06.01.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

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5–7 minutes
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  • Iran summons Italian ambassador over arrest of Iranian wanted by US – 03.01.2025

Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian ambassador on Friday over the detention of an Iranian national, Mohammad Abedini, wanted by the U.S. for his alleged involvement in a deadly drone strike against U.S. forces. This came a day after Italy summoned Iran over the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Tehran on December 19. Iran urged Italy to reject America’s “hostage policy” and avoid damaging bilateral ties by ensuring Abedini’s release. Sala’s case was linked to Abedini’s, and she was arrested three days after him. Abedini is currently held in Milan, awaiting a court decision on his possible house arrest while judges review the U.S. extradition request. Iran denies any involvement in the drone attack and rejects claims that it uses detentions for political leverage.

  • Syria’s new Islamist rulers urge US to lift sanctions during visit to Doha – 05.01.2025

Syria’s new Islamist leadership has called for the lifting of U.S. sanctions, claiming they hinder the country’s recovery and development, particularly in the aftermath of war. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani emphasized that the sanctions now target the Syrian people, rather than the Assad regime, after meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He argued that these sanctions obstruct the Syrian people’s access to services and partnerships from other nations. Shibani presented a roadmap to senior Qatari officials for Syria’s future, outlining plans to rebuild the country, restore diplomatic relations, and ensure civil rights for the population. The roadmap aims to prevent foreign interference and involve Qatar as a partner in Syria’s recovery. Shibani is also scheduled to visit the UAE and Jordan to foster stability and build partnerships, having already made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia to discuss Syria’s political transition following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebels in December.

  • Biden’s decision to block Nippon Steel takeover creates uncertainty for U.S. Steel workers – 05.01.2025

President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel’s nearly $15 billion bid to take over U.S. Steel, arguing that a strong, domestically owned steel industry is vital for national security. Nippon Steel had promised to invest $2.7 billion in aging blast furnaces and maintain production capacity for a decade, ensuring no layoffs. Despite union opposition, some workers supported the deal, fearing that rejecting it would harm Pennsylvania’s economy. The decision aligns with a broader shift away from free trade, with bipartisan support for protectionist policies. U.S. Steel warned that without the Nippon deal, it would reduce investments in blast furnaces, risking thousands of jobs, and possibly relocate its headquarters. The company is increasingly focusing on more efficient electric arc furnaces, which some analysts argue offer better returns than traditional blast furnaces. U.S. Steel’s financial position remains strong, but it has resisted other takeover offers, like one from Cleveland-Cliffs. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged future bidders to commit to investments and job protection similar to Nippon’s offer.

  • What is human metapneumovirus, are cases surging in China, and should we be worried? – 06.01.2025

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus similar to the flu or common cold, can lead to severe complications like bronchitis or pneumonia in vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. Recently, cases have surged in northern China, particularly among children, prompting health authorities to advise precautions like hygiene and staying home when sick, while dismissing fears of a Covid-like pandemic. Experts attribute the rise to improved detection technologies and heightened vigilance post-pandemic. Though HMPV has been around since 2001, there is no vaccine or specific treatment yet, making preventive measures such as good hygiene, cough etiquette, and mask-wearing essential, especially during the winter season when respiratory infections peak.

  • Israel warns Lebanon truce could collapse if Hezbollah doesn’t withdraw in south – 06.01.2025

Israel warned on Sunday that the ceasefire with Hezbollah could collapse if the Iran-backed group does not withdraw beyond the Litani River, a key condition of the truce. Despite the truce largely holding since November 27, both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violations. The ceasefire agreement requires Hezbollah to retreat 40 kilometers from the border, with only the Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers remaining south of the Litani by January 26. Israel’s Defense Minister emphasized the need for Hezbollah’s complete withdrawal and disarmament, while Hezbollah’s leader stated the group’s patience may run out depending on Israeli violations. Tensions remain high with both sides engaging in retaliatory strikes, and UN peacekeepers reported Israeli violations, including the destruction of UNIFIL property and Lebanese military infrastructure, which Israel has denied.

  • North Korea fires first ballistic missile in two months – 06.01.2025

North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile towards the east, marking its first missile test in two months. The missile flew 1,100 kilometers before falling into the sea, with South Korea’s military strongly condemning the act as a “clear provocation.” The launch occurred during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul, where he met with acting President Choi Sang-mok and emphasized the alliance between Washington and Seoul as a cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea’s military said it has strengthened surveillance for future missile launches and is sharing information with the U.S. and Japan. The missile test also comes amid ongoing political turmoil in South Korea following the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol after his failed attempt at declaring martial law in December. Yoon, who was impeached and stripped of his powers, now faces potential arrest, with the Constitutional Court deliberating on his removal. North Korea had mocked Yoon’s martial law declaration as an “insane act” and criticized his actions as fascist.

  • Indonesia launches free meals program to feed children and pregnant women to fight malnutrition – 06.01.2025

Indonesia’s new government launched a $28 billion project on Monday aimed at combating malnutrition by providing free meals to nearly 90 million children and pregnant women through 2029. The Free Nutritious Meal program, part of President Prabowo Subianto’s campaign promise, seeks to address the 21.5% stunting rate among Indonesian children under 5 and improve farmers’ income. Subianto, who pledged to boost GDP growth to 8%, aims to provide free school lunches and milk to 83 million students in over 400,000 schools, aiming for a “Golden Indonesia” generation by 2045. The program, costing up to 450 trillion rupiah, will initially target 19.5 million people in 2025, with a budget of $4.3 billion. Despite its potential benefits, the initiative faces criticism from investors and analysts due to concerns over logistics, state finances, and economic impact, with fears it could lead to increased national debt and worsen the country’s external trade balance. Additionally, experts warn that child malnutrition remains a serious issue, with stunting rates still far from the target reduction.

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