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📰 Myanmar ceasefire agreed

📰 Myanmar ceasefire agreed

and S. Korea arrests president

Ross Crabtree & Billy Robinson
January 26, 2025

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Hello and welcome back.

This week, violence has intensified in conflict zones across Palestine’s West Bank, Colombia, and Haiti, while Myanmar’s civil war enters a temporary truce brokered by China.

In Washington, headlines were dominated by Donald Trump’s second inauguration as president. His administration has already withdrawn U.S. support for the WHO, suspended all foreign aid for three months, and re-designated the Houthi movement a terrorist group.

This, and more below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇸 Donald Trump inaugurated as president: Donald Trump was sworn in for a second presidential term in Washington, DC, emphasizing a bold agenda in his inaugural speech. Declaring an end to "America’s decline," Trump vowed to restore trust, sovereignty, and economic strength, unveiling executive actions aimed at reshaping domestic and international policies. Key moves included plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing its alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the announcement of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, to address trade imbalances and border security concerns. Foreign policy agenda also took center stage, with remarks on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, the Abraham Accords, and a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict. Notably, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, reflecting his vision of prioritizing U.S. interests.

2️⃣ 🇨🇴 Colombian president declares war on ELN rebels: Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency on Monday due to escalating violence between armed groups near the Venezuelan border. Recent clashes between the ELN guerrilla group and FARC dissidents have left dozens dead and displaced thousands, despite Petro’s earlier attempts at peace negotiations. The declaration grants the president emergency powers for up to 90 days to address the crisis, though specific measures remain unclear. Petro also announced an economic emergency, emphasizing development over military solutions to tackle violence in neglected regions. Meanwhile, his government faces internal reshuffling, with key cabinet resignations and new appointments reflecting significant political shifts. Petro, once hopeful for “total peace,” now confronts the harsh realities of entrenched armed conflicts, with the ELN increasingly seen as transitioning into narco-militant operations.

3️⃣ 🇨🇳 🇲🇲 China brokers Myanmar ceasefire: Myanmar’s military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) rebel group have signed a ceasefire, mediated by China. This marks their second truce in just over a year, following the collapse of a January 2023 pact. China, Myanmar’s key ally, has strategic and economic interests in the region and is concerned about instability near its border. Beijing urged all parties to uphold the agreement, reduce tensions, and pursue dialogue, offering its support for peace talks in northern Myanmar. The MNDAA, composed of the Kokang ethnic Chinese minority, had unilaterally called for a ceasefire under Chinese mediation after its October 2023 offensive weakened Myanmar’s military, which has faced civil unrest since its 2021 coup. The ceasefire’s long-term success remains uncertain.

4️⃣ 🇵🇸 🇮🇱 Israel continues deadly Jenin raids as it ramps up West Bank operations: Israeli forces have intensified their deadly raid in Jenin, displacing approximately 2,000 families and destroying vital infrastructure. Military bulldozers targeted key streets following ground and air assaults that killed at least 10 people across the governorate the previous day. Kamal Abu al-Rub, governor of Jenin, described the situation as “very difficult,” reporting widespread shooting, explosions, and the blockade of roads leading to the Jenin refugee camp and Government Hospital. UNRWA officials have labeled the camp “nearly uninhabitable,” with services severely disrupted. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese condemned the ongoing violence, denouncing Israel’s military actions as “death machinery.”

5️⃣ 🇰🇷 Impeached former president Yoon arrested: South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol became the nation’s first sitting president to face formal arrest after a court approved a warrant on charges linked to his failed martial law attempt. The Seoul Western District Court cited sufficient evidence and a risk of evidence tampering, allowing authorities to detain Yoon for up to 20 days. His impeachment followed a December 2024 martial law declaration, rejected by parliament after just six hours, during which Yoon allegedly ordered troops to suppress lawmakers. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to reinstate or permanently remove him from office, a decision expected within 180 days.

Major Story

🇺🇳 🇺🇸 U.N. PEACEKEEPING: U.S. INVESTMENT, CHALLENGES, AND THE PATH FORWARD

The United Nations, established in 1945 to safeguard future generations from the scourge of war, has been pivotal in advancing global peace and security. Among its most notable contributions is U.N. peacekeeping, which has been a cornerstone of international conflict response for nearly 80 years. Despite its significant achievements, U.N. peacekeeping faces challenges stemming from geopolitical dynamics, operational inefficiencies, and waning global confidence, as outlined by New Lines Institute’s Cait Dallaire.

The Role and Principles of U.N. Peacekeeping

U.N. peacekeeping assists conflict-affected nations in transitioning toward peace. Governed by the principles of consent, impartiality, and limited use of force, these missions aim to create the conditions necessary for political solutions to take root. They involve both military and civilian personnel from 121 countries, with operations focusing on protecting civilians, supporting disarmament, and fostering dialogue. However, disparities exist between troop-contributing countries (T/PCCs), which often lack resources, and major financial donors like the United States, which provide funding rather than personnel.

Studies demonstrate that U.N. peacekeeping reduces the duration of conflicts and their recurrence, fostering inclusive political solutions. Early missions were authorized under Chapter 6 of the U.N. Charter, emphasizing peaceful mediation. Over time, more robust Chapter 7 mandates have empowered peacekeeping forces to act against aggression, reflecting the changing nature of conflicts.Beyond traditional peacekeeping, these missions now encompass community-driven initiatives such as supporting women entrepreneurs, promoting human rights, and aiding marginalized groups.

Geopolitical Dynamics and the U.S. Role in Peacekeeping

U.N. peacekeeping is not without flaws. Success hinges on political will, which often wanes over protracted conflicts. Missions sometimes become tools for maintaining fragile regimes rather than fostering impartial peace. Additionally, disinformation campaigns, particularly in Africa, undermine U.N. credibility, while geopolitical rivalries influence Security Council decisions, leading to mandates misaligned with ground realities.

The United States, as the largest financial contributor, invests significantly in peacekeeping, recognizing its cost-effectiveness compared to unilateral military interventions. Through initiatives like the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the U.S. enhances T/PCC capabilities while reinforcing its own security interests. However, individuals within the Trump orbit have suggested that the future of U.S. funding for peacekeeping operations—and the United Nations more broadly—is uncertain.

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Other News

1️⃣ 🇵🇦 🇺🇸 🇺🇳 Panama issues complaint to UN over Trump threat, Rubio to visit Central America: Panama formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations on Tuesday, citing a UN Charter article prohibiting threats or use of force against a nation’s territorial integrity or political independence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on his first official trip abroad next week, visiting Central America and the Dominican Republic, including a stop in Panama. Rubio will also travel to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, according to a department spokesperson. She emphasized Rubio’s focus on strengthening regional ties, particularly in addressing illegal migration.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 🇺🇳 Trump rescinds U.S. support for WHO, suspends all foreign aid for three months: On his first day back in office, Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) within 12 months and suspend foreign aid for 90 days. The decision, citing alleged political bias and disproportionate financial demands on the U.S., threatens global health efforts, including responses to infectious diseases like Ebola and polio. As the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing 18% of its budget, the U.S. exit would leave critical programs in poorer nations and conflict zones in jeopardy. While Trump argued that the U.S. had been exploited, global health leaders, including Germany’s health minister and advocacy groups, warned the move undermines international cooperation, particularly after recent pandemics, and risks long-term consequences for both U.S. and global health security.

3️⃣ 🇭🇹 🇰🇪 Kenya deploys additional 217 police to Haiti task force: Kenya has sent an additional 217 police officers to Haiti as part of a multinational effort to combat gang violence, bringing its total deployment to over 600. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen praised the mission’s progress in curbing violence, describing Kenya’s involvement as “historic and unwavering.” President William Ruto has pledged to contribute 1,000 personnel to the U.N.-backed initiative. Gang violence has displaced over 700,000 Haitians and led to more than 5,600 deaths in 2024 alone, with thousands injured or kidnapped, according to U.N. reports.