far-reaching implications for US citizenship laws and millions of people’s statuses.
4. TikTok Seeks Halt to US Ban Law
ByteDance and TikTok have asked a US court to temporarily stop enforcing a new law that would require Bitcoin’s parent company to sell its TikTok unit by January 19 or face a ban. The companies argue that the law aims to cease operations of TikTok, leaving at least 170 million US users aggrieved. The appeals court validated the enactment and now TikTok is pushing for a Supreme Court review. This law can dramatically affect the net value of ByteDance as well as US-based businesses that hinge their operations on the application.
5. Rupert Murdoch Loses Court Bid to Amend Family Trust
This was an unsuccessful attempt by Rupert Murdoch to change his family trust managed by a court in Nevada so that control of Fox Corp and News Corp goes equally to his four children. The ruling described Murdoch and his son Lachlan as having acted in bad faith, attempting to consolidate Lachlan’s control. Lachlan shares Murdoch’s political persuasion, already manages Fox, and heads News Corp. Murdoch objects to the ruling and appeals it.
ASIA
Taiwan, Manipur, India-Bangladesh Tensions, Delhi Threats
1. Taiwan Raises Alert Amid Chinese Military Movements
Taiwan has increased its military alert status to “high,” as China positions nearly 90 warships and coastguard vessels near the island, as well as aircraft and balloons. Taiwan has responded with military readiness drills and set up an emergency center. Tensions escalated after President Lai’s recent tour of the US and Pacific allies. China claims Taiwan and vows to annex it, with military pressure ever-present.
2. Manipur Lifts Internet Blackout After Ethnic Clashes
Manipur, a state in India, removed its internet blackout on December 9, 2024, after weeks of blackout due to the violent ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki tribes. Last year, 250 people lost their lives due to violent clashes between the tribes. In the last month, 17 people were reported dead as violence broke out again. Thousands have been displaced, and tensions have been increased because of competition for land and jobs.
3. India Envoy in Bangladesh to Ease Tensions
On December 9, 2024, India Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh for high-level engagements over the tensions that have arisen after the ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina in August. The visit marks the first high-level meeting between the two nations since Hasina’s overthrow. The situation has been inflating in the wake of accusations of Indian interference, as well as protests in Bangladesh over the treatment of its minorities. Misri will be meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh, including Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
4. Bomb Threats Target Dozens of Delhi Schools
At least 40 schools in New Delhi received bomb threats demanding $30,000 via email on December 9, 2024. These threats triggered police searches on school premises and the authorities advised the parents to collect their children. Most often, similar threats made to schools, airports, and railways stations have either turned out to be hoaxes, for 999 bomb threat incidents reported in India this year.
MENA
Middle East Clashes, Crisis, and Shifting Power Dynamics
1. Clashes in Gaza Result in Casualties on Both Sides
Among those braved the northern Gaza battles were three Israeli soldiers, Staff Sergeants Ido Zano and Daniel Barak Halpern, and Sergeant Omri Cohen. Twelve others were injured, including two seriously wounded. This takes IDF deaths to 816 since October 7, 2023, while Gaza’s health ministry has counted 44,758 Palestinian deaths during the same period.
2. Middle East Crisis Deepens Amid Syria Power Shift
The historic shift of power in Syria escalates further intensifying the crisis in the Middle East, where hostilities continue in Gaza, violence plagues the West Bank, and there is a tenuous ceasefire in Lebanon. Millions still continue to survive on humanitarian aid in the region.
3. Syrian Rebels Declare Amnesty for Conscripts
Syrian rebels announced the amnesty for conscripts during his presidency under the old regime of Bashar al-Assad, which was reported on December 9, 2024, through Telegram to facilitate practical reconciliation. This announcement is coming after the ouster of the President Assad, with Syria transitioning both politically and militarily.
4. The Domino Effect in the Middle East
The repercussions of Hamas’s actions on October 7, 2023, continue to grip the rest of the region. The war between Hezbollah and Israel weakened the regime of Assad, where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham of Syria has been making calls for Aleppo while Israel and Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire, leading to the demise of the president of Syria, Bashar al-Assad.
EUROPE
Global Crisis, Security, and Tragedy Across Nations
1. Russia Grants Asylum to Deposed Syrian President al-Assad
Political asylum was granted to a deposed Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad by Russian President Vladimir Putin following the rapid advance of the oppositions. Al-Assad was even reported to be flown out by a Russian plane from Latakia airbase. Russia’s military assets in Syria, including bases in Tartous and Hmeimim, have become emerging important issues with the change of powers. Moscow, however, keeps talking with the powers of the region about the leadership of Syria within the future.
2. Valencia Memorial Service for Flood Victims
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain led into the memorial service at Valencia’s cathedral for the relatives of the victims in the tragic October floods. The service had some 400 relatives attending, with several various Spanish politicians finding themselves mired in controversies arising from the political handling of the disaster. In the floods that took over 200, mind you, people’s deaths caused destruction on a large scale. The royal couple has consoled the victims’ families.
3. Six Dead in The Hague Explosion
Authorities have said the toll from the Hague apartment explosion stands at six dead, three of whom are from the same family. Investigation is under way, but not yet considered a crime. An explosion that blew up 5 apartments and saw the Dutch King’s and Queen’s visit to talk to residents has caused an emergency order across the city, with flags lowered in memory.
4. Poland’s EU Presidency Focuses on Security
Poland’s EU presidency in January 2025 will put on the agenda energy, security and defense, and economy as priorities in the face of global challenges like war in Ukraine and political transformations. The agenda for six months focuses on the following: the overall strengthening of internal and external security, a reduction of energy costs, and enhancement of Europe’s defense industry. Poland aims to reopen new financing channels for defense, believing that this is necessary for the future to maintain a competitive edge vis-a-vis world powers, estimated at €500 billion.
