The US faces a potential government shutdown this weekend due to a failure to pass a funding bill. This would furlough hundreds of thousands of federal workers and halt non-essential government services, impacting various sectors and causing economic disruption during the holiday season. Negotiations are ongoing, but the situation remains critical.
Georgia is facing a political crisis after the parliament elected former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as president, a move boycotted by opposition parties. Kavelashvili’s election, which bypassed a national vote, has triggered widespread protests and accusations of authoritarianism against the ruling party. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has refused to accept the results, deepening the crisis.
South Korea is gripped by a political crisis as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) unexpectedly backs the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law. This unprecedented move throws the nation’s future into uncertainty, with potential implications for the upcoming presidential elections.
South Korea’s political landscape is roiling with the arrest of former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and the detention of top police officials over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law decree. A new impeachment motion against Yoon is expected this Saturday, escalating the already intense political conflict.
Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni unexpectedly resigned on Monday following a power struggle with the Tongan royal family, culminating in a no-confidence vote. His departure leaves Tonga’s political future uncertain, highlighting the ongoing tension between the monarchy and the elected government.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s sudden departure from Damascus amidst a growing nationwide uprising marks a potential turning point in the country’s 13-year civil war. Opposition forces have entered the capital, while widespread celebrations erupt in cities like Homs, signaling a major shift in the conflict’s power dynamics.
Amidst escalating tensions with India following incidents like the vandalism at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, convened an all-party meeting to address concerns about alleged Indian interference. The meeting, however, notably excluded the Awami League, and focused on countering negative narratives surrounding the recent political upheaval.
Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon will convene a parliamentary session on January 9th to elect a new president, ending a two-year vacancy. The election comes amidst significant political divisions and a severe economic crisis gripping the nation.
Thousands of Imran Khan supporters clashed with Pakistani security forces in Islamabad, resulting in deaths and mass arrests. The violent protests, demanding the release of the imprisoned former Prime Minister, led to a government crackdown including internet shutdowns and roadblocks. The crisis further destabilizes Pakistan’s already fragile economy.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte faces a subpoena for allegedly threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker. The incident marks a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two top leaders, raising concerns about national security and potentially criminal charges.
