The Gateway SPI Strategic Policies & Ideas

U.S. President Joe Biden met virtually with his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines to advance cooperation among the three countries. The three leaders discussed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, and China's "dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea," the White House said in a statement.

Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has recommended a boost in defense spending by about $50 billion more than the current 2026 projections. This move would push the defense budget beyond $1 trillion in the coming years, according to Bloomberg News.

The collapse of Bashar Assad marks a significant and impactful event for Iran. On one hand, grief and regret can be observed among the leaders of the Islamic Republic, as they have lost their most critical regional ally. On the other hand, this event has sparked a wave of joy and optimism among the Iranian people, as the weakening of a religious regime in the region amplifies hope for the eventual downfall of the Islamic government in Iran. In a situation where the Islamic regime faces the dual challenges of losing its proxy forces and strategic ally while confronting a more determined population, the question arises: what pivotal changes await Iran after the fall of Assad's government?

Contrary to the expectations of the opposition, the weakening the axis of resistance after the fall of Assad, may backfire and increase pressure on the Iranian opposition. Therefore, although there has been relatively high optimism and hope for the Iranian opposition after the fall of Assad, the main difference between the regime in Iran and Assad is represented by the supporters of the Iranian establishment.

The power struggle for Syria continues, evolving from a triangular contest among Iran, Russia, and Turkey to a duel between Turkey and Israel. Among these players, Turkey has emerged as the most assertive force, leveraging its regional priorities.

The Council approved the first of two sets of conclusions on strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts. The conclusions set strategic goals and highlight key areas where increased efforts are needed to enhance operational efficiency. The aim of the conclusions is to shape EU counterterrorism policies and measures for the next five years.

The Council of the EU has endorsed 46 Global Gateway flagship projects for 2025.

Congress approved government funding bill on bipartisan basis, a little after the deadline and president Joe Biden plans to sign it into law. There bill does not include Trump’s demand to lift debt ceiling but it includes funding for states and farmers hit by natural disasters. The U.S. Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the wire burst …

25 civilians were sentenced by a Pakistani military court to periods of two to 10 years of "rigorous imprisonment" in connection with attacks on military facilities in 2023, the armed forces' media wing said on Saturday.

Shab in farsi means night, and yaldā meaning birth or renewal refers to the longest night of the year- the winter solstice, which occurs on December 21st.  It is the longest, darkest night and many cultures have various types of celebrations on this night. According to historians, the Persians adopted this annual renewal festival from Babylonians and incorporated it into the rituals …

Top diplomats from the Biden administration are in Damascus on Friday to meet new Syrian authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a State Department spokesperson said, the first in-person and official meeting between Washington and Syria’s de-facto new rulers. The State Department’s top Middle East diplomat Barbara Leaf, Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and newly appointed Senior …

Sweden will no longer fund the U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) but instead provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza via other channels

The fight against migrant smuggling is a priority of the EU, and it is a crucial element in addressing irregular migration.

World Bank wins pledges for $100 bln replenishment of fund for poorest countries

The Commission launched a consultation request at the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging China’s initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation against imports of certain dairy products from the EU. This is the first time the EU has decided to challenge an investigation at its initiation stage. The EU’s action was prompted by an emerging pattern of China initiating trade defence measures, based on questionable …