Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to support the government’s counteroffensive against insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who recently advanced in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama. This escalation risks involving Russia and Turkey, each with vested interests in Syria. Syrian and Russian airstrikes reportedly killed 400 insurgents, while government forces aim to encircle rebels. Iran expressed support for Assad, with additional Iraqi militias crossing into Syria to bolster the Syrian army. The conflict adds tension amid ongoing regional conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Noah Prescott 02/12/2024 1:00 pm
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Syrian rebel group, has rapidly advanced, altering the conflict’s dynamics by seizing Aleppo and pushing towards Damascus. Originally linked to Al-Qaida as Jabhat al-Nusra, HTS has evolved, disavowing international terrorism and focusing on local governance, particularly in Idlib. Their recent success, marked by minimal opposition and strategic disruption of government forces, has surprised many and shifted the longstanding stalemate in Syria’s civil war. Ava Sinclair 02/12/2024 1:00 pm
Tens of thousands of Georgians protested nationwide for a fourth night against the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party’s contested election victory. Demonstrations occurred in at least eight cities, with roadblocks and access to the Black Sea port of Poti shut down. The unrest intensified after Georgian Dream paused Georgia’s EU accession bid, citing protection against external interference. President Salome Zurabishvili, deeming the government illegitimate, joined protests demanding new elections. The EU has called for an investigation into the election due to alleged irregularities. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 9:30 am
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to begin hearings on a landmark climate change case, assessing global legal obligations to combat climate change and support vulnerable nations. Initiated by island nations, the UN requested the ICJ’s opinion on state obligations regarding climate change. Over 100 countries and organizations will participate, with Vanuatu presenting first. Although non-binding, the ICJ’s advisory opinions hold significant legal and political weight. The hearings follow criticism of inadequate climate finance agreements at Cop29, highlighting ongoing dissatisfaction with international climate efforts. Noah Prescott 02/12/2024 9:30 am
Countries failed to reach an agreement on tackling plastic pollution after over two years of negotiations. Over 200 nations met in South Korea, but divisions persisted between “high ambition” countries advocating for phasing out plastic and oil-producing nations concerned about development impacts. The key disagreement centered on Article 6, whether to commit to reducing plastic production or focus on recycling. Despite the urgency, the two-year deadline was missed, with 95 countries, including the UK and EU, pushing for legally binding production cuts. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 9:30 am
Restoring degraded land and combating desertification will require at least $2.6 trillion by 2030, according to UN official Ibrahim Thiaw. Climate change-induced droughts and rising food demands heighten societal risks. A two-week meeting in Riyadh aims to enhance drought resilience and secure funding, with a significant portion needed from the private sector. Thiaw emphasized that while public funds currently dominate land restoration investments, the private sector, responsible for much land degradation through food production, must increase its contribution from the current 6%. Noah Prescott 02/12/2024 9:30 am
President Joe Biden will visit Angola from Dec. 2-4, marking the first U.S. presidential visit to Africa since 2015. He aims to strengthen U.S.-Angola ties and counter China’s influence by highlighting investments in telecommunications, 5G, and renewable energy. Biden will meet Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda and announce initiatives in global health, agribusiness, and cultural heritage. The U.S. has already fulfilled 80% of its $55 billion investment pledge in Africa, focusing on connectivity and energy development. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 6:00 am
At least 25 people, including 10 children, were killed in airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces in northwestern Syria, according to the White Helmets. The strikes targeted the rebel-held city of Idlib and surrounding areas, as President Assad vowed to crush insurgents. The death toll from strikes since November 27 reached 56, including 20 children. The insurgents, a coalition of Turkey-backed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, recently seized control of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, prompting military redeployment. Assad emphasized using force against “terrorists.” Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 6:00 am
Countries failed to agree on a global treaty to curb plastic pollution at the UN’s INC-5 meeting in Busan, South Korea. Over 100 nations supported capping plastic production, while oil-producing countries preferred focusing on waste management. Key issues included production caps, chemical management, and financing for developing nations. Talks will resume later, as divisions persist. A proposal by Panama, backed by many countries, aimed to reduce global plastic production, but faced opposition. The treaty’s potential significance is compared to the 2015 Paris Agreement, but entrenched divisions remain. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 6:00 am
Israeli jets launched an airstrike on a southern Lebanese village, with additional shelling in border areas, despite a recent US-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah. No casualties were reported. Israel has not commented, and Hezbollah has not responded militarily. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati criticized the strikes as ceasefire violations. The US announced a monitoring committee, co-chaired by Major General Jasper Jeffers and envoy Amos Hochstein, to oversee the ceasefire, involving France, UNIFIL, Lebanon, and Israel. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 2:30 am
