Russian and Syrian jets bombed Idlib, a rebel-held city in northern Syria, killing at least seven and injuring dozens. This follows insurgents’ capture of Aleppo, challenging President Assad. The Syrian army, backed by Russia, claims to target insurgent hideouts, denying civilian attacks. Assad vowed to crush the insurgents, a coalition of Turkey-backed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, labeled a terrorist group by several countries. The conflict, ongoing since 2011, has largely stalled after Assad regained control with Russian and Iranian support. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 7:30 pm
Fianna Fáil leads a tight three-way race in the Irish general election, with 21.9% of first preference votes, ahead of Fine Gael’s 20.8% and Sinn Féin’s 19.0%. With 102 of 174 seats filled, Fianna Fáil is projected to win the most seats. The election saw a turnout of 59.7%, the lowest in over a century. Party leaders Micheál Martin, Simon Harris, and Mary Lou McDonald retained their seats, facing the challenge of forming the next government. Other leaders, including Ivana Bacik and Peadar TóibÃn, were also re-elected. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 7:30 pm
The Syrian military launched airstrikes and sent reinforcements to counter insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who seized Aleppo. Iran pledged support to Assad, though its exact role is unclear. The offensive risks escalating regional tensions, involving Russia and Turkey. Insurgents gained control of Aleppo and Idlib, disrupting water supplies. Arab leaders expressed solidarity with Assad, while Iran reassured support. The conflict coincides with other regional tensions, including Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 7:30 pm
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has halted aid deliveries to Gaza due to armed gangs looting convoys, worsening the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA cited safety concerns on the route from Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least six people, including children, in Gaza. The Israeli military claims it targets militants, but civilian casualties are frequent. Separately, a projectile from Yemen’s Houthi rebels was intercepted by Israel. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 7:30 pm
Fears of a global trade war have escalated after Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Brics countries if they create a currency to rival the US dollar. Trump demanded a commitment from Brics not to support any alternative currency, warning of severe tariffs otherwise. This comes amid Trump’s broader “America First” policy, aiming to recalibrate global trade. Some Brics members, like Russia, have shown interest in de-dollarising, but others fear the consequences. A 100% tariff could increase US inflation and destabilize global trade. Penelope Kingsley 01/12/2024 7:30 pm
President Joe Biden will visit Angola to emphasize US investment in Africa amid China’s growing influence. This marks the first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa since 2015. Biden aims to strengthen ties with Angola and highlight the Lobito Corridor railway project, a US-European initiative to transport minerals. The trip underscores efforts to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s influence in Africa. Biden’s visit fulfills a promise made during a 2022 summit with African leaders, despite previous delays due to hurricanes. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees halted aid deliveries to Gaza after armed gangs attacked a convoy, worsening a severe food crisis amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Philippe Lazzarini, head of Unrwa, cited looting and unsafe routes as reasons for the suspension. He urged Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure safe aid passage and protect workers. An Israeli airstrike killed three World Central Kitchen contractors, prompting the charity to pause operations. Humanitarian efforts face challenges from military activity, movement blocks, and attacks, with 333 aid workers killed since the conflict began. Penelope Kingsley 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a budget increasing 2025 military spending to record levels, with 32.5% allocated for national defense, totaling over $145 billion. This comes amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s largest conflict since WWII. Meanwhile, new EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, visited Kyiv, pledging continued support for Ukraine. Costa emphasized the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine since the war’s onset, amid uncertainties about future U.S. support under a new administration. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
Simone White, a British lawyer, died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos after drinking vodka shots at Nana Backpackers Hostel. Her mother, Sue White, described the distressing experience of flying to be by her daughter’s side. Simone was with two friends who survived. The hostel is now closed, and eight employees were detained. Authorities banned Tiger vodka and whisky due to health risks. Simone’s condition worsened, leading to brain effects, despite initial treatment efforts. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured Aleppo after a swift offensive, forcing the Syrian army to withdraw. This marks the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020. The Syrian military is preparing a counterattack, with Russian air support reported. The conflict revives tensions in the region amid ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. The U.S. is monitoring the situation closely. Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham, formerly al-Nusra Front, is labeled a terrorist group by several countries. The rebels also seized Aleppo airport. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
