Following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, both the ELN and dissident FARC factions issued defiant statements condemning the action as a violation of regional sovereignty and vowing armed resistance. The ELN expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan government, calling on Latin American nations to reject U.S. aggression. The dissident FARC members echoed this call, stating their readiness to fight against the U.S. “empire.” These statements followed the capture of Nicolás Maduro, leading to heightened concerns about the potential for further U.S. military actions in the region, particularly in neighboring Colombia.
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On the anniversary of the 2023 riots, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vetoed a bill that would have reduced the prison sentence of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of plotting a coup. The former president’s supporters rioted in the capital, Brasilia, after his 2022 election loss, attempting to overthrow Lula. Lula’s decision was made in defiance of a bill passed by Congress, which could override the veto. However, analysts believe that overriding the veto would be a risky move ahead of upcoming general elections.
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Overnight attacks on Kyiv on January 8-9 resulted in at least four fatalities, including a paramedic, and 24 injuries, while also disrupting electricity and heat for hundreds of thousands of residents. Russian forces launched numerous missiles and drones, targeting critical energy and civilian infrastructure as temperatures plummeted. Damage was reported across multiple districts, affecting residential buildings, and causing disruptions to the metro system. The attacks, which damaged heat-generation and supply facilities, were aimed at destabilizing the social order.
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Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, the political landscape in Venezuela is shifting as the existing regime tightens its control. Despite initial hopes for a new government after Maduro’s capture, there has been no release of political prisoners, and the government is cracking down on any dissent. A classified intelligence assessment suggests that top members of the Maduro regime are best positioned to maintain stability. This situation has led to mixed reactions, with some Venezuelans feeling disillusioned, while others remain optimistic about the prospect of change.
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President Zelensky expressed optimism regarding the potential end of the war in Ukraine, suggesting it could conclude in the first half of 2026. This projection coincides with Cyprus’s EU presidency, during which negotiations with European partners and the United States have reached a new stage, emphasizing the EU’s central role in the process. Recent talks in Paris and the “Coalition of the Willing” summit signal progress, with a deal reportedly “90% ready,” potentially involving security guarantees including a U.S.-backed, European-led force and ceasefire monitoring. These developments suggest a concerted effort to bring the nearly four-year full-scale invasion to an end.
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Following a call from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s government shut down internet and international phone lines amidst widespread protests across the country. Demonstrations included cries in support of the shah, a potentially dangerous act highlighting public anger over the economy. Reports indicate at least 42 deaths and over 2,270 detentions related to the protests. The government has not acknowledged the scale of the protests, although they did warn that security forces would use drones to identify those taking part.
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President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has reported a significant decrease in Mexico’s murder rate since taking office in October 2024, with the daily homicide average in December 2025 falling to its lowest point since 2016. According to the National Public Security System, the national murder rate per 100,000 people for 2025 was the lowest since 2015. Despite these figures, the government faces criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who point to a high number of political assassinations and a rise in forced disappearances as evidence that the security strategy is insufficient. Security analysts note that lethal violence remains concentrated in certain states, highlighting ongoing challenges for the administration.
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France is collaborating with international partners to formulate a response plan in anticipation of potential U.S. actions regarding Greenland. This follows reports of the White House considering the purchase of Greenland, including the possibility of military intervention. As tensions rise, European nations are actively addressing President Trump’s interest in the region. The situation is being closely monitored by various international bodies.
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Macron warned of the world’s tendency toward division, emphasizing recent events that have not lessened this assessment. He criticized the United States for violating trade and security regulations, referencing concerns about Greenland’s potential vulnerabilities. While not directly mentioning Venezuela, Macron highlighted its significance to Paris. He advocated for European strategic autonomy as a response to what he termed a “new colonialism.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker