Report for Wednesday, December 18, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

Report for Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Israel moves to hold Syria buffer zone, impose security control in Gaza

Russia Detains Two Suspects in Assassination of General

Ukraine's top general: 'The number of Russian troops is constantly increasing.' 

NATO takes over coordination of military aid to Kyiv from the U.S

U.S. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES

Assessing the Dangers of AI and Biosecurity. Artificial intelligence (AI) poses dual risks and opportunities in biosecurity, according to experts at The Cipher Brief Threat Conference. Jennifer Ewbank, a former CIA Deputy Director, warned that AI models could enable the design of bespoke biological weapons if manipulated by bad actors or misused in laboratories. Dr. Tom Inglesby of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security highlighted concerns that AI could simplify the recreation of dangerous pathogens, such as extinct viruses, through genome synthesis. While AI accelerates breakthroughs in medicine and vaccines, he stressed the need for international regulations and technical safeguards. Without clear governance, the misuse of AI in biosecurity could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including pandemics. The Cipher Brief

Opinion: A New and Dangerous Middle East. Ambassador Gary Grappo underscores the heightened volatility in the Middle East and outlines recommendations for the incoming Trump administration. Grappo highlights Syria’s transformation following Bashar al-Assad’s fall, urging U.S. collaboration with moderate Arab states to stabilize the nation and prevent Iran or Russia’s return. He emphasizes leveraging Syria’s need for humanitarian aid and fostering cooperation with groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to form a stable government. Addressing Iran’s vulnerabilities, he advocates diplomacy paired with firm deterrence against nuclear ambitions. Grappo stresses advancing the Abraham Accords, rebuilding Gaza post-war, and addressing Lebanon’s instability to curb Hezbollah’s influence. He calls for a balance of diplomacy and force while preserving U.S. focus on challenges in Asia and Europe. The Cipher Brief

In New Syria, fears of an ISIS return.  The fall of the Assad dynasty and retreat of its protectors Russia, Iran and Hezbollah have created an opportunity for a new Syria – but also a power vacuum that ISIS and other Islamist extremists will try to exploit.  That’s why roughly 900 American troops remain in Syria today and why, on December 8, less than 24 hours after rebel groups captured Damascus, U.S. aircraft struck more than 75 ISIS targets across central Syria. “There should be no doubt — we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” CENTCOM commander Commander General Michael Kurilla said as he visited American and Kurdish troops in Syria on Dec. 9.  The American attacks have continued with strikes Monday that killed a dozen ISIS fighters. But complications loom. In the past week, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has captured key towns from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, America’s key partner in Syria, in charge of guarding thousands of ISIS prisoners.  Tom Nagorski, managing editor of The Cipher Brief, and writer Hollie McKay lay out the situation on the ground and the stakes. The Cipher Brief

THE MIDDLE EAST AT WAR

Israel moves to hold Syria buffer zone, impose security control in Gaza.   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister visited the Syrian buffer zone and said Israel would hold it indefinitely.  Israel seized the 155-square-mile buffer zone in Syria after the Assad regime collapsed. Israeli defense minister Israel Katz, visiting the buffer zone with Netanyahu Tuesday, told soldiers to set up fortifications and prepare for an extended stay. Israel’s move into the Syrian buffer zone—created by a 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria —was condemned by the U.N. and other countries including France, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Jordan. They called it a violation of international law that threatened Syria’s territorial integrity. Israel has said the agreement was void after Syrian soldiers abandoned their posts, and Netanyahu ordered troops into the area to ensure border security against any potential threats from Syria following the fall of Assad. Katz also signaled that Israel will maintain “security control” over the Gaza Strip. Wall Street Journal

Palestinians sue U.S. State Department over backing of Israeli military despite human rights abuses. A lawsuit filed by Palestinians, Palestinian Americans, and advocacy groups accuses the U.S. State Department of deliberately creating exemptions for Israel to bypass the 1997 Leahy Law, which restricts U.S. military assistance to foreign units involved in gross human rights abuses. The lawsuit claims that the State Department has implemented additional procedures and loopholes to shield Israel from enforcement, such as requiring high-level approval for violations and allowing Israel to avoid penalties by making commitments to address abuses. One litigant, a Philadelphia-based Palestinian American, said the lawsuit has a “modest set of goals,” — to make “the federal government to adhere to U.S. law.” The lawsuit focuses on the treatment of Palestinian civilians during the Gaza war, which began with Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. It highlights devastating civilian casualties and alleged rights abuses by the Israeli military, arguing that Washington’s military aid to Israel—estimated at $17.9 billion during the first year of the war—violates the Leahy Law. Former officials and advocates argue that enforcing the law could have mitigated civilian harm in Gaza. The government staunchly denies giving Israel a pass and allowing atrocities to occur; in April, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “Do we have a double standard? The answer is no.” The lawsuit reflects broader tensions surrounding the conflict, with some Democrats and Arab-American voters critical of continued U.S. support for Israel despite allegations of human rights violations. Associated Press The Guardian Reuters Al Jazeera 

BBC investigates Meta’s Facebook restricting news in Palestinian territories amid war.  A BBC investigation has found that Palestinian news outlets on Facebook experienced a significant decline in audience engagement over the past year—plummeting by 77% since the October 2023 start of the Israel-Gaza war—while Israeli news outlets saw a 37% increase. Palestinian journalists accuse Meta, Facebook's parent company, of "shadow-banning" their content, a claim that Meta denies. One journalist from Palestine TV claimed that "interaction was completely restricted” following the outbreak of war, and that the channel’s “posts stopped reaching people."  Meta acknowledged mistakes but asserted that it enforces policies neutrally, calling allegations of intentionally suppressing individuals in Gaza "unequivocally false.”  The company implemented temporary moderation policies during the conflict to limit harmful content, including stricter measures on Palestinian-related posts on Instagram. Leaked documents and interviews with Meta employees suggest algorithmic changes may have unintentionally introduced bias against Palestinian users. Meta says these policies have since been reversed but did not specify when. The restrictions on Palestinian content come as Gaza journalists face immense challenges, including dangers from the war, with 137 journalists reported killed since October 2023. Despite the barriers, Palestinian reporters continue to document and share content about the conflict, often limited by platform moderation. BBC 

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Russia Detains Two Suspects in Assassination of General on Ukraine’s Orders. Russian authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of a 29-year-old Uzbek citizen accused of assassinating Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov in Moscow, while Russian news media also reported the arrest of a second suspect. The pair were detained by police who saw surveillance cameras’ footage from the murder scene that recorded a pair of suspicious cars. The 29-year-old suspect, whose name was not disclosed, allegedly confessed to planting a bomb on the orders of Ukrainian intelligence, receiving $100,000 and promises of safe passage to Europe. The device, placed under an electric scooter outside Kirillov’s home, killed the general and his aide on Tuesday. Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, is the highest-ranking official assassinated away from the battlefield since Russia’s war on Ukraine began. In a video shared by the Baza news outlet, the suspect, dressed in a winter coat and sitting in a van, described being recruited by Ukraine’s intelligence services. He claimed to have purchased the scooter, received the explosive device months later, and remotely detonated it after setting up a surveillance camera nearby. The suspect alleged that the organizers, based in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, monitored the scene. Critics blamed Russia’s Federal Security Service for failing to prevent the attack, highlighting weaknesses in domestic security. Russian authorities vowed retaliation. The Security Service of Ukraine has claimed credit for the assassination. The suspect’s Uzbek nationality has sparked concerns over rising xenophobia and immigration crackdowns. Reuters Associated Press New York Times Kyiv Independent

The killing of a Russian general shows Ukraine’s spies remain lethal. The assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov on Tuesday cements the Security Service of Ukraine’s reputation as a ruthless and precise force capable of reaching deep into Russia. Once focused on propagandists and traitors, the agency known as the SBU has shifted to targeting senior Russian military figures personally involved in atrocities, delivering abrupt vengeance that unnerves the Kremlin. Kirillov, accused of mass chemical weapons use against Ukrainian troops, had been placed on the SBU’s “hit list” just a day earlier. This operation reflects the SBU’s expanding networks, enabled by ideologically driven collaborators. The brazenness of the attack—executed in Moscow with a deadly improvised explosive device—demonstrates an evolving capacity for sophisticated operations far from Ukraine’s frontlines. The agency’s reputation has grown from a domestic intelligence body into a lethal and feared force. The Economist The Guardian Al Jazeera The Telegraph Wall Street Journal

The killing of Igor Kirillov is one of several that Moscow blames on Ukraine. Russia has blamed Ukraine for several assassinations of people connected to its war effort before Tuesday’s death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov. Darya Dugina, daughter of nationalist Alexander Dugin, died in August 2022 when a bomb destroyed her car. Vladlen Tatarsky, a pro-war blogger, was killed in April 2023 by a bomb hidden in a statue handed to him in St. Petersburg. Zakhar Prilepin, a nationalist writer, survived a May 2023 car bombing, though his driver was killed. Stanislav Rzhitsky, a submarine commander linked to missile strikes, was shot while jogging in July 2023. Ex-Ukrainian MP Illia Kyva, labeled a traitor, was found fatally shot near Moscow in December 2023. In occupied Donetsk, Sergei Yevsyukov, a prison head accused of torturing POWs, died in a Dec. 9 bombing. Days later, Russian missile designer Mikhail Shatsky was reportedly gunned down near Moscow. Associated Press

As Trump Turns Away From Ukraine, Even Supporters in Congress Rethink Aid. Donald Trump’s election signals the likely end of U.S. military support for Ukraine, a reality is taking hold on Capitol Hill. President Joe Biden’s request for $24 billion in additional aid received little traction, with Speaker Mike Johnson deferring to Trump for future direction. A growing number of Republicans, once strong supporters of Ukraine, now align with Trump’s stance, pushing for an end to aid or advocating negotiations. While billions in unused assistance remain, enthusiasm for future support is fading. Some Republicans have shifted positions, leaving a shrinking group committed to Ukraine. Senate leaders like Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins continue advocating for aid, but their influence faces steep challenges in an increasingly isolationist Republican Party.  New York Times

Biden Administration Running Out of Time to Send Allocated Aid to Ukraine. The Biden administration is preparing to announce more military aid for Ukraine, although it will likely not exhaust the remaining $5.6 billion in drawdown authority before Donald Trump assumes office, a senior Defense Department official said Tuesday. The administration also intends to spend the $1.2 billion left under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows Kyiv to purchase weapons directly from defense manufacturers. Trump’s skepticism about U.S. support for Ukraine casts doubt on whether leftover funds will be used. “$5.6 billion is a substantial amount of authority,” the official said. New York Times

Trump's Ukraine envoy plans January trip to Kyiv, other European capitals. President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Ukraine envoy, Retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, will visit Kyiv and several European capitals, including Rome and Paris, in early January to gather information for the new administration. The trip aims to understand the dynamics of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Bloomberg reported Kellogg is open to visiting Moscow after Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.  Sources emphasize the trip’s “fact-finding” nature rather than intent to launch active negotiations. Critics remain skeptical about Trump’s claims he can resolve the war within 24 hours of taking office, citing Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to negotiate on terms acceptable to Kyiv. On Monday, Trump put the onus on Zelensky. “He should be prepared to make a deal, that’s all,” Trump said at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. “Got to be a deal. Too many people being killed.” Reuters Bloomberg

Ukraine’s Newest Naval Drone In Unique Attack On Russian Positions. Ukraine’s Navy has introduced a new uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with groundbreaking features, including the ability to launch quadrotor drones equipped with warheads and potentially deploy mines. This innovative USV played a key role in a recent attack on Russian-occupied gas platforms in the Black Sea, dislodging surveillance equipment and possibly deploying explosive charges against the platforms' supports. Unlike earlier designs, this USV can return to base after missions, enhancing operational flexibility. Ukraine’s USVs have been pivotal in countering the Russian Navy, pushing it back to Novorossiysk and disrupting supply routes. This latest raid highlights the evolving tactics in the Black Sea naval war, with Ukraine maintaining a technological edge. The USV program’s expansion suggests increased Ukrainian Navy involvement in offensive operations, previously dominated by intelligence agencies. The development of USVs underscores their strategic importance in  shaping the next phase of the war.  Naval News

‘Several hundred’ North Korean troop casualties fighting Ukraine, says US official. North Korean forces have suffered “several hundred” casualties while fighting Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, a senior U.S. military official said Tuesday. Pyongyang deployed thousands of inexperienced troops to reinforce Russia, but their lack of combat readiness likely contributed to the losses. The casualties include soldiers of “all ranks,” with estimates covering everything from light wounds to fatalities. The Guardian Associated Press

Ukraine's top general to Le Monde: 'The number of Russian troops is constantly increasing.' Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, described 2024 as a year of intense defensive battles against an ever-growing Russian army. In an interview with Le Monde, Syrskyi highlighted heavy fighting across 10 operational sectors, particularly in the Donbas, where Ukraine faced relentless Russian offensives. Since his appointment in February, following the fall of Avdiivka, Russian forces have advanced, while missile and drone strikes aim to destroy Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy. Syrskyi acknowledged the immense pressure along the 1,130-kilometer front line but emphasized Ukraine’s resilience. Le Monde

ANALYSIS–World War III is already underway. In Ukraine.  Nearly three years into Russia’s war on Ukraine, the conflict has expanded into a globalized struggle, with foreign languages heard in trenches and international weapons dominating the battlefield. Ukraine relies on Western aid exceeding $220 billion, while Russia is buoyed by China’s economic support and arms from North Korea and Iran. Despite these alliances, both sides struggle with manpower and resources, turning to foreign recruits. Analysts suggest the war’s outcome hinges on continued backing from NATO for Ukraine and China for Russia. However, waning Western enthusiasm and rising geopolitical tensions could alter the dynamics, with broader escalation remaining a constant threat. Politico EU

Ukrainian law enforcement exposes soldiers who collected data on F-16 aircraft for Russians. Ukrainian law enforcement uncovered a group of soldiers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast who gathered intelligence on F-16 jets and military positions for Russia. A pro-Russian soldier recruited three others, deceiving them into believing they worked for Ukrainian intelligence. The group, communicating via Telegram, collected data on troop movements and equipment for targeting missile strikes. The leader of the spy network coordinated with 12 Russian operatives, including Ukrainian deserters recruited by Russian special forces. Ukrainska Pravda

EU Takes a Fresh Look at Confiscating Russia’s Frozen Assets. The European Union is revisiting the idea of confiscating Russia’s frozen central bank assets, worth around €300 billion, to support Ukraine amid concerns that U.S. aid could dwindle if Donald Trump returns to the White House. While profits from these assets are currently used to back loans for Kyiv, some nations, including the Baltics and Sweden, are pushing for more direct use. However, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg remain wary, citing risks to the euro's stability, potential capital outflows, and legal repercussions. Euroclear, which holds €180 billion of the frozen funds, warned of liabilities and client withdrawals, particularly from China. EU foreign ministers debated the proposal in Brussels, with further discussions expected at Thursday’s summit. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, favors legally tapping the assets, avoiding the term “confiscation.” The debate highlights divides over balancing financial stability with increased support for Ukraine amid Russia’s threats and ongoing war. Bloomberg Foreign Policy

NATO takes over coordination of military aid to Kyiv from the U.S. NATO has taken over coordinating military aid to Ukraine from the U.S., launching the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission, according to a source cited by Reuters. The mission is headquartered at a U.S. base in Wiesbaden, Germany. The move aims to shield the aid from potential disruption under Donald Trump, given his criticism of U.S. support to Ukraine. Despite NATO’s expanded role, concerns remain that Trump could still slash U.S. contributions, which form the bulk of military aid. NSATU involves 700 personnel operating across NATO hubs in Germany, Poland, and Romania. Poland’s key aid transit hub is now under enhanced NATO protection, including offers from Germany to redeploy Patriot systems. Reuters

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meets President Volodymyr Zelensky in Lviv. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Lviv on Tuesday, reaffirming Poland’s support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. “Poland is a partner Kyiv can rely on,” Tusk said, highlighting Warsaw’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense and European integration. He pledged Poland’s efforts during its upcoming six-month European Union presidency to accelerate Ukraine’s EU accession talks and strengthen its NATO prospects despite expected challenges. Zelensky thanked Poland. “What we need is genuine peace – peace through strength – ensured by united partners,” the Ukrainian leader said. Tusk announced a new border crossing and military aid. Euronews

Russian 'shadow fleet' to be boarded or sanctioned if it refuses to prove insurance. Western nations agreed to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” unregulated vessels used to bypass sanctions and transport oil, arms, and grain. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced Tuesday that ships failing to prove insurance would be boarded or sanctioned. Six countries, including Britain, Denmark, and Sweden, will inspect vessels in key waterways like the Gulf of Finland and the Danish straits. Britain sanctioned 20 ships, while the European Union blacklisted 52 additional vessels, raising the total to 79. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned these aging tankers fund Russia's war and pose environmental threats. Leaders emphasized balancing maritime freedoms with necessary action against illicit practices. Reuters

Ukraine ‘Outraged’ at Yemen Grain Shipment From Occupied Crimea. Ukraine has denounced the Russian-flagged bulk carrier Zafar for transporting grain from occupied Crimea to Yemen's Houthi-controlled Saleef port, marking its second such operation. The ship loaded grain in Sevastopol, Crimea, on Oct. 6, while concealing its location by disabling its AIS transponder. It then passed through the Bosphorus and Suez Canal before offloading in Saleef in mid-November. Satellite imagery and tracking data confirmed its movements. Ukraine calls these shipments “grain theft” and has urged international ports to block such activity. The United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which inspects goods heading to Houthi-controlled ports, could not act on the origin of the grain, as its mandate does not cover occupied territories. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Russia’s illegal grain exports and misuse of occupied ports. The Zafar has since returned to the Black Sea, highlighting challenges in stopping unauthorized maritime trade linked to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Bellingcat

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment for Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the assassination of Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov and his assistant in Moscow, citing his war crimes and use of banned chemical weapons. The Kremlin framed Kirillov’s killing as terrorism, deflecting from his role in chemical attacks and false information campaigns against Ukraine. Russian ultranationalists urged retaliation by targeting Ukrainian leadership and criticized the Kremlin’s limited recognition of the war’s impact on Russia. Uncertainty surrounds the future of Russian bases in Syria, with conflicting reports on whether forces will withdraw or remain under new agreements. The Kremlin expanded its “Time of Heroes” program, mandating regional adaptations to place veterans in government positions.

Battlefield update: Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Vuhledar, Velyka Novosilka, and in Kursk Oblast. Institute for the Study of War

Opinion: Ukraine’s scooter bomb assassination could change the war. Mark Almond argues that Ukraine’s assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov in Moscow delivers a symbolic blow to Vladimir Putin’s prestige and demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to strike far beyond the frontlines. While assassinations rarely end wars—senior officials are replaceable—they damage regime morale and project vulnerability. The Independent

Opinion: EU’s moment of truth on Ukraine is fast approaching. Mujtaba Rahman emphasizes the urgent need for the European Union to prepare for Donald Trump’s likely shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine. He argues the EU must ensure Ukraine negotiates from a position of strength by committing more support. Rahman suggests increasing funding for Ukraine beyond the current €50 billion G7 loan. He also recommends combining aid for Ukraine with broader EU defense spending, trade concessions, and closer alignment with U.S. priorities. Politico EU

Opinion: Putin’s Humiliation in Syria Reverberates. Amy Knight argues that the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, long supported by Russia, exposes the fragility of authoritarian systems, including Vladimir Putin’s. Analysts predict the West may now increase support for Ukraine, viewing Russia’s retreat as weakness. Domestically, the failure challenges Putin’s credibility. Knight warns of Islamic terrorism in Russia and questions Putin’s ability to sustain his rule. Wall Street Journal

AMERICAS

Eight GOP senators cool to Gabbard’s bid for spy chief.  Eight Republican senators have signaled to the transition team that they may not support President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence, Reuters reported Tuesday.  The senators indicated to Trump’s team that Gabbard didn’t have answers to tough questions during meetings on Capitol Hill. Also, they were troubled by her 2017 visit to Syria to meet President Bashar al-Assad and by her lack of significant intelligence experience. None of the senators have come out publicly against Gabbard, and some who harbor doubts may confirm her for fear of Trump’s wrath.   Reuters  

How Tucker Carlson Killed Mike Pompeo’s Hopes of Joining the Trump Administration. Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. reportedly played key roles in blocking Mike Pompeo from a position in Donald Trump’s second-term administration, citing concerns over his perceived disloyalty and alleged neoconservative tendencies. Pompeo, once considered a top pick for defense secretary, was criticized for distancing himself from Trump’s election fraud claims and the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump’s transition team has focused on selecting officials loyal to his agenda, favoring figures rooted in the MAGA movement. Notable appointments include Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, despite controversies, and Marco Rubio for secretary of state. Wall Street Journal

ANALYSIS–Why China may be less patient with Trump the second time around. Analysts suggest that Beijing is preparing for a second Donald Trump presidency with less patience and a more assertive stance. After recent U.S. semiconductor export curbs, China swiftly retaliated by restricting critical mineral exports, signaling a willingness to resist and retaliate. Analysts argue that Beijing has learned from Trump’s first term, understanding his approach and being better prepared for renewed trade wars. China plans to escalate countermeasures, such as restricting rare earth exports and targeting U.S. economic vulnerabilities like agriculture, while focusing on self-reliance in technology. However, Beijing remains open to strategic negotiations if they serve its interests. South China Morning Post 

U.S. lawmakers propose set of bills to hit China over fentanyl trade.  A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers proposed three bills targeting China’s role in the fentanyl crisis, accusing Beijing of “state-sponsored poisoning of the American people,” according to Representative Jake Auchincloss. The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act would sever U.S. banking ties with Chinese companies involved in shipping fentanyl precursors. Two additional bills propose creating a multi-agency task force to disrupt trafficking networks and imposing penalties on Chinese entities responsible for illegal shipments. China denies the accusations, citing strict domestic drug laws and attributing the crisis to U.S. narcotics demand. Lawmakers vowed it’s “time to get tough” on Beijing over fentanyl. Reuters 

Trump should be active on the UN rights body to counter China, US envoy says. U.S. envoy Michele Taylor urged President-elect Donald Trump’s team to remain active at the United Nations Human Rights Council to counter China’s “dangerous” influence, which she says could undermine individual rights. Taylor highlighted the council’s importance in addressing global abuses and advancing U.S. priorities, despite its lack of binding powers. She emphasized the need to challenge China’s human rights narrative and its opposition to scrutiny. The U.S. will lose voting rights in January but can still participate as an observer. Reuters

Canada pledges beefed-up border, immigration restrictions to appease Trump. Canada unveiled a $900 million border security plan to address U.S. concerns over drugs and migration, following threats from President-elect Donald Trump to impose a 25% tariff. The plan includes drones, helicopters, and a joint task force targeting transnational crime. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc expressed optimism after discussions with Trump’s nominees, emphasizing Canada’s “absolute resolve” to secure its borders. However, political turmoil, including Chrystia Freeland’s resignation and provincial criticism, has raised doubts about the plan’s sufficiency and Trudeau’s leadership. Economic uncertainties loom, with tariffs potentially triggering a recession in Canada. Wall Street Journal Reuters BBC

Trump nominates ex-US Senate candidate Herschel Walker as ambassador to The Bahamas. President-elect Donald Trump nominated Herschel Walker, a former football star and 2022 Republican Senate candidate in Georgia, as U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas. Walker, known for controversial statements and a staunch anti-abortion stance, lost his Senate race to Raphael Warnock. The U.S.-Bahamas relationship involves tourism and $7.3 billion in trade. Reuters

New U.S. embassy opens in Mexico. On Tuesday, the United States inaugurated its new $1 billion embassy in Mexico City, the largest U.S. embassy worldwide. Outgoing Ambassador Ken Salazar highlighted the project as a symbol of the strong bilateral relationships. Built on a former industrial site in New Polanco, the location underwent extensive environmental cleanup and is surrounded by modern museums and upscale developments. Despite the dedication, the embassy remains closed to the public, with completion expected next year. The event precedes Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, during which Ron Johnson, ex-ambassador to El Salvador, has been proposed as the next envoy to Mexico. Associated Press 

Four police officers killed in Mexico’s most violent state. Gunmen killed four police officers, including one woman, and wounded four others in an attack Monday in Uriangato, Guanajuato, a state plagued by cartel violence. The region has seen deadly turf wars between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, making it one of Mexico's deadliest. Associated Press 

Blast kills 2 Mexican soldiers and wounds 5 others in a suspected booby trap by drug cartel. Two Mexican soldiers were killed, and five others wounded, by a suspected cartel-planted landmine Monday in Michoacan, a hotspot for violent turf wars. While investigating an encampment reportedly linked to the United Cartels, the army encountered the device. Drug cartels increasingly use IEDs, drones, and fortified tactics in the region. Associated Press 

Armed men attack Haiti hospital as violence shows no signs of abating. Armed men attacked Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, setting fire to operating rooms and destroying laboratory equipment. No patients or staff were harmed, as the hospital had been evacuated after gang threats. Haiti’s interim government condemned the attack and promised resources and police deployment to restore operations. Violence continues to destabilize the health system, with aid groups like Doctors Without Borders suspending or limiting activities due to escalating gang attacks and threats. Reuters

Canada imposes sanctions on five Venezuelan officials, including top judge. Canada imposed sanctions on five Venezuelan officials, including Supreme Court head Caryslia Rodríguez, for their role in declaring Nicolás Maduro the winner of Venezuela's contested July 28 presidential election. The opposition claims its candidate, Edmundo González, won by a wide margin but fled to Spain due to repression. Maduro’s government dismissed the sanctions as illegal and politically motivated, as global pressure mounts for transparency and democratic accountability in Venezuela’s prolonged political crisis. Associated Press Reuters ABC

EUROPE

Russian lawmakers approve a bill that could remove the terrorist designation for the Taliban. Russia's State Duma passed a bill on Tuesday enabling courts to remove organizations from its terrorist list, potentially allowing the Taliban's delisting after nearly two decades. The Taliban, designated a terrorist group by Russia in 2003, seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, and Moscow has since engaged with its leadership, hosting forums and diplomatic talks. While Russian officials emphasize the need to stabilize Afghanistan, they stress that delisting would not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban’s government. The legislation still requires approval from the Federation Council and President Vladimir Putin, who has referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.” Associated Press Moscow Times

Russian prosecutors seek jail terms of nearly six years for three of Navalny's lawyers. Russian prosecutors are seeking nearly six-year prison terms for Alexei Navalny’s lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser. They are accused of participating in an extremist organization. Navalny, a prominent opposition leader and critic of Vladimir Putin, died in February 2024 in an Arctic penal colony. Official reports cited heart issues, but Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, alleges he was murdered. The lawyers were arrested in October 2023 and accused of passing information to Navalny during his imprisonment. Navalnaya denounced their prosecution as political persecution, while human rights groups view it as a deepening crackdown on dissent in Russia. "They have not committed any crimes," Navalnaya said. "They are in prison for simply doing their job, which any lawyer should do with any prisoner: preparing a defense strategy, discussing issues of detention in prison, writing complaints, filing lawsuits." Reuters

Why Europe Can’t Seem to Kick Its Russian Energy Habit. Europe’s reliance on Russian energy, forged over decades, has declined since the Kremlin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While Russia once supplied over a third of Europe’s gas, it accounted for under 10% of consumption in 2023. EU imports fell to $1 billion monthly by late 2023, down from $16 billion in early 2022. Norway and the U.S. have become Europe’s top suppliers, aided by LNG infrastructure expansions.  Reduced demand and renewable energy growth further weakened reliance on fossil fuels. However, due to long-term contracts and infrastructure limitations, Russian gas persists in Hungary and Slovakia. Some Russian LNG also enters Europe indirectly via middlemen. Despite energy diversification, Europe faces higher energy prices, hampering industries like Germany’s manufacturing sector and causing consumer hardships. Meeting its 2027 goal of cutting Russian fuel dependency entirely remains challenging for Europe. Bloomberg

Russia's Duma passes bill tightening control over income of 'foreign agents.' Russia's State Duma passed a bill tightening control over the income of 895 designated “foreign agents,” requiring them to transfer earnings from property, intellectual work, and investments into special rouble accounts. Funds will only be accessible after the person is removed from the Justice Ministry’s list. Some 209 individuals have been removed. The law targets individuals and organizations accused of foreign influence, with Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin framing it as preventing “scoundrels” from profiting at Russia’s expense. Critics argue the law is part of a crackdown on dissent, exacerbated since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Many “foreign agents” now live abroad. Reuters

MIDDLE EAST

U.N. envoy says Syria is still at war.   Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, warned the conflict “has not ended.”  For one thing, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) rebels have been fighting the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).  Pedersen, speaking at the UN security council, said that Israel must “cease all settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan.”  “There have been significant hostilities in the last two weeks, before a ceasefire was brokered... A five-day ceasefire has now expired and I am seriously concerned about reports of military escalation. Such an escalation could be catastrophic,” he said.  Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that led the overthrow of Assad, said all rebel factions would be “disbanded and the fighters trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry.”  Pedersen said he had met with the new leadership and has called for an end to sanctions to allow for reconstruction of Syria.  The Guardian

Syrian mass graves expose "machinery of death" under Assad. Now that Assad is gone, mass grave sites in Syria are being unearthed in several parts of the country. The investigations are exposing what appears to be a state-run killing machine under a regime that ruled Syria (if one includes Assad’s father, the late Hafez al-Assad) for more than half a century. Former U.S. war crimes ambassador at large Stephen Rapp, who is working with Syrian civil society to gather war crimes evidence for any eventual trials, told Reuters that more than 100,000 people were “disappeared,” or killed. “We are talking about a system of state terror, which became a machinery of death,” he said. The U.S. State Department said Washington is working with several U.N. bodies to ensure accountability for those responsible for the killings and torture during the Assad family’s rule. Reuters Associated Press Reuters 

U.S. State Dept. says armistice between Turkey, U.S.-backed rebels extended. According to the U.S. State Department, a ceasefire between Turkey and the U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian forces (SDF) around the northern Syrian city of Manbij has been extended until the end of the week. The truce, mediated by Washington, comes in the wake of recent clashes after rebel groups closed in on Damascus and ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad. The U.S. is working with both Turkey and the SDF to maintain stability and prevent any party from exploiting the potentially volatile situation. The SDF, a key U.S. ally in fighting ISIS, is led by the YPG militia, which Turkey considers to be an extension of the PKK, a group outlawed by Ankara and deemed a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the U.S. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi has proposed establishing a U.S.-supervised demilitarized zone in Kobani, a Kurdish-controlled town, to address Turkey's security concerns and ensure regional stability. Despite the ceasefire, however, fighting continues, with Turkish-backed forces firing heavy weapons at areas south of Kobani. Reuters

ANALYSIS–Who Lost More Weapons—Russia in Syria or America in Afghanistan?  The collapse of Syria’s Assad regime mirrors Afghanistan’s fall, leaving their patrons, Russia and the U.S., with military losses. Russia’s decades-long arms investment in Syria, including advanced weapons, was damaged by Israeli strikes, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels capturing tanks, missiles, and artillery. Unlike U.S. equipment left in Afghanistan—largely outdated and intended for internal security—Syria’s arsenal held immediate military value, which Russia desperately needs amid its Ukraine war losses. Analysts argue Moscow suffered a more severe blow than Washington, as Russia’s dwindling reserves and production capacity limit its ability to sustain prolonged military operations. Foreign Policy 

U.N. demands progress on Iran nuclear deal talks, as Tehran continues to develop atomic programs. U.N. political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo on Tuesday called on world powers and Iran to urgently restore the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. Since the U.S. exited the deal in 2018 under Donald Trump, Iran has moved away from its commitments, raising serious concerns about its nuclear ambitions. DiCarlo warned the Security Council that failure to revive the JCPOA could destabilize the region. European powers—Britain, France, and Germany—have signaled readiness to trigger a "snap back" of sanctions on Iran if needed to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, a move Iran has called "unlawful and counterproductive." This option expires in October 2024 when the U.N. resolution backing the deal lapses. The U.S. emphasized that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and pledged to use all measures to prevent it. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran is enriching uranium to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels, which Western nations argue is unnecessary for peaceful purposes. Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and maintains its program is peaceful, but the IAEA stated it cannot confirm this claim. DiCarlo maintained that time is critical to resolving the issue diplomatically. Reuters UN News

Iran's Revolutionary Guards consolidating control over Tehran's oil industry, exports.  The accounts of over a dozen people, including Iranian sources, security experts, and Western officials, have suggested that Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have significantly expanded their control over the nation’s oil industry, now managing up to 50% of oil exports in spite of Western sanctions. The IRGC oversees a "shadow fleet" of tankers, as well as managing logistics and front companies, which primarily export oil to China. This dominance, which began increasing in 2018 after U.S. sanctions were reimposed, helps fund the IRGC's extensive military, political, and economic operations, including support for regional proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. Oil export revenues, Iran's largest foreign currency source, exceeds $50 billion a year, with China being the primary buyer. The IRGC often sells oil at a discount due to the risks involved. The organization also uses clandestine methods, such as ship-to-ship transfers, to evade sanctions and disguise the origin of shipments. The IRGC's growing influence has diminished the role of Iran's state oil institutions and highlights its smuggling expertise over traditional oil management. Front companies like China-based Haokun facilitate these transactions, despite being sanctioned by the U.S. The IRGC's operations fund its military activities, including providing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Hezbollah. Western nations, including the U.S. and Israel, continue to target Iran’s "ghost fleet" of tankers with sanctions to curb these activities. Reuters

Iran suspends process to impose stricter headscarf law for women, perhaps in an attempt to avoid unrest. According to one of Iran’s vice presidents, the country has paused the implementation of a stricter mandatory hijab law, a move that some believe could have reignited the protests that erupted in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini. The law, approved by parliament in September of last year, imposed harsh penalties on women defying the hijab mandate and businesses serving them, including fines, prison terms, and travel bans. It also encouraged informants, and granted authorities access to private surveillance footage. The decision to delay the law was made by Iran’s executive, legislative, and judiciary bodies, citing its current infeasibility. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian had criticized the law, describing it as ambiguous, and sought to halt its implementation. His motive for doing so could have been to avoid further unrest, and to prioritize negotiations with the West over sanctions. If enacted, the law would have forced the president to either implement it or challenge it, risking a constitutional crisis. Amini’s death in 2022 after being detained for not wearing her hijab properly triggered widespread protests and a violent crackdown that left over 500 dead and 22,000 detained. Since then, many Iranian women have openly defied the existing hijab law, raising the stakes for enforcing stricter regulations. Associated Press BBC 

2021 plot to assassinate Pope in Iraq was thwarted by U.K. intelligence. Pope Francis reveals in his upcoming autobiography that a plot to assassinate him during his historic visit to Iraq in March 2021 was foiled after Iraqi police received a tip-off from British intelligence. The police told the Pope’s security detail that two suicide bombers, a woman “packed with explosives” and another young individual, were planning attacks during his appearances. Iraqi police intercepted and neutralized the attackers after being alerted by the U.K. The Pope said that a security official had told him the attackers were “no more,” and that police had “blown them up."  The trip, the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, occurred amidst heightened sectarian violence and the persecution of Christians by groups like ISIS. Despite warnings and intense security measures, Pope Francis insisted on proceeding with the visit, believing it was essential. Corriere della Sera BBC The Guardian Telegraph 

ASIA & OCEANIA

South Korea to outline plan in case Trump relaunches North Korea nuclear talks. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Wednesday announced plans to prepare a roadmap for potential nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea under President-elect Donald Trump, despite the fact that political chaos in Seoul has disrupted communication with Trump's transition team. South Korea's political crisis, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law attempt, has strained U.S.-Korea ties, with Yoon now suspended pending a Constitutional Court decision on his impeachment. Cho underscored the need to proactively engage with Trump's administration, as Pyongyang has ignored outreach efforts under U.S. President Biden but might respond to Trump's direct negotiation approach. Meanwhile, the nation faces economic instability due to the crisis, with Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok pledging government action to stabilize markets. Cho also highlighted North Korea's military support for Russia, the need to monitor the Ukraine war, and efforts to improve ties with China. Reuters

Video reveals China’s hypersonic drone launches for the first time. A newly released video by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) showcases a groundbreaking achievement in hypersonic flight: the launch of an unmanned MD series aircraft from a high-altitude balloon into near space, reaching Mach 7 before landing safely for reuse. Developed by the Qian Xuesen Young Scientist Task Force at CAS, this innovation builds on China's advancements in aerospace technology. The MD-22, the latest model, can cover 8,000 km and carry payloads of 600 kg, highlighting its strategic significance. The concept of near-space hypersonic flight, first envisioned by China's space program founder Qian Xuesen, enables aircraft to operate between traditional airplanes and satellites. The team overcame several challenges during development, including failed flight tests in 2020 and 2021, before achieving success in November 2021. They have since completed nine flight tests with five experimental models, refining reusable hypersonic aircraft capable of complex flight paths and autonomous landings. This effort is part of China's broader investment in cutting-edge science and technology, with CAS forming 188 specialized task forces to tackle major scientific challenges and drive breakthroughs in fields like aerospace, paleobiology, and unmanned underwater vehicles. South China Morning Post 

Prominent Chinese space defence expert Zhang Xiaoxin becomes most recent scientist to be killed in car crash. Zhang Xiaoxin, a renowned Chinese space weather expert who pioneered weather monitoring and early warning systems, died in a car crash in Beijing on Sunday at the age of 62. He contributed significantly to China’s space weather research and meteorological satellite programs. His death follows that of another prominent Chinese scientist with ties to the military, Feng Yanghe, who was also killed in a car crash last year. Zhang, who earned a doctorate in space physics from Auburn University in 2003, returned to China in 2007 to advance the country’s space weather sector, giving up his U.S. green card to focus on building key monitoring and warning technologies. He led major projects, including the development of a space weather disaster observation network and contributions to China’s FengYun meteorological satellites. His work supported missions like Shenzhou and Chang’e and served users such as the air force and civil aviation. He also held prominent roles in international organizations, such as co-chair of the World Meteorological Organization’s space weather coordination group and expert adviser to the International Civil Aviation Organization. He is remembered as a key figure in advancing China’s aerospace capabilities, earning recognition from the Chinese military and international meteorological organizations. South China Morning Post

China’s Xi Jinping visits Macau to commemorate 25 years of Chinese rule. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau on Wednesday to celebrate 25 years of Beijing's rule over the former Portuguese colony, now a special administrative region of China. During his three-day visit, Xi will likely stress economic diversification away from Macau’s heavy reliance on its casino industry, which contributes 80% of its tax revenue. He will attend the 25th-anniversary celebrations and the inauguration of Macau’s new Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, who is the first Macau leader born in mainland China. Xi has consistently pushed for "appropriate diversification and sustainable development" of Macau's economy, aiming to reduce reliance on gambling, especially amid anti-corruption measures targeting high-roller revenues. The Macanese government, under Beijing's guidance, unveiled an economic blueprint last year focusing on tourism and leisure as its main growth drivers. Sam, a pro-Beijing loyalist elected by a 400-member panel, has pledged to reduce reliance on gaming revenue and strengthen Macau's role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The Greater Bay Area collaboration and non-gaming industries are key priorities for his administration. Reuters Barron's South China Morning Post Firstpost Economic Times 

Vietnam hosts arms fair in Hanoi, aims to bolster domestic defence industry. Vietnam is hosting an international arms fair in Hanoi on Thursday to showcase its domestically produced weapons and strengthen its defence industry, with an eye on exporting military equipment. The event will feature nearly 250 exhibitors, including top defence companies from the U.S., Europe, Turkey, Israel, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam, traditionally a major importer of Russian weapons, is now emphasizing the development of its domestic defence sector. State-owned Viettel and other local firms will display drones, missile defence systems, air defence radars, armoured vehicles, and artillery, with some showcased for the first time. Vietnam has pursued joint production deals with foreign arms manufacturers, and has engaged in talks with South Korea, the Czech Republic, and others, to produce components locally. Notable participants include U.S. companies Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Textron, which are in talks with Vietnam over helicopter and military transport plane sales. Brazil's Embraer will present its C-390 Millennium as a competitor to the C-130 Hercules. European defence firms like Airbus, BAE Systems, and Rheinmetall will also participate, alongside Turkish and Chinese companies. Reuters 

 3 police officers escorting polio workers killed by roadside bomb in Pakistan’s northwest. A roadside bomb in northwest Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan district killed three police officers and injured two others on Tuesday. The officers were returning from protecting polio workers as part of Pakistan's ongoing nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which aims to immunize 45 million children. The attack follows another incident a day earlier in Karak, in which gunmen killed a police officer and injured a health worker escorting polio teams. No group has claimed responsibility, but insurgents frequently target police and health workers during polio campaigns. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries where polio remains endemic, with Pakistan reporting 63 cases in 2023. Since the 1990s, over 200 polio workers and their security personnel have been killed in such attacks. Associated Press 

AFRICA

Russian Guns, Iranian Drones Are Fueling Sudan’s Brutal Civil War. Sudan’s civil war, fueled by foreign weapons and resources, has devastated the country, displacing 11 million people and causing severe famine. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), supported by Russia and Iran, have gained an edge over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Russia has supplied fuel, weapons, and intelligence, while Iran has delivered drones and arms. Both countries are vying for influence, including potential military bases on the Red Sea. Gold exports and resources like gum arabic have funded SAF operations, with foreign backers deepening their stakes. Despite calls for peace, civilian suffering continues to escalate. “There is no willingness to stop the war. World leaders should come together and hold talks to bring peace,” said Najet Ahmed, a refugee in Port Sudan, reflecting widespread despair amid international self-interest. “But everyone has their own self interest. They just can’t agree.” Bloomberg

Apple claims it has instructed suppliers to cease purchasing minerals from Congo. In a statement to Reuters on Tuesday, Apple strongly denied allegations that it has been using conflict minerals in its products, and stated that it instructed suppliers earlier this year to stop sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda due to escalating conflict in the region. This response follows a criminal complaint filed in France and Belgium by the Congolese government, accusing Apple of laundering conflict minerals through international supply chains. Reuters BBC 

Congolese health ministry identifies mystery disease as severe malaria. The Democratic Republic of Congo's health ministry has identified a previously unknown illness in Kwango province as a severe form of malaria with respiratory symptoms, exacerbated by widespread malnutrition. Since October, 592 cases have been reported with a 6.2% fatality rate. The disease, which initially caused alarm, prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate. WHO noted poor vaccination coverage, limited diagnostics, and high food insecurity in the region, which likely worsened the outbreak. Anti-malaria treatments provided by WHO are now being distributed, with additional medical supplies expected. Globally, malaria causes nearly 600,000 deaths annually, with 12% occurring in the DRC. The Guardian Reuters Al Jazeera 

Inside Mogadishu, where shopkeepers fear CCTV cameras could get them killed by Islamist insurgents. Shop owners and residents in Mogadishu, Somalia, are facing a grim dilemma due to a government directive requiring the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor Islamist insurgents like al-Shabab. While the government claims the cameras have reduced bombings, shopkeepers risk retaliation from powerful al-Shabab militants, who have killed multiple business owners in response. Those who fail to comply with the directive, however, risk arrest by security forces. A violence monitoring group, Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (Acled), reported that al-Shabab has murdered four businessmen in 10 attacks linked to the CCTV cameras since October. Some business owners have been forced to sell their shops to avoid threats from both sides. Others reopened under pressure from authorities but live in constant terror of being targeted. Residents also report arrests for failing to install cameras, while al-Shabab’s spy network continues to intimidate civilians. Critics argue the policy unfairly places civilians in the crossfire of a conflict they cannot control, while the government insists it is working to reassure and protect citizens. However, the fear of violence and lack of security persist, with many questioning the sustainability of this approach. BBC 

Pirates seeking $10 million in ransom following hijacking of Chinese-owned fishing vessel. A Somali official has said that the pirates who hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing vessel, along with its 18 crew members, off Somalia's northeastern coast in late November are demanding a $10 million ransom. Photos shared on social media show the captives surrounded by armed men. The ship, taken to Puntland’s Xaafuun district, is being held alongside its crew. The vessel's expired fishing license, issued by Puntland in 2020, was cited by the official, who spoke anonymously. The E.U.'s anti-piracy naval force classified the incident as "robbery at sea," highlighting ongoing maritime security challenges in Somali waters, though piracy has significantly declined since its 2011 peak due to international naval efforts. Associated Press 

CYBER, TECH & MARKETS

U.S. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router in Millions of American Homes.  U.S. authorities are investigating TP-Link, a Chinese router manufacturer holding 65% of the U.S. home and small-business router market, for national security risks. Linked to cyberattacks by Chinese hacking groups, TP-Link routers have been found with vulnerabilities, often unpatched by the company. Federal agencies, including the Commerce Department, are probing the firm, which supplies routers to the Defense Department and NASA. A potential ban under the Trump administration could mark the largest removal of Chinese telecom gear since Huawei in 2019. Critics cite TP-Link’s ties to China’s military and competitive pricing strategy as concerns, though the company denies selling below cost or enabling cyberattacks. U.S. officials have highlighted broader supply chain risks, while other nations like Taiwan and India have restricted TP-Link’s usage. A ban could disrupt the U.S. router market dominated by TP-Link, raising questions about cybersecurity and the role of foreign-made technology. Wall Street Journal

Commerce gives China Telecoms 30 days to respond to ‘national security risk’ finding. The Commerce Department has issued a preliminary notice describing China Telecom Americas as a national security risk.  Its initial finding on the Chinese subsidiary gives the company 30 days to respond, likely signaling that a final decision on a ban would be left to the Trump administration.  China Telecom’s presence in the U.S. had been reduced by an October 2021 move by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke the company’s licenses for ordinary U.S. telephone operations. China Telecoms nodes on U.S. networks and the capability to “peer into” internet and phone transmission remained operational after the FCC action.  If the Commerce Department finding is finalized, those aspects of China Telecom’s operations would be eliminated.  Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, said in an interview that while the co-location of Chinese network gear on U.S. internet infrastructure previously had been an acceptable risk, “that is no longer the case.”  The proposed action against China Telecom is the first Biden administration response to China’s Salt Typhoon hacking operation, although officials have said there is no evidence that China Telecom’s U.S. operations were involved.  The Biden administration in its remaining time in office could take additional steps, including banning Chinese companies and individuals from using cloud services in the U.S.  New York Times  Reuters

E.U. launches investigation of TikTok ‘recommender’ systems in Romanian election. The E.U. on Tuesday announced it is investigating TikTok’s possible role in interference in the recent election in Romania.  The move is the second of two investigations of TikTok by the E.U. under the Digital Services Act (DSA).  The new inquiry is focusing on TikTok’s recommender algorithms, especially “risks linked to the coordinated inauthentic manipulation or automated exploitation of the service.”  The investigation follows the E.U.’s  data retention order to TikTok earlier this month in relation to possible election interference on the short-video platform following unexpected results in Romania’s presidential election.  The European Commission said “one of the suspicions the Commission is going to investigate is whether TikTok has diligently mitigated the risks posed by specific regional and linguistic aspects of national elections.”  The DSA requires large social media platforms to monitor and mitigate risks on their services, including election security and democratic processes.  In the case of the Romanian elections, multiple declassified government documents allege that TikTok failed to prevent fake accounts from being used to artificially boost and algorithmically amplify content promoting a pro-Russian, far-right candidate.  In a response statement, a TikTok spokesperson said:  “We’ve protected the integrity of our platform through over 150 elections around the world and continue proactively addressing these industry-wide challenges.”  TikTok also said it had removed hundreds of thousands of fake accounts related to the Romanian election as well as fake likes and followers.  TechCrunch   South China Morning Post   Wall Street Journal   Reuters   Bloomberg

E.U. announces broad sanctions package aimed at Chinese support to Russian war efforts. The E.U. has added Chinese companies and individuals to its sanctions list for their role in supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.  E.U. foreign ministers meeting in Brussels approved the sanctions package that included “full-fledged listings” for seven Chinese firms and citizens.  This was the first time this punitive measure has been used in connection with Chinese ties to Russia.  Kaja Kallas, E.U. high representative for foreign affairs, suggested that additional sanctions could be in the offing, noting that the E.U. community has to “really be strong here and show our unity.”  An individual and two firms added to the E.U. listing allegedly helped companies linked to the Russian military circumvent E.U. sanctions.  Four other firms were sanctioned for “supplying sensitive drone components and microelectronic components to the Russian military industry in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”  These include Asia Pacific Links, a Hong Kong-based company owned by Russian national Anton Trofimov, Juhang Aviation Technology Shenzhen Co, Redlepus TSK Vektor Industrial (Shenzhen), and Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co.  The latter three are accused of operating a “procurement and manufacturing network” that provided components used to make Garpiya-3 attack drones.  South China Morning Post

E.U. fines Meta $263 million for privacy law violations leading to Facebook data breach. The Irish data privacy regulator has announced a $263 million fine against Meta for a data security failure that led to the compromise of 29 million Facebook accounts in 2018.  A malfunctioning Meta video upload system resulted in the exposure of all user information in the Facebook profiles of affected account owners.  The exposed information included location, religion, gender, phone numbers, and email addresses.  Data Protection Commission Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said that “the vulnerabilities behind this breach caused a grave risk of misuse of these types of data.”  The DPC said the fine was levied for several reasons, including Meta’s failure to provide all required information in the original breach notification.  The fine for the 2018 incident is the latest against Meta for violating European data protection laws.  Among others, in May 2023, the DPC fined Meta $1.3 billion for improper transfer of Facebook user data from the E.U. to the U.S.  A September 2021fine of $425 million was levied for violations related to Meta’s use of data belonging to minors.  The Record  Reuters   BleepingComputer

Nvidia unveils new low-cost AI computer for commercial developers, hobbyists. Nvidia has unveiled a new version of its Jetson AI computer that nearly doubles the speed and efficiency of the earlier device and is capable of processing about 70 percent more computational tasks.  The Orin Nano Super, at $249 about half the price of its predecessor, is designed to be used by small companies and individual developers in running sophisticated AI computations without linking to a remote data center.  The new model has less-advanced chips than those powering Nvidia’s top products and is aimed at commercial developers working on applications for drones and cameras.  Deepu Talla, Nvidia’s vice president of robotics and edge computing, said the release represents “the time, finally, when generative AI capability is coming to the edge.”  Talla added that the Orin Nano Super was designed for general purposes and could run “all the latest greatest generative AI models.”  Wall Street Journal

CISA releases draft cyber incident response guidance for public comment. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has invited public comment on its updated draft plan advising on how public and private sectors should respond to significant cyber incidents.  The new version of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) will be available for comment until January 15.  CISA noted the “broad and extensive engagement” it carried out with sector risk management agencies (SRMA’s) along with regulators and interagency partners on the updated guidance.  CISA said the new document “considers the evolution in the cyber threat landscape and lessons learned from historical incidents.”  Jeff Greene, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, the collaboration with government and industry partners has led to “an agile, actionable, updated framework that will provide coherent coordination that matches the pace of our adversaries and the predictable method for how to engage with us.”  The NCIRP details organizational structure for national cyber incident response, with four lines of response (LOEs): asset response, threat response, intelligence support and affected entity response.  CISA is described as leader of coordinated efforts for asset response, while the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is designated to manage intelligence support, with federal law enforcement agencies — including the Department of Justice and FBI — handling threat response.  Greene commented that “one of the things that we heard pretty loud and clear was the interest that private-sector companies had in knowing where, when and how they plug in with us in the federal government.”  CyberScoop   The Record   NextGov   CISA

Palantir executive, defense sector analysts expect push to change DoD acquisition culture. Mike Gallagher, head of defense for Palantir Technologies, said the Pentagon’s cumbersome technology acquisition and integration system “isn’t cutting it” and indicated Palantir is intensifying efforts to seed startups that will restore the country’s competitive edge.   As head of Palantir’s global defense business, Gallagher said he is concentrating on the technological arms race with China, and helping the U.S. and allies prepare for it while avoiding a hot conflict with Beijing.  Palantir’s stock price quadrupled in 2024, raising its value above mainstream defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and RTX.  In commenting on changes in the defense sector, Gallagher noted that the advantage in global defense has moved from costly missiles and fighter aircraft to cheap drones, AI, and advanced software.  Partnerships are a big part of this changing scene, he said, adding that “if you have more players on your team, you’re going to have more influence,” increasing “the odds that we can get meaningful reform.”  The former congressman predicted that “we’ll have a more aggressive policy on China in the Trump 2.0 administration.”  Dylan Mullins, operations director for the Silicon Valley Defense Group, agreed with Gallagher’s views on change in Pentagon defense tech procedures, remarking that “there is certainly an appetite to shake things up within the DoD.”  Mullins added that “it was headed that way, even if (Vice President Kamala) Harris had won; it will be way more accelerated now.”  Bloomberg

Chinese astronauts successfully break world record, complete 9 hour spacewalk. Two Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, broke the world record for the longest single spacewalk, completing a nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) on Tuesday night, and surpassing the previous 8-hour, 56-minute record set by American astronauts in 2001. This achievement marks a major milestone in China's space program, which has steadily advanced its EVA capabilities over the years. The astronauts worked outside the Wentian lab module, supported by a crewmate inside the station, Tiangong's robotic arms, and ground control teams. Both astronauts wore advanced second-generation "Feitian" spacesuits designed for extended external work. The Shenzhou-19 crew arrived at Tiangong in October and will conduct further EVAs, scientific experiments, and technical tests during their mission, which is scheduled to end with their return to Earth in early May 2025. The CMSA declared the spacewalk a complete success. South China Morning Post 

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Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Elaine Shannon, Brian Bonner, Ken Hughes & Katharine Campbell contributed to this report.

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