Welcome to our “Defense Briefing” show, I’m your host: Liang Jun. Today, we have some hot topics to discuss! First up, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t hold back when he called Russian President Vladimir Putin a ‘dumbass’ for his insensitive comments about missile tests and the ongoing war. Zelensky’s remarks come as Putin trivializes the conflict, showcasing the stark contrast in their perspectives.
Next, Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith is sounding the alarm about potential gas price hikes in the U.S. if President-elect Donald Trump goes ahead with a proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods. With Canada supplying a whopping 60% of U.S. crude oil imports, Smith emphasizes the critical role Canada plays in the energy sector and calls for stronger negotiations with the U.S.
Lastly, Portland has a new mayor, Keith Wilson, who is determined to end homelessness in the city within a year! This businessman aims to increase emergency shelters and has a revamped City Council to support his mission. With a fresh approach and new leadership, let’s see how Wilson tackles this pressing issue. Please stay tuned for more detailed coverage!
CNN reported on a fiery exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Putin’s year-end press conference. Putin provocatively suggested a “technological duel” involving a missile strike on Kyiv to test Western air defenses, callously dismissing the ongoing suffering in Ukraine as “interesting.” Zelensky’s sharp retort on social media, labeling Putin a “dumbass,” highlighted the stark contrast between their perspectives on the war, with Zelensky emphasizing the human cost while Putin appeared to trivialize the conflict. The press conference served as a platform for Putin to assert his control over Russia and discuss potential future talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, despite acknowledging recent military setbacks.
Associated Press highlighted Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s warning that Americans could face significantly higher gas prices if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Smith explained that Alberta is a crucial supplier of oil to the U.S., providing approximately 25% of American energy needs. With the U.S. consuming around 20 million barrels of oil daily, Smith argued that American refineries would have no choice but to raise gasoline prices by a quarter if tariffs were enacted. She pointed out the importance of Canadian oil over alternatives from countries like Venezuela or Iran, underscoring Canada’s role as a reliable ally. The potential tariff threat adds to the uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Canada relations, especially with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau facing internal pressures.
Yahoo US reported that the Nebraska Cornhuskers have made a notable addition to their football team by securing a commitment from wide receiver Nyziah Hunter, who previously played for the California Golden Bears. Hunter, a promising redshirt freshman, had an impressive season with 40 receptions for 578 yards and five touchdowns, making him a sought-after player in the transfer portal. As a near-consensus four-star prospect out of high school, his decision to join Nebraska is seen as a significant boost for the team, particularly in light of recent departures from their wide receiver roster. With Hunter’s combination of size and speed, he is expected to make a substantial impact in Nebraska’s offensive strategy alongside quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Al Jazeera reports that the Pentagon has significantly revised its estimate of U.S. troops in Syria, now stating that approximately 2,000 soldiers are deployed there, doubling the previous figure of 900. This revelation comes amidst ongoing conflicts in Syria, particularly following the recent ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder indicated that 900 of these troops are on long-term deployment, while the remaining 1,100 are considered temporary rotational forces. Despite the increase in troop numbers, Ryder assured that there are no plans to change the U.S. military’s mission in Syria, which continues to focus on combating ISIS, a group that remains a significant threat in the region. As tensions rise between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, the future role of U.S. troops in Syria remains uncertain.
Associated Press highlights concerns about a potential government shutdown that could jeopardize military paychecks over the holiday season. Pentagon officials warned that without a funding agreement, troops would still be required to report for duty, but would not receive their end-of-month pay. The impasse in Congress, exacerbated by political maneuvering from figures like President-elect Donald Trump, has left military personnel in a precarious position. Past shutdowns have shown that not all military members are guaranteed pay, as seen in 2019 when Coast Guard members went without pay for over a month. The Pentagon emphasized that a lapse in funding would cause serious disruptions within the Defense Department and urged congressional leaders to reach a resolution.
Associated Press also covers the inauguration of Portland’s new mayor, Keith Wilson, who has vowed to tackle the city’s homelessness crisis head-on. Wilson, a businessman with no prior political experience, was elected in a city grappling with rising homelessness and public drug use. He aims to eliminate unsheltered homelessness within a year by increasing emergency shelter capacity across the city. The election marked a significant shift in Portland’s governance, with a newly expanded City Council now comprising 12 members instead of five, necessitating extensive renovations to the City Hall. The mayoral race was highly competitive, reflecting residents’ urgent concerns about homelessness. Wilson’s election under the new ranked-choice voting system, where he received 34% of first-choice votes, signals a desire for change among Portland voters as the city prepares to confront its pressing social issues.
Al Jazeera reports that Pakistan has publicly condemned the recent US sanctions targeting its ballistic missile program, labeling them as discriminatory and detrimental to regional peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns that these sanctions threaten strategic stability not just in South Asia but beyond. Pakistan’s officials questioned the US’s claims regarding the involvement of certain businesses in weapons proliferation, arguing that past sanctions were based on unfounded suspicions rather than concrete evidence. The sanctions specifically freeze US assets of the targeted entities, including the National Development Complex, which is linked to Pakistan’s long-range missile development. In light of these developments, the US has raised alarms about Pakistan’s advancing missile capabilities, suggesting they could pose a threat to US security interests.
Yahoo US highlights the turmoil high school football players face due to the NCAA’s transfer portal, which has significantly impacted their recruitment prospects. As college programs increasingly prioritize experienced players from the transfer portal, many talented high school seniors find themselves without offers, a stark contrast to previous years when they would have already secured commitments from FBS programs. Players like Josh Perry and Dane Thompkins express their frustrations and determination to remain hopeful despite the challenges. Perry, who had a standout season, is left with limited options, while Thompkins, despite lacking FBS offers, maintains a positive outlook and focuses on working hard to achieve his dreams. The article emphasizes that these young athletes must adapt to a new reality where starting at a lower level may be necessary before they can ascend to their desired positions.
CNN discusses Elon Musk’s growing influence in the political arena, particularly during a recent Army-Navy football game where he was seen alongside key Republican figures. Following the event, Musk leveraged his social media platform to oppose a bipartisan spending bill that aimed to prevent a government shutdown, ultimately leading to its demise. His extensive online campaign against the bill, filled with misinformation and outrage, showcased his ability to sway public opinion and political outcomes without holding an official position. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have begun to label him as a “shadow president,” questioning the implications of his newfound power. Some Republicans even suggested Musk could be considered for the Speaker of the House position, a notion that underscores his significant, albeit unofficial, role in shaping legislative discussions. The article suggests that Musk’s involvement in politics could set a precedent for future interactions between business leaders and government, raising both excitement and concern within political circles.
Deutsche Welle: In a lengthy televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed several pressing issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the assassination of General Igor Kirillov, and the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria. Putin expressed a willingness to compromise for a lasting peace in Ukraine but criticized Kyiv for not reciprocating, asserting that Russia’s military is making steady advances in Donetsk. He acknowledged that the initial invasion plan was poorly executed, admitting a lack of preparation. While he dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as no longer a legitimate leader, he expressed openness to meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump. On the military front, Putin boasted about Russia’s new hypersonic missile capabilities, challenging Western air defenses. Concerning the assassination of General Kirillov, he recognized failures in Russian intelligence, emphasizing the need for improvement. In contrast, he downplayed the significance of Assad’s regime collapse, insisting that Russia achieved its primary goal of preventing terrorism in Syria. Lastly, Putin maintained that Russia’s economy is stable despite rising inflation, hoping that macroeconomic indicators will improve.
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