German Chancellor Merz on the U.S. economy:

The economy in the United States is not performing as well as the American government expected a year ago.

In my assessment, this also has something to do with tariff policy.

Syria's First Presidential Advisor Ahmed Zeidan to Al-Arabiya:

International consensus on the necessity of extending state control.

The SDF is exploiting the fight against terrorism as a bargaining chip.

The meeting between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi was not positive.

We support Kurdish rights, and the recent decree confirms this.

The PKK has infiltrated the SDF leadership.

PKK/YPG terror group supporters are protesting outside the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, criticizing Washington for not intervening against the Syrian Army and for withdrawing support for the group.

German Chancellor Merz on Trump:

We know that Trump often threatens tariffs, sometimes imposes them, but just as often enters into talks and negotiations that lead him to step back from them.

German Chancellor Merz on Syria:

We still have around one million Syrian refugees in Germany, many of whom are waiting to be able to return to their homeland. If the conditions are met, they will return.

We therefore have our own interest in this country coming to rest, in peace prevailing, and in enabling coexistence among the different groups of the population.

German Chancellor Merz:

My invitation to the Syrian President to come to Berlin has not been withdrawn. It still stands.

The necessary cancellation yesterday does not mean that the invitation is no longer valid.

German Chancellor Merz on Greenland:

The United States of America once had more than 30,000 soldiers stationed in Greenland. Today, there are fewer than 200.

So obviously the threat assessment of the United States itself is not as dramatic as it is currently being presented — even though the security situation could become more difficult again.

Interesting: Saudi state television says Abu Dhabi is actively inciting against Saudi Arabia, and warns the Kingdom “will not hesitate to take the necessary steps and measures” to protect its national security.

Saudi TV claims Abu Dhabi instead “went in another direction,” allegedly smuggling Yemeni fugitive Aidarous al-Zubaidi, backing protests, and inciting media attacks against Riyadh.

Saudi statement says Abu Dhabi must “stop any military or financial support for any party in Yemen.”

After three weeks, Saudi TV says the UAE is “still persistent in incitement.”

“The Kingdom will not hesitate to take the necessary steps and measures against anyone who threatens its national security.”

India and the UAE signed a Letter of Intent to launch a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework.

Leaders Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed jointly condemned "terrorism" and pledged closer security coordination.

NEW: French automaker Renault will start producing long-range attack drones in France under a military project called “Chorus.”

Production will take place at Le Mans (drone assembly) and Cléon (engines), under oversight of France’s DGA and with defense firm Turgis Gaillard.

Capacity could reach up to 600 drones per month, scaling only if ordered.

If tests succeed, the project could become a €1 billion, 10-year defense contract, marking Renault’s major entry into military drone production.

Israel told the U.S. it could absorb even a worst-case Iranian barrage (~700 ballistic missiles) if it led to regime collapse in Tehran.

Israeli leaders argue the cost would be worth it given Israel’s air and missile defenses proven in the 2025 war.

Source: ynet

Danish troops arrive in Greenland.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš:

I bought a globe so I could see exactly where Greenland is.

The Oreshnik would fly from Russia to the White House in 26 minutes, and the eleventh minute would be exactly over Greenland.

So Donald Trump’s arguments about China and Russia are relevant…

Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to Trump on Greenland:

Forget it; we live in 2026.

You can trade between people, but you can't trade people, and that rule stands, so forget that path.