Foreign Office issues urgent new travel warning for 17 countries: Alert for destinations in the Mediterranean and Middle East in the wake of 'explosions ...
walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/foreign-office-issues-urgent-new-29027830
Semafor Jan 14
Biden relaxes restrictions on Cuba ahead of Trump inauguration | Semafor: The US State Department is removing Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism ...
semafor.com/article/01/14/2025/biden-relaxes-restrictions-on-cuba-ahead-of-trump-inauguration
‘Execution’: Horror claim on Aussie teacher: An Australian schoolteacher who fought for Ukraine before being captured by Russia was likely executed after being ...
news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/execution-horror-claims-about-aussie-teacher-now-believed-to-have-been-dead-for-weeks/news-story/8708b0d1e5a7f7eaa560374a3037a001
Quick Glance: Australian Volunteer Fighter in Ukraine Feared Dead
- Australian teacher Oscar Jenkins is feared to have been executed after being captured by Russian troops.
- The Australian government is urgently seeking information regarding his welfare following reports of his death.
- Jenkins was fighting with the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine, despite lacking military experience.
- His family continues to receive consular support while the Australian embassy in Moscow investigates.
Biden moves to lift state sponsor of terrorism designation for Cuba: President Biden notified Congress of his intent to lift the U.S. label of Cuba as a state ...
npr.org/2025/01/15/nx-s1-5260690/biden-cuba-terror-designation-pope
Quick Glance: Biden Plans to Lift Terror Designation for Cuba
- President Biden announced the intention to lift Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism to facilitate the release of political prisoners.
- Cuba's government is set to gradually release 553 convicted individuals, although this is not directly linked to the U.S. decision.
- The Biden administration asserted that there is no credible evidence of Cuba supporting international terrorism.
- However, the incoming Trump administration may quickly reverse this decision and reinstate previous sanctions.
Rubio, pro-Israel hawk set to be Trump’s top diplomat, vows ‘America First’: US Senator Marco Rubio says, under Donald Trump, the State Department’s top priority ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/15/rubio-pro-israel-hawk-set-to-be-trumps-top-diplomat-vows-america-first
Blinken: Gaza hostage deal on the brink - we await final word from Hamas: Blinken said the State Department assesses that Hamas has recruited almost as many new ...
jpost.com/american-politics/article-837538
Quick Glance: Blinken's Farewell Speech Interrupted by Protests
- Antony Blinken's farewell speech was disrupted by pro-Palestine protesters who labeled him 'Bloody Blinken'.
- During his address, Blinken outlined a strategic plan for managing the war-torn Gaza Strip post-conflict.
- He noted that the Biden administration will hand over a roadmap to President Trump's team if a ceasefire is achieved.
- Joe Biden mentioned that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion.
Biden offers a first draft of his foreign policy achievements: President Joe Biden on Monday defended his foreign policy achievements in office ...
cnn.com/2025/01/13/politics/joe-biden-foreign-policy-speech/
Biden confident he left Trump "very strong hand" on foreign policy: Biden's achievements will face the scrutiny of the new Trump administration.
axios.com/2025/01/13/biden-foreign-policy-speech
Biden says hostage-release, ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink'
abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-hostage-release-ceasefire-deal-hamas-israel-brink/story
Former State Department officials concerned about the U.S. role in Israel's war in Gaza
cbsnews.com/news/former-state-department-officials-concerned-about-us-role-israel-war-in-gaza-60-minutes-transcript/
Austrian woman kidnapped by unknown assailants in Niger: The woman has lived in Niger for over two decades and is a fixture in her community, reports say.
bbc.com/news/articles/ckgy015l22do
US announces $25m reward for arrest of Nicolas Maduro
bbc.com/news/articles/c4g9ezyw0keo
CBS News Jan 11
U.S. reward for Venezuela's Maduro increased to $25 million in effort to capture him
cbsnews.com/miami/news/reward-for-venezuelas-maduro-increased-to-25-million/
Quick Glance: Maduro Assumes Third Term Amidst Controversy
- Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term, which the opposition denounces as a coup.
- The U.S. government and international observers do not recognize the election results that declare Maduro the winner.
- Following the inauguration, the U.S. announced new sanctions and rewards for information on Maduro and his associates.
- Protests erupted in Venezuela, with the opposition reaffirming their determination to fight against the government.
Taliban calls India a ‘significant regional partner’ after officials meet: Senior foreign ministry officials of two countries hold highest-level talks since ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/9/taliban-calls-india-a-significant-regional-partner-after-officials-meet
Scoop: State Department warned Trump team of looming UNRWA "catastrophe" in Gaza: A new Israeli law barring contact with the UN refugee agency for Palestinians ...
axios.com/2025/01/08/trump-biden-israel-gaza-un-aid-agency-palestinians
Scottish man killed while serving as medic with Ukrainian army: Jordan Maclachlan, 26, died on Friday while serving on the frontline in Ukraine, his family says
theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/07/ukraine-jordan-maclachlan-scottish-medic-killed
Quick Glance: Tragic Loss of Heroic Scottish Medic
- Jordan Maclachlan, a 26-year-old medic from Ardnamurchan, was killed in the Ukraine conflict.
- His uncle expressed the family's pride in Jordan's humanitarian and military efforts.
- The family emphasized Jordan's commitment and their grief over his loss while awaiting information on the recovery of his body.
- Local community members and political representatives extended their condolences and honored Jordan's bravery and service.
US sanctions RSF leader, says group committed genocide in Sudan: The Biden administration sanctions Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader after a ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/01/07/us-sanctions-rsf-leader-says-group-committed-genocide-in-sudan
China attaches importance to Trump's remarks on talks with Xi: China attaches "great importance" to the remarks of Donald Trump, the foreign ministry said in ...
reuters.com/world/china-attaches-importance-trumps-remarks-talks-with-xi-2025-01-07/
UAE in talks with US, Israel about provisional government for post-war Gaza: Abu Dhabi is advocating for a reformed PA to govern Gaza, the West Bank ...
jpost.com/middle-east/article-836444
Quick Glance: UAE Discusses Role in Gaza Reconstruction Efforts
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has engaged in discussions about a potential role in Gaza's reconstruction, but its conditions remain unmet.
- The UAE requires a formal invitation from a new, credible Palestinian Authority (PA) prime minister and serious reforms within the PA.
- Israeli officials have publicly rejected the idea of the PA playing a role in postwar Gaza, despite the UAE's calls for reform.
- Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, with Palestinian authorities reporting numerous casualties on Tuesday.
US diverting military funds from Egypt to Lebanon, report claims: The White House is to send $95m to Lebanon, citing regional security, while eyeing human rights ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/7/us-diverting-military-funds-from-egypt-to-lebanon-report-claims
North Korea fires missile as Blinken meets South Korean officials: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok in ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/6/north-korea-fires-missile-as-blinken-meets-south-korean-officials
Quick Glance: North Korea Launches Missile During Blinken's Seoul Visit
- North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Seoul.
- The South Korean military reported that the missile traveled approximately 1,100 km before landing between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
- Blinken and the South Korean Foreign Minister condemned the missile launch as another violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
- The meeting reinforced the US commitment to defending South Korea and enhancing trilateral cooperation with Japan.
‘The Interview’: Antony Blinken Insists He and Biden Made the Right Calls: At the end of a tenure marked by war and division, the outgoing secretary of state ...
nytimes.com/2025/01/04/magazine/antony-blinken-interview.html
China’s drive to give Taiwanese visitors local IDs alarms Taipei: Officials fear jurisdiction will be compromised and push could open door for Beijing to ...
ft.com/content/14e718e0-b5f2-4b80-a34c-18c6b4493d27
Taiwan asks South Korea for help over Chinese ship after subsea cable damaged: Shunxing39 cargo vessel is heading for Busan after Taipei suggests anchor-dragging ...
ft.com/content/be994bfb-7299-4334-829d-230dddbc7e25
CNA Jan 05
PM Wong to visit Putrajaya for Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat: Mr Wong will be hosted by his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim from Jan 6 to 7 ...
channelnewsasia.com/singapore/malaysia-singapore-leaders-retreat-lawrence-wong-anwar-ibrahim-4838746
Blinken heads to South Korea, Japan and France
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/blinken-heads-south-korea-japan-france-2025-01-04/
Trump appoints (and rebukes) Morgan Ortagus as deputy Middle East envoy: "Morgan fought me for three years, but hopefully has learned her lesson."
axios.com/2025/01/03/trump-morgan-ortagus-middle-east
Quick Glance: Trump Appoints Ortagus as Deputy Envoy for Middle East
- President Trump appointed Morgan Ortagus as deputy special envoy for Middle East peace.
- Ortagus, who previously criticized Trump, will assist Steven Witkoff, the special envoy.
- Trump highlighted her experience, including her role in the Abraham Accords team.
- He expressed hope that Ortagus would be a valuable asset in the region.
Biden administration plans $8 billion weapons sale to Israel: State Department tells Congress of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel.
abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/congress-notified-biden-administration-planned-8-billion-weapons-117330328
Iran protests Afghan dam project in new water dispute: TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry said on Friday that an upstream dam being built by neighboring Afghanistan ...
arabnews.com/node/2585254/world
Jill Biden got the priciest gift from a foreign leader in 2023 — a $20,000 diamond
cnn.com/2025/01/03/politics/jill-biden-diamond-gift/
Quick Glance: Jill Biden Receives Most Expensive Gift of 2023
- First Lady Jill Biden received the most expensive gift in 2023, a $20,000 diamond from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- She also received a brooch valued at $14,063 and a jewelry set from Egypt worth $4,510.
- President Biden received several valuable gifts, including a $7,100 photo album from South Korea and a $3,495 statue from Mongolia.
- Most gifts exceeding the legal threshold must be declared, with many expensive gifts transferred to the National Archives.
AeroTime Jan 03
US approves $3.64B sale of air-to-air missiles to Japan - AeroTime: The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air ...
aerotime.aero/articles/us-state-dept-approves-3-64b-sale-of-advanced-air-to-air-missiles-to-japan
Cecilia Sala in Evin prison: Italy demands that Iran release imprisoned journalist
spiegel.de/ausland/iran-italien-fordert-freilassung-von-inhaftierter-journalistin-cecilia-sala-a-d4baeecb-47d3-41fa-bc37-4d563363b6ee
A $20,000 lab diamond and so much art: The gifts foreign leaders gave the Bidens: A State Department annual report provides a glimpse into the practice of ...
washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/02/biden-foreign-leader-gifts/
Where to go in 2025: The best places to visit: From Kaçkar to Kansai, via rugged mountains, luxurious railways, cool cities and ancient footpaths ...
edition.cnn.com/travel/best-destinations-to-visit-2025/index.html
Syria appoints some foreign Islamist fighters to its military, sources say: The move to give official roles, including senior ones, to several jihadists may ...
jpost.com/middle-east/article-835508
Outgoing North Carolina governor commutes 15 death row sentences: Before Tuesday, North Carolina had 136 offenders on death row, among the top 5 largest death ...
npr.org/2024/12/31/g-s1-40663/north-carolina-governor-roy-cooper-commutes-death-row-sentences
Plane crashes and bursts into flames at an airport in South Korea, killing at least 179
npr.org/2024/12/28/nx-s1-5241849/muan-south-korea-plane-fire
This couple tied the knot MID-Cheez-It Bowl 🤣💍
Cheez-It mascot officiated the wedding 😭
(via @CitrusBowl )X / ?
CNA Dec 31 24
China defends COVID-19 data-sharing as WHO seeks more access: BEIJING: China has shared the most COVID-19 data and research results in the international ...
channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-defends-covid-19-data-sharing-who-seeks-more-access-4832796
Kenya's flying President and the high cost Kenyans bear: Over the last two years, President Ruto has made more than 70 trips to nearly 40 nations ...
standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001508822/kenyas-flying-president-and-the-high-cost-kenyans-bear
State of emergency declared in Trinidad and Tobago amid exceptionally deadly year
cnn.com/2024/12/30/americas/state-of-emergency-trinidad-and-tobago-intl-latam/
CBS News Dec 30 24
Shark kills tourist and injures another in attack off Egypt's Red Sea coast: The Red Sea is a major tourist destination whose marine life make it popular with ...
cbsnews.com/news/shark-attack-tourist-killed-egypt-red-sea/
Mexico is developing a cellphone app that will allow migrants to inform family members and local consulates if they think they are about to be detained in the ... Show more
Mexico developing app for migrants to send alert if about to be detained in the US - ABC News
Mexico developing app for migrants to send alert if about to be detained in the US - ABC News
He was pronounced dead a day later.Chilling body camera captures moment prison officers beat handcuffed man to death - The Mirror US
Major Aussie passport change coming on Jan 1: Australians looking to renew or get a new passport will have to pay even more money for the crucial travel document ...
news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/money/australian-passports-to-increase-in-price-from-january-1-2025/news-story/6fa1934d2b9796643cbd40704be78077
South Korea plane crashes while landing at Muan Airport, killing 179: A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in ...
apnews.com/article/south-korea-plane-fire-68da9b0bd5196feed6e7d2db849f461a
Italian journalist arrested in Iran: Cecilia Sala is being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, according to her newspaper Il Foglio.
politico.eu/article/italy-journalist-cecilia-sala-arrested-in-iran/
Quick Glance: Italian Journalist Detained Over a Week in Iran
- Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been detained in Iran since December 19.
- The Italian government is closely monitoring her case and has engaged with Iranian authorities.
- Sala is being held in solitary confinement at Evin prison in Tehran, with no reason provided for her arrest.
- Chora Media has initiated a #FreeCecilia campaign, stating that this arbitrary detention is unacceptable.
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala detained by Iranian police while reporting from Tehran, officials say
news.sky.com/story/italian-journalist-cecilia-sala-detained-by-iranian-police-while-reporting-from-tehran-officials-say-13280610
China sanctions military firms and executives over US arms sales to Taiwan: China has sanctioned seven military industrial companies and related senior ...
reuters.com/world/china-sanctions-military-firms-executives-over-us-arms-sales-taiwan-2024-12-27/
War in the Gaza Strip: Israel criticizes German ambassador Seibert for statement about frozen babies
spiegel.de/ausland/israel-aussenministerium-kritisiert-seibert-fuer-aeusserung-ueber-erfrorene-babys-in-gaza-a-2681d1f8-eebd-43d7-91a0-d6243594a5f8
Exclusive: Brazil yanks temp work visas for China's BYD after trafficking claims
reuters.com/world/americas/brazilian-suspends-temporary-work-visas-byd-ministry-2024-12-27/
Seizure of Cook Islands-registered ship over alleged sabotage 'creates a bad look' for NZ - expert
rnz.co.nz/news/political/537768/seizure-of-cook-islands-registered-ship-over-alleged-sabotage-creates-a-bad-look-for-nz-expert
US citizen sentenced to 15 years by Moscow court on espionage charges, Russian media says
abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-citizen-sentenced-15-years-moscow-court-espionage/story
China urges Philippines to return to 'peaceful development': China's foreign ministry on Thursday urged the Philippines to return to "peaceful development" ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-urges-philippines-return-peaceful-development-2024-12-26/
Two Australians reportedly injured after New York taxi veers into pedestrians on Christmas day
abc.net.au/news/2024-12-26/australians-reportedly-injured-in-new-york-taxi-incident/104764002
Russia blames 'terrorism' for sinking cargo ship off the Spanish coast, two crew missing
france24.com/en/europe/20241225-russia-blames-terrorism-for-sinking-of-cargo-ship-off-the-spanish-coast
US agency focused on foreign disinformation shuts down: A leading US government agency that tracks foreign disinformation has terminated its operations ...
france24.com/en/live-news/20241224-us-agency-focused-on-foreign-disinformation-shuts-down
Iran says Syria’s future unclear after foreign minister hits back: The foreign minister of the new government in Damascus says Iran must not ‘spread chaos’ in ...
aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/iran-says-syrias-future-unclear-after-foreign-minister-hits-back
Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after explosion in engine room: Two crew members from Ursa Major are missing and 14 have been rescued ...
theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/24/russian-cargo-ship-sinks-mediterranean-explosion-ursa-major
Quick Glance: Two Missing After Cargo Ship Sinks in Mediterranean
- The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank following an engine room explosion, with 14 of 16 crew members rescued.
- The vessel sank between Spain and Algeria while en route to Vladivostok, carrying heavy port cranes.
- Unverified footage shows the ship heavily listing, but the cause of the explosion remains unclear.
- Russian authorities did not comment on reports suggesting the ship may have been supplying military personnel in Syria.
Trump pick for critical foreign policy role thinks Islam incompatible with the West
middleeasteye.net/news/trump-pick-critical-foreign-policy-role-said-islam-incompatible-west
Ethics report accuses Gaetz of breaking federal and state law: Gaetz paid a total of at least $91,000 to a dozen women between 2017 and 2020 ...
axios.com/2024/12/23/matt-gaetz-house-ethics-committee-report-released
Quick Glance: Garland's DOJ Leaves Gaetz Uncharged
- Attorney General Merrick Garland declined to prosecute former Congressman Matt Gaetz despite substantial evidence and witness testimonies regarding his alleged misconduct.
- The House Ethics Committee report indicated significant evidence of Gaetz violating federal and state laws, including paying for sex and drug use.
- The investigation faced obstruction from the Department of Justice, which cited internal policies to withhold information about Gaetz and his accusations.
- Critics argue that the decision not to charge Gaetz reflects political considerations, while others like Joel Greenberg faced prosecution for similar offenses.
US delivers first $ 1 billion from frozen Russian asset proceeds to Ukraine - Euromaidan Press
euromaidanpress.com/2024/12/24/us-delivers-first-1-billion-from-frozen-russian-asset-proceeds-to-ukraine/
In Afghanistan, Trump will have to play a balancing game: Taken too far, incoming US president’s pragmatic disengagement policy in Afghanistan could badly ...
aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/12/24/in-afghanistan-trump-will-have-to-play-a-balancing-game
China claims cooperation in Baltic Sea cable probe, Sweden says otherwise: Sweden’s foreign minister says China denied request for prosecutors to probe Chinese ...
aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/23/china-says-cooperated-with-baltic-sea-cable-probe-sweden-claims-otherwise
China says it provided information, documents in Baltic Sea cables inquiry: China has provided information and documents to a joint investigation into two ...
reuters.com/world/china-has-provided-information-documents-probe-cut-baltic-sea-cables-2024-12-23/
The Afghan foreign ministry on Monday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to resume its diplomatic operations in Kabul, more than three years after Riyadh ... Show more
Kabul hails Saudi decision to resume activities at Afghanistan embassy - World - DAWN.COM
Kabul hails Saudi decision to resume activities at Afghanistan embassy - World - DAWN.COM
Government confirms identity of Australian fighter apaprently captured by Russian forces in Ukraine
9news.com.au/world/australian-man-captured-in-ukraine-russian-social-media/c754931b-8fda-4c15-916a-ed9871c7055d
Quick Glance: Australian Soldier Captured by Russian Forces in Ukraine
- Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian, was captured in the Donbas region by Russian forces and depicted as a Western mercenary.
- In his interrogation, he identified himself as a biology teacher who joined the Ukrainian military to provide assistance.
- Russian propaganda indicated plans for a trial against him, while the Australian government is actively seeking further information regarding his situation.
- Jenkins represents a notable case as the first known Australian fighter captured by Russian or Russian-aligned forces, raising concerns for the Australian government.
“There is absolutely no reason for us to have Americans or their immediate relatives still on the ground.” Americans in Gaza Sue Biden for Leaving Them “Trapped in a War Zone”
Justice for Ayşenur Eygi: Family of U.S. Citizen Killed by Israel Meets with Blinken Demanding Probe
democracynow.org/2024/12/18/aysenur_eygi
What is birthright citizenship and why does Trump want to get rid of it?: Automatic citizenship for people born in the United States is guaranteed by the 14th ...
azcentral.com/story/news/politics/immigration/2024/12/18/what-is-birthright-citizenship-and-why-does-trump-want-to-end-it/77057902007/
Biden approves $571 mln in defense support for Taiwan
reuters.com/world/us/biden-approves-571-mln-defense-support-taiwan-2024-12-21/
U.S. to lift $10 million bounty on de facto Syrian leader's head: The U.S. is set to remove a $10 million bounty it had previously placed on de facto Syrian ...
nbcnews.com/investigations/us-lift-10-million-bounty-de-facto-syrian-leaders-head-rcna185076
US State Dept gives nod to $5bn in potential arms sales for Egypt: Huge sale likely to go through despite ongoing concerns over Egyptian government’s human ...
aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/21/us-state-dept-gives-nod-to-over-5bn-in-potential-arms-sales-for-egypt
‘No concern for Palestinian suffering’: Ex-official slams US’s Gaza policy: Former State Department official Mike Casey says the US government is pursuing ...
aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/21/no-concern-for-palestinian-suffering-ex-official-slams-uss-gaza-policy
CNA Dec 22 24
No Singaporeans injured in Germany Christmas market attack: MFA: SINGAPORE: There are no reports of Singaporeans directly affected or injured in an attack on a ...
channelnewsasia.com/singapore/germany-christmas-market-attack-no-singaporeans-injured-4821311
No funds in budget for Sh21bn livestock vaccination plan : The livestock department needs Sh21 billion in five years to inoculate cows and goats against two ...
nation.africa/kenya/business/no-funds-in-budget-for-sh21bn-livestock-vaccination-plan-4865828
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