Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/countries-jockey-for-advantage-following-the-coup-in-syria/
Geopolitics
Ukraine has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defence troops, in Moscow. The attack, executed with a bomb hidden in an electric scooter, has prompted a criminal investigation and criticism from Russian officials. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, accused Ukraine of using the attack to distract from its military setbacks. The U.S. has condemned Kirillov’s alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. This incident is part of a series of high-profile assassinations attributed to Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized the lack of international condemnation for the assassination, accusing the West of endorsing the “war crimes” of the Kyiv regime.
Meanwhile, Turkey is amassing troops on the Syrian border, preparing for a potential invasion targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Kobani. This military buildup follows Turkey’s efforts to prevent the formation of a contiguous Kurdish region along its southern border. The situation is complicated by the presence of U.S. forces in the area, monitoring tensions between Turkish-backed and U.S.-backed groups. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for de-escalation and dialogue between Turkey and the SDF, emphasizing the need for a political solution to the Syrian conflict.
Simultaneously, the U.S. has conducted airstrikes in Syria and Yemen without Congressional authorization, targeting Houthi and ISIS positions. These actions reflect continued military engagement in the region, despite previous statements from the Biden administration about the ineffectiveness of such strikes. The lack of Congressional approval raises questions about the legal basis for these operations. CENTCOM has stated that the strikes in Yemen were in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which they claim threatens international maritime security.
Finally, the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) has gained prominence as part of the rebel coalition in Syria. With roots in Afghanistan and Pakistan, TIP has long sought independence for East Turkistan from Chinese control. Their recent activities in Syria and ambitions to challenge China highlight the complex dynamics of regional insurgencies and the potential for broader geopolitical implications. As TIP gains visibility, its future actions and the international response remain uncertain. China has condemned TIP as a terrorist organization and is seeking international cooperation to curb their influence.
Economy
Financial markets are cautious as Arif Husain of T. Rowe Price has warned that the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield could rise to 6%, influenced by fiscal policies and increased Treasury issuance. Such an increase could impact mortgage rates and potentially lead to a stock market decline. Husain’s predictions highlight concerns over the U.S. deficit and rising interest expenses. Some analysts suggest that the Federal Reserve might intervene to prevent such a drastic rise in yields, potentially adjusting its monetary policy to counteract the effects.
Health & US Politics
President-elect Donald Trump held his first post-election press conference, discussing issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and vaccine policies. Trump announced plans to reevaluate childhood vaccines with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and expressed skepticism about U.S. military support for Ukraine. He suggested that achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine would be more challenging than resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict, and criticized the authorization of U.S.-made missiles for Ukraine. Trump’s comments on vaccine safety have reignited debates over vaccine mandates and the potential for vaccine hesitancy, with critics arguing that revisiting vaccine safety could undermine public health efforts.
Meanwhile, the extension of liability protections for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers and providers until 2029 has sparked debate. Proponents argue these protections are essential for innovation, while critics claim they limit accountability for vaccine-related injuries. The extension, signed by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, continues a policy from the Trump administration and has led to calls for reform of the PREP Act, which provides liability immunity during public health emergencies. Dr. Anthony Fauci defended the extension, emphasizing the need for rapid vaccine development and distribution during emergencies.
Drone News
Despite widespread reports of drones over military bases, the government has struggled to track or intercept these drones , which exhibit advanced capabilities and operate in class G airspace, complicating legal responses. This situation underscores the need for updated airspace security policies. Government agencies are reportedly cautious about taking aggressive actions against these drones due to legal constraints and potential risks of collateral damage.
Sources
Ukraine Claims Responsibility for Killing Russian Nuclear Protection Chief in Moscow Bombing
A senior Russian general in charge of nuclear protection forces in Moscow has been killed by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter, Russia’s investigative committee said.
Source | Submitted by permiegirl
Arif Husain Warns: 10-Year Treasury Yield Could Surge to 6%, Sparking Market Turmoil
I think we’ll see 5 before 6, that’s for sure.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Trump’s First Post-Election Press Conference: Russia-Ukraine Peace, Vaccine Reevaluation, and More
Trump said he thought that establishing peace between Russia and Ukraine would be a harder task than peace between Israel and Hamas.
Source | Submitted by Walberga
COVID-19 Vaccine Liability Shield Extended to 2029: A Controversial Move Amid Calls for Reform
COVID-19 Vaccine Makers and Providers Granted Immunity Through 2029
Source | Submitted by Walberga
Turkey Poised for ‘Imminent’ Invasion of Northern Syria, Masses Troops on Border
“A Turkish cross-border operation could be imminent.”
Government Denies Loose Nuke Rumors Amid Mysterious Drone Sightings Over U.S. Airspace
“The government is holding back that secret from the direct resources within the government that are responsible for finding these systems, mhm, or they’re not working the issue because there isn’t an issue there to work.”
US Strikes in Syria and Yemen: No Congressional Approval, No End in Sight
Congress has not authorized war, and yet the United States on Monday bombed two countries: Yemen and Syria.
TIP Emerges from Shadows: From Syria’s Battlefields to China’s Doorstep
TIP is no longer in the shadows.
Source | Submitted by Kathy
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Maria Zakharova on Telegram, The Financial Times, The Hill, NIAID on X, Russian Embassy in the US on X, The Jogan Experience, CENTCOM on X, and Reuters.
