Turkish-backed militias, operating under the Syrian National Army (SNA), have advanced into northern Syria, displacing tens of thousands of Kurdish civilians. The SNA captured Manbij, a Kurdish-controlled city, on Tuesday. This followed last week’s seizure of Shahba, where Kurdish officials reported over 120,000 people were forced to flee. The SNA’s offensive is part of “Operation Dawn of Freedom,” aimed at removing Kurdish forces from northern Syria.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña officially opened his country’s embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, demonstrating strong support for Israel during a time of conflict and international scrutiny. Peña, joined by a delegation, was welcomed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking Paraguay’s inclusion in a select group of nations recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) defiantly responded to her 2022 ban from receiving Holy Communion imposed by San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone due to her pro-abortion stance.
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has been chosen by the House GOP Steering Committee to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee in the next Congress. Mast, a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, was selected over contenders including Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Ann Wagner, R-Mo., according to Axios.
A recent survey reveals that over 44% of Ukrainians trust President-elect Donald Trump, a figure that surpasses support in other European countries. This data, from a New Europe Center poll, signals expectations that Trump will take a more decisive approach to ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.
On Sunday, U.S. forces launched a series of strikes on ISIS locations in Syria, targeting over 75 sites to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group.
While former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) faced criticism for meeting Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, prominent Democratic leaders, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), had also met with Assad in the past. Pelosi’s 2007 visit to Damascus, where she conveyed a peace message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, drew backlash from the Bush administration.
Vice President-elect JD Vance reinforced President-elect Donald Trump’s position on avoiding involvement in Syria, declaring that the ongoing conflict is "not our fight." In a post on X, Vance echoed Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the need for the United States to focus on its own priorities and avoid entanglement in Syria.
The Biden administration has announced yet another significant aid package for Ukraine, totaling $988 million, as part of its ongoing support against Russian aggression.
