Lebanon Elects a President, Afghanistan and Pakistan Skirmish at the Border, and Trump Embraces Imperialism
On this episode of American Prestige, headlines from around the globe.
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Thailand–Cambodia Fighting, Venezuela Escalation, Yemen Separatists | American Prestige
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Jolly Saint Nick is giving the U.S. government lots of coal this year, a boon to fossil fuel companies. In this week’s news: Thailand–Cambodia fighting resumes despite Trump’s ceasefire claim (1:52); an Israeli airstrike in Gaza threatens what remains of the ceasefire (6:00), and a winter storm devastates Gaza as Israel continues blocking shelter materials and aid (9:10); Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council prepares to declare a new government amid Saudi threats (12:08); the U.S. approves the largest-ever arms package to Taiwan (16:10); China reportedly unveils a prototype advanced chipmaking tool (18:18); the Bondi Beach attack in Australia has possible Islamic State links (19:48); a New America Foundation report documents extensive U.S. airstrikes in Somalia (22:01); M23 announces its withdrawal from Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (24:49); Ukraine peace talks continue as the war nears its fourth year, including disputes over Kupiansk (27:59); Chile elects far-right president José Antonio Kast (32:23); the U.S. escalates pressure on Venezuela with military deployments and a partial oil blockade (33:27); and Congress passes a $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act, including a repeal of Syria’s Caesar Act and changes to Selective Service registration (41:40).
Listen to our special with Annelle Sheline on what’s going on in Yemen.
Don’t forget to listen to our Chinese Prestige miniseries.
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People celebrate Joseph Aoun’s election as president in Tripoli, Lebanon, on Jan. 9, 2025.
(Khaled Habashiti / Xinhua via Getty Images)On this week’s American Prestige news roundup: The transition process continues in Syria as the US government beginning relations with the new Syrian leadership, but fighting continues between Turkey and the SDF; in Lebanon, the IDF faces a withdrawal deadline and the parliament finally elects a new president; yet more Gaza ceasefire talks are underway; the downing of a civilian aircraft strains Azerbaijan-Russia relations; Afghanistan and Pakistan exchange cross-border fire; South Korea is still trying to arrest impeached President Yoon while the interim president is also impeached; the Biden administration determines that the RSF is committing genocide in Sudan; as a new Ukrainian offensive is underway in Kursk, the Russians continue advancing in eastern Ukraine; Austria looks to be getting a far-right government; Justin Trudeau resigns as prime minister of Canada; and Donald Trump appears to warm up to the idea of conquering everything.
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The Nation Podcasts
Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.
Thailand–Cambodia Fighting, Venezuela Escalation, Yemen Separatists | American Prestige
Subscribe now to skip the ads and get all of our episodes.
Use the holiday discount code XMAS2025 for a $45 annual subscription (offer valid through 1/1/26)!Â
Jolly Saint Nick is giving the U.S. government lots of coal this year, a boon to fossil fuel companies. In this week’s news: Thailand–Cambodia fighting resumes despite Trump’s ceasefire claim (1:52); an Israeli airstrike in Gaza threatens what remains of the ceasefire (6:00), and a winter storm devastates Gaza as Israel continues blocking shelter materials and aid (9:10); Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council prepares to declare a new government amid Saudi threats (12:08); the U.S. approves the largest-ever arms package to Taiwan (16:10); China reportedly unveils a prototype advanced chipmaking tool (18:18); the Bondi Beach attack in Australia has possible Islamic State links (19:48); a New America Foundation report documents extensive U.S. airstrikes in Somalia (22:01); M23 announces its withdrawal from Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (24:49); Ukraine peace talks continue as the war nears its fourth year, including disputes over Kupiansk (27:59); Chile elects far-right president José Antonio Kast (32:23); the U.S. escalates pressure on Venezuela with military deployments and a partial oil blockade (33:27); and Congress passes a $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act, including a repeal of Syria’s Caesar Act and changes to Selective Service registration (41:40).
Listen to our special with Annelle Sheline on what’s going on in Yemen.
Don’t forget to listen to our Chinese Prestige miniseries.
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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