US officials are working closely with Türkiye to address concerns about the Syrian Democratic Forces and terrorism in the region. The US is seeking a resolution on issues such as the integration of the SDF into Syrian national forces, the departure of foreign members, and questions around oil and borders. This process is expected to take time.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkiye-us-in-talks-on-ypg-threat-in-northern-syria-204508The United States has warned that North Korea is becoming increasingly prepared for war by providing military aid to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. This development has raised concerns about the potential escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, in California, the death toll from the LA wildfires has risen to 5 as firefighters struggle to contain multiple blazes. In a separate incident, a whistleblower has alleged that British soldiers were given a "golden pass" to avoid prosecution for killings committed during their deployment in Afghanistan. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also dismissed former President Trump's suggestion that the US should purchase Greenland from Denmark, stating it is not going to happen.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/after-france-germanys-scholz-warns-trump-against-his-greenland-plans-says-borders-must-not-be-moved-13851148.htmlUS officials have reflected on the effectiveness of military aid provided by the Biden administration to Ukraine, citing limited gains from previous support such as Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and ATACMS missile systems. The US is now considering further security commitments, including potential NATO membership, to deter a future Russian attack following peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the US is studying North Korean operations in the war to inform its strategy in Asia, where thousands of North Korean forces are believed to be supporting Russia. The US may also impose additional sanctions on Chinese entities for their support of Russia's efforts to fuel the conflict.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/biden-set-to-push-new-russia-sanctions-before-trump-era-beginsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the face of ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine. He made his remarks during a meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein, Germany, just days before US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The group, led by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, has provided over $126 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, with the US contributing around $66 billion. In a final aid package announced on Thursday, the US will provide an additional $500 million worth of military equipment and weapons, including missiles for air defense, artillery ammunition, and support for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets.
https://www.voanews.com/a/zelenskyy-urges-coalition-aiding-ukraine-not-to-drop-the-ball/7930885.htmlRussia has strengthened its ties with North Korea since invading Ukraine in February 2022, with over 12,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia and participating in fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This development was reported by Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Camille Shea at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/09/asia-pacific/politics/us-north-korea-war-ukraine/Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Langkawi, Malaysia, as part of Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The two leaders are set to discuss strengthening regional cooperation and addressing global challenges. However, the meeting was postponed due to Prabowo's fever, according to Anwar's statement on social media. Despite this, bilateral trade between the two countries remains strong, with a value of US$20.75 billion in 2024, an increase from US$20.69 billion in the same period in 2023. Indonesia is Malaysia's seventh-largest global trade partner and third-largest among ASEAN countries.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340710/prabowo-to-meet-anwar-ibrahim-during-malaysia-visit-on-thursday?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightLebanon's President Aoun is expected to face significant challenges in implementing reforms required for a bail-out package from the IMF, despite having the backing of key international partners such as Saudi Arabia, the US and Europe. To navigate these challenges, Aoun will need to balance his relationships with various domestic stakeholders, including Hezbollah, a militant group turned political party with a strong base of support. As he lacks experience in economic matters, Aoun is likely to rely heavily on his advisors for guidance.
https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-parliament-president-joseph-aoun-hezbollah-942ce2e5d5619f072c8b23850ebce7b5Lebanese President Michel Aoun has maintained relations with the US despite criticism from Hezbollah-affiliated media. The US is a major financial supporter of Lebanon's army, which also receives backing from countries like Qatar. An international conference in Paris raised $200 million to support the armed forces, which have been affected by Lebanon's economic crisis and were forced to cut meat from soldiers' meals due to rising food prices. If elected, Aoun would be the fifth Lebanese army commander to become president, following a convention where the presidency goes to a Maronite Christian.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/lebanons-presidential-frontrunner-joseph-aoun-respected-army-chief/article69080236.eceArmenia has strengthened its relations with Western countries while distancing itself from Russia, which has faced criticism for not adequately protecting Armenia from its longstanding conflict with Azerbaijan. This shift in diplomatic ties is a significant development in the region's complex geopolitics.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940406-tensions-between-russia-and-armenia-are-rising