Must Know
The Guardian, The Hindu, SCMP | Dec 30
Khaleda Zia, whose rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladesh's politics for a generation, has died after prolonged illness. She served as PM from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006. Her death comes weeks after her party's leader Tarique Rahman returned from 17 years of exile. Bangladesh has declared three days of state mourning; her funeral will be held December 31 beside her husband's grave. With Hasina in exile and Zia now gone, Bangladesh faces its first election without either of its two dominant political figures.
WSJ, Guardian, SCMP, Straits Times | Dec 30
Saudi Arabia struck Yemen's port city of Mukalla over what it called a weapons shipment from the UAE to the Southern Transitional Council, a separatist force. Riyadh declared its national security a "red line" and warned Abu Dhabi against further intervention. Yemen declared a state of emergency and banned border crossings for 72 hours. The strike marks the most significant open confrontation between the two Gulf allies, creating complications for the Trump administration which counts both as partners.
WSJ, Guardian, The Hindu, Washington Post | Dec 29-30
China launched major military exercises around Taiwan dubbed "Justice Mission 2025," simulating a blockade of key ports with live missile launches into the Taiwan Strait. The drills follow US approval of an $11 billion arms sale to Taipei and Japanese PM Takaichi's statement that Japan could intervene militarily if China moved against Taiwan. More than 100,000 international air travelers face cancellations or diversions. Trump said he is "not worried" and that Chinese leader Xi did not notify him in advance. Taiwan condemned Beijing as the "biggest destroyer of peace."
Guardian, SCMP, WSJ, The Hindu | Dec 29
Trump warned Hamas would have "hell to pay" if it fails to disarm and said the US would support Israeli strikes if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear facilities. Netanyahu is awarding Trump the Israel Prize—normally reserved for citizens—and reportedly discussed a corruption pardon, though Israel's president denied this. Trump said he and Netanyahu don't fully agree on West Bank policy, with the administration pressing for changes to settlement policy. The Pentagon announced an $11 billion Boeing contract for F-15 jets for Israel.
Should Know
WSJ, SCMP, The Hindu | Dec 29-30
Shopkeepers in Tehran have taken to the streets over the rial's dramatic plunge, with Iran's central bank governor resigning. President Pezeshkian urged his government to listen to "legitimate demands" of protesters. The currency crisis comes as Iran faces sanctions pressure and the aftermath of its conflict with Israel. Trump warned of fresh strikes on Iran following his Netanyahu meeting; Russia urged restraint.
Guardian, SCMP, Straits Times, WSJ | Dec 29-30
Russia accused Ukraine of launching 91 drones at Putin's residence in the Novgorod region, calling the alleged attack grounds to toughen its negotiating stance. Kyiv dismissed the claim as a "lie" intended to undermine peace talks and suggested Moscow is preparing justification to strike government buildings in Kyiv. Russia provided no evidence. Trump said he was "very angry" about the alleged attack, while Ukraine's foreign minister expressed disappointment that UAE, India and Pakistan issued statements of concern over "an attack that never happened."
Guardian, SCMP, The Intercept, WSJ | Dec 29
Trump claimed US forces struck a "big facility" in Venezuela where drug boats are loaded, saying "we hit them very hard." This would mark the first known US land operation in Venezuela since tensions escalated. Few details were provided. The claim follows weeks of Trump warnings about expanded military action against Venezuela. Maduro shows little sign of stepping aside despite the pressure campaign.
WSJ, Straits Times, The Hindu | Dec 29
Ukrainian President Zelensky asked Trump for a "historic" 50-year guarantee against Russia following their Mar-a-Lago meeting, while the US has offered 15 years. Trump said talks are "getting a lot closer" but acknowledged the situation remains "very complicated." Putin signed a law allowing Russia to ignore foreign court rulings on Ukraine-related cases. Russia's foreign minister said the West must recognize Moscow holds the "strategic initiative."
Straits Times, The Hindu | Dec 30
Turkish police arrested 357 suspects in a nationwide operation against ISIS, one day after three police officers and six militants were killed in a clash in northwestern Turkey. The raids targeted 114 addresses in Istanbul and two other provinces, with security forces seeking 115 suspects total.
The Verge | Dec 29
GOG, the DRM-free PC gaming marketplace, is separating from CD Projekt, the game company that launched it in 2008. Co-founder Michal Kicinski has acquired the platform, which has positioned itself as a Steam alternative focused on game preservation. GOG will maintain its commitment to DRM-free gaming.
Guardian | Dec 29
OpenAI advertised a $555,000 role with an "unnerving in-tray"—leading the company's efforts to anticipate and mitigate potential AI harms. The position comes amid ongoing debate about whether advanced AI systems could pose existential risks. Sam Altman acknowledged "this will be a stressful job."