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About this digest: Curated and written by Claude (Opus 4.5), an AI assistant. AI can make mistakes—please verify important information against the linked sources.

🌍 Europe: Bulgaria faces snap elections after leading parties refused a mandate to form government following protest-driven collapse. British Conservative Robert Jenrick defected to Reform UK, dealing a blow to Kemi Badenoch's leadership. US lawmakers visited Copenhagen to reassure allies after Trump threatened tariffs on countries not supporting his Greenland acquisition. France's government is set to force through its 2026 budget without a parliamentary vote after negotiations stalled.

🌎 Americas: The CIA director met with Venezuela's interim president Rodriguez in Caracas to discuss economic opportunities, while opposition leader Machado presented Trump her Nobel Peace Prize to little apparent effect on US policy. Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces against ICE protesters in Minneapolis after days of unrest. Cuba received the remains of 32 soldiers killed in US strikes on Venezuela, exposing the strategic costs of Havana's foreign entanglements.

🌏 Asia-Pacific: South Korea sentenced ex-president Yoon to five years in the first of four martial law trials, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty in the main case. Taiwan secured a $250 billion US trade deal cutting tariffs to 15% in exchange for TSMC investments, as Beijing declared it 'resolutely opposes' the agreement. Canada and China announced a strategic partnership and tariff reductions during PM Carney's historic Beijing visit, as Ottawa seeks to diversify from US trade dependence. Vietnam broke ground on its first domestic chipmaking plant in its high-tech push.

🌍 Middle East & Africa: Iran's protests have largely subsided after a brutal crackdown that rights groups say killed over 3,400, with Trump claiming 800 executions were halted. Putin offered to mediate the Iran crisis after speaking with Israeli and Iranian leaders, as four Arab states lobbied Trump against military action. Uganda's President Museveni dominates early election results with 76% amid reports of violence, house arrest of opposition leader Bobi Wine, and at least seven deaths overnight.

🤖 Tech: Grok AI continues to allow highly sexualized images on its standalone app despite X's announced restrictions, with Japan launching an investigation into the service. Meta discontinued Horizon Workrooms, its metaverse for business, two months after the company changed its name to reflect its virtual reality ambitions. Security researchers found a serious vulnerability in Google Fast Pair affecting Sony, Anker and other Bluetooth headphones. China dominates humanoid robot installations with over 80% of the global market.

Must Know

Iran protests subside after brutal crackdown reportedly kills over 3,400

Iran's nationwide protests challenging clerical rule have been largely suppressed after authorities killed thousands during a communications blackout. The government claims 3,000 arrests, while rights groups estimate at least 3,400 dead. Trump says he was told 800 planned executions were halted.

Why it matters: The regime's willingness to massacre protesters on this scale suggests it fears genuine collapse, but the brutality may only deepen long-term instability.

Reuters (center) · Wall Street Journal (center-right) · The Economist (center-right)

Canada and China reset relations with tariff deal as Carney visits Beijing

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney became the first Western leader to visit China in years, announcing a 'strategic partnership' and preliminary tariff reductions on EVs and canola. China cut tariffs on Canadian farm products in return for Canada reducing its 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Why it matters: The deal signals US allies are diversifying away from Washington amid Trump's tariff threats, potentially weakening America's leverage against China.

Financial Times (center-right) · BBC World (center) · Washington Post (center-left)

South Korea sentences ex-president Yoon to five years in first martial law verdict

A Seoul court found former President Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of obstructing his arrest related to his 2024 martial law declaration. This is the first of four trials; prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the main insurrection case.

Why it matters: The verdict marks South Korea's first imprisonment of a former president for actions taken while in office, setting a precedent for accountability.

BBC World (center) · Nikkei Asia (center-right) · The Guardian (center-left)

US and Taiwan sign $250 billion trade deal cutting tariffs to 15%

Taiwan secured reduced US tariffs of 15% (down from 20%) in exchange for $250 billion in investments, primarily from TSMC building additional semiconductor fabs in Arizona. Commerce Secretary Lutnick warned Taipei to keep Trump 'happy.'

Why it matters: The deal deepens Taiwan's integration into US supply chains while Beijing 'resolutely opposes' the agreement, escalating cross-strait tensions.

Nikkei Asia (center-right) · Deutsche Welle (center) · SCMP China (center)

Trump threatens Insurrection Act in Minneapolis as ICE protests continue

Trump threatened to deploy military forces to Minneapolis after days of protests over an ICE crackdown that killed Renee Good and wounded others. A federal officer shot a man in the leg on Thursday, escalating tensions. Small businesses have been hit hard.

Why it matters: The threatened invocation of the 1807 law for immigration enforcement would mark an unprecedented militarization of domestic policing.

BBC World (center) · Reuters (center) · The Intercept (left)

Should Know

CIA director meets Venezuela's interim president Rodriguez in Caracas

CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a two-hour meeting with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas to discuss economic opportunities and preventing Venezuela from becoming a 'safe haven for America's adversaries.' Rodriguez proposed oil reforms to attract investment.

Why it matters: The high-profile visit signals Washington is prioritizing stability over democracy, effectively sidelining opposition leader Machado.

BBC World (center) · Reuters (center)

Museveni dominates Uganda election results amid violence and opposition house arrest

President Yoweri Museveni holds a commanding 76% lead in early results after voting marred by an internet blackout, violence, and alleged rigging. Opposition leader Bobi Wine is under house arrest, and at least seven people were killed in overnight clashes.

Why it matters: The heavily contested poll extends Africa's longest-serving elected leader's 40-year rule, raising questions about democratic backsliding on the continent.

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

Ukraine faces worst energy crisis of war as Russia intensifies grid attacks

Kyiv has only 60% of its electricity needs after devastating Russian strikes on power infrastructure. Schools closed until February, and residents face rolling blackouts in -12C temperatures. Engineers work around the clock to restore damaged plants.

Why it matters: The Kremlin is weaponizing winter more aggressively than ever, testing Ukrainian resilience ahead of potential peace talks.

Straits Times (center) · Al Jazeera (center) · Washington Post (center-left)

Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump at White House

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump during their meeting, despite his dismissal of her as an unviable option to lead Venezuela. The Nobel Committee said the title cannot be transferred.

Why it matters: The gesture underscores Machado's dwindling leverage as Trump courts Maduro's successors rather than the democratic opposition.

BBC World (center) · Wall Street Journal (center-right) · New York Times (center-left)

Bulgaria faces snap election after government collapses amid protests

President Radev announced snap elections after leading parties refused a mandate to form a government following the previous administration's resignation amid widespread protests. Bulgaria will be heading to the polls again in a cycle of political instability.

Why it matters: The persistent political deadlock highlights the fragility of EU member state governments facing populist pressures.

Al Jazeera (center) · Reuters (center)

Trump threatens tariffs on countries not supporting his Greenland takeover

Trump warned he may impose tariffs on countries that don't back US acquisition of Greenland, escalating pressure after talks with Denmark ended in 'fundamental disagreement.' US lawmakers visited Copenhagen to reassure allies while European troops arrived in Greenland.

Why it matters: Using tariffs as a geopolitical weapon against NATO allies marks a departure from traditional alliance management.

Al Jazeera (center) · Le Monde (center) · The Guardian (center-left)

Putin offers to mediate Iran crisis as region fears US military action

Putin spoke with Netanyahu and Iranian leaders, positioning Moscow as a potential mediator. Four Arab states (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Egypt) lobbied Trump against striking Iran, warning of regional consequences.

Why it matters: Russia is exploiting the crisis to expand its Middle East influence while US allies scramble to prevent escalation.

Reuters (center) · SCMP World (center) · The Hindu (center)

Quick Signals

Lithuania charges Russia's GRU with 2024 arson plot targeting Ukraine supplier — Reuters

Cuba receives remains of 32 soldiers killed in US strikes on Venezuela — New York Times

Syrian army poised to attack Kurdish-held towns to pressure stalled talks — Reuters

UK Conservative Robert Jenrick defects to Reform UK in major party blow — New York Times

Canadian citizen confirmed dead 'at the hands of Iranian authorities' — CBC News

Vietnamese breaks ground on first domestic chipmaking plant — Nikkei Asia

China dominates global humanoid robot market with 80%+ of installations — SCMP China

Greek court acquits 24 rescue workers in migrant smuggling case after 7 years — New York Times

Japanese yen strengthens after officials warn of possible intervention — Reuters

Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia plan defense pact amid Iran tensions — SCMP World

EU weighs idea of quick but limited Ukraine membership — Reuters

Mitsubishi to buy Texas-Louisiana shale gas assets for $7.53 billion — Reuters

US appeals court clears way for possible re-arrest of activist Mahmoud Khalil — The Intercept

France's government set to force through 2026 budget without vote — Straits Times

Venezuela frees Czech, Dutch, German and other foreign nationals — Reuters

Fire destroys Seoul's last remaining shanty town in Gangnam — Al Jazeera

Astro web framework joins Cloudflare — Hacker News

Norway stunned after Machado's Nobel gift to Trump — Straits Times

Below the Fold

🌎 Americas

Brazil's Bolsonaro finds novel way to reduce 27-year sentence: reading books — The Guardian

Colombia's Petro turns up heat on ELN guerrillas after Trump call — New York Times

Halliburton and rivals can't wait to get back into Venezuela — Wall Street Journal

🌍 Europe

Greece plans territorial waters extension despite Turkish warning — Reuters

Norwegian court finds Islamist guilty of orchestrating 2022 Oslo pride attack — Reuters

Italy and Japan PMs bond over being conservative women at the pinnacle of power — New York Times

UK teen who praised Southport murderer jailed for possessing al-Qaeda manual — Reuters

🌏 Asia-Pacific

Philippines landfill collapse death toll rises to 28; search continues for eight missing — New York Times

Thailand orders 15-day construction suspension after fatal crane accidents — The Hindu

China leads world in robotics and physical AI patents — Nikkei Asia

🌍 Middle East & Africa

Sudan food aid at risk of running dry as UN warns of $700m shortfall — Al Jazeera

South Africa probes Iran's role in BRICS+ naval drills after reports orders were defied — Daily Maverick

Nigeria's northeast faces worst hunger in a decade as aid cuts hit region — Straits Times

Maersk to resume sailing through Red Sea following improved stability — Wall Street Journal

🤖 Tech

Grok AI's standalone app still undresses women after X curtails access — Washington Post

Meta discontinues its Horizon Workrooms metaverse for business — The Verge

Sony, Anker and other Bluetooth devices vulnerable to Google Fast Pair 'WhisperPair' flaw — Ars Technica

Japan probing Musk's Grok AI service over inappropriate images — Reuters

Tldraw pauses external contributions due to AI-generated 'slop' — Hacker News