South African Military “Defies Ramaphosa’s Orders” Twice in Six Months both related to Iran

Serious stuff!

Cameroon's President Biya (age 92) vies for eighth term via election

What is the definition of staying power? He has been the president since 1982.

Japan's Komeito leaves ruling coalition, dealing blow to Sanae Takaichi's LDP

Oh, what a pity! Is it already over for lady Takaichi to become the next prime minister?

Japan's Komeito leaves ruling coalition, dealing blow to Takaichi's LDP - Nikkei Asia "End to 26-year partnership sparks uncertainty over prime ministerial appointment"

Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi: Who is Japan’s likely first female prime minister?

Her idol is Margaret Thatcher! Not a bad choice! 😊

Japan’s ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi leader who is set to become first female prime minister

Good news! Enough of samurais! 😊 The rising sun over Japan!

Japan’s ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi leader who is set to become first female prime minister | Just The News "Takaichi, a veteran conservative lawmaker and former internal affairs minister, won the party leadership contest on Friday following the resignation of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida."

Sanae Takaichi

Young Yale alumna Taking the lead in Iceland to return to her alma mater

What a round trip for her!

"In December 2024, 36-year-old Kristrún Frostadóttir ’16MA became the youngest prime minister ever to lead Iceland. She went into politics just four years ago after having trained at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, now the Yale Jackson School, and working as an economist. She has been a voice for a welfare state that balances its books, and she has called for free trade in the face of US tariffs.  ..."

Taking the lead | Where They Are Now | Yale Alumni Magazine "How Kristrún Frostadóttir '16MA became Iceland's youngest-ever prime minister."

Frostadóttir MA ’16 returns to Yale Jackson as Iceland’s Prime Minister

How South Korea’s New President Could Reshape Ties with the U.S.

Recommendable!

Karol Nawrocki Wins Poland's Presidency: A Night of Twists, Tension, and Triumph

I suppose a good outcome, but tight election results. Some media refer to him as a right wing nationalist. Maybe this is a batch of honor!

South Korea's acting president thanks constitutional court for restoring his powers

What was going on there in South Korea. Hope it is not serious!

Why Spain’s Government is Under Pressure

Recommendable! What a mess! Like the running of the bulls!

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh Dies At 92, To Be Accorded State Funeral

Recommendable!

India’s former PM Manmohan Singh dies aged 92

Recommendable! R.I.P. How much did he reform India?

Abu Mohammed al-Golani may become the face of post-Assad Syria – but who is he and why does he have $10M US bounty on his head?

Recommendable! Keep in mind he was born and he lived several years in Saudi Arabia!

This man has a extraordinary opportunity to become a great and wise leader and peacemaker in the Middle East of a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country! Will he be joining Israel?
Hope and pray he will not waste this once in a lifetime opportunity!

His face reminds me a little bit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, once a comedian, now a war leader and hero!

Abu Mohammed al-Golani may become the face of post-Assad Syria – but who is he and why does he have $10M US bounty on his head?

Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) is establishing a transitional government and reconciling with former Syrian regime and Syrian Arab Army (SAA) members.

Hope and pray, the new government of Syria will be rather modest, tolerant, and peaceful!

Hopefully, the Kurds will be included.

"HTS is attempting to ensure continuity of governance to prevent widespread anarchy in Syria, which is consistent with HTS’ longstanding approach to “liberated areas.”
[i]  HTS appointed HTS-led Syrian Salvation Government Prime Minister Mohammad al Bashir to lead the transitional government on December 9.
[ii] HTS established the Salvation Government in northwestern Syria in 2017.
[iii] Bashir met with HTS leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani and former Assad Regime Prime Minister Mohammed al Jalali on December 9 to discuss the transfer of power from the Assad regime to HTS.
[iv] Jalali stated on December 8 that he and HTS agreed on “the importance of preserving government institutions and trying to return 400,000 employees to their jobs.”
[v] HTS-led Salvation Government Justice Minister Shadi al Waisi separately met with former Assad Regime Justice Minister Ahmed al Sayeh on December 9 to discuss “an efficient handover.”
[vi] HTS has rapidly rolled out its own governance apparatus in areas of Syria it has liberated from the Assad Regime in the past.
[vii] HTS likely correctly recognizes that it cannot rely upon its own much smaller and Idlib-focused government apparatus to govern all of Syria it has recently captured and will need to rely upon Syrian government institutions in the interim.

HTS announced on December 9 a general amnesty for all Syrian regime military personnel whom the regime conscripted under compulsory service.
[viii] HTS emphasized that these individuals’ lives “are safe” and that “no assault on them is permitted.”
[ix] HTS has similarly sought to integrate Syrian regime military and security personnel into civilian life in Aleppo City since it seized that city on November 30.[x] CTP-ISW previously noted that integrating former combatants into civilian life could ensure stability and security during the post-conflict transition period.

[xi]  HTS likely attempting to improve its image among the Syrian people and international community by framing itself as an organization that is devoted to building a pluralist Syrian state. ..."

Iran Update, December 9, 2024 | Critical Threats

From Jihadist to Pragmatist: The Story of Abu Mohammed al-Julani with Palki Sharma

Recommendable!

Snap Election Brings Chaos to Japan: LDP Loses Majority with Palki Sharma

Recommendable!

Who is Japan's Next Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba? with Palki Sharma

Recommendable! Ishiba could be an interesting PM! He is a former Defense Minister, which does not hurt in dangerous times.

Has Italy fixed its Political Instability thanks to Georgia Meloni?

Very recommendable! Nice brief overview of Italian politics since 1948.

Thailand picks Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra as new PM

She looks a little bit like and she sounds an awful lot like Mistress Kamala! She is the fourth family member of her billionaire father to become the prime minister. Nepotism & plutocracy come to mind.

Switzerland now requires all government software to be open source

Food for thought!

"Several European countries are betting on open-source software for their technology. In the United States, eh, not so much. In the latest news from across the Atlantic, Switzerland has taken a major step forward with its "Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfillment of Governmental Tasks" (EMBAG). This groundbreaking legislation mandates using open-source software (OSS) in the public sector. ..."

Switzerland now requires all government software to be open source | ZDNET The United States remains reluctant to work with open source, but European countries are bolder.