On his first day in office, President Donald Trump initiated a campaign to dismantle the initiatives established by Joe Biden and his administration. Among Trump’s most controversial decisions were the mass pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and his challenge to the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship, which has already prompted legal action from Democratic state attorneys general.

Much of Trump’s agenda was designed to frame Biden’s presidency as a temporary pause between two Trump administrations, focusing on reversing Biden’s immigration policies, abolishing government diversity initiatives, rolling back climate change measures, and consolidating political influence over federal agencies.

This pattern mirrors the actions taken four years prior when Biden assumed office, issuing executive orders to revoke numerous Trump-era immigration policies, restore protections for federal employees, enhance diversity and inclusion efforts, and reverse environmental regulations implemented by Trump.

What one president establishes, the next seeks to dismantle.

Denali. McKinley. Denali. McKinley.

The debate over whether the highest peak in the United States should be referred to by its traditional Alaskan name, Denali, meaning “Great One,” or as Mt. McKinley, in honor of a Republican president from Ohio who was assassinated in the early 20th century, serves as a reflection of the current political climate.

President Barack Obama officially renamed it Denali, while President Donald Trump, disregarding the sentiments of Alaska’s Republican leaders, opted to revert it to Mt. McKinley.

However, the renaming of a mountain pales in comparison to the broader policy shifts witnessed in recent years.

Paris climate agreement: a cycle of entry and exit

► Obama entered the Paris climate agreement in 2016.

► Trump withdrew the US in 2017.

► Biden rejoined in 2021.

► Now, Trump is once again pulling the US out, contending that the nation should not bear the brunt of global climate change efforts.

The trend has historical roots, dating back to President Bill Clinton’s administration, which committed to the international Kyoto Protocol—an agreement that preceded the Paris Agreement. However, this commitment was reversed when President George W. Bush withdrew the United States from the protocol.

World Health Organization: Renewing the Departure

► In 1948, President Harry Truman became a member of the World Health Organization, stating, “We must and will give freely of our great knowledge to help liberate men everywhere from the overhanging dread of preventable disease.”

► In 2020, during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, President Trump initiated the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO, citing concerns that the U.S. was contributing disproportionately compared to China.

► On his first day in office in 2021, President Biden reinstated the United States’ membership in the WHO.

► However, on his first day in office in 2025, Trump began the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the organization once again.

Reclassifying Federal Workers

In 2020, expressing concerns about a perceived “deep state” opposition, Trump attempted to reclassify certain federal employees involved in policymaking as “Schedule F,” which would facilitate their dismissal.

Biden halted this initiative in 2021 and took additional measures by signing an order that provided enhanced protections for federal employees.

Now, Trump is seeking to reinstate Schedule F, asserting that the bureaucracy must align more closely with his directives. He emphasized, “Any power they have is delegated by the President, and they must be accountable to the President, who is the only member of the executive branch.”

Critics are concerned that Trump’s initiative to cultivate a federal workforce more aligned with his interests may jeopardize the merit-based civil service system established to replace the corrupt spoils system prior to McKinley’s presidency, as reported by CNN.

Regarding oil drilling, Trump 1.0 attempted to reverse Obama’s prohibition on drilling in Arctic waters. Now, Trump 2.0 aims to overturn Biden’s restrictions on offshore oil drilling. However, the extent of additional oil production resulting from Trump’s actions remains uncertain, given that the U.S. is already the leading oil producer globally.

Conversely, Trump is also working to halt Biden’s initiatives aimed at terminating land and water leasing for wind energy projects.

Electric and hybrid vehicle adoption

In the automotive sector, Obama promoted the adoption of electric vehicles by implementing regulations to reduce tailpipe emissions. Trump reversed these regulations in 2020, and while Biden has made another attempt to tighten tailpipe emissions standards and encourage electric and hybrid vehicle adoption, Trump plans to dismantle these efforts as well, despite the automotive market’s ongoing shift towards electric vehicles, independent of government intervention.

Trump is willing to make adjustments on certain matters.

During his initial term, Trump emphasized the importance of renegotiating the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), originally established by President Bill Clinton.

He successfully negotiated the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, which was a notable achievement of his first term. However, in the early phase of his second term, Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on February 1. These import duties could undermine his own agreement and increase costs for American consumers, yet they may also create opportunities for further concessions from Canada and Mexico.

Interestingly, the significant development regarding tariffs is that Trump has temporarily postponed discussions about implementing broad new tariffs on all imports, particularly targeting Chinese goods.

For context, President Biden has continued the tariffs imposed by Trump during his first term on China, illustrating that not all actions taken by one president are reversed by their successor.

Over one million people have sought refuge in South Sudan due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, according to the UN

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

A displaced woman sits outside at a school turned into a shelter, in Port Sudan, Sudan.

Over one million individuals have escaped the conflict in Sudan, seeking safety in neighboring South Sudan, as reported by the United Nations.

In its most recent update regarding one of the most severe displacement crises globally, the UN released new figures on Tuesday indicating that over 770,000 people have crossed through the Joda border point on South Sudan’s northern frontier with Sudan in the past 21 months.

Additionally, tens of thousands have entered through other border locations, raising the total number of those who have fled to South Sudan since the outbreak of hostilities between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in April 2023 to over one million, according to a statement from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

“The influx of more than a million individuals into South Sudan is a striking and alarming figure that highlights the escalating nature of this crisis,” stated Sanaa Abdalla Omer from the UNHCR.

The majority of those crossing the border are South Sudanese citizens who had previously fled the civil war in their own country, the statement emphasized.

“The people of South Sudan continue to demonstrate remarkable generosity, welcoming those in distress and sharing their limited resources, but they cannot bear this enormous burden alone,” Omer remarked.

Two transit centers in Renk County, located on South Sudan’s northern border, which were intended for fewer than 5,000 individuals, are currently accommodating over 16,000.

The United Nations has urged for increased assistance for both displaced individuals and the communities that accommodate them, cautioning that essential resources in South Sudan, such as healthcare, water, and shelter, have become “critically strained.”

As the conflict nears its second anniversary, fighting persists between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with both sides accusing one another of committing war crimes, including the targeting of civilians and indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands.

At least 20,000 individuals have lost their lives, and approximately 25 million people—half of the nation’s population—are experiencing severe hunger and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Recently, the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the UN, released a report detailing famine conditions in five regions, including Sudan’s largest displacement camp, Zamzam, located in North Darfur.

The report confirmed famine conditions in Abu Shouk and al-Salam, two camps for internally displaced persons in el-Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur, as well as in both residential and displaced communities in the Nuba Mountains of southern Sudan.

Poland’s Tusk advocates for Europe to embrace Trump’s appeal for increased NATO funding

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to the media, on the day of a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium.

European nations should embrace U.S. President Donald Trump‘s appeal for increased military spending among NATO allies rather than dismiss it, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He emphasized the critical nature of security for the continent during a statement on Wednesday.

Trump has proposed that NATO members allocate 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defense, a significant rise from the current 2% target, which no NATO member, including the U.S., currently meets.

This request, reiterated on Monday during his inauguration, highlights Trump’s ongoing emphasis on NATO funding from his first term, coupled with his warnings to allies who do not meet spending expectations. NATO officials have not formally accepted the 5% benchmark.

“We should not react with irritation or dismay,” Tusk remarked to members of the European Parliament. “Some perceive it as excessive or as a harsh warning.”

Tusk, who is currently leading the EU presidency for six months, noted that the era of complacency has ended, as the new U.S. president insists that Europe must take on a larger role in ensuring its own security. “Only a true ally would encourage another ally to strengthen itself. This is not the stance of an adversary towards Europe,” Tusk stated.

Poland is projected to have the highest defense spending among NATO members, estimated at 4.1% of its GDP in 2024, while eight of the alliance’s 32 members are expected to spend less than 2%.

Tusk emphasized to the EU assembly that Europe is at a critical juncture where it cannot compromise on security expenditures. He aligned with the perspective of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia, asserting that Russia represents a fundamental threat to the security of the EU, and the solution lies in boosting defense budgets.

Panama’s president emphasizes the need for seriousness regarding the question of Trump’s ‘invasion’

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino attends the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino responded with “be serious, be serious” on Wednesday when questioned in Davos about concerns regarding a potential U.S. invasion, following President Donald Trump’s remarks about reclaiming the Panama Canal.

After participating in a panel discussion on Latin America’s “faultlines” at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Switzerland, Mulino chose not to address additional inquiries.

In his inauguration speech on Monday, which referenced the 19th-century expansionist concept of “Manifest Destiny,” Trump reiterated his desire for the United States to regain control of the canal, a vital passage for global shipping. He did not provide specifics on the timeline or method for this reclamation, which involves the territory of an ally, but has previously suggested that military action could be a possibility, prompting criticism from both supporters and adversaries in Latin America.

Trump also reiterated accusations against Panama for allegedly failing to uphold commitments made during the 1999 transfer of the canal and for allegedly allowing its operation to fall into Chinese hands, claims that the Panamanian government has strongly rejected. Mulino stated on X on Monday that Panama has managed the canal effectively for global trade, including for the United States, asserting that it “is and will continue to be Panamanian.”

During the WEF session, Mulino reiterated the government’s stance, asserting that it completely dismissed “everything Mr. Trump stated, firstly due to its inaccuracy and secondly because the Panama Canal is the rightful property of Panama and will remain so.”

He emphasized, “The Panama Canal was neither a concession nor a gift from the United States,” noting that its establishment was the result of a series of treaties dating back to 1903.

While the United States played a significant role in the construction of the canal and managed the surrounding territory for many years, the U.S. and Panama entered into two agreements in 1977 that facilitated the canal’s transition to full Panamanian control. Ultimately, the United States transferred ownership in 1999 following a period of joint administration.

UN Secretary-General Guterres urges Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

Iran needs to take the initiative to enhance its relations with neighboring countries and the United States by clearly stating its intention not to pursue nuclear weapons, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized on Wednesday.

“The key issue at hand is the relationship between Iran, Israel, and the United States,” Guterres remarked during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“My hope is that Iran recognizes the importance of unequivocally committing to forgo nuclear weapons while simultaneously fostering constructive engagement with other regional nations.”

Ukraine is developing its own air defense systems in response to the latest Russian missile threats

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

F-16 fighter jets fly over a Patriot battery in an undisclosed location in Ukraine.

Ukraine is developing its own air defense system to compete with the US-made Patriot, as stated by the commander in chief of its armed forces.

This initiative was prompted by the emergence of Russia’s new missile, known as “Oreshnik,” according to General Oleksandr Syrskyi in an interview with TSN, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.

He emphasized that “this motivates us to establish our own air defense system, which will not only serve as an air defense mechanism but also function as an anti-missile system.”

Syrskyi further noted that “efforts are currently in progress, and we are actively advancing in this area.”

In November, Russia launched its first Oreshnik missile at an industrial facility in Dnipro, located in central Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the weapon as a “non-nuclear hypersonic warhead” capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10, or ten times the speed of sound.

Syrskyi mentioned that only a limited number of defense systems are capable of intercepting the Oreshnik, and that Kyiv presently lacks this capability. However, he pointed out that “during the Soviet era, we were responsible for producing all the control systems for anti-aircraft systems.”

Ukraine has faced significant challenges in addressing Russia’s missile and drone assaults with its current air defense capabilities, leading the nation to consistently request additional Patriot systems and other air defense resources from its allies.

The extensive Russian invasion has catalyzed a surge in defense production within Ukraine, involving both local manufacturers and international collaborations.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the country produced nearly one-third of the military equipment and weapons it utilized in 2024.

Several Western defense firms have also entered into joint production agreements and established operations in Ukraine. Notably, Germany’s Rheinmetall has announced its involvement in developing a new air defense facility in the country.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom revealed its provision of a new air defense system named Gravehawk to Ukraine, which has been co-funded by Denmark.

The Gravehawk system is capable of adapting air-to-air missiles for ground launch, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence, allowing for the allocation of more advanced systems—such as the Patriot and NASAMS—for larger targets.

Trump has indicated that he may visit Saudi Arabia regarding a $500 billion trade agreement

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak during the family photo at G20 Osaka Summit in Osaka, Japan, on 28 June 2019.

In 2017, US President Donald Trump deviated from longstanding American diplomatic norms by selecting Saudi Arabia as his inaugural foreign visit. This trip resulted in the now-iconic image of Trump holding a mysterious glowing orb alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

On Monday, while signing a series of executive orders, Trump was questioned about his choice of Saudi Arabia for that initial visit. He explained that the decision was influenced by the Saudis’ commitment to purchase hundreds of billions of dollars in American products, stating he would consider a similar approach again, this time with a target of $500 billion.

“I chose Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our goods. I said I would do it, but they had to commit to buying American products, and they did,” Trump remarked to a reporter in the Oval Office.

When asked about his potential first foreign visit this time, Trump replied, “Well, I don’t know. If Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another $450 or $500 billion, we could adjust for inflation. I think I would probably go there.”

It remains uncertain whether Trump was being entirely serious in his comments. Nonetheless, this statement underscores his policy approach, which emphasizes American trade and economic interests above other considerations.

Relations between the US and Saudi Arabia deteriorated during President Joe Biden’s administration, primarily due to Biden’s condemnation of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Although the Biden administration made efforts to mend ties in the latter part of its term, the relationship never fully recovered.

Under Trump’s administration, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States became notably warmer. Trump’s son-in-law and former senior advisor, Jared Kushner, developed a personal rapport with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This connection was particularly significant during the aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, which was carried out by Saudi agents. As Khashoggi was a resident of the United States, his assassination sent shockwaves through Washington, prompting demands for Trump to denounce the act.

Despite the public outcry surrounding Khashoggi’s death, the Trump administration maintained its ties with Riyadh and obstructed a bipartisan congressional effort to cease U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen.

Prior to his current term, the Trump Organization entered into a brand agreement for a luxury tower development in Saudi Arabia, further illustrating the strengthening relationship between the Trump Organization and Dar Al Arkan, the parent company of Dar Global, the developer involved in the project.

Following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Trump was frequently seen with Yasir al-Rumayyan, the head of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, who is also the chairman of the new LIV Golf promotion.

Denmark refutes claims regarding the death of its F-16 instructor in Ukraine

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

Denmark has refuted claims from Russian media suggesting that a Danish F-16 instructor was killed by a Russian missile strike in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, the state-run TASS news agency in Russia reported, citing “law enforcement sources,” that a Danish individual named Jepp Hansen had died in an attack on a training facility located in Krivoy Rog, Dnepropetrovsk Region, central Ukraine.

In a statement released on Monday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen characterized the report as “misinformation.”

“No Danish soldiers have been killed in Ukraine,” Poulsen stated. “This is a false narrative that has been propagated by Russian media, likely aimed at discrediting Denmark,” he further noted.

The Russian media asserted that Hansen’s death was “confirmed” by a friend on social media. However, other posts on X indicated that the account purportedly belonging to his friend did not actually exist.

Denmark has committed to supplying 19 US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that the first batch of six jets would be delivered in November. Additionally, Danish instructors have been training Ukrainian pilots at an airbase in Denmark, as reported by NATO and the Danish government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned that all NATO personnel and weaponry in Ukraine will be regarded as legitimate targets for Russian forces, asserting that no level of Western assistance will deter Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

Trump said he would impose sanctions on Russia if Putin doesn’t negotiate on Ukraine

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

A view of the Kremlin wall in central Moscow, Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he is likely to impose sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

While Trump did not provide specifics regarding potential additional sanctions, it is important to note that the United States has already implemented significant sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

He also mentioned that his administration is considering the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing that the European Union should increase its support for the country.

“We’re in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and we will soon be in talks with President Putin,” Trump stated. “We will assess the situation.”

Additionally, Trump revealed that he urged Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent call to take action to help end the war in Ukraine. “He hasn’t made much progress on that front. He possesses considerable influence, just as we do. I suggested that he should work towards a resolution. We did address this matter.”

Japan must enhance its defence capabilities, the foreign minister informs the new Trump administration

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

Japan is set to enhance its defence capabilities in response to the evolving security landscape in East Asia, as stated by the country’s foreign minister during a meeting with his U.S. counterpart on Tuesday, according to his spokesperson. The return of U.S. President Donald Trump has raised expectations that Washington may exert greater pressure on its allies to boost defense spending.

In light of concerns regarding China’s expanding military power and the threat posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea, Tokyo is embarking on a significant defense expansion.

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in Washington on Tuesday. Iwaya emphasized to Rubio and Waltz that Japan must persist in enhancing its defence capabilities due to the prevailing circumstances in East Asia, as reported by foreign ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura at a news conference in Washington.

Trump’s desire to reclaim control over the Panama Canal may come with significant repercussions

Asif Shahid

January 22, 2025

In recent weeks, during his time as president-elect, Donald Trump publicly asserted that the Panama Canal should be returned to the United States and indicated that he would not dismiss the possibility of using military force to reclaim it. At his inauguration on Monday, Trump reaffirmed this stance.

His threat to overturn decades of established American policy and potentially engage in military action to regain the canal would represent a significant shift for a president who has criticized U.S. military involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, and it would likely be difficult to justify to the American populace.

The return of the Panama Canal to Panama was negotiated by President Jimmy Carter, who secured the necessary two-thirds majority in the U.S. Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties in 1978. Carter believed that transferring control of the canal to the Panamanian government was a moral imperative, reflecting a departure from a period when the U.S. maintained a quasi-colonial influence in Central America.

It is important to recognize that the Panama Canal treaties were supported by presidents from both political parties; Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton all acknowledged their commitment to the agreements, which culminated in the complete transfer of canal operations to Panama on December 31, 1999.

Since that time, the management of the canal by Panamanian authorities has not been a contentious issue, with over two-thirds of the vessels using the canal either departing from or arriving at American ports, as reported by the U.S. International Trade Administration.

In response to Trump’s claims regarding the canal, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino issued a statement in December asserting, “As President, I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA, and will continue to be.”

This appears to have resolved the issue, but earlier this month, Trump introduced the possibility of US military intervention to reclaim the canal.

Engaging in a conflict to secure the canal zone would be a significant undertaking. The area spans over 500 square miles, and Panama has a population of 4.5 million, many of whom would likely oppose any form of American occupation.

According to estimates from the US Army, an effective counterinsurgency operation requires at least “twenty counterinsurgents per 1,000 residents.” Based on Panama’s population, this would necessitate approximately 90,000 US troops.

Such a military endeavor would also entangle the US in another land conflict, a scenario that Trump has frequently criticized.

Furthermore, on what grounds could Trump authorize US troops to take control of the Panama Canal? Generally, a congressional resolution would be required to sanction the use of force, as established since the 9/11 attacks, which permits action against groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Any military takeover of the Panama Canal would significantly disrupt global trade, as approximately 6% of international trade transits through it. This situation would arise concurrently with the Houthis in Yemen, who have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, affecting another vital trade route linked to the Suez Canal, which handles an additional 12% of global trade.

Trump has established his political career by adopting unconventional approaches; however, trying to reclaim the canal—whether through intimidation of the Panamanian government or military intervention—would be a perilous endeavor with low chances of success.

Trump has dismissed the commandant of the Coast Guard, according to a U.S. official

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan testifies during a House Homeland Security Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S.

The Trump administration has dismissed U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, marking her as the first woman to lead a branch of the armed forces, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday.

Fox News, the first outlet to report on the dismissal, indicated that Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman terminated Fagan due to her prioritization of diversity issues over border security. The White House and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet responded to inquiries regarding this matter, and attempts to reach the Coast Guard and Fagan were unsuccessful.

Although the Coast Guard is classified as an armed service, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Pentagon.

Elon Musk, a Trump advisor overseeing the new administration’s cost-cutting initiatives across federal agencies, hinted at the administration’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a post on X, though he did not directly confirm Fagan’s firing. Musk stated, “Undermining the U.S. military and border security to spend money on racist/sexist DEI nonsense is no longer acceptable.”

Trump has pledged to abolish DEI programs within federal agencies. Earlier reports from Fox News referenced an unnamed senior official from the Department of Homeland Security, who claimed that Fagan’s dismissal was linked to issues surrounding border security, recruitment challenges, and a perceived “erosion of trust.” The official pointed to failures in addressing border security threats, retaining staff, mismanagement in acquisitions, and an excessive emphasis on DEI initiatives.

In 2021, former President Joe Biden appointed Fagan as the head of the Coast Guard, making her the first woman to serve as a uniformed leader of a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Saudi foreign minister stresses the need to prevent conflict between Iran and Israel at Davos meeting

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud looks on during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister stated on Tuesday that he does not perceive Donald Trump’s new administration as a factor that would escalate the risk of conflict between Israel and Iran, a concern that has loomed over the region since the onset of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud expressed hope that President Trump’s strategy towards Iran would encourage Tehran to engage constructively with the U.S. and address its nuclear program.

“Clearly, any conflict between Iran and Israel, or any war in our region, is something we must strive to prevent,” Prince Faisal remarked. He emphasized that he does not view the incoming U.S. administration as a contributor to the risk of war, noting that President Trump has explicitly stated his preference for avoiding conflict.

Additionally, Prince Faisal announced plans to visit Lebanon later this week, marking the first visit by a Saudi foreign minister in over ten years. The kingdom had distanced itself from Lebanon for years due to the significant influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in the country’s affairs.

He acknowledged the recent election of a Lebanese president after a prolonged vacancy as a positive development but stressed that Saudi Arabia requires tangible reforms before increasing its involvement in Lebanon. Earlier this month, the Lebanese parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, a move that reflects U.S. support and indicates a decline in Hezbollah’s influence following the group’s recent conflict with Israel.

Quad foreign ministers convene in Washington, highlighting Trump’s emphasis on China

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a meeting in Washington with his counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan on Tuesday will emphasize the significance of collaborating with allies on issues vital to the United States and its citizens.

Rubio, who took the oath of office the day after President Donald Trump commenced his second term, will host the “Quad”—a coalition of four nations concerned about China’s expanding influence—at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon.

Analysts suggest that this meeting aims to convey that addressing the challenges posed by Beijing is a primary focus for the new administration, despite Trump’s unexpected decision to delay imposing tariffs on China on his first day back in office and his failure to label it as a threat, which raises the possibility of improved relations between the two nations.

“Today, we will convene with the Quad, including foreign ministers from Australia, India, and Japan, to reaffirm the importance of global collaboration with allies on matters that are crucial to America and its people, which is my priority moving forward,” Rubio stated during an interview on NBC’s Today program prior to his swearing-in.

Officials from the Trump administration are also working to arrange another meeting of the foreign ministers at the White House, according to a source involved in the planning. These discussions could pave the way for an early summit of the Quad leaders during Trump’s presidency, with reports indicating a potential meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Washington next month.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who met with her Indian and Japanese counterparts in Washington over the weekend, emphasized that the invitation extended to Quad foreign ministers for Trump’s inauguration reflects a strong commitment to collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. “This illustrates the unified dedication of all nations involved in the Quad, highlighting the critical importance of close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific at this time,” Wong stated on Sunday.

Senator Rubio is scheduled to hold separate discussions with the three foreign ministers on Tuesday.

During the tenure of former President Joe Biden, the Quad grouping convened multiple times, concentrating on China’s military and economic maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific, especially regarding the South China Sea, where U.S. allies have actively contested Beijing’s territorial assertions.

The alliance has also committed to enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity to safeguard supply chains and vital infrastructure, including undersea cables.

For Australia, obtaining assurances from Washington regarding the extensive AUKUS defense initiative, which aims to enable Australia to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines and advanced weaponry such as hypersonic missiles, will be crucial.

China has criticized the Quad as a relic of the Cold War and argues that the AUKUS partnership would exacerbate an arms race in the region.

Israel has launched a major military operation in the West Bank, killing at least eight Palestinians

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

An Israeli military vehicle stands on the street during an Israeli raid, in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli security forces, supported by helicopters, conducted a raid in the turbulent West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a “large-scale and significant military operation.”

This action was initiated a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who had attacked Palestinian villages. Netanyahu characterized the raid as part of a broader offensive against Iranian-backed militants.

“We are systematically and resolutely confronting the Iranian axis wherever it extends its influence – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu stated. The terms Judea and Samaria refer to the areas of the occupied West Bank as designated by Israel.

The incursion into Jenin, a city that has seen numerous Israeli military operations in recent years, follows just two days after a ceasefire was established in Gaza, highlighting the potential for increased violence in the West Bank.

The military reported that soldiers, police, and intelligence units had initiated a counter-terrorism operation in Jenin. This operation comes on the heels of a weeks-long effort by Palestinian security forces to regain control in the nearby refugee camp, which is a significant stronghold for armed groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which receive support from Iran.

Hamas, which has broadened its influence in the West Bank in recent years, urged Palestinians in the region to intensify their resistance against Israel.

As the operation commenced, Palestinian security forces retreated from the refugee camp, with mobile phone footage circulating on social media capturing the sound of intense gunfire.

According to Palestinian health services, at least eight Palestinians lost their lives and 35 were injured as the Israeli incursion began. This occurred just a week after an Israeli airstrike in the Jenin refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least three Palestinians and left many others wounded.

Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, hundreds of Palestinians and several Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and Israel, with thousands of Palestinians detained during routine Israeli operations.

PROTECTING SETTLERS

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardline pro-settler, who oversees significant aspects of Israeli policy in the West Bank, stated that the operation marks the beginning of a “strong and ongoing campaign” against militant factions aimed at safeguarding settlements and their inhabitants.

Smotrich previously expressed support for Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on settlers accused of violence against Palestinians and indicated his eagerness to collaborate with the new administration to expand settlements.

Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers reside among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967. Most nations regard Israel’s settlements on land acquired through conflict as illegal, a stance Israel contests by referencing historical and biblical connections to the area.

The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-governance over certain areas of the West Bank, which remains under Israeli military occupation.

In the days preceding the Israeli military operation, Palestinians across the West Bank reported the establishment of numerous roadblocks throughout the region, where violence has escalated since the onset of the conflict in Gaza.

On Monday evening, groups of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, vandalizing vehicles and setting properties ablaze near the village of al-Funduq, a location where three Israelis were killed in a shooting incident earlier this month.

The military announced that it has initiated an investigation into the event, which reportedly involved numerous Israeli civilians, some of whom were masked.

The Palestinian Authority denounced the settler violence in al-Funduq, as well as the sudden emergence of several new barriers and roadblocks, asserting that these measures are intended to “fragment the West Bank.”

In a statement, the office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the new American administration to intervene and halt these actions and Israeli policies that they believe will not lead to peace or security for anyone.

Mexico’s president stresses the need to protect national sovereignty after Trump’s initial directives

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

Mexico’s president stated on Tuesday her commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and independence while also engaging in dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump. This announcement came a day after Trump commenced his new term with a series of executive orders aimed at addressing migration issues.

President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that her administration would approach migration with a “humanitarian” perspective, while also committing to the repatriation of foreign migrants to their countries of origin.

On his second day in office, Trump is anticipated to issue additional executive orders, following his Monday directives that classified Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and proposed potential tariffs on exports from Mexico and Canada to the United States starting in February.

During her regular morning press briefing, Sheinbaum remarked that Trump’s recent actions, including a declaration of a national emergency regarding illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, mirror those taken during his first term.

She further affirmed her government’s intention to collaborate on security and other issues with the United States and expressed a commitment to revising trade agreements in 2026. The peso showed signs of recovery on Tuesday morning, trading at 20.6489 per dollar.

In Davos, Scholz emphasizes the need for ‘calm minds’ and a measured sense of optimism in response to Trump.

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed measured optimism on Tuesday regarding the future of German-U.S. relations under President Donald Trump, highlighting positive initial discussions with his administration while emphasizing the necessity for “cool heads” amid uncertainty.

“The United States remains our closest ally outside of Europe, and I will do everything within my power to maintain that relationship,” Scholz stated during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

He noted, “My initial constructive conversations with President Trump, along with the interactions among our advisors, suggest a promising direction.”

On the first full day of Trump’s presidency, Scholz underscored the importance of collaboration between Europe and the United States for global peace, security, and economic advancement. However, he also pointed out the need for Europe to enhance its self-sufficiency.

Germany’s ambassador to Washington has internally cautioned about potential turbulence in relations under Trump, while German businesses have raised concerns regarding possible tariffs from the new U.S. administration.

“In a world that often seems on the brink of chaos, particularly as viewed through social media, it is essential to maintain composure,” Scholz remarked. “Not every press conference in Washington or every tweet should lead us into frantic, existential discussions.”

Scholz anticipates that Trump will continue to challenge the global landscape in the years ahead, especially regarding energy and climate policy, trade, and foreign relations.

Rubio urges both Ukraine and Russia to make concessions to resolve the ongoing conflict

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The administration of President Donald Trump is signaling a shift in the United States’ approach to Ukraine, as newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for both parties to make concessions to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Rubio stated during an interview with NBC News on the first full day of Trump’s presidency, “The president expressed during his campaign that he wants the suffering to cease. He desires an end to the destruction, which aligns with the interests of all involved.” He acknowledged the complexity of achieving this goal, noting that “every side will need to compromise.”

When questioned about the implications of Russia retaining Ukrainian territory without repercussions, Rubio pointed out that the nation has already experienced significant consequences, including sanctions, economic inflation, and loss of life.

“There have indeed been repercussions, and Ukraine has faced devastating consequences,” he remarked, recognizing that the country has been “victimized” by Russia. However, he added, “Ultimately, we are confronted with a stalemate—a prolonged conflict that is inflicting severe damage on Ukraine.”

Rubio declined to comment on “domestic political debates” regarding Trump’s pardons related to the January 6 incident, as well as his previous remarks following the Capitol attack. He also mentioned that it is “reasonable” for a “new administration on its first day” to take time to assess issues such as a potential TikTok ban while considering various security concerns.

Israeli military chief of staff resigns following the Hamas attack on October 7

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi speaks at a ceremony.

Israel’s military leader, Herzi Halevi, announced on Tuesday that he plans to resign on March 6, accepting accountability for the significant security failure that occurred on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants from Gaza launched a cross-border assault on Israel. In a letter addressed to the defense minister, Halevi’s resignation had been anticipated. He stated his intention to finalize the Israel Defence Forces’ investigations related to the events of October 7 and to enhance the IDF’s preparedness for future security threats.

“I will ensure a seamless and comprehensive transition of command to my successor,” Halevi, who serves as the Chief of the General Staff of Israel’s military, wrote.

As defence relations deepen, the United States evaluates its military presence in Cyprus

Asif Shahid

January 21, 2025

A view of the interior of the abandoned Nicosia International Airport at the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia, Cyprus.

A military assessment team from the United States is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus this week as part of ongoing defence enhancements, according to Cypriot officials on Tuesday. This visit follows Washington’s announcement regarding increased collaboration with the Mediterranean island.

The evaluation team, operating out of Germany, will offer expertise and guidance on infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving interoperability with the United States and other allies, stated Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

Letymbiotis emphasized during a news briefing that “the enhancement of infrastructure, provision of modern equipment, and investment in training are fundamental components of our national strategy for a robust and adaptable defense.” The assessment will be conducted at a military facility located in the western district of Paphos.

Positioned strategically at the crossroads of the unstable Middle East, Cyprus, a member of the European Union, has been instrumental in evacuating civilians during various escalations of conflict in the region.

Last year, the island established a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Sunday. The relationship between the U.S. and Cyprus has strengthened in recent years, drawing attention from Turkey, which invaded the northern part of Cyprus in 1974 following a brief coup inspired by Greece. Both Turkey and the self-declared Turkish Cypriot state in northern Cyprus have expressed criticism regarding this cooperation.

The evaluation will include an examination of the feasibility of enhancing the airbase’s landing facilities to facilitate large-scale evacuation operations from the area if necessary, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters.

The source requested anonymity as they were not permitted to communicate with the press.

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