Amid a week of nonstop news, it’s been hard to settle into the new year. Have you kept up with all the headlines?
1. During his New Year’s address, Chinese President Xi Jinping said what event would “surely” happen in China’s future?
Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election could quickly increase tension in the Taiwan Strait—particularly if current Vice President Lai Ching-te wins, Foreign Policy’s James Palmer predicted in last week’s China Brief.
2. How many Shahed-type drones did Russia launch at Ukraine in the early hours of New Year’s Day?
The assault came several days after Russia launched more than 150 drones across several Ukrainian cities in a “nightmare scenario” for Kyiv, FP’s Jack Detsch reported in the final days of 2023.
3. What did the Israeli military confirm on Monday about its next actions in the Gaza Strip?
The decision signals Israel’s move to a longer-term, lower-temperature war against Hamas. Daniel Byman, in a recent analysis piece for FP, spelled out some of the lessons Israel has failed to learn since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
4. Also on Monday, a powerful earthquake struck western Japan. How many people had died as a result as of Friday?
The region was also put on tsunami alert following the devastation, with more shock waves expected to follow the original 7.6-magnitude quake, FP’s Alexandra Sharp reports.
5. A Pakistani court on Wednesday indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a contempt case for allegedly doing what?
Khan, who is already serving time in prison on corruption charges, was also dealt another blow recently when election officials rejected Khan’s nomination papers to participate in upcoming Feb. 8 elections, Michael Kugelman writes in South Asia Brief.
6. On Wednesday, twin bombings of a procession to mark the anniversary of Iranian commander Qassem Suleimani’s assassination killed at least how many people?
The attacks, claimed by the Islamic State, are the latest blow to Tehran as it juggles proxy conflicts across the Middle East. Iran’s involvement throughout the region could lead to a wider war this year, Comfort Ero and Richard Atwood warn in our “10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024” roundup.
7. Which international organization met with Argentine President Javier Milei on Thursday to discuss restarting a frozen bailout program?
Milei, who campaigned on numerous radical economic reforms, has already softened some of his positions, Max Klaver wrote last month. The latest IMF negotiations could lead to the disbursement of more than $3 billion to Buenos Aires.
8. Senegalese opposition figure Ousmane Sonko faced what new setback on Friday?
The ruling, likely to be appealed by Sonko’s legal team, once again jeopardizes his presidential candidacy. A Senegalese court had ordered in December that he be reinstated on the electoral register, FP’s Nosmot Gbadamosi documents in Africa Brief.
9. Which annual European winter festival culminated in a grand finale on Dec. 30, 2023?
Tourists flock to Comanesti, an industrial town in northeast Romania, every winter to witness the extravaganza, during which people of all ages dress up in bear skins and march and dance in packs to the rhythm of pounding drums, The Associated Press reports.
10. Chile’s largest performing arts festival, Teatro A Mil, kicked off this week with what spectacle?
Nathan Paulin, a renowned French tightrope walker, traversed Santiago’s main downtown avenue while more than 160 feet in the air, The Associated Press reports.
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