US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated that American forces are still needed in Syria to prevent the Islamic State group from reconstituting as a major threat following the ouster of Bashar Assad's government. According to Austin, there are tens of thousands of former IS fighters and family members being held in detention camps, with estimates suggesting 8,000-10,000 fighters and at least 2,000 considered high-risk. If Syria is left unprotected, Austin believes ISIS fighters would re-enter the mainstream, posing a threat to regional security.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/01/09/us-troops-need-to-stay-in-syria-to-counter-isis-pentagon-chief-says/US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated that American troops are still needed in Syria to prevent the Islamic State (ISIS) from reconstituting as a major threat after the ouster of Bashar Assad's government. Specifically, Austin cited the need for security at detention camps holding 8,000-10,000 former ISIS fighters and family members, with up to 2,000 considered high-risk. If Syria is left unprotected, Austin believes that ISIS fighters would re-enter mainstream society, posing a renewed threat.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/us-troops-need-to-stay-in-syria-to-counter-the-islamic-state-group-austin-saysPresident-elect Donald Trump is set to inherit a complex global threat landscape that poses significant implications for U.S. national security and the economy. The threats include terrorism, with Iran's proxy terrorist group, the Yemeni Houthis, launching attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, driving up insurance costs and disrupting trade. Afghanistan has become a failed state where ISIS and al Qaeda terrorists plot attacks against the US, making it more vulnerable than ever since 9/11. China continues to militarize the South China Sea, hack into U.S. critical infrastructure, steal intellectual property, expand its nuclear arsenal, and threaten Taiwan's sovereignty. Russia launched a devastating land war in Europe, threatening Ukraine's independence and trillions of dollars worth of trade with Europe. The Trump administration will need to develop an effective counter-terrorism strategy that enables the US to target enemies overseas rather than face their attacks on the homeland. This includes building bipartisan consensus on confronting China economically, militarily, and diplomatically, deterring a Communist China invasion of Taiwan, and preserving Ukraine's independence.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/trump-needs-channel-teddy-roosevelt-battling-global-threatsIndia is seeking support from Russia, France, and the US to counter Pakistan's moves on Kashmir. India considers Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of its sovereign territory and opposes international interference in the matter. Pakistan has taken a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, which labels individuals and groups as terrorists and imposes sanctions. As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Pakistan aims to promote peace and stability, while also opposing unilateral use of force and supporting UN peacekeeping efforts.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/pakistan-non-permanent-unsc-seat-why-bad-for-india-13849379.htmlPakistan's Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has reaffirmed the country's commitment to upholding UN resolutions and promoting regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan. Pakistan is set to begin its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council for two years, starting from 2025-26. The envoy emphasized that Pakistan will continue to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to address long-standing conflicts and promote cooperative multilateralism. He highlighted the country's efforts to combat terrorism and improve security, while also underscoring its commitment to progress and stability. Pakistan is set to preside over the Security Council in July and has been allocated a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/583099-pakistan-begins-two-year-term-at-unsc-as-non-permanent-member