Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington as Ceasefire Hopes Rise

AP News,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House next Monday, in what will be his third visit since Trump returned to office. The high-level talks come as Trump intensifies efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to end the ongoing war in Gaza. Trump has expressed optimism, telling reporters a ceasefire might be reached “within the next week.” Meanwhile, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is already in Washington for meetings regarding Gaza, Iran, and broader regional issues.

The meeting also follows U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear sites and a preliminary U.S. intelligence report indicating significant but not total damage to key facilities like Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump has recently made headlines by calling for the dismissal of corruption charges against Netanyahu, labeling the trial a “WITCH HUNT.” In a further show of support, the Trump administration approved a $510 million arms sale to Israel for JDAM bomb guidance kits, emphasizing continued U.S. commitment to Israel’s security.

Thai Court Suspends PM Paetongtarn Amid Royal Defamation and Ethics Crisis

CNA,

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties while reviewing a case seeking her dismissal. The case, brought by 36 senators, accuses her of violating ethical standards after a leaked call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, during which she criticized a Thai army commander. The court’s decision has intensified political tensions, with Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stepping in as caretaker PM.

The scandal has destabilized Paetongtarn’s fragile coalition, prompting one party to exit the alliance and push for a no-confidence vote. Public outrage has mounted, as Paetongtarn faces plunging approval ratings—dropping from 30.9% in March to just 9.2% in late June. Adding to her troubles, her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, now faces charges of royal defamation. He attended a trial on July 1 while under scrutiny for past parole and possible jail return. The Shinawatra dynasty, once politically dominant, now faces a full-blown crisis.

Trump Lifts US Sanctions on Syria After Assad’s Ouster

BBC News,

President Trump has officially ended U.S. sanctions on Syria through an executive order aimed at aiding the country’s recovery and encouraging regional peace. The sanctions were initially imposed on Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which was overthrown in December by rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa—now Syria’s new president. The move follows Trump’s earlier vow in May during his meeting with al-Sharaa in Riyadh.

The White House stated that it would monitor Syria’s efforts toward normalization with Israel, the disbandment of foreign and Palestinian militant groups, and the assumption of control over ISIS detention camps. The lifting of sanctions marks a controversial pivot, as al-Sharaa’s group HTS was once al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate and remains listed as a terrorist organization.

While the new leadership has promised inclusivity and economic reform, sectarian violence and attacks persist, including the March massacre of Alawite civilians and a deadly June church bombing in Damascus. U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack described the policy shift as the culmination of a complex process aimed at giving Syria “a chance.”

China’s Communist Party Tops 100 Million Members, But Growth Slows

South China Morning Post,

The Communist Party of China (CPC) surpassed 100 million members by the end of 2024, growing by 1.09 million members year-on-year, according to the Central Organisation Department. However, membership growth has slowed for the third consecutive year, now at 1.1%, down from 1.2% in 2023 and 1.4% in 2022. Stricter vetting procedures are believed to be the cause.

Despite the slowdown, the CPC remains the world’s second-largest political party, trailing only India’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which recently claimed over 140 million members. In contrast, the U.S. Democratic and Republican parties have 45.1 million and 36 million registered members, respectively.

CPC members face significantly stricter obligations than Western political party affiliates. These include monthly dues, mandatory participation in party meetings, and adherence to local “cell” organization activities. The data release coincides with the party’s 104th anniversary celebrations on July 1, highlighting its enduring dominance despite internal and international challenges.