Trump’s return could reshape U.S. foreign policy, with a focus on Middle East normalization, Iran containment, and economic priorities.

President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House is expected to bring substantial shifts in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, particularly in the Middle East. According to Dr. Shay Har-Zvi, a senior researcher at Reichman University, Trump’s leadership style—rooted in deal-making and leveraging U.S. strength—will drive a focused approach to securing his legacy.

Dr. Har-Zvi emphasized Trump’s likely prioritization of the Middle East, including resolving the Gaza conflict, brokering Israeli-Saudi normalization, and countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump sees these goals as interconnected, with normalization being pivotal for forming a regional coalition against Tehran and unlocking economic opportunities for both the region and the U.S.

Har-Zvi predicts that Trump will pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accommodate Saudi demands, including ending the Gaza war and offering a political horizon to the Palestinians. “Trump is likely to take a business-like approach, leveraging U.S. support to push for concessions that align with broader regional stability,” he explained.

On Iran, Trump is expected to pursue a “nuclear deal 2.0,” combining economic sanctions with potential military threats to deter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. However, a key question remains whether he will push for a comprehensive agreement or accept a compromise to avoid escalating the Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump’s overarching foreign policy will likely aim to confront China while resolving other conflicts, such as in Ukraine, to redirect U.S. resources and focus. His past term demonstrated a willingness to pressure allies and demand tangible returns on U.S. investments in global security, an approach Israel must prepare for as it navigates these shifting dynamics.

Dr. Har-Zvi concludes that Trump’s influence is already shaping regional conversations, from hostage negotiations to normalization efforts. The potential for bold, sweeping changes under his leadership underscores the importance of strategic foresight as the Middle East braces for another term of Trump’s unorthodox and high-stakes diplomacy.

 Criticism mounts as inexperienced Somali officials, including President Mohamud’s daughter, meet Egypt’s top military brass.

A Somali delegation’s recent visit to Cairo has ignited widespread criticism, underscoring the fragile state of Somalia’s governance. The team, led by Somalia’s Minister of Defense—dubbed “Minister TikTok” due to his online notoriety—lacked military experience and included relatives of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, raising questions about nepotism and competence.

The Somali representatives, which included Jihan Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president’s daughter, and other civilian officials, met with Egypt’s top military leaders, including General Abdul Majid Saqar, Egypt’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The stark disparity in experience between the two delegations highlighted Somalia’s ongoing governance crisis, marked by a reliance on unqualified individuals in critical roles.

Public sentiment reflected outrage and dismay, with Somali citizens taking to social media to voice their frustrations. Critics accused President Mohamud of undermining national progress through nepotism and weakening Somalia’s institutions by prioritizing personal alliances over merit-based leadership.

The Cairo meeting, ostensibly aimed at discussing defense collaboration, instead became a symbol of Somalia’s vulnerability on the international stage. While Egyptian officials presented a cadre of seasoned military leaders, Somalia’s delegation lacked both the expertise and credibility needed to navigate such high-stakes discussions.

Observers argue that the episode underscores deeper systemic issues, including the erosion of Somalia’s institutional integrity and a leadership culture driven by self-interest rather than national advancement. As Somalia grapples with internal instability and regional security challenges, the delegation’s composition risks further damaging the country’s already fragile reputation.

This controversy serves as a reminder of the pressing need for governance reforms and leadership accountability in Somalia to address its enduring struggles and restore confidence in its ability to represent and protect its national interests.

Salvadorans and Venezuelans among beneficiaries as Biden administration shields immigrants from looming Republican deportation plans.

In a last-minute move before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, President Joe Biden has extended temporary protected status (TPS) for more than 800,000 immigrants, including 230,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans. The decision offers a lifeline to individuals from disaster-stricken or conflict-ridden nations, providing temporary legal protection as fears mount over Trump’s promise of mass deportations.

The Department of Homeland Security cited severe environmental conditions in El Salvador, including a series of catastrophic weather events, as justification for the extension. Venezuelans, whose nation remains gripped by political turmoil under President Nicolás Maduro, were similarly granted extended protections. The timing coincided with Maduro’s controversial swearing-in for a third term, which the U.S. condemned by issuing a $65 million bounty on his arrest.

TPS has long been a critical safety net for immigrants, protecting individuals from 17 countries, including Haiti, Honduras, Sudan, and Afghanistan. Despite offering legal status, the program does not provide a pathway to citizenship, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to political shifts. Salvadorans, who first gained TPS following devastating earthquakes in 2001, are among the largest groups benefiting from this provision.

Activists welcomed the move but warned of future challenges. Felipe Arnoldo Díaz of the National TPS Alliance called the extension a “small victory,” noting that many other nations with TPS designations face imminent expiration.

This humanitarian gesture underscores the stark contrast between Biden’s administration and the incoming Trump presidency. Trump has pledged the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, and during his 2024 campaign, he and running mate JD Vance indicated plans to scale back TPS significantly. In his first term, Trump moved to terminate TPS for El Salvador, a decision ultimately stalled in court.

With the extension, Biden offers temporary reprieve to hundreds of thousands of immigrants while highlighting the uncertain future they face under an administration poised to reshape America’s immigration landscape.

Talks focus on technicalities of Ethiopia’s sea access request, balancing economic interests with Somalia.

Ethiopia and Somalia are set to negotiate Ethiopia’s access to the sea, a sensitive issue tied to regional stability and economic cooperation. Ethiopian Ambassador Dina Mufti, speaking to state-affiliated media, confirmed that Somalia has shown openness to Ethiopia’s request, with discussions to focus on conditions and implementation mechanisms.

Dina dismissed concerns that Ethiopia’s request undermines Somalia’s sovereignty, labeling such claims as unfounded propaganda. He emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts to clarify Ethiopia’s legal rights and foster international support.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s upcoming visit to Addis Ababa underscores the significance of these talks. Scheduled discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed aim to address unresolved issues under the Ankara Declaration, a pivotal agreement brokered by Turkey in December 2024. The declaration reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity while conditionally granting Ethiopia access to Somali ports, carefully balancing economic interest concerns.

The discussions also coincide with lingering tensions over Ethiopia’s January 2024 deal with Somaliland, leasing a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for diplomatic recognition. This agreement exacerbated tensions with Mogadishu, highlighting the delicate balance required in regional diplomacy.

President Hassan Sheikh’s visit is pivotal not only for addressing Ethiopia’s sea access request but also for enhancing bilateral cooperation on regional stability, economic development, and Somalia’s ongoing peacekeeping mission. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for both nations and the broader Horn of Africa, a region fraught with political and economic challenges.

As the talks unfold, the international community will watch closely, as the success or failure of these negotiations could set a precedent for resolving complex issues of economic interdependence in the region.

Widespread discontent surges over $50 billion lost in Syria, inflation, and severe power outages, as hope for regime change rises.

Iran is facing escalating unrest as economic hardships and public frustration with the regime’s foreign policies converge. Benny Sabti, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), highlighted the deepening anger over the government’s expenditure of $50 billion in Syria, funds perceived as squandered in a failed foreign venture. This is coupled with financial aid to Lebanon and other regions, further enraging a population already struggling with domestic crises.

Living conditions in Iran have deteriorated sharply. Daily power outages lasting up to seven hours have paralyzed Tehran and rural areas, often causing water shortages. Industrial activity has ground to a halt, driving the unemployment rate to a staggering 35%. Pollution from burning ship fuel adds to the misery, forcing widespread shutdowns and confining citizens indoors.

Despite isolated protests by workers, widespread demonstrations have yet to materialize, though the regime appears increasingly anxious. Recent protest-response drills indicate a fragile hold on power, with officials openly admitting military and financial strains.

Public hope for change is growing. Many Iranians see international pressure as key to weakening the regime, with some calling for decisive action against oppressive Revolutionary Guard forces. Amid soaring inflation and a plummeting currency, Benny Sabti described 2024 as a decisive year, with the regime’s vulnerabilities exposed and public opposition reaching critical mass.

Protests against Chinese mining company Xinfeng expose tensions in Namibia’s Erongo region over alleged corruption and resource exploitation.

The arrest of Namibian activist Jimmy Areseb during a protest against alleged illegal lithium mining by the Chinese company Xinfeng has thrust the resource-rich Erongo region into the national spotlight. Areseb and his fellow demonstrators accuse local traditional authorities of accepting bribes from Xinfeng in exchange for mining rights, a claim the company and local leaders deny.

The controversy has reignited longstanding tensions in Namibia over the exploitation of its natural resources, the role of foreign investors, and the accountability of local leaders. Videos of the police crackdown, including images of elderly protesters being forcibly removed, have drawn comparisons to Namibia’s apartheid-era policing, galvanizing public outrage.

The protests centered on accusations that Xinfeng bypassed proper legal channels to gain access to lithium deposits in Uis, a small mining settlement in Erongo. Community members claim that local chiefs and councilors granted the company consent in exchange for bribes disguised as “corporate social responsibility” payments. Xinfeng, however, denies these allegations, asserting that their monthly contributions to the traditional authority—about $550—are legitimate and unrelated to any illicit activity.

Areseb was arrested for allegedly obstructing law enforcement officers enforcing a court order to vacate the protest site. Activists, however, argue that the arrest underscores a double standard, as no legal action has yet been taken against Xinfeng despite accusations of illegal mining.

Namibian police have defended their actions, stating that Areseb’s arrest was an immediate response to his interference with officers, whereas investigations into Xinfeng require more time and evidence. Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi dismissed comparisons between the two cases, calling them “nonsensical.”

The incident has highlighted broader concerns over law enforcement impartiality, with critics accusing the police of favoring corporate interests over community grievances.

The conflict has also exposed fractures within the local community. Chief Sagarias Seibeb, accused of prioritizing Xinfeng’s interests over those of his people, dismissed the allegations as personal vendettas from family members unhappy with his leadership.

Seibeb emphasized that as a custodian of the land, he has no authority to deny prospecting activities approved by the state. However, this has done little to appease protesters, who demand greater transparency and accountability from both local leaders and government officials.

The tensions in Uis reflect larger issues facing Namibia as it navigates the balance between attracting foreign investment and ensuring that resource extraction benefits local communities. The lithium deposits in question are part of a broader push by global powers to secure critical minerals for renewable energy technologies, putting countries like Namibia at the center of geopolitical competition.

For the Namibian government, the situation poses a challenge: how to uphold the rule of law, address community grievances, and ensure fair and sustainable resource management.

A planned meeting between protesters, Chief Seibeb, and central government officials offers a chance for dialogue, though its outcome remains uncertain. For the community, the stakes are high—not just in resolving the immediate conflict but in setting a precedent for how Namibia manages its rich natural resources in the face of foreign interest and internal divisions.

As the world increasingly turns to Africa for critical minerals, Namibia’s handling of this case could serve as a bellwether for the continent’s broader struggles with resource governance and community rights.

US President-elect signals potential diplomatic move to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but concerns arise over the cost to Kyiv.

As preparations intensify for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, the President-elect has revealed that plans are underway for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump confirmed Putin’s expressed desire for talks and hinted at the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs, particularly regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump has consistently framed himself as a dealmaker capable of resolving the nearly three-year-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine. His latest comments underscore his intent to prioritize diplomatic engagement with Moscow, a strategy that has drawn both cautious optimism and significant criticism from international observers and allies.

“He wants to meet, and we are setting it up,” Trump announced, signaling that the meeting would occur after his January 20 inauguration. Trump also reiterated his desire to end what he called a “bloody mess,” referring to the war that has claimed thousands of lives and reshaped global geopolitics since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

While no formal timeline has been announced, the Kremlin has acknowledged Trump’s overtures. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Moscow’s willingness for dialogue but stressed that official arrangements would wait until Trump formally assumes office. Putin himself has previously expressed openness to direct talks with the incoming U.S. leader.

Trump’s push for diplomacy comes against the backdrop of his campaign promise to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict “within 24 hours.” However, the President-elect has since tempered his optimism, acknowledging the complexities of securing a lasting peace.

Trump’s advisors have floated controversial proposals, including concessions that could cede significant portions of Ukrainian territory to Russian control. These suggestions have sparked concern in Kyiv and among NATO allies, who fear that a hastily brokered agreement could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden Moscow’s expansionist ambitions.

The prospect of a Trump-Putin meeting has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue that high-level dialogue between Washington and Moscow could mark a pivotal step toward de-escalation and a potential end to the war. Others, however, remain skeptical of Trump’s approach, warning that his eagerness to forge a quick peace might come at an unacceptably high cost for Ukraine.

Critics also point to Trump’s past admiration for Putin and question whether his administration will hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The fear is that a peace deal could solidify Russian gains in eastern Ukraine, leaving Kyiv in a weakened position and setting a dangerous precedent for international norms.

The stakes of a Trump-Putin meeting extend far beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine. Any agreements reached could have significant implications for U.S.-Russia relations, NATO unity, and the broader geopolitical balance in Eastern Europe.

For Ukraine, the challenge lies in navigating potential pressure to accept compromises that might undermine its territorial integrity and national security. For Trump, the meeting represents an opportunity to demonstrate his much-touted dealmaking prowess while testing his administration’s ability to handle the complexities of international diplomacy.

As Trump prepares to take office, the anticipated meeting with Putin signals a bold attempt to address one of the most pressing global crises. Whether the talks will lead to a sustainable resolution or further complicate the geopolitical landscape remains to be seen.

For now, both Washington and Moscow are signaling readiness for dialogue, but the path to peace is fraught with challenges that could define the early months of Trump’s presidency and the future of U.S.-Russia relations.

From megadams in Tibet to solar stations in space, China’s ambitious energy projects signal its drive to lead in renewable energy innovation.

China is pushing the boundaries of energy innovation, unveiling plans that could reshape global renewable energy dynamics. With a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, the nation has turned its attention skyward, planning an ambitious solar power station in space. At the same time, its terrestrial energy ambitions remain undiminished, as evidenced by the upcoming hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet.

The space-bound solar power station, dubbed the “Three Gorges Dam in Space,” represents a groundbreaking effort to harness energy beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Using super-heavy rockets, China plans to assemble a solar power station in orbit capable of capturing sunlight and transmitting energy back to Earth via microwave or laser beams.

Rocket scientist Wang Xiaojun revealed the blueprint, emphasizing that this “incredible project” aligns with China’s strategy to achieve energy security while significantly cutting carbon emissions. The project, while still in its early stages, underscores China’s vision of integrating advanced technology with sustainable development.

On Earth, China is constructing a mega hydropower project over the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet—a river that holds sacred significance and boasts the deepest canyon on the planet. The proposed dam will generate a staggering 300 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually, tripling the output of the Three Gorges Dam.

The project is not without controversy. Drilling tunnels up to 20 kilometers long to divert river flow and tapping into the steep gradients of the plateau pose significant technical and ecological challenges. Furthermore, the area’s geological instability due to tectonic activity increases the risks associated with such a monumental undertaking.

Both projects highlight China’s willingness to undertake bold, high-risk ventures to secure its energy future. The hydropower initiative in Tibet has drawn concerns about the region’s fragile ecosystem and its cultural implications, particularly for Tibetans who regard the Yarlung Tsangpo as sacred.

On the other hand, the space-based solar station faces technological hurdles, including the development of efficient energy transmission methods and ensuring safety during assembly and operation.

China’s dual ambitions of creating a massive space-based energy system and a record-breaking hydropower project signify more than a commitment to renewable energy. They also signal the nation’s geopolitical aspirations. By mastering advanced energy technologies, China is positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy—a move likely to unsettle traditional energy powers.

The hydropower project in Tibet could also heighten regional tensions, particularly with India, as the Yarlung Tsangpo flows into India’s Brahmaputra River. Concerns over water security and downstream ecological impacts will likely dominate regional diplomatic discussions.

China’s ventures into space and its terrestrial mega-dam illustrate the duality of its approach: leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainability while grappling with the environmental and geopolitical complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects. As these projects unfold, they will serve as a litmus test for the feasibility of bold energy solutions in the face of ecological, technical, and geopolitical challenges.

Whether on Earth or in space, China’s ambitions are shaping the future of global energy.