Politics
CNN: Assad is no longer in Damascus... and the Syrian presidency denies it
Despite the Syrian presidency's denial that Bashar al-Assad had left Damascus and that he was still in his office, CNN reported that the presidential guard
Despite the Syrian presidency's denial that Bashar al-Assad had left Damascus and that he was still in his office, CNN reported that the presidential guard was no longer present at Assad's residence, reinforcing speculation that he had left the capital.
The network quoted what it described as a "well-informed source" as saying that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is nowhere to be seen in Damascus, noting that Assad's presidential guard is no longer deployed at his usual residence, which has fueled speculation that he may have fled the capital.
The source said: This guard was supposed to provide an internal security cordon for Assad, and some of them are expected to travel with the president when he is on the move. He added: The armed factions do not have any confirmed intelligence information about Assad’s whereabouts, and they are continuing their efforts to find him.
The network quoted US officials as saying that it was unclear where Assad would flee to, and noted that a senior US official told them that an organized coup against the Assad regime was the only thing that could delay the factions' control.
He noted that there is a consensus that the scenario of the fall of the Assad regime is becoming increasingly plausible.
US officials said that President Biden's administration has not yet issued a formal assessment of Assad's fate, and there are differing opinions, but they increasingly see the possibility of the Assad regime falling within days.
On the other hand, US President-elect Donald Trump said: The United States should not interfere in the conflict in Syria, explaining in a post on his “Truth Social” social media platform that Syria is in a state of chaos, but it is not our friend, and the United States should have no connection to it.
Trump said ahead of his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris: “This is not our fight. Let’s let it take its course. Let’s not interfere.”.
Politics
Trump gives Iran 15 days for a nuclear deal amid military buildup
Trump gives Iran a 10-15 day deadline to reach a nuclear agreement or face dire consequences, amid US military buildup and Iranian-Russian maneuvers that are driving up oil prices.
In a significant development in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the Iranian leadership, giving them a tight deadline of 10 to 15 days to reach a decisive agreement on their nuclear program. Trump clearly indicated that failure to comply with this demand could lead to "bad things," implicitly suggesting the possibility of military action or unprecedented sanctions.
Context of tension and military mobilization
These fiery statements come at a time of heightened military tension in the region, as the United States continues to bolster its military presence by deploying aircraft carriers and additional warships to regional waters, reflecting Washington's seriousness in dealing with the Iranian issue. Observers believe this buildup is not merely a show of force, but rather a powerful bargaining chip at the negotiating table, aimed at compelling Tehran to make substantial concessions.
Behind the scenes of the negotiations and the American conditions
During a meeting of the Peace Council in Washington, Trump revealed that negotiations with Iran were "going well," but stressed the need for this process to lead to a "serious and meaningful" agreement. The American vision centers on definitively preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, which Washington considers an existential threat to international peace and security. Despite talk of progress, the US administration confirmed that disagreements remain, pending a written proposal that Tehran pledged to submit to address Western concerns.
Regional and international dimensions of the crisis
Tensions are no longer confined to Washington and Tehran; they have taken on international dimensions with the involvement of other major powers. Reports indicate that a Russian frigate has joined Iranian naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, a move with profound political and military implications, interpreted as a message of Russian support for Tehran in the face of American pressure. In response, Moscow warned of an "unprecedented escalation" that could plunge the region into chaos, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
Economic repercussions and security concerns
This escalation cast a long shadow over the global economy, with oil prices rising sharply due to fears of a conflict that could threaten energy supplies through vital waterways. On the security front, intelligence reports indicated that Iran was undertaking extensive fortification work at its nuclear and missile sites, coinciding with US preparations at its bases in the region.
Indicating the gravity of the situation, some countries have begun taking precautionary measures to protect their citizens. Poland, for example, urged its citizens to leave Iran "within hours," reflecting international concern that the crisis could escalate in the coming days. The major obstacle to any agreement remains Tehran's insistence on refusing to discuss issues beyond its nuclear program, considering its missile capabilities a "red line" that is not open to negotiation. This puts the deadline set by Trump to a real test.
Politics
Trump inaugurates the Peace Council for the reconstruction of Gaza and threatens Iran with a 10-day deadline
Trump inaugurates the Peace Council in Washington with the participation of 47 countries to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza with $17 billion in funding. The meeting addresses the deployment of international forces and issues a strongly worded warning to Iran.
In a move reflecting a major shift in international policy toward the Middle East, US President Donald Trump inaugurated the first meeting of the "Peace Council" in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. This newly established council aims primarily to lead reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, as well as to work toward resolving complex international conflicts, with broad international participation reflecting global interest in the region's stability.
Details of the meeting and the massive funding
The meeting witnessed a strong diplomatic presence, with representatives from 47 countries participating, along with the European Union as an observer. Discussions focused on the implementation mechanisms for revitalizing the Palestinian sector after the devastating war that crippled its infrastructure. Regarding financial support, Trump announced substantial pledges, with several countries—mostly from the Gulf—committing over $7 billion specifically for Gaza's reconstruction. Simultaneously, the US president announced a $10 billion contribution to the Peace Council fund, bringing the initial funding to record levels and reflecting the seriousness of the international effort.
The security context and tensions with Iran
The meeting was not limited to economic and humanitarian issues; it also carried strongly worded political and security messages. Amidst the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, and despite the existence of indirect channels of negotiation, Trump used the platform to issue an ultimatum to Iran, giving it only 10 days to reach a "viable deal," and threatening "bad consequences" if it failed to comply, thus leaving the region facing a range of unpredictable scenarios.
New security arrangements in Gaza
On the ground in Gaza, the participants discussed unprecedented security plans that include deploying thousands of troops to form an "international stabilization force," as well as establishing a new police force to maintain internal security. These arrangements are intended to ensure a secure environment that will allow reconstruction efforts to begin. Ali Shaath's name emerged prominently at the meeting, as he is the head of the Palestinian National Committee that will administer Gaza's affairs under the direct supervision of the "Peace Council.".
The importance of the event and its regional impact
This event is of exceptional importance given Trump's absolute powers as president of the council, as he has the exclusive right to invite heads of state or cancel their participation. Observers note that the formation of this council represents an attempt to reshape security and political arrangements in the Middle East by integrating reconstruction efforts with a regional de-escalation strategy and attempting to contain Iranian influence through diplomatic pressure and the threat of force, making the outcomes of this meeting a potential turning point for the region's future.
Politics
Trump inaugurates Peace Council for Gaza Reconstruction with $17 billion in funding
Trump opens the Peace Council in Washington to rebuild Gaza with $17 billion in funding and discuss the deployment of international forces, issuing a strongly worded warning to Iran with a 10-day deadline.
In a significant diplomatic move aimed at reshaping the political and security landscape of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump inaugurated the first meeting of what he called the “Peace Council” in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. This new entity is primarily concerned with the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, as well as developing comprehensive strategies for resolving existing international conflicts. The meeting was attended by a broad international audience, including representatives from 47 countries, in addition to the European Union, which participated as an observer.
This event is of exceptional importance given the critical timing of its convening, following a devastating war in the Palestinian territories that left immense destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities. Through this council, the United States seeks to mobilize international efforts to prevent a recurrence of the conflict and secure a stable environment. This reflects a shift in US strategy toward direct and leading involvement in shaping post-war arrangements and attempting to impose a new vision for regional stability.
On the financial front, Trump unveiled massive financial pledges aimed at ensuring the success of the Council's challenging mission. He stated that several countries, mostly from the Gulf region, had committed to providing more than $7 billion specifically for the reconstruction of Gaza. In a move underscoring Washington's significant influence on this issue, the US president announced a $10 billion contribution to the "Peace Council" fund, bringing the total initial funding to approximately $17 billion, although the precise details of the Council's operations and the disbursement of funds remain somewhat unclear.
Regarding the complex security arrangements, the participants discussed ambitious plans that included deploying thousands of troops to form an “international stabilization force” in Gaza to fill the security vacuum, along with establishing a new police force to maintain internal security. The name of Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee, emerged at the meeting. He was tasked with managing Gaza’s affairs under the direct supervision of the “Peace Council,” indicating the development of a new administrative structure separate from the previous, traditional authorities.
The meeting was not without its sharp geopolitical messages, as Trump used the platform to deliver a stern warning to Tehran amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. Despite the existence of a channel for indirect negotiations, Trump gave the Iranian regime only 10 days to reach a "viable deal," threatening "bad consequences" if it failed to comply, thus placing the region at a critical crossroads between escalation and de-escalation.
It is worth noting that the Council’s organizational structure grants Donald Trump absolute and unprecedented powers; he is the sole president of the Council and has the exclusive right to invite heads of state and government to participate or cancel their membership, reflecting the desire of the American administration to take full control of the political and security initiative in this thorny issue and to direct the international compass according to the American vision.
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