Israel launched widespread airstrikes on Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Targets included chemical weapons facilities and military installations, as Israeli ground troops advanced beyond the Golan Heights buffer zone for the first time in 50 years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the move pivotal in reshaping the Middle East, citing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. While some Arab nations condemned Israel’s actions as opportunistic, Israeli officials stressed security concerns, warning of extremist groups seizing weapons. The operation marks a major escalation in regional tensions with uncertain long-term implications.
DEFENCE MINISTER IN RUSSIA MEETS PRESIDENT PUTIN
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Russian President Vladimir Putin during his official visit to Moscow, reinforcing India-Russia defence ties. Singh co-chaired the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation, emphasizing industrial collaboration under ‘Make in India.’ He also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honour WWII Soviet soldiers and engaged with the Indian diaspora. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and leveraging strategic partnerships. Russian officials lauded India’s commitment, highlighting mutual trust and collaboration in defence capabilities.
BRAZIL PRESIDENT IN RECOVERY AFTER BRAIN SURGERY
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva successfully underwent emergency surgery to address a brain haemorrhage linked to a fall in October. The operation, performed at the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital in São Paulo, was without complications, and Lula is now recovering in intensive care under monitoring. The haemorrhage was detected during an imaging exam after Lula experienced headaches. It stemmed from a fall in his residence in Brasília, where he sustained a head injury requiring stitches. Lula’s health concerns have caused him to miss the BRICS summit in Russia and the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. Lula remains optimistic, assuring supporters of his recovery, while his doctors recommend rest.
DONALD TRUMP STIRR US-CANADA TENSIONS
Upcoming U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy by referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada” in a post on Truth Social. This remark comes amid escalating trade tensions, as Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. The two leaders recently met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, discussing issues such as trade deficits and the fentanyl crisis. Trudeau called the meeting “productive” but warned that such tariffs would severely impact American consumers, pledging retaliation if enacted. Trump’s rhetoric and tariff proposals have amplified tensions, testing the resilience of US-Canada relations.
MOHAMMED AL-BASHIR TAKES CHARGE IN SYRIA
Syrian rebel factions have announced Mohammed al-Bashir as the head of a transitional government following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad during a November 27 offensive. Bashir, an engineer and educator, previously served as prime minister of the Syrian Salvation Government. The transitional government, active until March 1, aims to address the humanitarian crisis and manage governance in liberated areas. Rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) facilitated the transition with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali.
