Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria have been fighting with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Islamist-led rebels. The conflict has resulted in mounting casualties despite US efforts to establish a truce in the Manbij area. Turkish authorities have threatened a military operation against Kurdish forces unless they accept Ankara's conditions for a "bloodless" transition after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. In response, Turkey's imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader has expressed willingness to work with authorities towards peace. The US has called for a resolution that includes the departure of "foreign terrorist fighters", including those affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organisation by several countries.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nearly-37-killed-in-north-syria-clashes-between-pro-turkey-kurdish-forces-in-manbij-region-war-monitor/article69080029.eceAustria's chances of meeting a crucial EU deadline to submit a spending reduction plan by January 21 are uncertain due to ongoing talks between the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP). If an agreement is not reached, Austria will miss the deadline and risk being grouped with highly indebted countries such as Italy and France. The European Commission had previously delayed punishment for Austria's budget deficit in November, but now expects the country to present a plan to reduce its public spending deficit to below 3% of GDP by January 21. Austrian leader Herbert Kickl has called for a "massive political fire brigade operation" to address the issue, which he described as a "debt conflagration that threatens to consume everything."
https://www.politico.eu/article/austria-eu-punishment-overspending-wwii-far-right-vienna-brussels-ovp-fpo-election-manifesto/Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi at Zardari House in Islamabad. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE, focusing on mutual interests. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic ties between the two nations.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341775/bilawal-meets-uae-ambassadorUK Foreign Office Minister David Lammy expressed concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump's comments about acquiring Greenland for national security purposes. He described the remarks as "classic Donald Trump" and noted that any decision on Greenland's status would ultimately be up to its people. Lammy stated that while Trump's rhetoric can be destabilising, his emphasis on increased defence spending by NATO members could benefit Western allies. The UK is keen not to damage relations with the US under the new Labour government, despite some Labour ministers having previously made disparaging comments about Trump.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/uk-fm-lammy-refuses-to-condemn-trump-comments-on-greenland/article_4eea19f3-61c4-5972-8636-54be7e2e2d9f.htmlElon Musk, the world's richest person and ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has been involved in British politics, calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign. According to sources, Musk is seeking information on building support for alternative political movements to potentially destabilize the Labour government. This move has drawn criticism from European leaders who view it as meddling in elections and a threat to Western civilization.
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/european-leaders-angry-over-musks-interference-in-national-politics-18251878The UK's Labour party has announced a plan to crack down on people smuggling gangs by increasing cross-border cooperation and enforcement efforts. The move is led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who as the country's chief prosecutor, worked with law enforcement and international partners to foil terrorist plots and make significant drug busts. As part of this effort, those entering the UK illegally will be stopped and deported if they have no right to remain in the country. The government is also committed to reducing immigration levels, a key promise made during last year's election.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-14264535/KEIR-STARMER-Labour-government-people-smugglers-business-hitting-hurts.htmlLabour Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shifted focus from deporting migrants to Rwanda to targeting the gangs that organize crossings across the English Channel. Migrants pay thousands of pounds to traffickers for passage on small inflatable boats, with over 36,800 people making the crossing in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
https://www.voanews.com/a/britain-plans-new-sanctions-laws-to-target-people-smuggling-gangs-/7930672.htmlSyrian Kurdish leader Mazlum Abdi called for a ceasefire in Syria after a "positive" meeting between Kurdish leaders and Damascus authorities. The call comes as Turkish-backed factions continue to fight with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, despite efforts by Washington to establish a truce. Turkey has threatened a military operation against Kurdish forces unless they accept Ankara's conditions for a "bloodless" transition after President Bashar al-Assad's fall. The SDF controls much of oil-rich northeastern Syria and is accused by Turkey of being affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the US and EU.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/37-killed-in-north-syria-clashes-between-pro-turkey-kurdish-forces-monitor/article_fefd7aa1-0609-5162-8297-2f02d657bfb0.htmlPeter Magyar, the leader of Hungary's centre-right Tisza Party, has announced that if he wins the elections due in early 2026, he will maintain Hungary's membership in the European Union and NATO while seeking "pragmatic relations" with Russia. Magyar aims to unlock billions of euros in frozen EU funds by taking steps to curb corruption and joining the European Union prosecutor's office, a move rejected by Budapest's nationalist government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Magyar has criticized Orban's close ties with Russia and his opposition to military aid for Ukraine, while also expressing concerns about Hungary's reliance on Russian gas and crude imports. He plans to adopt a similar approach towards China, negotiating "pragmatically" over the Paks nuclear project and foreign direct investments in the country.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/viktor-orbans-challenger-sees-strong-eu-nato-ties-pragmatic-approach-russia-4847971