Israel Pounds Syrian Army Bases, Denies Deeper Incursion

 Reuters,

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syrian army bases, targeting military installations to prevent weapons from falling into hostile hands. Despite claims that Israeli troops had advanced beyond the demilitarized zone into Syrian territory, Israel firmly denied these reports, asserting that its forces remained within the buffer zone. The airstrikes were the heaviest yet, reportedly destroying dozens of helicopters, jets, and assets belonging to the Republican Guard near Damascus. The air raids followed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with banks reopening in Damascus for the first time since the Assad family’s decades-long rule. The move by Israel to secure its border was met with condemnation from several Arab nations. Israel emphasized that its actions were purely defensive, focused on maintaining border security and not interfering in Syria’s internal conflict.

Syrian Asylum Seekers in Limbo as Countries Halt Applications

 BBC News,

The political shift in Syria following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has led several European countries, including Austria, Germany, and the UK, to halt asylum applications from Syrian refugees. Austria’s government announced plans to repatriate Syrians, citing significant changes in Syria’s political landscape. Germany and other nations have suspended asylum decisions, as the situation in Syria remains too unstable for proper assessments. These actions have left thousands of Syrians in a precarious situation, unable to finalize their asylum claims while the international community continues to monitor Syria’s evolving leadership. Many Syrians, particularly those who fled the violence of the civil war, now face an uncertain future as the political climate in their host countries grows increasingly complex.

Syria Rebel Leader’s Warning to Assad’s Men After Regime Change

 NDTV,

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has issued a stark warning to senior officials of the Assad regime, vowing to hold them accountable for their involvement in human rights abuses and torture. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, which marked the end of a five-decade-long authoritarian rule, Jolani’s forces are now coordinating with the incoming rebel-led government to restore order and provide services to the Syrian people. Jolani’s statement emphasizes that individuals responsible for atrocities during Assad’s rule, including those involved in the infamous Saydnaya prison, will face justice. As rebel forces take control, a wave of released prisoners and refugees is seeking to return home, but the rebuilding of Syria remains fraught with challenges.

China Sends Largest Naval Fleet in Decades to the Region, Taiwan on Alert

 Reuters,

Taiwan has raised its alert level as China deploys its largest naval fleet in the region in nearly 30 years, heightening tensions between the two nations. The scale of the deployment, which spans from southern Japan to the South China Sea, is regarded as the most significant since the 1996 Taiwanese presidential elections, when China conducted similar military exercises. The Taiwanese defense ministry described the situation as more dangerous than previous encounters, with increased Chinese naval and air activities around Taiwan. Although China has not confirmed any military drills, the presence of 90 ships and aircraft near Taiwan has caused alarm in the region, and the Taiwanese government views the maneuvers as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and security.

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol Banned from Traveling Abroad Amid Martial Law Chaos

 Politico,

South Korea’s Justice Ministry has imposed an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as investigations continue into his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. Yoon’s order to deploy special forces troops in Seoul led to significant political unrest and fears of a power grab. The move was met with outrage, particularly from opposition parties, which labeled it unconstitutional and filed for his impeachment. The investigation will examine whether Yoon’s actions constitute rebellion. Although the president has immunity while in office, he could face legal scrutiny for actions taken outside his presidential duties. The travel ban is part of a broader probe, with tensions escalating between the president and his political rivals over the future of South Korea’s democracy.

Crypto Volatility Picks Up as Trump-Fueled Rally Starts to Fray

 Bloomberg,

Bitcoin’s price fell below $95,000 on Tuesday, and smaller digital assets saw significant declines as the optimism from President-elect Donald Trump’s support for the cryptocurrency market begins to cool. After Trump’s public endorsement and promises of a favorable regulatory environment, crypto markets experienced a surge, with Bitcoin hitting a record $103,800. However, the market has now shed around $200 billion in value, signaling a retreat from the initial euphoria. Traders are adjusting their positions, with approximately $1.6 billion in leveraged crypto positions being liquidated. Despite this, Trump remains a vocal supporter of digital assets, with plans for a supportive regulatory framework to foster growth, though critics warn of the risks associated with mainstream crypto adoption.

Trump Vows to End Birthright Citizenship and Pardon US Capitol Rioters

BBC News,

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship, calling it “ridiculous” during an interview ahead of his return to office in January. Trump plans to issue a series of executive orders on his first day, including one targeting immigration policies. He reiterated his stance on mass deportations, while also suggesting that he would seek pardons for those involved in the January 6th Capitol riots. Trump’s proposal to end birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, faces significant legal challenges, as it would require constitutional amendments. Additionally, Trump addressed his plans to work with Congress on immigration reform, while also expressing skepticism about NATO’s future involvement in U.S. foreign policy.

Trudeau Warns of Consequences of Trump’s Proposed Tariffs on Canada

AP News,

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico would severely impact both Canadian and American economies. Trudeau criticized the potential tariffs, stating that they would drive up costs for American consumers and harm Canada’s economy, particularly its crucial exports of crude oil and natural gas. Trump’s plan to impose tariffs as a means to stem the flow of migrants and drugs from both countries has sparked a diplomatic dispute. While Canada is preparing a response, Trudeau emphasized the importance of remaining strategic in addressing Trump’s demands, which have raised concerns among both American and Canadian businesses.