Summary

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marking a rare visit by an EU leader since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Talks focused on gas transit, Ukraine, and bilateral relations, with Fico opposing Ukraine's refusal to renew a key gas deal and sanctions on Russia's nuclear program.

Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, has ended Slovak military aid to Ukraine and criticized EU sanctions.

The visit, condemned by Slovak opposition parties, underscores Fico's divergence from mainstream EU policies on Russia and Ukraine.

Summary

The UK economy stagnated in Q3 2024, with 0.0% GDP growth, down from an initial estimate of 0.1%.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new government faces economic challenges, exacerbated by business tax hikes announced in October.

Analysts predict zero growth for the second half of 2024, while weak exports, falling business confidence, and stagnant living standards signal broader concerns.

Critics urge reevaluation of tax policies, as businesses brace for declining activity and rising costs into 2025.

Summary

The suspect in the deadly Christmas market car attack in Magdeburg, Germany, has been identified as Taleb A., a 50-year-old Saudi doctor and ex-Muslim who voiced Islamophobic views and supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The attack killed five people and injured 200.

Authorities believe Taleb was motivated by anti-Islam sentiment, criticizing German tolerance toward Islamists and claiming the government targets Saudi asylum seekers.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed his Islamophobia but said further investigation is ongoing.

Taleb has also faced prior legal disputes over defamation.

Summary

The Uyghur militant group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), which played a role in toppling Syria’s Assad regime, has vowed to take its fight to China.

In a propaganda video, TIP fighters declared their mission to “liberate East Turkistan” from Chinese control, referencing cities in Xinjiang.

TIP has been active in Syria for over a decade, aligned with Islamist group HTS.

While their capabilities remain unclear, TIP’s rhetoric signals potential threats to China’s global assets. Beijing may push for their extradition, raising challenges for Syria’s new government and regional stability.

Summary

Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton stated he would not stand beside Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags at press events if elected prime minister, arguing for unity under a single national flag.

Dutton called the use of multiple flags “confusing” and divisive.

Indigenous leaders and critics, including Mick Gooda and Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, condemned the stance as divisive and dismissive of Indigenous cultures, which are represented by official Australian flags.

This follows Dutton’s history of opposing symbolic Indigenous measures, including the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Summary

Russia has imposed a 55.65% tariff on Chinese furniture sliding rail parts, previously exempt from duties, angering both Russian manufacturers and Chinese commentators.

Industry leaders warn the tariff could bankrupt importers, raise domestic furniture prices by 15%, and harm Russia’s furniture industry, which relies heavily on Chinese imports.

Critics note similar European imports face lower duties.

The move has sparked feelings of betrayal in China, despite booming bilateral trade reaching $240 billion in 2023.

The tariff comes amid U.S. sanctions and China’s critical role in supporting Russia’s economy during the Ukraine war.

Summary

Taiwan detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships in the last 24 hours, the highest number since China ramped up war games two months ago.

The increased activity follows a visit by Taiwan’s President to the US, which China views as a threat to its sovereignty.

Summary

North Korea is set to receive Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets from Russia in exchange for deploying thousands of troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, according to U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo.

While the troops are reportedly in combat zones, their direct involvement in fighting remains disputed.

This military collaboration has raised concerns about the potential transfer of advanced technology to bolster North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.

The growing Russia-North Korea alliance has been called a “dangerous escalation” by U.S. officials and has alarmed regional powers like South Korea.

Summary

The Netherlands has introduced temporary border controls with Germany and Belgium to curb illegal migration and cross-border crime, citing Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code.

The measures, announced by Migration Minister Marjolein Faber of the far-right Freedom Party, will involve random checks by 50 officers at 840 crossings, using risk analysis and camera footage.

Critics, including border municipalities, warn of disruptions to cross-border travel, while Faber defends the plan’s efficiency.

The number of asylum seekers in the Netherlands remains stable at 40,000 annually.

Summary

Following the collapse of the Assad regime, Russia is seeking to secure its military bases in Syria through diplomatic engagement with the new rebel leadership.

The Kremlin is softening its rhetoric towards the Islamist group HTS, which led the revolt against Assad, and has reportedly received assurances from the Syrian opposition regarding the safety of Russian military installations.

This shift in approach suggests a potential strategy similar to Russia’s engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Summary

Australia and Nauru signed a security treaty requiring Nauru to consult Canberra before entering security or infrastructure agreements with other nations, effectively limiting Chinese influence.

In return, Australia will provide AUD 100 million over five years and ensure banking access for the island nation, addressing issues caused by Western banks withdrawing.

The treaty follows China’s increasing presence in the Pacific, including agreements with Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, and Nauru’s recent shift from Taiwan to China diplomatically.

Australia frames the deal as bolstering regional security and stability.

Summary

Haitian gang leader Monel “Mikano” Felix reportedly ordered the massacre of at least 110 people in Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil slum after accusing elderly voodoo practitioners of cursing his son.

Victims, primarily voodoo followers, were killed with knives and machetes over two days.

Cite Soleil, a gang-controlled area, has become emblematic of Haiti’s worsening gang violence, which persists despite international interventions.

Voodoo, recognized as a formal religion in Haiti, has deep historical roots but remains stigmatized amid ongoing violence and unrest.