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Americas: Venezuela's interim government released multiple detained Americans in the first such releases since Maduro's capture, as the US filed warrants to seize dozens more Venezuelan oil tankers. In the US, federal prosecutors resigned over the handling of the Minnesota ICE shooting investigation. Only one in five Americans support Trump's Greenland efforts, a Reuters poll found.

Europe: Vice President Vance will host Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers at the White House, with Trump declaring anything less than US control of Greenland 'unacceptable.' France announced it will open a consulate in Greenland as a 'political signal.' Czech ammunition-maker CSG plans an Amsterdam IPO valued at approximately 30 billion euros, reflecting the European defence surge.

Asia-Pacific: Japan's PM Takaichi will call a snap election for February 8, seeking to consolidate power after a summit with South Korea's President Lee that ended with a K-pop drum session. China's trade surplus hit a record $1.2 trillion despite Trump's tariffs. At least 32 people died when a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in Thailand.

Middle East & Africa: Iran's judiciary signalled fast trials and executions for detained protesters despite Trump's warning, as the death toll passed 2,500. Tehran warned regional neighbours it could strike US bases if Washington intervenes. Uganda shut down internet access ahead of Thursday's election. The US is expected to unveil a Palestinian committee to govern post-war Gaza.

Tech: The US approved Nvidia H200 chip exports to China, though Beijing's customs agents were reportedly instructed the chips are 'not permitted.' The Pentagon is integrating Musk's Grok AI into military networks despite the sexualised imagery controversy. The Senate passed a bill allowing nonconsensual deepfake victims to sue. Signal creator Moxie Marlinspike launched 'Confer', an end-to-end encrypted AI assistant.

Must Know

Iran's judiciary signals fast trials and executions for protesters despite Trump warning

Iran's chief justice announced accelerated trials for detained protesters, with capital charges of 'waging war against God' being brought against 'rioters and saboteurs.' The death toll from the crackdown has risen to over 2,500 according to human rights groups, with an Iranian official acknowledging approximately 2,000 killed. President Trump warned of 'very strong action' if executions proceed.

Why it matters: The regime's response will test whether external pressure can moderate Iran's crackdown and may determine whether the protests evolve into an existential threat to the Islamic Republic.

Financial Times (center-right) · BBC World (center) · Al Jazeera (center)

Japan's Takaichi to call snap election for February 8

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will dissolve parliament and call a snap election for February 8, seeking to consolidate her grip on power and capitalise on high approval ratings. The move comes as Takaichi faces Chinese anger over her remarks supporting Taiwan and attempts to strengthen Japan-South Korea ties through a summit featuring a K-pop drum session with President Lee.

Why it matters: A strong mandate would embolden Takaichi's hawkish foreign policy stance, reshaping Japan's posture toward China at a moment of heightened regional tension.

Financial Times (center-right) · Nikkei Asia (center-right) · WSJ World (center-right)

US approves Nvidia H200 chip exports to China in policy shift

The Trump administration approved Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 AI chips to China, reversing Biden-era restrictions. However, Chinese customs agents have reportedly been instructed the chips are 'not permitted' and Chinese tech firms summoned to meetings were explicitly told not to purchase them unless necessary, signalling Beijing's intent to accelerate domestic chip development.

Why it matters: The mixed signals reveal a complex negotiation between maintaining technological leverage and commercial interests, while China's reluctance suggests its self-reliance strategy is advancing faster than expected.

BBC World (center) · Reuters (center) · SCMP China (center)

Denmark and Greenland face high-stakes White House meeting as Trump escalates threats

Vice President JD Vance will host Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers Wednesday, with Trump declaring anything less than US control 'unacceptable' and claiming NATO should lead the effort. Greenland's PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island would choose Denmark over the US. France announced it will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6 as a 'political signal.'

Why it matters: Trump's threats against a NATO ally create an unprecedented test of the alliance's mutual defence principles and could fundamentally reshape Arctic geopolitics.

Reuters (center) · Washington Post (center-left) · Deutsche Welle (center)

China's trade surplus hits record $1.2 trillion despite Trump tariffs

China posted a record trade surplus of $1.19 trillion for 2025, up 20% from 2024, as exports soared to new highs. Beijing's diversification strategy successfully offset declining US-bound shipments by pivoting to other markets. China blamed US trade restrictions for the imbalance rather than its own policies.

Why it matters: The record surplus undercuts Trump's tariff strategy while intensifying global concerns about Chinese overcapacity and trade practices that competitors view as unfair.

BBC World (center) · Financial Times (center-right) · WSJ World (center-right)

Should Know

At least 32 killed after crane collapses on passenger train in Thailand

A construction crane working on a China-backed high-speed rail project collapsed onto a moving train in northeastern Thailand, killing at least 32 people and injuring 64. The train was carrying nearly 200 passengers when the accident occurred, causing it to derail and briefly catch fire.

Why it matters: The accident spotlights safety concerns around China's ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia.

BBC World (center) · Reuters (center)

Venezuela releases detained Americans as political prisoners freed

Venezuela's interim government released multiple detained US citizens, the first Americans freed since Maduro's capture. The State Department called it 'an important step in the right direction.' Venezuela's top lawmaker claimed over 400 prisoners freed, though NGOs reported much lower numbers.

Why it matters: The releases signal the new Venezuelan leadership's desire for normalized relations with Washington, though the pace suggests careful negotiation rather than wholesale capitulation.

BBC World (center) · WSJ World (center-right)

Iran warns neighbours it could strike US bases if Washington intervenes

Iran warned regional states that it could strike US military bases if attacked by Washington. Some personnel have reportedly been advised to leave the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iran's foreign ministry accused Israel's covert operations of destabilising the country through the protest movement.

Why it matters: Tehran's threat to regional allies highlights the escalation risk and puts Gulf states in an uncomfortable position between their US security partnerships and fear of Iranian retaliation.

Reuters (center) · Straits Times (center)

US expected to unveil Palestinian committee to govern post-war Gaza

The Trump administration is preparing to announce a 14-member Palestinian body to lead Gaza governance, reportedly headed by Ali Shaath. The announcement could come as soon as Wednesday, though US officials acknowledge Hamas hasn't begun disarming, potentially imperiling the peace plan.

Why it matters: The plan tests whether Washington can engineer a governance structure acceptable to Palestinians, Israelis, and regional powers while Hamas retains military capability.

NYT World (center-left) · Straits Times (center) · WSJ World (center-right)

Uganda imposes internet blackout ahead of Thursday election

Ugandan authorities shut down internet access nationwide two days ahead of elections in which President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule. Authorities justified the blackout as preventing misinformation spread. The government also ordered two human rights groups to halt work days before the vote.

Why it matters: The digital shutdown follows a familiar playbook for authoritarian leaders seeking to control information during elections, raising questions about the vote's legitimacy.

Financial Times (center-right) · Rest of World (center)

Netflix reportedly preparing all-cash offer to acquire Warner Bros

Netflix is preparing to switch to an all-cash offer, reportedly around $83 billion, to expedite its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming businesses. The change is designed to speed up the sale process, which will take months to close, and hold off a rival bid from Paramount.

Why it matters: An all-cash deal would mark the largest media acquisition in history and reshape the streaming landscape by combining Netflix's distribution dominance with WBD's content library.

Reuters (center) · The Guardian (center-left)

Saks Global files for bankruptcy after Neiman Marcus acquisition

Luxury department store chain Saks Global filed for bankruptcy, struggling with high debt from its acquisition of rival Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. The retailer has reportedly secured $1.75 billion in financing ahead of the filing.

Why it matters: The bankruptcy marks another casualty in the troubled US luxury retail sector, signalling continued consumer pullback from high-end discretionary spending.

Financial Times (center-right) · Reuters (center)

BP takes $4-5 billion hit on green energy business

BP announced impairments of up to $5 billion on its low-carbon energy business, the latest setback as the oil major pivots back toward fossil fuels. The writedown reflects broader industry struggles with renewable energy profitability.

Why it matters: The impairment signals a retreat from the energy transition among major oil companies, raising questions about the pace of decarbonisation without policy support.

Financial Times (center-right) · Reuters (center)

Quick Signals

Kushner and Witkoff reportedly planning to meet Putin in Moscow — Reuters

South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-president Yoon over martial law — Washington Post

Czech ammunition-maker CSG plans Amsterdam IPO valued at approximately 30 billion euros — Financial Times

2025 confirmed as third-warmest year on record; last three years exceed 1.5C limit — BBC World

US federal prosecutors resign over handling of Minnesota ICE shooting investigation — CBC News

New Zealand central bank governor rebuked by foreign minister for supporting Fed's Powell — Financial Times

IMF presses governments to support workers displaced by AI — Financial Times

Pentagon integrates Musk's Grok AI into military networks despite sexualised imagery controversy — Ars Technica

US teachers union leaving X over sexualised AI images of children — Reuters

Senate passes bill allowing nonconsensual deepfake victims to sue — The Verge

Gold and silver hit historic highs amid geopolitical strains — Reuters

Russia detains top doctors at Siberian hospital after nine babies die — Reuters

US civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin dies at 86 — BBC World

Huawei reclaims top spot over Apple in China smartphone market — SCMP China

Finland to acquire anti-personnel landmines and begin training staff — Straits Times

Just one in five Americans support Trump's efforts to acquire Greenland — Reuters

China's 2025 trade with Russia declines for first time in five years — Reuters

BTS announces return with new world tour starting April 2026 — The Guardian

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong says no chance of improved ties with the South — Al Jazeera

Below the Fold

🌎 Americas

Cuba's regime particularly vulnerable after Maduro capture — Economist Americas

US files for warrants to seize dozens more Venezuela-linked oil tankers — Reuters

Costa Rica uncovers plot to assassinate president — The Hindu

Clintons refuse to testify in House Epstein probe, face contempt threat — Globe and Mail

🌍 Europe

Moldova's president favours reunification with Romania — Le Monde

France bans 10 British far-right activists from entering country — Le Monde

Russia's slow advance now threatens Zaporizhia in Ukraine — Economist Europe

Denmark's Rockwool says Russia has seized four of its factories — Reuters

🌏 Asia-Pacific

Cebu landfill collapse death toll rises to 19; 17 still missing — Rappler

Hong Kong activist investor David Webb dies at 60 — SCMP Asia

Taiwan seeks arrest of OnePlus CEO over illegal hires — Reuters

Bangladesh warns of disinformation 'flood' ahead of February vote — The Hindu

🌍 Middle East & Africa

Arab states silent on Iran unrest, dreading what would follow regime collapse — Economist Middle East & Africa

Settlers driving ethnic cleansing of West Bank village Ras 'Ein al 'Auja — The Guardian

Winter storms kill five in Gaza amid desperate conditions in makeshift camps — The Guardian

Syria asks Lebanon to hand over 200+ Assad-era officers who fled — Reuters

🤖 Tech

Anthropic reshuffles C-suite; Instagram cofounder Krieger moves to internal incubator — The Verge

Meta closes three VR studios as part of Reality Labs metaverse cuts — The Verge

Never-before-seen Linux malware 'VoidLink' is 'far more advanced than typical' — Ars Technica

Signal creator Moxie Marlinspike launches end-to-end encrypted AI assistant 'Confer' — Ars Technica