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.eceDuring a visit to the US, UAE Minister Al Zeyoudi highlighted the country's growing tech ecosystem and its opportunities for US companies looking to scale their operations and access high-growth markets. The UAE has invested $35 billion in the US, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching $28.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 46.2% growth from the same period in 2019. Al Zeyoudi met with C-suite executives from leading tech companies such as Accenture and Qualcomm to discuss advanced technology partnerships. The UAE is also expanding its trade ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, which aims to foster greater connectivity with strategic global markets.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/01/09/uae-us-to-boost-cooperation-in-technology-and-innovationThe Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has announced that the Co-Lead Nations of the eight Capability Coalitions have been working with Ukraine to develop roadmaps aimed at optimizing security assistance and defense capabilities through 2027. The roadmaps, which were developed in collaboration with Ukraine, are designed to enhance interoperability between Ukraine and NATO, support the development of Ukraine's defense capabilities, and deter potential threats.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3946736-participants-of-ramstein-meeting-approve-eight-roadmaps-to-support-ukraine-through-2027.htmlUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss cooperation on key areas, including military assistance. The two leaders discussed preparations for future meetings and the approval of roadmaps for eight areas of cooperation, which will outline strategic goals and needs until 2027. The documents will focus on areas such as air defense, artillery, armored vehicles, drones, air force, and maritime security.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940370-ukraine-and-the-us-discussed-strategic-military-cooperationThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing an ongoing crisis, prompting a call for urgent action from regional leaders. The UN's Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework has been convened to address the situation, with the goal of bringing together heads of state in the region to discuss the issue.
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/escalating-violence-in-eastern-drc--4883450The outgoing US administration has taken steps to reduce European dependence on Russian energy by halting transit and promoting alternative gas supplies. The US is working with its European partners to diversify gas sources, with 50% of Europe's liquefied natural gas (LNG) currently coming from the United States. This effort aims to mitigate the risks associated with Russian dominance in the region, with US LNG exports playing a key role in this diversification strategy.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/biznes/940366-us-supports-kiev-s-decision-to-halt-russian-gas-transit-to-europeAnalysts believe that the current tensions between the US and China may be partly driven by negotiation tactics, but note that the two countries have a history of trade disputes, with the Trump administration imposing tariffs on Chinese goods during his first term, which were maintained and even increased under President Joe Biden's presidency.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/trade-war-worries-loom-over-las-vegas-tech-show-204496US and Arab mediators have made progress in their efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but no deal has been reached yet. The Israeli military carried out strikes across the enclave on Thursday, killing at least 17 people. The talks are being led by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, who are pushing for a deal to halt fighting and free remaining hostages held by Hamas before President Joe Biden leaves office. A Palestinian official close to the mediation effort said that while there have been breakthroughs in narrowing existing gaps, no agreement has been reached yet. The two sides have been at an impasse over issues including Israel's refusal to end the war until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are free, and Hamas' demand for Israel to withdraw its troops from Gaza before releasing the hostages. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 46,000 people killed and most of the territory's 2.1 million people displaced multiple times.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/us-arab-mediators-make-some-progress-in-gaza-peace-talks-no-deal-yet-sources-sayUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that if tyrants learn that aggression pays, it will lead to more aggression, chaos, and war. In response to the US's shift in policy under President Trump, European countries have been grappling with how to maintain their alliance against Russia's expansion. Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed concern over Trump's comments on potentially taking Greenland by military means, calling them "diplomatically astonishing." The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which includes 50 member countries, may assume a new shape under European contributors such as Germany if the US does not continue to participate. Germany and other European countries are discussing options for supporting Ukraine in the event of a US withdrawal.
https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-us-aid-weapons-trump-6f8eeb09dbc69d3ae2e097bb8eb10151