Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned to Canada Saturday without securing assurances that President-elect Donald Trump would abandon plans to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products, following their hastily arranged dinner at Mar-a-Lago.
While both leaders described their three-hour Florida meeting as productive, Trump showed no signs of retreating from his pledge to tax imports from Canada, which he has controversially grouped with Mexico over border security concerns. The meeting came after Trudeau reached out to Trump following Monday’s tariff announcement.
“We shared a productive wide-ranging discussion” focused on “collaboration and strengthening our relationship,” Trudeau’s office said. Trump, posting on Truth Social, said they discussed “many important topics,” including fentanyl, immigration, and trade deficits, claiming Trudeau committed to addressing drug trafficking concerns.
The stakes are particularly high for Canada, which sends 77% of its exports to the United States. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) in goods and services cross the border daily, with Canada serving as the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.
Critical trade links include 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of electricity imports coming from Canada, which is also America’s largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium. The Pentagon relies on Canada for 34 critical minerals essential to national security.
“Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” Trudeau said before the meeting.
The threatened tariffs could undermine the North American trade agreement negotiated during Trump’s first term. When Trump previously imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018, Canada responded with billions in retaliatory duties.
“Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
After successfully seizing control of Aleppo, Syrian insurgents have rapidly advanced into nearby Hama province, expanding their surprise offensive with little resistance from Syrian government forces. Led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the insurgents captured Aleppo’s international airport and several key districts of the city on Saturday. The offensive then spread to northern Hama, where they claimed to have entered the provincial capital by the evening.
The unexpected surge of insurgent forces has thrown the Syrian government into disarray, raising serious questions about the readiness of President Bashar al-Assad’s military. Activists and fighters on the ground reported that government troops had withdrawn in the face of the insurgent advance, allowing the rebels to take large swathes of territory with minimal opposition.
Insurgents Capture Aleppo, Head Toward Hama
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that insurgents, who launched their offensive on Wednesday, had made significant gains. By Saturday, they had secured key positions in Aleppo, including the city’s international airport, marking the first time an international airport in Syria had fallen into insurgent hands. The insurgents shared images from the airport and raised their flags over the iconic Aleppo citadel, signaling their growing control over the city.
With Aleppo under their control, the insurgents pushed east into northern Hama, a province they had been expelled from by government forces in 2016. By Saturday evening, they claimed to have entered the provincial capital, Hama, and seized several towns and villages along the way. This rapid advance has raised alarms that the insurgents may continue their offensive further south, potentially threatening the capital, Damascus.
Assad Vows to Defend Syria’s Territorial Integrity
In his first comments since the insurgent offensive began, President Bashar al-Assad vowed to “defend Syria’s stability and territorial integrity” and reiterated that his forces were prepared to defeat the insurgents despite their swift advances. Speaking via state media, Assad stated that Syria would continue to combat “terrorists” and their supporters, no matter how intensifying their attacks may be. He also expressed confidence that the Syrian army would ultimately regain control over the areas taken by insurgent forces.
The insurgent offensive, which has caught Assad’s forces off guard, comes at a time when Syria’s allies, including Iranian-backed Hezbollah, are distracted by ongoing conflicts elsewhere. Hezbollah, which has supported Assad’s government since 2015, has been engaged in a war with Israel, complicating the situation on the ground in Syria. The overlapping regional conflicts have further stretched the resources of Assad’s supporters.
Strategic Loss for Assad as Insurgents Gain Ground
The capture of Aleppo represents a significant blow to Assad’s regime. The city, which had been a stronghold of opposition forces during the earlier years of the Syrian civil war, was retaken by Assad’s forces in 2016 following a prolonged siege backed by Russian and Iranian military support. The recapture of Aleppo was seen as a turning point in the war, but now, the insurgent offensive threatens to unravel years of military gains.
This latest offensive is raising fears that Syria could be drawn back into full-scale conflict after a period of relative stalemate. The insurgents, including fighters backed by Turkey, had staged a two-pronged attack earlier this week, first targeting Aleppo and the Idlib countryside, before expanding into Hama.
On Saturday, Syrian state media acknowledged that insurgents had entered parts of Aleppo but insisted that they had not established permanent bases or checkpoints. The Syrian government vowed to mount a counteroffensive in the coming days to reclaim lost territory, though the absence of significant resistance from Syrian forces has raised questions about the regime’s ability to respond effectively.
Increased Tensions and Escalating Violence
The insurgent advance has led to heightened tensions in the city. Residents of Aleppo reported hearing gunfire and explosions, though most stayed indoors. Social media footage showed insurgents in the streets of Aleppo, raising their flags at major landmarks and filming their interactions with residents. The insurgents reassured locals that they would not cause harm, but many citizens fled the city to escape the violence.
The humanitarian situation in Aleppo has rapidly deteriorated, with the city’s hospitals reportedly overwhelmed by casualties. Both public and private hospitals were struggling to manage the influx of wounded civilians and fighters. At least 20 insurgent fighters were killed in airstrikes by Syrian government forces targeting reinforcements on the outskirts of the city.
Turkey’s Role in the Offensive
Turkey, a key backer of Syrian opposition forces, has expressed frustration over recent government attacks on opposition-held areas, which Ankara claims violate a de-escalation agreement negotiated by Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Turkish officials indicated that the insurgents had launched their offensive in part to halt Syrian government strikes on civilian areas and to allow displaced people to return home. The offensive has expanded, however, as Syrian government forces began retreating from their positions.
A War on Multiple Fronts
The insurgent takeover of Aleppo and their subsequent advance into Hama has created a new dynamic in the ongoing Syrian conflict, which has already drawn in numerous regional and international players. Syrian government forces are stretched thin, with support from Russia and Iran, and now, with Hezbollah’s focus on its conflict with Israel, Assad faces the prospect of an emboldened opposition threatening his control of the country.
As the conflict intensifies, the insurgents’ ability to hold their newly gained territory remains uncertain. However, their rapid success has proven that the balance of power in Syria is far from settled, and Assad’s government may be on the brink of losing its grip on key areas of the country once again.
Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Las Palmas at the Camp Nou on Saturday, marking the first home defeat of the season for the La Liga leaders. Despite the setback, the Catalan club remains atop the Spanish league with 34 points from 15 games, though their lead over second-placed Real Madrid has now been trimmed to four points. Real Madrid, with two fewer matches played, can overtake Barcelona if they win their upcoming fixtures.
Under new head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona had been enjoying a strong start to the season, with impressive victories over rivals Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in domestic and European competitions, respectively. The team had won all eight of their home games before the loss to Las Palmas, but the defeat extends their winless run in La Liga to three matches. Prior to this, Barcelona had fallen 1-0 to Real Sociedad and played out a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo.
Las Palmas, currently in mid-table, took the lead in the 49th minute through a well-executed counterattack. Sandro Ramírez, a former Barcelona youth player, finished off a sweeping move that started from Las Palmas’ own penalty box. The goal came after Barcelona had been caught high up the pitch, allowing Las Palmas to capitalize on the space.
Barcelona responded in the 61st minute, with Raphinha leveling the score at 1-1. The Brazilian forward took a quick pass from Pedri just outside the box, maneuvered around a defender, and fired a shot between two Las Palmas players to beat goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. Raphinha’s goal was his ninth in La Liga this season, keeping him second behind teammate Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 15 goals.
Despite Raphinha’s best efforts, Las Palmas regained the lead in the 67th minute. Fábio Silva pounced on a pass from Javi Muñoz and fired a shot past Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, sending the ball into the corner of the net. The goal left Barcelona struggling to find an equalizer, and despite late pressure, they were unable to break down Las Palmas’ defense.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who had been sidelined for three weeks with an ankle injury, returned as a second-half substitute but was unable to make a decisive impact. Cillessen made a crucial save late in the match, denying Raphinha’s free kick and preserving Las Palmas’ lead.
With the defeat, Barcelona now faces increased pressure as they look to regain their form. While the team remains in first place, the loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the league, especially with Real Madrid breathing down their necks.
A tragic road accident late Friday night in southwestern Uganda claimed the lives of ten Congolese nationals, including five children, and left 31 others injured. The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. in Kamuserwa Cell, Nyakibaale Ward, Rubanda District, when a Hiace minibus, registered UBK 037G, veered off the road and overturned.
The vehicle was traveling from Kisoro District to the Rwamwanja refugee camp in Kamwenge District, carrying more than 40 passengers, far exceeding its capacity. According to Kigezi Police spokesperson Elly Maate, the accident was caused by the driver’s inability to navigate a sharp bend in the road, leading to the vehicle’s loss of control and subsequent rollover.
“Ten people have been confirmed dead, including five children,” Maate said. “Investigations are underway to establish the precise cause of the accident.”
The victims, who were mainly refugees, were taken to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, where hospital director Philbert John Nyeko provided updates on the condition of the injured. “We have 34 casualties admitted, including one person undergoing surgery in the theatre. A two-month-old baby, whose mother is presumed dead, is among the critically injured,” Nyeko said.
The hospital confirmed that ten bodies were being held in the mortuary, eight of whom died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival.
Nyeko also highlighted the strain placed on the hospital’s resources due to the high number of casualties. “Our usual capacity is about 50 patients a day, but the number of injured in this accident has overwhelmed our emergency services,” he said. “We are coordinating with nearby medical facilities for additional support and mobilizing resources to care for the victims, many of whom have no relatives present.”
The accident underscores the dangers of overcrowded vehicles on Uganda’s roads, with authorities urging caution and stricter enforcement of vehicle safety regulations. As investigations continue, the bodies of the deceased remain at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital’s mortuary.
Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been unanimously reappointed for a second four-year term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global trade body confirmed on Friday. Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to head the WTO, will continue in her role from March 2025, overseeing the organization’s efforts to address global trade challenges and promote multilateral cooperation.
Sources within the WTO indicated that Okonjo-Iweala’s early reappointment, which comes well ahead of the end of her current term in 2025, may be seen as a strategic move to avoid potential political complications, particularly with the incoming U.S. administration. Some trade observers speculated that her reappointment was intended to preempt any attempt by the incoming U.S. President, Donald Trump, to block her leadership, a move that had occurred during Trump’s first term. However, the WTO has dismissed these claims, stating that the decision was purely based on Okonjo-Iweala’s performance and leadership.
In 2020, Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment was delayed by opposition from the Trump administration, which initially opposed her candidacy. However, she finally secured U.S. backing after President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. The United States, historically a key player in the WTO, had long been critical of the organization, with Trump himself expressing dissatisfaction with the WTO’s role in mediating global trade disputes.
Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment also comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in global trade relations. Trump, who is set to return to office in January 2025, has previously threatened to impose high tariffs on goods from key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. Such measures could strain trade relations further, particularly if they violate existing U.S. trade commitments and lead to heightened tensions with both allies and adversaries.
Despite these challenges, Okonjo-Iweala expressed confidence in the WTO’s ability to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics. “We look forward to working with the new U.S. administration, and we are committed to taking a constructive and creative approach to resolving the world’s trade issues,” she said in a statement. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized her commitment to achieving results that improve the global economy and ultimately benefit people around the world, particularly through efforts to address inequality and promote sustainable growth.
During her first term as Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala played a central role in navigating the WTO through the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in facilitating discussions on trade reforms. Her leadership has been widely praised for prioritizing multilateralism and strengthening the organization’s role in addressing global challenges.
Three aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday in the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency. The agency identified the victims as Palestinian employees of the U.S.-based humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), though the charity did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The incident occurred in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis.
The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, but it asserted that the target was a vehicle carrying a “terrorist” involved in the October 7 attacks, carried out by Hamas, which left more than 1,200 people dead in Israel. In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that the person in the vehicle had participated in the “murderous” Hamas assault. However, the IDF added that it was investigating the claim that the person was also employed by World Central Kitchen.
The Civil Defence Agency’s spokesperson, Mahmud Bassal, confirmed that the bodies of at least five people, including the three WCK workers, had been transported to a local hospital. He described the vehicle they were traveling in as a clearly marked WCK jeep. “All three men worked for World Central Kitchen and were killed while driving in the marked WCK vehicle,” Bassal said.
Israel’s military maintained that the airstrike targeted a civilian vehicle that was not coordinated for aid transport. The Israeli Army insisted that it had struck a vehicle not bearing any humanitarian markings and that the vehicle’s movement was unrelated to aid efforts.
The attack marks the latest in a series of incidents involving the targeting of aid workers. In April 2024, another Israeli airstrike killed seven WCK staff members, including personnel from the United States, the UK, Poland, and Palestine. The IDF initially claimed the strike had targeted a Hamas gunman but later acknowledged “grave mistakes” and violations of its own rules of engagement.
As of November 2024, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has led to significant casualties, with over 44,000 people killed, the majority of them civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable. In response to the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, Israel launched extensive military operations in Gaza, leading to widespread devastation.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has confirmed the identity of the individual it said was a militant employed by World Central Kitchen, reiterating its request for clarification from both the international community and WCK officials about how such a situation occurred.
The deadly conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides, has sparked widespread international debate, with humanitarian groups raising concerns over the safety of aid workers in the region.
Armed men in two speedboats seized women and children from a deflating rubber dinghy carrying 112 migrants off Libya’s coast Thursday, leaving dozens of men and boys to jump into the sea, Doctors Without Borders reported Friday.
The humanitarian group’s vessel Geo Barents rescued 83 men and unaccompanied minors, including 70 pulled from the water, after arriving at the scene in international waters. The speedboats, claiming to represent the Libyan Coast Guard, had initially promised to transfer 24 women and four children back to the rescue ship after the men were saved, but instead fled with them aboard.
“Many people were on an overcrowded rubber dinghy that was deflating, and they were threatened by armed men, who fired shots,” said Maria Eliana Tunno, a psychologist aboard the Geo Barents. One man jumped overboard trying to reach his wife and two children, including a four-month-old baby.
The rescued migrants, from Eritrea, Yemen, and Ethiopia, were “very tired, desperate and under shock,” Tunno reported, noting many had suffered abuse in Libya. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) called the incident “unacceptable” and urged regional authorities to help reunite the separated families.
The incident occurs amid declining migration numbers to Italy, with 62,000 arrivals by sea this year compared to over 152,000 during the same period in 2023. The United Nations reports 2,124 migrants have died attempting the Central Mediterranean crossing this year.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government has implemented policies to reduce migration, including multi-million euro agreements with Tunisia and Egypt to prevent departures and plans for migrant screening centers in Albania.
Russian forces have launched air strikes against anti-government fighters in Syria to counter a major offensive on Aleppo, Russia’s military announced Friday as jihadists and Turkish-backed forces approached Syria’s second-largest city.
“The Russian Air Force is carrying out rocket-bomb attacks on the equipment and manpower of illegal armed groups, control points, warehouses and artillery positions of terrorists,” a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry’s Reconciliation Center for Syria told state news agencies.
The military claims to have “destroyed” 200 militants in the past 24 hours, though AFP could not independently verify this figure. “The operation to repel the aggression of the extremists continues,” said Oleg Ignasyuk, deputy head of the Russian reconciliation center.
The fighting marks some of the deadliest clashes in years in Syria’s civil war. Moscow, which intervened militarily in 2015 to support President Bashar al-Assad, serves as his government’s primary military backer and helped turn the tide of the conflict in his favor.
Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Egbu, professionally known as Sinach, faces a copyright infringement lawsuit over her 2016 hit song “Way Maker,” with music producer Oluwole Michael (Maye) seeking N5 billion in damages.
The producer claims co-authorship and co-ownership rights to the song, citing his role as studio engineer in mixing, recording, and mastering the track. According to the lawsuit, Sinach released the song without Maye’s consent.
Sinach’s lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, rejected the allegations, asserting his client’s primary ownership of the song and maintaining that Maye’s contribution was limited to mixing the recording, for which he received compensation.
The High Court heard initial arguments Tuesday and scheduled defense presentations for January 29 and 30, 2025.
“Way Maker” established Sinach as the first African artist to top the Billboard Christian charts and earned Song of the Year at the 2020 Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards.
Three people were wounded Friday in a shooting at Little Rock’s Park Plaza mall during Black Friday shopping, though police emphasized it was an isolated incident rather than an active shooter situation.
Police Chief Heath Helton told reporters that officers found one wounded person at the scene, while two others later arrived at a hospital. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said two people were involved in the shooting, though police made no immediate arrests.
