Israeli troops have reached about 25 km southwest of Damascus after Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian military bases, according to Syrian security sources. The offensive follows the overthrow of President Assad by rebels, sparking insecurity in the region. Israel stressed it would only take limited measures to protect itself, while countries such as Saudi Arabia criticized the advance. The rebels, led by HTS, take power, but Syria's future remains unclear. Economic activity slowly resumes, but concerns about retaliation and building a stable government remain.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes the stand for the first time in the corruption trial against him. He is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, allegations which he denies. The trial is taking place at the same time as Israel's war against Hamas, which increases his double burden between court and crisis management. Netanyahu criticizes the investigations as a politically motivated “witch hunt”. The case has deeply divided Israel's politics and society, especially after attempts by his government to weaken the judiciary. The trial was temporarily pushed into the background by the Gaza war, but is back in focus as political tensions boil up again.
Suspect Luigi Mangione (26) was arrested in the murder of UnitedHealth manager Brian Thompson and charged with murder. Thompson was targeted and shot in Manhattan. Mangione, apprehended in Pennsylvania, possessed an unregistered gun, false identification and evidence of criticism of the corporate world. Thompson, CEO at UnitedHealth, leaves behind two children.
South Korea's ruling party is considering President Yoon Suk Yeol stepping down in February after his failed attempt to impose martial law. An early election date could follow in April or May. Yoon, who has been charged with sedition among other things, has apologized but has not yet resigned. The opposition is calling for his immediate impeachment and prosecution. As tensions in politics intensify, resistance within Yoon's party is also growing. At the same time, Yoon and several officials are being investigated for abuse of power.
China has announced that it will accept lower debts in order to cushion the economic impact of US tariffs planned by President Donald Trump. Following a Politburo meeting, Beijing wants to implement an “appropriately loose” monetary policy and “more proactive” fiscal measures - a departure from its previous “cautious” course. Analysts expect a growth target of around 5% for 2025 and a record deficit of 4% of GDP. The measures could prioritize consumption and high-tech production in order to strengthen the economy despite deflationary pressure and weak demand. At the same time, the exact form of the plans remains unclear.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underwent successful surgery in São Paulo to treat a brain hemorrhage resulting from a fall in October. According to doctors, the 79-year-old is in a stable condition in intensive care. An MRI scan on Monday discovered the hemorrhage after Lula complained of a headache. The injury forced him to cancel trips such as his participation in the BRICS summit in Russia back in October. His recovery is still being monitored by doctors.
China has deployed its largest naval fleet in almost 30 years to the region, which Taiwan sees as a massive threat. Around 90 ships and 47 aircraft were spotted near Taiwan within 24 hours. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, the manoeuvres are aimed at controlling the Taiwan Strait as an “internal sea” and deterring international forces. China has not officially announced any exercises, but is sending clear signals of escalation with its massive presence. Taiwan remains on alert.
The E3 states (Germany, France, Great Britain) criticize Iran's plans to massively increase the production of 60 percent uranium. This would increase stocks of highly enriched uranium, which could be used for military purposes. Iran should stop the escalation, they demand. According to experts, only small quantities are still needed to have enough material for a nuclear weapon.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, several European countries are suspending their asylum procedures for Syrian refugees. Austria is even planning deportations and wants to review the residence status of around 7,300 Syrians who are currently undergoing asylum procedures. Family reunification is also being stopped. In Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the UK and Italy, asylum procedures are being temporarily suspended due to the uncertain situation in Syria. France is also considering suspending asylum procedures for Syrians. Greece hopes that the fall of Assad will lead to an end to the flow of refugees.
Sweeter deal? Mondelez interested in KitKat manufacturer Hershey. The pressure to consolidate in the confectionery industry is increasing. After Mars announced the purchase of “Pringles” producer Kellanova, Mondelez is now following suit. The Milka parent company is apparently interested in KitKat parent company Hershey.
- Syria: Islamists draw up list of those responsible for torture crimes after Assad's fall.
- Berlin: Climate activists block Hotel Adlon and attack it with green paint.
- Frankfurt: New arrests after murder at central station.
- Ukraine: Discussion about mobilization of younger men; USA offers support.
- Poll: SPD wins, black-green party loses majority.
- Israel: Attacks on Syrian military installations, aim is a fundamental reorientation of the country.
- DAX: Cautious start to the week (TAG)
- Eurozone: Production growth remains weak in Q3 (RT)
- IG Metall: VW threatens intensified industrial action (MM)
- SAP: One in seven jobs in Germany lost at software giant (HB)
- Continental: Will spin off automotive supplier division (HB)
- S&P 500: Includes two new companies, Apollo and Workday (WSJ)
- China: Takes antitrust action against chip manufacturer NVIDIA (FT)
- Advertising megadeal: US advertising holding company apparently plans takeover of competitor Interpublic (RT)
- Drastic staff cuts: Elon Musk presents plans to restructure the US government (MM)
- Investigation: Suspect arrested in shooting death of US insurance chief Brian Thompson (SPG)
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