🌳 Peace talks stall

TOP STORIES

Syria's Kurds Agree Historic Integration Deal After Weeks of Clashes

• The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces signed a comprehensive ceasefire and integration agreement with Syria's government following recent territorial losses
• Under the deal, SDF forces will withdraw from front lines while government units deploy to Hassakeh and Qamishli city centers, with local security forces merging into state structures
• The agreement follows weeks of fighting that significantly reduced Kurdish territorial control across northern Syria

Why it matters: This deal marks a potential end to years of Kurdish semi-autonomy in Syria and could reshape the country's post-Assad political landscape—though whether Damascus will honor integration promises remains to be seen.

President Aoun Meets Army Chief Ahead of Washington Visit

• President Joseph Aoun met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun (no relation) before his upcoming trip to the United States
• The Interior Ministry announced new measures to crack down on public transport violations
• Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Chami emphasized that UNSCR 1701 cannot be implemented selectively, calling national unity a strategic choice

Why it matters: Aoun's Washington visit—his first major diplomatic trip as president—comes at a critical time as Lebanon works to stabilize its south and rebuild international partnerships after the recent conflict.

Putin Agrees to Week-Long Ukraine Ceasefire

• Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed to a week-long ceasefire in Ukraine, though the Kremlin's commitment to peace remains questionable
• Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested peace talks could be postponed while Kyiv continues to grapple with severe power shortages
• Trump claimed he "personally" asked Putin to stop firing on Ukrainian cities, though verification of this remains elusive

Why it matters: After nearly three years of conflict, even a temporary pause could provide desperately needed humanitarian relief—but Putin's track record on ceasefire agreements makes skepticism warranted.

QUICK HITS

• Traffic Deaths Continue: Lebanon's Traffic Control reported 4 accidents in the past 24 hours, resulting in one death and five injuries. Another grim reminder of Lebanon's road safety crisis.
• Venezuela Oil Access: The Trump administration eased barriers for U.S. firms to trade Venezuelan oil after Caracas approved investor-friendly legislation—less than a month after seizing former president Maduro.
• Lebanon Gets New Coach: Madjid Bougherra was named as Lebanon's new national football team coach. The former Algeria defender has his work cut out for him.
• Japan's Foreign Worker Boom: Japan hit a record number of foreign workers last year, figures that will likely fuel debate about immigration ahead of upcoming elections and the far-right Sanseito party's rising support.
• Eurozone Growth Surprise: The eurozone unexpectedly grew by 0.3% in the fourth quarter despite geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty—proving European resilience once again.

INTERNATIONAL

Trump Nominating Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair

• The Trump administration is preparing to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair, according to sources familiar with the matter
• Trump said Thursday he plans to announce his pick to lead the U.S. central bank on Friday morning, ending months of speculation
• Warsh, a former Fed governor, would take over from current chair Jerome Powell as the central bank navigates inflation concerns and economic uncertainty

Why it matters: The Fed chair appointment will shape monetary policy for years, affecting everything from mortgage rates to global financial markets as the U.S. economy faces persistent inflation pressures.

Palau Blocks Trump's Migrant Resettlement Deal

• Palau's senate voted to block a controversial Trump administration deal to relocate up to 75 deportees from the U.S. to the small Pacific nation
• The agreement was signed by President Surangel Whipps Jr. in December but now faces opposition from lawmakers concerned about the deal's implications
• Palau's lower house must still consider the proposal, with the final decision resting with President Whipps

Why it matters: This setback illustrates the challenges Trump faces implementing his deportation agenda, as even allied nations push back against serving as destinations for displaced migrants.

Starmer Opens Door to Xi Jinping UK Visit

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer opened the door to a UK visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the first UK-China leader talks in eight years
• Starmer described the previous period as an "ice age" and said talks had left the bilateral relationship in a stronger position
• Trump simultaneously warned Starmer against closer business ties with China as the UK PM travels to Shanghai seeking trade deals

Why it matters: The UK is attempting to balance economic pragmatism with geopolitical realities, seeking Chinese investment while managing pressure from its closest ally to maintain distance from Beijing.

GHER HEK

• NBA Teenager Breaks Record: Cooper Flagg scored 49 points, the most by a teenager in a single NBA game, though his Dallas Mavericks lost to the Charlotte Hornets. Kid's got serious game.
• Canadian TV Magic: The global phenomenon "Heated Rivalry" is full of Canadian iconography and subsidized by Canadian taxpayers, coming home to celebrate its success. Sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected places.
• South Korea's Stock Surge: The Kospi index hit a record high, spurred by government policies and the global AI boom, with individual investors piling in as the market value jumped by hundreds of billions.
• Panama Canal Victory: A Panama court struck down Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison's canal contract, delivering a win to Trump's canal control ambitions and a blow to the longtime ports operator.

Thanks for reading—have a beautiful weekend, and may your Friday evening be as smooth as a perfect man'oushe.