Lebanon Elects a President, Afghanistan and Pakistan Skirmish at the Border, and Trump Embraces Imperialism
On this episode of American Prestige, headlines from around the globe.

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Danny is back on American soil and joins Derek to bring you the news. This week: Trump circulates a Gaza ceasefire proposal with Hamas’ response pending (2:39), Israel issues its final evacuation notice for Gaza City (9:30), and the Samud flotilla is intercepted (11:04); Trump forces Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar while also giving Doha a NATO-style defense pledge (14:06); the UN reimposes sanctions on Iran (16:55); Trump pushes to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan as the country briefly loses internet access (20:49); starvation worsens in Sudan’s al-Fashir (27:02); “Gen Z protests” erupt in Madagascar and Morocco (29:56); Trump declares Ukraine can retake all lost territory (33:13) while the EU eyes frozen Russian assets (37:04); Argentina’s Milei seeks a U.S. bailout (39:51); Washington considers strikes inside Venezuela (42:51); and Pete Hegseth’s generals’ rally falls flat as Trump muses about using the military in U.S. cities (44:01).
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People celebrate Joseph Aoun’s election as president in Tripoli, Lebanon, on Jan. 9, 2025.
(Khaled Habashiti / Xinhua via Getty Images)On this week’s American Prestige news roundup: The transition process continues in Syria as the US government beginning relations with the new Syrian leadership, but fighting continues between Turkey and the SDF; in Lebanon, the IDF faces a withdrawal deadline and the parliament finally elects a new president; yet more Gaza ceasefire talks are underway; the downing of a civilian aircraft strains Azerbaijan-Russia relations; Afghanistan and Pakistan exchange cross-border fire; South Korea is still trying to arrest impeached President Yoon while the interim president is also impeached; the Biden administration determines that the RSF is committing genocide in Sudan; as a new Ukrainian offensive is underway in Kursk, the Russians continue advancing in eastern Ukraine; Austria looks to be getting a far-right government; Justin Trudeau resigns as prime minister of Canada; and Donald Trump appears to warm up to the idea of conquering everything.
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Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.
Subscribe now to skip the ads and get more content.
Don’t forget to vote for AP in the 2025 Signal Awards!
Danny is back on American soil and joins Derek to bring you the news. This week: Trump circulates a Gaza ceasefire proposal with Hamas’ response pending (2:39), Israel issues its final evacuation notice for Gaza City (9:30), and the Samud flotilla is intercepted (11:04); Trump forces Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar while also giving Doha a NATO-style defense pledge (14:06); the UN reimposes sanctions on Iran (16:55); Trump pushes to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan as the country briefly loses internet access (20:49); starvation worsens in Sudan’s al-Fashir (27:02); “Gen Z protests” erupt in Madagascar and Morocco (29:56); Trump declares Ukraine can retake all lost territory (33:13) while the EU eyes frozen Russian assets (37:04); Argentina’s Milei seeks a U.S. bailout (39:51); Washington considers strikes inside Venezuela (42:51); and Pete Hegseth’s generals’ rally falls flat as Trump muses about using the military in U.S. cities (44:01).
Our Sponsors:
* this is a paid advertisement from BetterHelp. Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/THENATION
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy