Israel denied claims of advancing into Syrian territory beyond the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, despite Syrian sources alleging an incursion near Damascus. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that troops remained within the buffer zone and denied any significant push towards Damascus. Israel’s focus is on border security, not involvement in Syria’s internal conflict. Despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes in Syria to prevent military equipment from reaching rebels. Israel is cautious about the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, despite welcoming Assad’s fall. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
The overthrow of Assad is seen as a setback for Iran and Russia, who supported him militarily and diplomatically. Russia’s intervention in 2015 shifted the civil war in Assad’s favor, showcasing its power and challenging Western influence. Despite Assad’s fall, Russia maintains some influence in Syria through alliances with rebel groups. Moscow’s actions in Syria helped it reassert its influence in the Middle East, maintaining relationships with Sunni monarchies and expanding its global reach. Russia’s involvement demonstrated its capacity to support allies and challenge Western powers. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
Taiwan reported that China conducted its largest maritime operations in nearly 30 years, deploying around 90 naval and coast guard vessels from the southern Japanese islands to the South China Sea. Taiwanese defense officials suggested this move aims to demonstrate China’s capability to blockade Taiwan and deter American allies like Japan and the Philippines. Taiwan is on high alert, with Chinese ships near its coasts. China’s intentions remain unclear, with no official announcements from Beijing. Speculation suggests the maneuvers could be a response to Taiwan’s president visiting Hawaii and Guam. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
The U.S. conducted massive airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria to prevent the group from exploiting the chaos after President Assad’s overthrow. The strikes, hitting about 75 IS targets, aim to stop IS from regaining control in Syria. The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Syria for a decade to combat IS, and recent actions underscore their commitment to preventing an IS resurgence amid the current instability. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the U.S.’s determination to thwart IS’s attempts to reestablish itself. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the media during his corruption trial, accusing it of bias. He faces charges of trading regulatory favors for favorable coverage, which he denies. Meanwhile, U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen discussed Syria’s uncertain future post-Assad, emphasizing the need for international support to seize opportunities for change, despite some groups still being labeled as terrorists by the Security Council. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, leading to a constitutional crisis and criminal investigations against him for insurrection. Despite apologizing for the failed attempt, Yoon has not resigned, even amid calls from his party. The People Power Party is considering his resignation by February and a snap election in April or May. Yoon’s office has no official stance on who is running the country, but the defense ministry confirms he remains commander in chief. An army commander revealed Yoon ordered lawmakers to be forcibly removed, but the order was not executed. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported China’s largest naval deployment in regional waters in nearly 30 years, surpassing 2022’s military drills. The deployment included 47 aircraft and 12 warships, marking the highest aircraft presence near Taiwan in two months. This escalation follows Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s US visit, which angered China. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang noted the deployment near the first island chain is the largest since 1996, posing significant threats. China aims to assert control over the Taiwan Strait, building two naval “walls” in the Pacific. Penelope Kingsley 10/12/2024 10:00 am
China’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East faced a setback with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which China had supported. Analysts suggest this exposes the limits of China’s influence in the region. Despite brokering deals like the Saudi-Iran agreement and attempting to mediate Palestinian conflicts, China’s ambitions are challenged by ongoing instability. The Chinese foreign ministry’s response to Assad’s fall was cautious, emphasizing safety and a political solution, while maintaining openness to future Syrian relations. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 10:00 am
In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a gang leader is accused of massacring over 100 people, including elderly and Vodou leaders, to avenge his son’s death. The Haitian government confirmed the killings in the Cité Soleil neighborhood and vowed justice. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence, citing at least 184 deaths, and urged a thorough investigation. Volker Türk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, also reported the killings by the gang leader, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 10:00 am
Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Trump’s director of national intelligence is under scrutiny due to her controversial past. Critics highlight her ties with Russia and Syria, including her defense of Bashar al-Assad and a visit to him in 2017. Former officials like Adam Kinzinger and John Bolton have criticized her judgment, with Bolton questioning her belief in conspiracy theories and suggesting her views reflect a significant character flaw. Gabbard met with senior Republicans to bolster support amid these concerns. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 10:00 am
