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Description: French President Emmanuel Macron has conducted a meeting with newly – elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Macron urged on rapid withdrawal from the Israeli army still deployed on Lebanese territory and emphasized the need for Lebanon to reestablish a sovereign governance and independent military apparatus. He had also announced that France would host an international reconstruction conference for Lebanon since severe investments were necessary to rebuild the Lebanese infrastructure. Impact: Macron’s visit to Lebanon only enhances the country’s geopolitical attractiveness at the moment. Macron’s visit also aimed to represent added value to Fr
Description: Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) officials have stated they would leave the country under the condition the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), an allied party, remains in control of the north – eastern parts of the country. PKK which has been in a constant insurgency conflict with Turkey over the last 40 years, is one of the many interested parties of assuming power in Syria after Bashar al – Assad’s fall last month. Turkey has threatened with military action if the SDF, a close US regional ally isn’t disbanded and all senior PKK members removed from its leadership structure. Impact: With Syria on the outskirts of existing as a country, several groups
Description: The US has announced the imposition of sanctions on Sudan’s army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan as the civil war in the country continues to rage on and inflict severe humanitarian crisis. The sanctions comprised of prohibition of arms sales, and the freezing of assets owned by Abdel Fattah al – Burhan outside of Sudan. The sanctions also undertook the rival leader of the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, indicating equal US treatment over the involved parties in the conflict. Impact: With the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF expanding, the imposition of sanctions could be considered as a step towards forcing both s
Description: Romanian Ministry of Energy has flagged the potential sale of E. ON Energie Romania to Hungarian’s MVM Group as a national security risks as concerns over their connection to Gazprom and the Russian government have been raised. Shadow influence of the Russian government within MVM Group has been identified from the Romanian Foreign Direct Investment Energy Commission which additionally prompted the Romanian government on enhanced oversight and possible transaction seizure. Impact: E. ON Energie is one of Europe’s largest energy and oil producers and suppliers and its potential sale to MVM Group could deepen Europe’s energy dependency on Russia.
Description: Assistant Secretary of State Geofrey Pyatt has stated that despite sanctions, the US still much relies on Russian supply of enriched uranium in its civil nuclear facilities. With the signing of The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Act, the US has authorized additional $2.7 billion in authorized funding for US – based enrich uranium production. Environmental concerns and low – cost production of rival countries has depleted US civilian nuclear capabilities while Russia still holds approximately 44% of the enriched uranium market worldwide. Impact: With the increased development of AI technology, which requires stable energy and supply in large ammount
Description: UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have reportedly considered the possibility of deploying UK and France peacekeeping troops in Ukraine to end the war. With Trump’s inauguration just days away, EU and NATO members are scrambling to implement future measures in order to incentivize conflict resolution. Reports stated that Macron has been resolute and adamant towards the idea while Starmer had his reservations as troop deployment could possibly instigate direct conflict between NATO and Russia. Impact: Ukraine’s future stability would strongly depend on EU and NATO support as the Trump administration has sent mix
Description: Newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced US intentions to label cartels as terrorist groups indicating on possible US military action in Mexico. He noted that migration and organized crime are the US top priorities in Mexico and raised concerns of Mexico’s capabilities to adequately answer the organized crime issue. Even though military action was mentioned, the initial intention of the US government would be mutual cooperation prompting further tensions between the two countries. Impact: Organized crime and drug cartels impose a serious security threat for both Mexico and the US. Rubio’s designation of cartels as terroris
Description: Canadian Federal government has drafted a $105 billion counter tariff bill on US products in case the Trump administration imposes additional tariffs on Canadian products. The proposed bill comes as a response to Trump’s threats of elevating tax obligations to Canada and abusing economic power to subdue Canada into economic dependency on the US. Canada’s main crude oil supplier Alberta had stated no intentions on cutting energy supply to the US, indicating on a divided front in context of the proposed tariff plan. Impact: The US is risking worsening economic and diplomatic relations with Canada if and whether Trump’s tariff policies are implemen
Description: The Taiwanese government has considered the option of enlisting foreigners to their national army to enhance military capabilities as a response to a possible Chinese invasion. The proposal came as a steep decline in enlisted military personnel was evident with many of them filing for early discharges. Foreign enlistment could face severe challenges from the private sector as better salaries and conditions topple Taiwan’s national defense capabilities. Impact: China has enlarged their military and defense presence in the sensitive Indo – Pacific region, with Taiwan being one of their historically main objectives. Even though a possible Chinese i
Description: In light of the recently agreed Gaza ceasefire deal, the Iranian – lined Houthis announced continuance in their attacks in the Bab al – Mandab strait. Abdul Malik al – Houthi, the leader of the group stated continued monitoring on the implementation of the agreement and warned of possible future attacks if the ceasefire agreement faulters. Houthi attacks severely impacted the world trade economy as the Bab al – Mandab strait is one of the key chokeholds in the maritime shipping industry. Impact: With Iran’s regional proxies in Hezbollah and Hamas plundered, the Houthis remain one of the most influential groups threatening regional security and e