Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict
The power struggle continues to unfold in Syria, with the HTS (the opposition forces that overthrew Assad) vying for control of some areas and sectarian tensions will arise. Talks are ongoing between the HTS and the Syrian Democratic Forces, another opposition grouping. HTS is seeking that the SDF subordinate itself now and merge militarily with the HTS. The SDF is the Kurdish grouping in the north, which Turkey has been fighting through its proxy, the Syrian National Army (SNA).
We will also be watching Russia’s Middle East/Africa moves in the wake of the overthrow of Assad in Syria, which is a significant blow to Putin’s Middle East footprint, from the Russian military to its mercenaries. The loss of Syria means Russia needs a new base of operations in this region, and that is most likely to be Libya.
As of the time of writing, an ongoing investigation had not managed to prove any link between the New Year’s Day truck explosion that killed 15 people in New Orleans and the Cyber Truck explosion later the same day in Las Vegas, which injured 7 people outside the Trump International Hotel.
Source: Oilprice.com