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Trump’s top general calls ex-president ‘fascist to the core’
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Gaza's Governance: Uncertainty Persists Despite Ceasefire
The future of Gaza remains clouded with uncertainty, even after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Both Israel and the United States, along with the Palestinian Authority, have rejected the idea of any governance in Gaza involving Hamas. Despite being significantly weakened by Israeli military operations, Hamas has not been eradicated, leaving its potential influence over Gaza unresolved. Reports from Israeli media reveal that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the notion of replacing Hamas with an interim Arab coalition. Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, along with Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority, had reportedly supported the idea. However, Netanyahu stated that such a coalition would not materialize “before total victory and the eradication” of Hamas had been achieved. The U.S. administration has consistently called for a Gaza that is “never again governed by Hamas or used as a platform for terrorism,” reiterating this stance since November 2023. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of this goal, saying it was crucial for achieving "a lasting peace." "For many months, we’ve been working intensively with our partners to develop a detailed post-conflict plan that would allow Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, prevent Hamas from filling back in, and provide for Gaza’s governance, security, and reconstruction," Blinken said during remarks at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC. He confirmed that the plan would be handed over to the incoming Trump administration to advance its implementation. After the Doha agreement, President-elect Donald Trump pledged to collaborate closely with Israel and U.S. allies to ensure Gaza “NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.” However, his administration has yet to outline specific intentions for Gaza’s governance or its position on the Biden administration’s plan. Blinken proposed that the Palestinian Authority should work with international partners to establish and manage an interim administration responsible for essential civil sectors in Gaza. "The international community would provide funding, technical support, and oversight," he noted. He further emphasized that this administration would involve “Gaza Palestinians and Palestinian Authority representatives, selected after genuine consultation with Gaza residents.” The power would then transition “to a fully reformed Palestinian Authority administration as soon as it’s feasible.” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, speaking in Oslo, insisted that "it will not be acceptable for any entity other than the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza." He added, "We are the government of Palestine, ready to assume our responsibilities in the Gaza Strip as we did before." Despite these discussions, the future hinges on several factors: Israel’s willingness to make compromises, the Trump administration's regional strategies, and the role of Palestinian actors. The Palestinian Authority faces questions about its legitimacy, while Hamas, though weakened, remains a significant player. Adding to the complexity, Israeli reports in January highlighted that Hamas continued to demand a role in Gaza’s governance as a precondition for negotiations on releasing Israeli hostages. This unresolved tension underscores the deep challenges facing any long-term resolution in Gaza. Based on a report by AFP 2024-01-18 -
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Navigating the World’s Most Dangerous Countries in 2025
In a sobering revelation by International SOS, no country has seen an improvement in its security risk over the past year. The organization’s latest risk map, assessing security, health, and climate change threats, identifies the most perilous countries to visit in 2025. Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic stand out as some of the most hazardous nations, categorized under "extreme" security risk. The list also includes Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, reflecting ongoing conflicts and instability. Countries deemed to have a "high" security risk, just below the "extreme" category, include Mali, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Haiti, and Honduras. These ratings are based on a comprehensive analysis of factors like conflict, health risks, and climate change impacts, guiding travelers and businesses in navigating potential dangers globally. The risk map uses a five-level scale to grade countries, ranging from "low" to "very high" for medical risks and from "insignificant" to "extreme" for security concerns. This tool helps organizations and individuals assess and prepare for various threats, including infectious diseases and extreme weather events. While most regions have experienced escalating risks, the UK maintains a "low" rating in security, medical, and climate risks, although its mental health statistics indicate a notable proportion of the population dealing with mental health issues. Conflicts have significantly influenced risk evaluations in 2024, particularly in Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Myanmar, where escalating violence has necessitated repeated risk reassessments. New Caledonia, too, has seen its security risk elevate from "low" to "medium," attributed to long-term social unrest and economic challenges. In contrast, some countries remain relatively safe from a security perspective. Nations like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Morocco, and Vietnam are considered among the safest, offering a stark contrast to the high-risk regions. As 2025 approaches, understanding these risks is crucial for those planning international travel or business operations, ensuring informed decisions in an increasingly volatile world. Based on a report by The Independent 2024-01-18 -
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Pro-Israel Judge Julia Sebutinde Poised to Lead the ICJ
Judge Julia Sebutinde is on the brink of assuming the presidency of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a significant milestone that reflects her distinguished career and portends a potential shift in the court's orientation. Sebutinde, a Ugandan jurist renowned for her firm stance against South Africa's genocide claims targeting Israel, is poised to step into the role following the departure of the current president, Nawaf Salam. Salam's departure is part of a larger political realignment, as he has been appointed the Prime Minister of Lebanon by the newly elected President Joseph Aoun. Aoun's presidency, endorsed by the United States and Saudi Arabia, marks a significant setback for Iran and Hezbollah, its regional ally. Born Julia Semusso in February 1954 in Uganda's Central Province, Sebutinde's career trajectory has been extraordinary. From a modest background with a civil servant father and a homemaker mother, she rose to prominence with her 1996 appointment to Uganda's Supreme Court. Her tenure there was marked by leading critical anti-corruption investigations, establishing her reputation as a formidable legal mind. Sebutinde's international stature was cemented with her 2005 appointment to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where she was instrumental in the trial of Liberian President Charles Taylor, a landmark case in international law. Her groundbreaking 2012 appointment to the ICJ as the first African woman to serve on the court was a historic achievement. Recently, her ruling on the Israel-Hamas conflict brought her into the international spotlight again. In a decisive opinion, she rejected South Africa's appeal for temporary measures to halt the war in Gaza, stating that the issue is inherently political and beyond the court's legal jurisdiction. Sebutinde's presidency comes at a pivotal moment. The ICJ is preparing for Israel to present its defense against South Africa's allegations in July, with the court's president playing a critical role in shaping its administrative and judicial outcomes. Her leadership could influence the court's approach, especially in politically sensitive cases. As Sebutinde steps into this influential position, the legal world watches closely, anticipating how her presidency will steer the court during these turbulent times. Based on a report by The JC 2024-01-18 -
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Watch: Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s final press conference descended into chaos
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s final press conference descended into chaos Thursday as journalists were forcibly removed after accusing him of enabling a "genocide" in Gaza. The heated confrontation came shortly after Blinken announced a tentative Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement set to take effect on Sunday. State Department aides escorted Russia linked Grayzone News journalist Max Blumenthal from the briefing room, while independent journalist Sam Husseini was dragged out by security guards. Both reporters expressed outrage that the Gaza conflict, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and has lasted 15 months, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians, had not been resolved sooner. Video footage posted on X captured the dramatic moments. Husseini shouted, “Criminal! Why aren’t you in The Hague!” as three guards carried him out. He later wrote on his X account, “Tried to ask a series of questions. Was carried out and handcuffed. Completely excessive force.” Husseini’s protests included accusations that Blinken ignored international condemnation of Israel’s actions. “Everybody from Amnesty International to the ICJ [International Court of Justice] is saying that Israel is doing genocide and extermination, and you’re telling me to respect the process?” he exclaimed. Before Husseini’s removal, Blumenthal had interrupted Blinken, asking, “Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May? Why did you allow my friends’ homes in Gaza to be destroyed?” Blinken instructed the journalists to “respect the process” and assured them they would have opportunities to ask questions after his remarks. The ceasefire deal marks a significant step forward, including a 42-day halt to hostilities to allow the evacuation of Israeli and American hostages from Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement's first phase will secure the release of 33 hostages, including seven Americans. Despite the Biden administration's support for Israel, it has firmly denied allegations of genocide. On May 13, 2024, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated at a White House briefing, “We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide. We have been firmly on record rejecting that proposition.” The volatile press conference underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict and the challenges the U.S. faces in navigating its diplomatic role. As the ceasefire begins, the world will watch closely to see if it leads to lasting peace or further unrest. Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-18 -
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Watch Biden Last Oval Office Interview: Reflections and Stumbles
In what is expected to be his final Oval Office interview, President Joe Biden shared candid insights about his biggest regrets, his deepest fears, and his most accurate prediction during a conversation with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell. The 82-year-old president, whose term concludes on Monday, leaves office with low approval ratings and after stepping back from a reelection bid that saw Vice President Kamala Harris defeated by former rival, President-elect Donald Trump. Throughout the interview, Biden made several notable missteps. Discussing the presence of North Korean forces in Russia’s war in Ukraine, he initially referred to them as Chinese before correcting himself. Reflecting on his 2021 meeting with Vladimir Putin, he mistakenly said Sweden before clarifying that the meeting took place in Switzerland, a pivotal dialogue eight months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, while recounting the October 7 Hamas terror attack, Biden inadvertently referred to it as 9/11, a comparison he has drawn before to highlight the gravity of the incident. When asked about this week’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Biden defended his administration’s approach amid criticism from progressive voices that labeled his policies as overly pro-Israel. He revealed details of a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Hamas’ attack on Israel. "When I went to Israel immediately after their attack on the—by Hamas, eight days later, whatever it was, and I told them we were going to help, I said: ‘But, Bibi, you can’t be carpet-bombing in these communities,’” Biden recounted. The president shared Netanyahu’s retort, which drew historical parallels. "And he said to me: ‘Well, you did it. You carpet-bombed’—not his exact words—‘but you carpet-bombed Berlin. You dropped a nuclear weapon. You killed thousands of innocent people because you had to in order to win a war,’” Biden said. Acknowledging the argument’s legitimacy, Biden noted that Hamas militants were using tunnels beneath civilian buildings, complicating Israel’s efforts to retaliate effectively. "Only way to get to them is to take out the places where they were under," he explained. In response, Biden pointed out the evolution of global conflict protocols, referencing the establishment of the United Nations as a result of lessons learned from World War II. “That’s why we came up with the U.N.,” he said. The interview offered a glimpse into the personal and political reflections of a president nearing the end of a tumultuous term, leaving behind a complex legacy shaped by global conflicts, domestic challenges, and moments of profound introspection. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-18 -
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Trump’s Inauguration: A Gathering of Global Far-Right Leaders
Donald Trump's guest list for his inauguration as U.S. president on January 20 is shaping up to be an unusual collection of global far-right populists, signaling a clear ideological stance for his upcoming administration. Inaugurations are typically domestic-focused ceremonies, with foreign diplomats attending as a courtesy rather than foreign leaders. However, Trump’s approach deviates from tradition. His invitations extend to many leaders he's engaged with, including Argentinian President Javier Milei and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Notably absent are key figures from the European centrist mainstream, such as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In contrast, prominent far-right and nationalist politicians, including British anti-EU figure Nigel Farage, French nationalist Éric Zemmour, and Belgium’s Tom Van Grieken, have been invited. Edward Frantz, chair of the department of history and political science at the University of Indianapolis, notes the abnormality of foreign leaders attending such a ceremony, highlighting that it is "entirely a domestic matter." Yet, the presence of these far-right figures reveals much about the political direction Trump may pursue and who could influence him once in office. The list of invitees reads like a Who’s Who of right-wing populism. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentinian President Javier Milei, both likened to Trump in their rhetoric and policies, are set to attend. Meloni’s visit earlier this month to Mar-a-Lago, where Trump praised her as a "fantastic woman," underscores her significance on this list. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, another far-right leader and admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was also invited, though he will not attend. For other leaders, attending Trump’s inauguration is a calculated move, reflecting the need for diplomatic leverage and the importance Trump places on personal relationships and public respect. While some, like Meloni, may prefer to engage with the new administration after the inauguration week, her interest in attending indicates a strategic respect for Trump. EU diplomats acknowledge that the request to attend, though unusual, is taken seriously because it matters to Trump, and many leaders need to maintain good relations with the U.S. China’s Xi Jinping was invited in a move seen as an attempt to open dialogue, although the likelihood of his attendance is slim due to the short notice and the rarity of such appearances by Chinese heads of state. Still, China may send senior officials to represent its interests and initiate discussions with Trump’s incoming foreign policy team. India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya have confirmed their attendance. Latin American leaders such as El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa are also expected, alongside former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who, due to legal issues, cannot attend. The tech industry will be represented by figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, with French billionaire Xavier Niel also attending. From Europe, the guest list includes far-right politicians like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) candidate Tino Chrupalla, who will represent the party following Elon Musk’s endorsement. Spain’s Vox leader Santiago Abascal and Portugal’s Chega leader André Ventura will also be present. In contrast, notable figures like EU Commission President von der Leyen and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen were not invited, suggesting a preference for those who have openly supported Trump. This guest list, packed with far-right leaders and allies, not only highlights Trump’s political leanings but also sets a tone for his administration’s international relationships, favoring those aligned with his ideologies. Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments. Based on a report by Politico 2024-01-18
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