News

As Europe struggles politically and economically at home, it continues to reach out to nations around the globe to build stronger trade relationships. Some of these relationships may take years to pay off, but they have great potential. Just such a deal has now been struck between the EU and South American nations of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and—most recently—Bolivia (AP, December 6, 2024).

Arson and other attacks are on the rise across Europe and have been for years in the Netherlands. Recently, a major blast and fire occurred in The Hague, in an apartment building that is believed to have housed mainly elderly residents and families (Deutsche Welle, December 7, 2024). The explosion and fire destroyed five houses, and local authorities continue to search for the cause.

Syria’s Bashar al-Assad recently resigned as the nation’s leader and fled the country, ending the brutal 54-year family reign. Opposition forces brought the country’s 13-year civil war to an end by finally capturing major strongholds and Damascus itself. Al-Assad’s governmental collapse appears to coincide with declining support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. In his absence, rival factions now seek power in the country. This division among would-be leaders may prevent future stability in Syria.