★ SYRIA
Italy Seeks Syrian Transition, Urges EU Sanctions Review
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is visiting Syria to support its transition after President Bashar Assad’s removal by opposition rebels. Tajani has called for a review of European Union sanctions on Damascus, citing changes in the political situation. He hosted a meeting in Rome with officials from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States to align post-Assad strategies. Additionally, he consulted with counterparts from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Italy is preparing proposals to address humanitarian needs and promote stabilization efforts, including private investments in Syria’s healthcare sector.
37 Killed in Clashes Between Turkish-backed and Kurdish Forces in Syria
Media reports from Syria confirm the death of 37 individuals in clashes between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish groups on Thursday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that airstrikes were involved in the battles in northern Syria. Confrontations between the two sides have persisted since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime.
Israel Destroys Syrian Weapons in Golan Heights Demilitarized Zone
The Israeli army announced on Thursday the destruction of Syrian army weapons in the Golan Heights demilitarized zone. A military statement detailed the seizure and destruction of weapons and infrastructure in the area Israel captured last month. Among the findings was an armored personnel carrier containing weapons, anti-tank missiles, and explosive devices. The army stated that all materials were destroyed or confiscated to prevent their use by hostile groups, ensuring the safety of Golan Heights residents and Israeli Defense Forces.
Biden Retains HTS Terrorist Label, Decision Deferred to Trump
President Biden kept Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on the terrorist list, leaving reassessment to Trump’s administration. HTS must sever ties with extremists like al-Qaeda to lift the label. Biden eased sanctions to support Syria’s recovery, allowing humanitarian transactions. Trump’s team, led by Sebastian Gorka, will evaluate HTS’s actions. International calls urge clear benchmarks for HTS’s removal while highlighting Syria’s urgent need for reconstruction and alignment with counterterrorism objectives.
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★ ISRAEL
House Passes ICC Sanctions Bill Targeting Arrest Warrants
The U.S. House passed the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act” 243-140, opposing ICC arrest warrants against Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant. Sponsored by Republicans Brian Mast and Chip Roy, the bill rejects ICC jurisdiction over U.S. or allied officials. Emphasizing an “America first” stance, Mast warned against interference with U.S. or ally efforts, barring ICC officials from U.S. soil. The legislation underscores resistance to ICC overreach and affirms support for U.S. allies on the global stage.
Israel Intercepts Three Houthi Drones During Escalating Tensions
Israel’s air force intercepted three drones launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, ending a brief lull in attacks. Since October 2023, Houthis have fired 40 ballistic missiles and 320 drones at Israel, with most intercepted. Recent incidents highlight rising regional tensions, as Israeli and Western forces target Houthi positions in Yemen to counter threats. The group has also destabilized vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea, emphasizing the growing security challenges in the region.
Israel Plans Security Zones in Syria Amidst Leadership Concerns
Israel announced plans for a 15-km operational zone and a 60-km intelligence sphere in Syria to counter missile threats and monitor potential dangers. Concerns focus on Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, and the possible entrenchment of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. While Western nations engage diplomatically with the new regime, Israel remains cautious, emphasizing the need to secure its borders and prevent future threats from developing in the region.
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★ LEBANON
Joseph Aoun Elected Lebanese President During Stability and Reform Hopes
Joseph Aoun’s election as Lebanon’s president ends a two-year vacancy, raising hopes for stability and economic recovery. Backed internationally, Aoun pledged to uphold the ceasefire with Israel, disarm militias, and secure Lebanon’s sovereignty. His tasks include appointing a prime minister, implementing reforms, and addressing Lebanon’s severe economic crisis. Aoun will oversee Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement, aiming to rebuild trust and ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
Lebanon’s Eurobonds Rise After Aoun’s Election and Reform Optimism
Joseph Aoun’s election as Lebanon’s president ended a two-year vacancy, sparking optimism for economic reforms and stability. Eurobonds surged to 16 cents from a 2022 low of 6.25 cents. Aoun pledged to protect depositors, promote free-market principles, and strengthen Arab ties. Key challenges include reconstruction, stabilizing the Lebanese pound, and pursuing IMF negotiations for financial aid. These efforts aim to restore global confidence, reduce debt, and achieve Lebanon’s long-term economic recovery.
Israeli Explosions Intensify Tensions in Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces targeted southern Lebanon, conducting explosions in Kfarkala, Aita al-Shaab, and Wazzani, and demolishing homes in border areas. These actions follow a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah, effective November 27, during ongoing security operations in the region. Despite the truce, Israel continues raids and demolitions, citing threats along its northern border. The incidents have heightened concerns about stability in southern Lebanon, strained by recent escalations and fears of renewed conflict.
IDF Strikes Hezbollah Arms Vehicle During Ceasefire
The Israeli Air Force struck a Hezbollah-linked vehicle in Southern Lebanon carrying weapons, violating the ceasefire. The IDF neutralized the threat while U.S. and French officials inspected confiscated Hezbollah stockpiles set for destruction. Meanwhile, Israel began withdrawing forces from Naqura under the November ceasefire, as the Lebanese Army deployed along the U.N.-defined Blue Line, aiming to restore stability after 14 months of hostilities. The ceasefire agreement seeks to ensure regional security and prevent future escalations.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Israeli Strikes and Resistance Operations Escalate in Gaza
Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed 22 Palestinians, including 4 at a Jabalia school, and injured dozens, mostly women and children. Saraya Al-Quds sniped an Israeli soldier and destroyed a military vehicle with “Thaqib” explosives near Jabalia. Resistance operations have killed 10 Israeli soldiers recently, raising their death toll to 46 since the northern Gaza invasion began. The ongoing conflict has intensified regional tensions, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll on civilians and continued resistance activities.
IDF Eliminates Hamas Sabra Battalion Leadership
The IDF and Shin Bet killed Hamas’s Sabra Battalion commander Osama Abu Namos and key operatives, including deputy Mahmoud Al Tarq. Namos directed terror activities in the Netzarim Corridor and provided intelligence to Hamas. Al Tarq, a Nukhba Forces leader, planned attacks on Israeli civilians and troops. Additional commanders Mahmoud Shaheen and Hamada Diri were also eliminated. These targeted strikes significantly weakened Hamas’s Sabra Battalion, disrupting its operations and leadership in the region.
“Lancet”: Gaza Death Toll 40% Higher than Reported
A Lancet study estimates Gaza’s war deaths between October 2023 and June 2024 at 64,260, exceeding Health Ministry figures by 41%. Using hospital data, online surveys, and social media obituaries, researchers found 59% of victims were women, children, and elderly. The study excludes thousands missing under rubble and indirect deaths from healthcare or food shortages. The findings highlight the severe humanitarian impact, with researchers emphasizing that the true toll may be higher under ongoing war conditions.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdogan and Meloni Discuss Syria’s Reconstruction and Trade Cooperation
Turkish President Erdogan and Italian PM Meloni discussed bilateral ties, emphasizing lifting sanctions on Syria to accelerate reconstruction. They highlighted opportunities to expand the $32 billion trade volume through collaboration in energy and defense. This follows the Syrian factions’ takeover of Damascus, ending Baath Party rule and initiating a transitional government. Erdogan underscored Italy’s leadership role in supporting regional stability, fostering economic investments, and aligning efforts for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.
Turkey Expands Electricity Supply to Syria, Supports Recovery
Turkey supplies Syria with 210 megawatts of electricity daily and plans to increase this to 300 megawatts by February. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced initiatives to send 500 megawatts to Aleppo within six months. Turkey has supported Syria’s energy needs since 2017, aiming to restore normalcy and facilitate refugee returns. This follows Syrian factions’ control over Damascus, ending Baath’s rule and establishing a transitional government led by Mohamed Bashir.
Turkey Supports Syria’s Security and Stability Post-Assad
Turkey pledged to enhance Syria’s defense and security capabilities, collaborating with its new leadership after Assad’s removal. Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk emphasized preventing terrorist entities and ensuring stability along shared borders. Defense Minister Yasar Guler expressed readiness for military cooperation if requested. This commitment follows Syrian factions’ takeover of Damascus, ending decades of Baath Party rule and ushering in a transitional government focused on restoring stability and rebuilding the nation.
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★ IRAN
Iran Threatens Israel with New Offensive and Defensive Power, Reveals Suicide Drone
Iranian air defense commander Major General Davood Sheikhian stated that Iran will soon test a locally produced ballistic missile defense system. Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) revealed its latest suicide drone, named “Radwan.” In remarks reported by the Iranian news agency Tasnim, Sheikhian asserted that Israel would face new offensive and defensive capabilities in the next war. He also noted that while air defense systems suffered limited damage from “Zionist aggression,” they were quickly replaced.
Iranian General Claims Assad Blocked Efforts to Open Syria Front Against Israel
A former senior Iranian general in Syria revealed that Tehran pushed the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to open an additional front against Israel during the 15-month conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. In a voice recording shared by The New York Times on Wednesday, Brigadier General Behrooz Esbahi stated that relations with Assad had become strained before the Syrian regime’s collapse in early December. This was due to Assad’s refusal to allow Iran-backed militias to open a new front against Israel from Syria.
Swiss Citizen Dies by Suicide in Iranian Jail After Espionage Arrest
Iranian authorities announced on Thursday that a Swiss citizen committed suicide in prison after being arrested on espionage charges. According to the Mizan news agency, affiliated with Iran’s judiciary, quoting Mohammad Sadegh Akbari, head of the Supreme Court in Semnan province, “A Swiss citizen committed suicide this morning at Semnan prison. The Swiss national was arrested by security forces on espionage charges… and his case was under investigation.”
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★ IRAQ
Iran Partially Resumes Electricity Supply to Iraq
Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel announced the restoration of 625 megawatts of Iranian electricity to Iraq. This decision follows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s recent visit to Tehran, where he held talks with Iranian leaders. The restored supply represents part of the 1,200 megawatts halted a month ago. Fadel highlighted significant energy sector agreements resulting from the discussions between Al-Sudani, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other officials, emphasizing the success of the diplomatic efforts in advancing bilateral energy cooperation.
Iraqi Airstrike Kills Senior ISIS Leader and Six Militants
Iraqi forces eliminated Abu Ubaida, ISIS’s Deputy Assistant Governor, and six militants in a targeted airstrike south of Kirkuk. Conducted by the Iraqi Air Force, the strike hit a hideout in the Hamrin Mountains, also uncovering a weapons cache that included M16 rifles, a thermal scope, grenades, a suicide belt, mobile phones, a flash drive, and a solar panel. This operation is part of intensified counterterrorism efforts, which have resulted in the deaths of 30 ISIS militants over the past month.
Iraq Seizes Five Billion Syrian Pounds in Kirkuk
Iraqi security forces seized five billion Syrian pounds hidden in a truck at Kirkuk’s Turklan checkpoint, arresting two suspects. The operation, supervised by Kirkuk’s police chief and involving security and crime prevention agencies, aimed to combat organized crime. Legal measures under financial crime laws were applied, reflecting Iraq’s efforts to ensure stability in the demographically sensitive Kirkuk region through robust law enforcement and security actions.
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★ YEMEN
Houthi Leader Announces Capture of British Espionage Network in Yemen
Yemen’s Ansar Allah leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, confirmed the arrest of a British espionage network in Yemen, labeling it a major security achievement. In a televised address, he highlighted the adversaries’ security failures. Al-Houthi also detailed ongoing military operations targeting Israeli positions in occupied Palestine, utilizing hypersonic missiles and drones. These strikes, reaching Jaffa and Ashkelon, have significantly impacted the enemy’s psychological state, creating widespread panic and revealing Israel’s inability to counter such attacks.
Houthi Militia Threatens Riyadh and Abu Dhabi During Peace Stalemate
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded a visit to Sana’a (January 6-9, 2025) for talks with Houthi leaders, including militia Foreign Minister Jamal Amer and U.S.-designated terrorist Abdulqader Al-Murtada. Following the visit, the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement rejecting alleged U.S. pressure on Saudi Arabia and hinting at potential attacks on Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. The statement underscores the militia’s dissatisfaction with ongoing peace efforts, signaling challenges to resolving the Yemen conflict.
Israeli Strikes Block Humanitarian Aid to Yemen’s Hodeidah Port
Doctors Without Borders announced its inability to deliver aid through Yemen’s Hodeidah port due to recent Israeli strikes targeting the vital facility. The organization stated on “X” that its teams had to reroute medical and humanitarian supplies to alternative ports, causing delays in reaching those in need.
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★ GULF NATIONS
UAE and Cyprus Discuss Strengthening Relations and Middle East Developments
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues, especially the Middle East. Cyprus Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos also attended the meeting. In September, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed hosted President Anastasiades in Abu Dhabi, where both leaders explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation, focusing on economic, trade, and energy sectors for mutual benefit.
Petrochemicals Boost Gulf Economy By $100 Billion Annually
Arab Plast 2025 in Dubai highlighted the Gulf’s $100 billion petrochemical contributions and signed AED 100 million sustainability agreements. Gulf countries produce 35 million tons of plastic yearly, exporting 85%, and recycling rates are set to grow by 9.3% next year. The expo, hosting 750 companies from 35 countries, attracted 25,000 visitors, emphasizing the Gulf’s leading role in plastics and petrochemicals. The sector employs 150,000 people, drives profits, and advances sustainable practices across the Middle East.
Industrial Production in Saudi Arabia Rises by 3.4% Yearly in November 2024
Saudi Arabia’s industrial production increased by 3.4% in November 2024, driven by a 1.2% rise in mining and quarrying, supported by higher oil production. Manufacturing grew by 7.2%, led by refined oil, chemicals, and food products. However, industrial production declined by 2.3% month-on-month. Subsector data revealed a 2.1% drop in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning, while water and waste management rose by 10.5%. Oil-related activities
grew by 3.8%, and non-oil activities increased by 2.4%.
Qatar Aims for $100 Billion Foreign Investment by 2030 to Boost Growth
Qatar aims for 3.4% annual growth in non-oil sectors and plans to attract $100 billion in foreign investments by 2030. This will support innovation, and entrepreneurship, and enhance the business environment. The strategies focus on diversifying key sectors, boosting private sector contributions to GDP, and ensuring sustainable growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Key initiatives include 216 projects to improve industrial competitiveness and protect intellectual property, strengthening the economy’s global position.
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★ EGYPT
Egypt Approves 50% Increase in IMF Share
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has approved a 50% increase in the country’s share in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The decision was published in the official gazette on Thursday, which included the president’s approval to increase Egypt’s stake in the IMF, subject to formal ratification. The Egyptian Parliament had previously approved this increase during a general session on October 7.
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