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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.

Derek Davison and Daniel Bessner

January 9, 2025

People celebrate Joseph Aoun’s election as president in Tripoli, Lebanon, on January 9, 2025.(Khaled Habashiti / Xinhua via Getty Images)

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Trump-Xi Summit, Iran Ceasefire Breakdown, CIA Mexico Strike / American Prestige
byThe Nation Magazine

Danny and Derek fight fake news as they fight their allergies. In this week’s news: Trump and Xi meet; Trump rejects Iran’s ceasefire terms (3:09); Gulf states continue strikes against Iran-linked targets (5:53); U.S. intelligence estimates show Iran retains most missiles (8:48); Asian economies cut energy use with fertilizer shortages threatening crops (10:24); Gaza ceasefire plans appear to proceed without Hamas disarmament (12:58), Israel moves closer to an early election (15:47), and Netanyahu publicizes a UAE visit as Abu Dhabi denies it (17:40); Lebanon and Israel pursue talks as Israeli attacks continue (20:03); jihadist attacks intensify in Mali (24:37); Russia and Ukraine resume attacks after a brief ceasefire (27:45); Wes Streeting quits while Labour pressure builds on Starmer (30:09); CNN reports the CIA’s involvement in cartel killings in Mexico (32:20); and U.S. military activity raises fears of a Cuba operation (34:02).

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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.

Trump-Xi Summit, Iran Ceasefire Breakdown, CIA Mexico Strike / American Prestige
byThe Nation Magazine

Danny and Derek fight fake news as they fight their allergies. In this week’s news: Trump and Xi meet; Trump rejects Iran’s ceasefire terms (3:09); Gulf states continue strikes against Iran-linked targets (5:53); U.S. intelligence estimates show Iran retains most missiles (8:48); Asian economies cut energy use with fertilizer shortages threatening crops (10:24); Gaza ceasefire plans appear to proceed without Hamas disarmament (12:58), Israel moves closer to an early election (15:47), and Netanyahu publicizes a UAE visit as Abu Dhabi denies it (17:40); Lebanon and Israel pursue talks as Israeli attacks continue (20:03); jihadist attacks intensify in Mali (24:37); Russia and Ukraine resume attacks after a brief ceasefire (27:45); Wes Streeting quits while Labour pressure builds on Starmer (30:09); CNN reports the CIA’s involvement in cartel killings in Mexico (32:20); and U.S. military activity raises fears of a Cuba operation (34:02).

Don’t forget to listen to our latest miniseries, Marx Prestige.

And join us for our livestream every Wednesday at 8pm ET. Enjoy the replay of this week’s.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Derek DavisonDerek Davison is a writer and analyst specializing in international affairs and US foreign policy. He is the publisher of the Foreign Exchanges newsletter, cohost of the American Prestige podcast, and former editor of LobeLog.


Daniel BessnerTwitterDaniel Bessner is an historian of US foreign relations, and cohost of American Prestige, a podcast on international affairs.


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