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.”

Pro-Israel triumphalists are celebrating a trifecta: in the course of a little over a year, Israel has felled or significantly set back its three most troublesome enemies: Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

During the first phase the Israeli army will pull back from some of its positions in Gaza and Palestinians displaced from areas in northern Gaza will be allowed to return.

Nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their home country since December last year, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

The 63rd weekend of continuous protest against Israel’s genocide in Gaza was marked on December 22 in Naarm/Melbourne, Gadigal Country/Sydney and other Australian cities. Alex Bainbridge and Kamala Emanuel report.

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 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

World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format,

View the free digital report from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University to learn how President Trump’s return may shape the global landscape.

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.