Protests continue to surge across Georgia following the government’s suspension of EU accession talks for four years. Demonstrators clashed with police in Tbilisi, using fireworks as police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Protests have spread to eight cities, with roads blocked and party offices attacked. The EU and U.S. have criticized Georgia’s ruling party for veering away from pro-Western policies, amid concerns of increasing authoritarianism. Prime Minister Kobakhidze dismissed foreign criticisms, while outgoing President Zourabichvili vowed to defy a disputed election. The crisis deepens Georgia’s constitutional divide, fuelling fears of Russian influence resurgence.
A SETBACK FOR PUTIN AS ASSAD REGIME FALLS
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime marks a critical turning point for Syria and a significant setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Assad fled to Moscow as rebel forces overtook Damascus, symbolizing the fall of a long-standing Kremlin ally. This upheaval undermines Russia’s regional dominance and exposes vulnerabilities in Putin’s governance amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The loss of strategic military bases in Syria and Assad’s surrender without resistance add to Russia’s challenges. Observers predict a hardening of Putin’s stance in Ukraine negotiations, as the crisis erodes Russia’s geopolitical influence. 
UKRAINE STRUGGLES TO HOLD KURSK
Ukrainian forces face intense battles in Russia’s Kursk region, with drone strikes countering waves of Russian attacks. Soldiers describe relentless assaults by well-trained paratroopers, Chechens, and African mercenaries, alongside unconfirmed North Korean troops. Despite holding strategic ground since August, Ukraine has lost 40% of the territory it initially captured. Commanders emphasize Kyiv’s need for Western support, invoking the Budapest Memorandum’s promises. Amid fatigue, prolonged front-line deployment, and heavy fighting, Ukrainian soldiers remain resolute, seeing their defence as critical leverage in potential peace negotiations, particularly as international focus pivots to President-elect Donald Trump’s evolving stance on the war.
INDIA CONCERNED FOR MINORITY SAFETY IN BANGLADESH
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in talks with Bangladeshi counterpart Md. Touhid Hossain in Dhaka, addressing critical issues, including minority safety and attacks on cultural and diplomatic sites in Bangladesh. Misri emphasized India’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Discussions covered trade, connectivity, and cultural cooperation, reflecting the enduring people-centric relationship between the two nations. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to fostering mutual benefits while tackling regional challenges.
TRUMP: PARDON, CITIZENSHIP REFORMS AHEAD
President-elect Donald Trump, set to begin his second term in January 2025, vowed to pardon US Capitol rioters on his first day and end birthright citizenship through executive orders. In a wide-ranging NBC interview, Trump also signalled reduced NATO support contingent on fairness, possible cuts to Ukraine aid, and cooperation with Democrats to aid some undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children. While refraining from promising investigations into political rivals, he expressed intent to address perceived legal injustices and pledged efficiency in Social Security without detailed plans.
