A prolonged period of uncertainty over the fate of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and a botched attempt to arrest him are giving oxygen to his backers and reviving support for his troubled party.

In our news wrap Sunday, Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone amid signs of progress in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, efforts are underway for Syria to re-engage with other nations, South Korea’s suspended president will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial,

“Over the course of next year, Putin will likely face mounting domestic problems. Russia’s central bank has forecast economic growth of 0.5 to 1.5 per cent in 2025, down from 3.5 to 4 per cent in 2024, suggesting that the wartime boom may have run its course.”

Nigeria has been admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, according to Brazil, the group’s chair. BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, with South Africa added in 2010,

The two countries signed 20-year cooperation pact, but despite anti-US stance there are limits to their partnership.

"The past year was marked by armed conflicts and humanitarian crises that exposed the fraying of international protections for civilians and the devastating human cost when they are flouted" - HRW

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian deepened military ties between their countries on Friday by signing a 20-year strategic partnership that is likely to worry the West.

The events of 2024 have shown that even in the darkest times there are those who dare to resist oppression and demonstrate the courage to seek progress.

As you would expect, it makes for some grim reading. In much of the world, government repression has expanded and deepened, cracking down on political opponents, activists, and journalists. Armed groups and government forces unlawfully killed civilians, drove millions from their homes, and blocked access to humanitarian aid.

Inclusivity and moderation are indeed immediate priorities for Syria, but a big national vote is not. Democracy does not itself guarantee peace in a country so recently riven by autocratic rule and a long civil war.

WASHINGTON — Former Texas congressman John Ratcliffe, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the CIA, vowed to make the agency more muscular while keeping its work apolitical during his nomination hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

The head of an American organisation focused on hostage releases said on Monday he believes U.S. journalist Austin Tice was still being held in Syria by people loyal to toppled leader Bashar al-Assad.