Morning brief | Top 5 international stories to catch up on
By Daramola Luke and Saheed Muheez
From a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and a new partnership deal between Moscow and Tehran to TikTok’s shutdown in the US, here are top five international stories to catch up on at the moment.
Respite for Palestinians as Israel, Hamas agree to deal
The 15-month-long incessant bombardment of Palestine particularly the Gaza Strip saw an end in sight as the ceasefire talks held in Qatar bore fruitful results. The ceasefire talks which were hosted by Qatar and led by the United States and Egypt, were directed at coming up with a quick solution to the continued bombardment and the deteriorating humanitarian situations faced by the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The prolonged conflict followed Hamas attacks on Israeli territories and the abduction of over 200 hostages on October 7, 2023, which caused the Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu to kickstart a military campaign and bombardment of Palestine for the “freedom” of hostages and the “extermination” of Hamas. The offensive has caused the death of over 47,500 Palestinians according to the health ministry in Gaza.
For many Palestinians in the Strip with nowhere to seek refuge, the ceasefire agreement that took effect Sunday offers temporary respite, though it lasts only 42 days, with future decisions remaining unclear.
Biden and Kamala take a bow as Trump’s inauguration sets in
As the January 20 inauguration for the new US administration finally takes full swing, outgoing US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris delivered their final address Wednesday, January 15. President Biden, who had brokered a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel after more than 15 months of conflict, emphasised the need to strengthen America in the face of an emerging oligarchy that threatens the nation’s unity and democracy. His remarks focused particularly on the 2024 presidential polls, where figures like Meta and Tesla owner Elon Musk played a prominent role with significant donations and influence in Donald Trump’s successful campaign.
President Biden called for the wealthy to be held to the same standards as the general public, stressing the need for fairness and equality. He also advocated for urgent and sustained action to combat climate change, while lamenting the decline of the free press in America. Additionally, he proposed an amendment to the Constitution that would eliminate any form of immunity for sitting presidents, a clear reference to the ongoing court cases against President-to-be Donald Trump.
Iran and Russia bolster bilateral ties, pen new partnership deal in Moscow
Presidents Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran and Vladimir Putin of Russia Wednesday, January 15, held a pivotal meeting at the Kremlin to strengthen bilateral relations. The two leaders signed a 20-year agreement that included a comprehensive 47-article concession covering military and financial cooperation, nuclear energy, engineering, agriculture, and more.
The agreement was strategically crafted to counter and mitigate the impact of US and Western sanctions on both Iran and Russia, especially amid the ongoing geopolitical pressure from the Russia-Ukraine war. Both nations aim to bolster their collaboration and strengthen long-term ties while reducing their reliance on the Western Bloc. This partnership marks a significant shift as they seek alternative avenues for economic and military support in the face of international isolation.
Trump makes U-turn on Cryptocurrency, creates $Trump Cryptocurrency
Just three days before his inauguration as President of the United States, Donald Trump shocked many by changing his stance on cryptocurrency. He announced the launch of his meme coin, the $TRUMP, on his social media platform, Truth Social. The cryptocurrency quickly gained significant traction and investment, propelling its market capitalisation to around $5.5 billion. This move was unexpected, given Trump’s previous hard stance against Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency wave during his first term.
A large portion of the $TRUMP meme coin is owned by CIC Digital LLC, a company linked to Trump, raising concerns among some individuals and groups. Critics warn that the volatile nature of meme coins could result in heavy losses for investors, especially if major market players decide to pull out, further increasing the unpredictability and risks associated with the investment.
TikTok goes dark in the US as Sino-America rivalry bits hard
For millions of American TikTok users, Sunday brought a somber reality as the social media app ceased operations in the US following a ban imposed by the US government. This ban marks the latest chapter in the ongoing legal battle between American legislators and TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, stemming from concerns over the company’s alleged ties to the Chinese government. The move raises questions about data security and foreign influence, leaving users and content creators in uncertainty.
The court case, which has been ongoing since April 2023, gave TikTok an ultimatum: sell its American holdings to an approved buyer by January 19 or face a shutdown in the US The ban has created a significant void for the more than 170 million Americans who rely on the app for business, entertainment, and social connection. Amidst widespread appeals from users, President Biden has chosen to delegate the final decision to his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on Monday. Trump has indicated that he will likely grant TikTok a 90-day extension to make its case and determine its future in the US.
