While the U.S. leadership transitioned over the holidays, a distinct contrast was evident in the messages delivered by the outgoing and incoming presidents. Democrat Joe Biden, called for Americans to pause, reflect, and unite. Yet his plea felt awash with vagueness. Minus tangible ideas, the former Vice President’s call to set aside ‘everything that divides us’ seems more of a frustrating riddle than a guiding beacon.
His rhetoric echoes through the grandeur of the White House, as can be seen in a video tour of the Christmas decorations, significantly publicized on YouTube. As the camera roves through rooms adorned with Christmas trees and fireplaces, Biden’s voiceover sermonizes about being here on Earth for caring and loving one another. However, without detailed planning or concrete steps, such beautiful words may seem hollow to some.
Then we have President Donald Trump. Unlike his successor, Trump does not shy away from calling out his political adversaries, masking no disdain or unfavoured opinion that he holds. His relentless critique of the former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) is a testament to his refusal to condone subpar political manoeuvres.
Indeed, Trump’s dissatisfaction with Cheney has scaled up so much so that he is pushing for her to be held legally accountable for her involvement in the controversial investigations associated with the disintegrated House Jan. 6 committee. It seems Trump’s eagle eye for political accountability remains undeterred, despite the festive season.
Meanwhile, the tides are turbulent in Europe. Finland had to step in and intercept a ship carrying oil earmarked for Russia. This action arrives in the aftermath of an undersea cable governing electricity to Estonia being abruptly severed. Europe is facing a sharp increase in concerns over the potential disruption to power and gas lines in its waters.
The Police of Finland, being the country’s national law enforcement authority, publicly reported the interception of the ship. Lamentably, such acts of disruption cause deep ripples of inconvenience across countries and their infrastructures.
On the Eastern front, North Korean troops reportedly suffer significant casualties amid the ferocious battle in Russia’s Kursk region. The Ukrainian military alleges that logistical issues coupled with drinking water shortages have further complicated the grim situation for the North Korean forces.
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, known as GUR, the severity of the North Korean troop situation is intense. Their strikes near Novoivanovka have imposed crippling losses upon the North Korean regiments. The challenges faced by the North Korean troops could potentially escalate the conflict.
In an underhanded move, China allegedly sought to transport armed drones worth $1 billion to Libya, cunningly intending to use a British-based shell company as a smokescreen to bypass an international weapons embargo. Underhandedness such as this raises the question of global ethics and respect for international agreements.
Into the new decade, the age at which new retirees can claim their complete Social Security benefits is likely to rise, with the official retirement age for Social Security slated to hit 66 years and 10 months come 2025. While details aren’t explicit, this adjustment could potentially impact individuals planning to leave the workforce in the near future.
Turmoil continues with the Kurdish militants in Syria, as the country grapples with its post-Assad era. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s uncompromising ultimatum to the Kurdish YPG militia signals the escalating tension in the region.
He unflinchingly declared that the Kurdish militants ought either disarm or ‘be buried,’ indicating Turkey’s stern resolve. Given Turkey’s support for Syrian fighters and its demands for the Kurdish YPG militia to dissolve, the situation is increasingly volatile.
The departure of Bashar al-Assad left a void in the Syrian leadership, presenting significant challenges for the country’s main Kurdish factions. Ankara is staunch in its belief that any meaningful negotiations need the Kurdish YPG militia disbanded. The group’s future thus hangs in uncertainty.
Following the leadership change in Syria, its future seems uncertain as contentious dynamics take hold in a country that was already on uneasy footing. Constant vigilance and proactive diplomacy will be key to securing stability in the region.
Overall, the current political landscape remains heavily challenging, dominated by fierce divides both within the United States and internationally. Whether democrat or republican, European or Asian, clear action beyond rhetoric is urgently required to chart a course out of these turbulent times.