Senator Graham backs down on Syria:

I recently spoke with Trump and Rubio, and I very much appreciate their efforts to bring stability to Syria.

It looks like Trump’s efforts have paid off, at least in the near term.

Neither the region nor the world needs another bloodbath in northeast Syria. To Trump and Rubio: well done.

First close-up image of China’s long-range PL-17 air-to-air missile (or its mock-up).

The PL-17 has been in service with the PLA Air Force since at least 2023, but until now it had only been seen in distant images carried under fighter aircraft.

Some estimates put its range at over 400 km, with an approximate length of more than 5.7 meters.

Netanyahu:

I am hearing now the statements that we will allow the reconstruction of Gaza before demilitarization. This will not happen.

I hear that we will bring in Turkish soldiers and Qatari soldiers into Gaza. This too will not happen.

I hear that I will allow the establishment of a Palestinian State in Gaza. This did not happen, and it will not happen.

Netanyahu:

Now we are focusing on completing the two remaining missions: disarming Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza.

There are only two possibilities: either it will be done the easy way or it will be done the hard way.

But in any case, it will happen.

Netanyahu:

Israel will maintain security control from the Jordan River to the sea — and this applies to the Gaza Strip as well.

Netanyahu:

If Iran makes the grave mistake of attacking Israel, we will respond with a power that Iran has never seen before.

Netanyahu on Iran:

Trump will decide what he will decide. Israel will decide what we will decide.

We are prepared for any scenario.

If Iran makes the mistake and attacks us, it will be met with a response that it cannot even imagine.

Netanyahu on Saudi Arabia:

Anyone who wants to normalize relations with us must not join or support organizations that attack Israel.

Netanyahu on Iran:

I don’t want to determine for Trump what he will do or say; those are his decisions.

But I am telling you that we are—how shall I say it?—fully updated.

Syrian Presidency:

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa received a phone call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

During the call, developments in the transitional phase in Syria and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability were discussed, in addition to prospects for bilateral cooperation in a way that serves regional and international stability.

President Al-Sharaa affirmed Syria’s full commitment to the unity of its territory and national sovereignty, and the state’s determination to preserve its institutions and strengthen civil peace. He stressed the importance of unifying international efforts to prevent the return of terrorist organizations, foremost among them ISIS.

President Al-Sharaa emphasized that the “new Syria” adopts an approach of openness and extends its hand in cooperation to all international parties on the basis of shared interests and mutual respect. He agreed with the American President on the necessity of prioritizing dialogue in resolving regional conflicts, stressing that “active diplomacy” is the only way to overcome chronic crises in the region.

President Trump affirmed his country’s support for the aspirations of the Syrian people in building a unified and strong state, and welcomed the ceasefire agreement, considering it an important step toward ending the conflict. He also expressed his support for the understandings related to integrating military forces, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), within the framework of official state institutions.

On the economic front, the American President expressed Washington’s readiness to support reconstruction efforts in Syria by encouraging investment and creating an attractive environment for capital, emphasizing that Syria’s economic stability constitutes a fundamental pillar for stability in the Middle East.

Netanyahu:

I think the last thing we need right now is elections. We will have elections later on this year.

But I think it is a mistake to have them now.

Turkish Bayraktar Operator, Chinese Clone Producer: Bangladesh’s Drone Paradox

Bangladesh already operates Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB2, a combat-proven unmanned combat aircraft used in multiple modern conflicts.

Yet Dhaka has now chosen to acquire and locally produce China’s CETC XY-I, a platform viewed as a direct imitation of the TB2’s design, a copy whose abilities have been attempted to be replicated but failed, and whose combat success has not been proven.

By adopting a Chinese clone of a system it legally purchased from Türkiye, Bangladesh is undermining its own defense partnerships and normalizing the replication of an existing ally’s technology.

READ MORE

Netanyahu:

We paid a heavy price in the war—many fell because Gaza was booby-trapped and we lacked enough ammunition, partly due to an embargo.

I decided this must never happen again. Israel must build a strong, independent arms industry.

Just as we freed ourselves from American economic aid and strengthened our economy, we must now reach security maturity.

Within a decade, I intend to end dependence on the financial part of U.S. military aid and move from aid to partnership.

We will pursue joint development and production of advanced weapons with the U.S. and other partners like India and Germany. This will ensure independence, steady supply, and stronger alliances.

Our goal is simple: never lack weapons again.

BREAKING: Trump:

I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister.

Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq.

MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!

Netanyahu:

Rafah will be open in both directions. We are not going to prevent anyone from leaving.

Colombian President Petro:

They have to return him (Maduro) and have a Venezuelan court judge him, not a U.S. court.

Why? Because Latin American civilization is different from Anglo-Saxon European civilization.

US TikTok users say they can’t post the word “Epstein” and that videos about ICE raids and protests are being suppressed after TikTok’s US arm was taken over by Trump-aligned investors.

France will replace Microsoft Teams and Zoom with its own video platform, Visio, across all government departments by 2027.

The move is aimed at boosting digital sovereignty, securing government communications, and cutting costs.

Turkish President Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Trump.

During the call, the two leaders discussed Türkiye–United States bilateral relations, the latest developments in Syria, the activities of the Gaza Peace Council, defense industry cooperation, trade relations, as well as regional and global issues.

President Erdogan stated that Türkiye would continue to take steps to strengthen cooperation with the United States, emphasizing that advancing relations in all fields is in the mutual interest of both countries.

He underlined that Türkiye attaches great importance to the full implementation of the ceasefire and integration agreement in neighboring Syria, noting that Ankara is closely monitoring the process in coordination with U.S. and Syrian authorities.

President Erdogan also expressed his hope that the Gaza Peace Council would carry out beneficial work, stressing that ending the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and rebuilding the territory would help pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

Spain will grant legal status to up to 500,000 undocumented migrants who arrived before Dec. 31 and meet residency and criminal-record requirements.

The move aims to formalize workers and support economic growth.

The NTSB released simulation of the Jan. 29, 2025 midair crash near Reagan National Airport between an American Airlines CRJ700 and an Army Black Hawk, killing all 67 aboard.

The recreation shows the helicopter was hard to see at night due to lighting, blind spots, and “see-and-avoid” limits, with warnings coming too late.