President-elect Donald Trump demanded that BRICS countries commit to using the U.S. dollar as their reserve currency, threatening 100% tariffs if they abandon it. Trump criticized the BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others, for considering alternatives to the dollar. He insisted they neither create a new BRICS currency nor support any other currency. BRICS officials have discussed moving away from the dollar, especially since the 2024 BRICS Summit. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 5:30 am
Thousands protested in Tbilisi against Georgia’s government after it halted EU accession talks, accusing the EU of blackmail. Demonstrators clashed with riot police, who used water cannons and tear gas. The protests, the largest since the ruling party’s re-election, included burning an effigy of party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. President Salome Zourabichvili, opposing the government, refused to step down, citing the new parliament’s illegitimacy. The crisis highlights Georgia’s tension between pro-Western aspirations and closer ties with Moscow. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 2:00 am
Israel claimed it killed a World Central Kitchen worker involved in a Hamas-led attack, marking the second strike affecting the aid group. World Central Kitchen reported three contractors killed in an Israeli airstrike, denying any ties to Hamas. The Israeli military did not comment on the other two deaths. The aid group paused operations in Gaza amid a humanitarian crisis, similar to a previous pause after seven workers were killed in April. Israel stated the targeted individual participated in an attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz and was tracked by intelligence. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 2:00 am
Rebel militias in northern Syria, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have rapidly gained territory against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, capturing Aleppo and advancing south. This shift disrupts the long-standing military stalemate in Syria’s civil war. Assad’s forces, weakened by reduced support from Russia and Iran-backed militias like Hezbollah, face challenges as Russia reallocates resources to Ukraine. HTS, supported by Turkey, has capitalized on these vulnerabilities, marking a significant change in the conflict’s dynamics. Penelope Kingsley 01/12/2024 2:00 am
Hussein Mallah, like many displaced Lebanese, returned to Beirut’s suburbs after a truce between Hezbollah and Israel ended a two-month war. He quickly began repairing his home and bakery, reopening it within days. Despite an uneasy ceasefire and Israeli orders for southern Lebanese to stay away, Mallah remains optimistic. The fragile agreement requires Israel’s withdrawal and increased Lebanese military presence, but mutual distrust threatens its stability. Reports of border tensions persist, yet Mallah is determined to persevere, embodying resilience amid uncertainty. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 2:00 am
President-elect Trump threatened a 100% tariff on countries attempting to undermine the U.S. dollar by adopting a new currency, specifically targeting BRICS nations. He demanded a commitment against creating or supporting a new BRICS currency. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, discussed a new currency, the “Unit,” backed by gold reserves, at their summit in Kazan, Russia. China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized BRICS’ role in global governance and financial reform. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 2:00 am
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged NATO to protect areas of Ukraine not occupied by Russia to halt the war’s escalation. He proposed placing these regions under NATO’s “umbrella,” while still recognizing Ukraine’s full borders, allowing for diplomatic negotiations to reclaim Russian-held territories. Zelenskyy emphasized that NATO membership should encompass all of Ukraine, warning against partial recognition. The conflict, nearing three years, has intensified, with Russia threatening Kyiv and targeting Ukraine’s energy sector in retaliation for Western military support. Noah Prescott 30/11/2024 10:30 pm
MPs who supported the assisted dying bill are seeking changes before final approval, particularly concerning provisions allowing doctors to suggest assisted dying without patient initiation. The bill, which passed its first stage with a majority of 55, permits adults with less than six months to live to end their life with medical assistance. Concerns focus on ensuring discussions are patient-led to prevent coercion. MPs like Mike Tapp and Roz Savage emphasize the need for patient-initiated conversations to protect vulnerable individuals from undue influence. Penelope Kingsley 30/11/2024 10:30 pm
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed five people, including World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers. Israel claimed a WCK worker was involved in a Hamas attack, which WCK denied, stating they lacked complete information. WCK paused operations in Gaza, having previously suspended work after another deadly strike. The family of the accused, Ahed Azmi Qdeih, denied the allegations. The incident underscores the risks of delivering aid in conflict zones, as Gaza faces widespread displacement and hunger. Ava Sinclair 30/11/2024 10:30 pm
World Central Kitchen (WCK) has suspended its operations in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed three of its workers. The strike targeted a vehicle carrying WCK employees in Khan Younis. The Israel Defence Forces claimed one worker was involved in a past massacre, but provided no evidence. WCK stated they were unaware of any such ties and are seeking more details. The incident highlights the risks aid workers face in Gaza amid a humanitarian crisis. Penelope Kingsley 30/11/2024 7:00 pm
