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📰 North Korea vows nukes

📰 North Korea vows nukes

and hostage deal at risk

Ross Crabtree & Billy Robinson
February 14, 2025

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Gaza remains at the forefront as the ceasefire teeters on the brink, while Trump seeks Gulf funding for Gaza’s post-war reconstruction—despite continued Arab resistance to his mass displacement plan.

Elsewhere, militants kill dozens in a deadly attack on a Malian gold mine, North Korea pledges to expand its nuclear programme, and Germany’s AfD gains momentum among the working class ahead of the upcoming election.

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇸🇸 🇸🇴 🇩🇰 Transparency International produces annual Corruption Perceptions report, South Sudan replaces Somalia at the bottom: Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index reveals the worst rankings in over a decade for dozens of countries, underscoring persistent global corruption. The 2024 index shows that 47 of 180 surveyed nations hit record lows, with the global average stagnating at 43. Denmark remains the least corrupt with 90 points, while South Sudan ranks last with eight. The U.S. dropped four points to 65 amid concerns over judicial ethics, while Mexico, France, Germany, and Russia also declined. The report warns corruption threatens climate action by enabling fund misuse and blocking ambitious policies. Despite setbacks, Ukraine showed judicial progress, and Syria’s political shifts could create anti-corruption openings. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the lowest-scoring region, while Asia-Pacific governments continue failing on reform promises.

2️⃣ 🇸🇾 🇺🇸 U.S. withdrawal from Syria’s northeast threatens an Islamic State resurgence, say Kurdish authorities: Kurdish officials warn that U.S. aid cuts could fuel an Islamic State resurgence by crippling essential services in north-east Syria’s detention camps. Blumont, the U.S.-funded NGO managing al-Hol and al-Roj camps, was initially ordered to halt operations but received a temporary waiver, now nearing expiration. With tens of thousands of detainees—including IS-affiliated families—facing worsening conditions, camp officials fear chaos, radicalization, and potential IS attacks. The Trump administration’s global aid freeze has added uncertainty, while U.S. military withdrawal discussions raise concerns over security vulnerabilities in prisons holding thousands of IS fighters. Human rights groups have condemned the aid cuts, warning they exacerbate already dire humanitarian conditions and could destabilize the region, leaving Kurdish forces overstretched and increasing the risk of IS regrouping.

3️⃣ 🇰🇵 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇺🇸 North Korea vows to boost nuclear programme: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned the military cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea, accusing it of destabilising the region and vowing countermeasures, including strengthening nuclear capabilities. During a visit to the Defence Ministry on Saturday, Kim stated that North Korea seeks to avoid unnecessary tensions but will take continuous action to maintain regional military balance. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing nuclear forces and expressed unwavering support for Russia in its war with Ukraine, citing a strategic partnership between the two nations. Meanwhile, North Korea’s state media warned that heightened U.S.-South Korea military drills would lead to severe consequences, criticising their timing amid diplomatic uncertainties.

4️⃣ 🇪🇺 🇧🇪 Von der Leyen to meet with CEOs of EU’s biggest companies in Antwerp: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will unveil her strategy to revive the EU’s struggling economy before more than 300 industry leaders in Antwerp on 26 February. The event follows the release of her Clean Industrial Deal, aimed at ensuring European industries remain competitive against the U.S. and China. With business leaders frustrated by regulatory burdens and soaring energy costs, von der Leyen hopes to reassure them that Brussels is prioritizing competitiveness. Organized by Cefic, the gathering will feature a keynote speech and a CEO roundtable, bringing together signatories of the Antwerp Declaration—a cross-sector demand for pro-business policies.

5️⃣ 🇩🇪 AfD gains momentum amongst German working class: Volkswagen’s once-promising electric vehicle plant in Zwickau has become a focal point of economic uncertainty and political upheaval. Facing job cuts and declining production, workers are increasingly disillusioned, providing an opening for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and its affiliated labor movement, Zentrum. Zentrum capitalizes on frustrations over government-backed green policies, arguing that the shift to electric vehicles has harmed German industry. Meanwhile, mainstream unions and the ruling Social Democrats struggle to maintain support, as workers feel abandoned amid economic contraction and layoffs. With the AfD gaining traction among laborers and positioning itself as a champion of traditional industry, the upcoming election could mark a significant shift in Germany’s political and economic landscape, particularly in the East, where dissatisfaction with the status quo runs deep.

Major Story

🇵🇸 🇮🇱 🇺🇳 GAZA’S CEASEFIRE ON THE PRECIPICE

Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the current truce with Israel despite escalating tensions, as mediators worked to prevent its collapse. Uncertainty loomed after Hamas threatened to halt planned hostage releases, citing Israeli violations. Israel warned that any failure to comply would lead to a renewed military offensive. Independent observers have noted multiple Israeli violations. Mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have pressed Israel to adhere to the agreement and uphold humanitarian commitments.

Hostage Releases and Humanitarian Concerns

The ceasefire, now in its initial phase, has seen hostages freed in small groups in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, both sides accuse each other of breaching the deal, fueling fears of renewed violence. Hamas' negotiator met Egyptian officials in Cairo, while Israel reportedly agreed to a humanitarian protocol to facilitate aid deliveries.

Public and International Reactions

Israeli families of hostages staged protests, demanding compliance with the truce. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Hamas to proceed with releases, warning against a resumption of hostilities. The International Committee of the Red Cross emphasized that "hundreds of thousands of lives depend on it."

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Other News

1️⃣ 🇺🇸 🇵🇸 🇸🇦 🇦🇪 🇶🇦 Trump looks to Gulf states for Gaza’s ‘day-after’ rebuild: During a press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to taking control of Gaza, stating that while the U.S. would claim ownership, reconstruction could be outsourced to Middle Eastern states. "We’re committed to owning it, taking it, and ensuring Hamas doesn’t return," he said. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed that Trump is set to meet with key Arab leaders, including Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah, to discuss the region’s future. Jordan’s king is expected to warn Trump that such plans would destabilize the Middle East and threaten Jordan’s peace with Israel. The White House has yet to respond to requests for clarification.

2️⃣ 🇲🇱 Dozens of civilians killed in Mali after militants attack gold mine: At least 25 gold miners were killed and 13 others injured when their convoy was ambushed near Gao in northeastern Mali, the army reported on Saturday. The attack, which occurred on Friday, targeted vehicles transporting miners under military escort to the N'Tahaka gold mine. Malian forces responded swiftly, killing at least 19 assailants. Although the attackers were not identified, both ISIS and al-Qaeda-linked groups have previously operated in the region. Violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement in recent years. The military has pledged to continue security operations, including civilian escorts along key routes, aiming to dismantle terrorist networks and disrupt their financing through ransom payments.