Recent developments show that escalating Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, coupled with the ineffectiveness of Lebanon’s change in representation level at the ceasefire committee, have further complicated the political and security landscape.
The appointment of Mark Savaya, a Chaldean‑Assyrian Iraqi‑American entrepreneur, as the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Iraq in November 2025 was seen as more than a routine diplomatic move. It came at a time of rising tensions between Washington and resistance groups, with Iraq approaching parliamentary elections. Analysts view this as part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to redefine Iraq’s role in the regional order and curb Iranian influence. Sawaya, beyond his symbolic position as a representative of Christian minorities, has been tasked with a multi‑faceted mission: rebuilding Baghdad–Washington relations, strengthening U.S. investment and economic presence, and reshaping Iraq’s security structure in line with Western interests.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the U.S. military presence in Syria has undergone a series of strategic shifts—particularly after the Trump administration announced its intention to reduce troop levels. While some bases have witnessed withdrawals in recent months, closer examination reveals an opposite trend taking shape: a rapid expansion and intensification of operations at the Qasrak base on the outskirts of Hasakah. The pressing question is what these movements reveal about Washington’s strategy in northeastern Syria—and, more specifically, what is unfolding at Qasrek and other American installations in Deir ez-Zor?
The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department announced Washington’s disappointment over Iraq’s decision to reverse its plan to freeze the assets of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Ansarallah in Yemen.
The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has reported that during America’s 20‑year presence in Afghanistan, more than $148 billion was spent. According to the report, about 60% of this budget went to security programs, including the purchase of military equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and training for Afghanistan’s former security forces.
On December 3, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the creation of a new special unit called the Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS) and the deployment of the first squadron of Low‑Cost Unmanned Combat Aerial Systems (LUCAS) in West Asia.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced in a statement that, in cooperation with Syria’s Ministry of Interior, coalition forces destroyed 15 hideouts and weapons depots belonging to ISIS in the Rif province.
A U.S. drone strike on a motorcycle in the outskirts of Marib resulted in the deaths of two al-Qaeda members.
The Hebrew daily Maariv revealed that immediately after the recent Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb — which killed Haitham al-Tabtabai, Hezbollah’s chief of staff — the US government made an urgent call to Lebanon, requesting the immediate transfer of an unexploded missile.
In October 2025, the backlog of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan worsened slightly, as the Lai administration acknowledged new delays during questioning in the Legislative Yuan. Despite a Trump–Xi summit, U.S. policy toward Taiwan remained unchanged, meaning future arms sales are still possible. The total value of delayed sales remains at $21.54 billion.
Farhad Shami, director of the media center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated that despite calls from some parties, the US-led coalition has not left Syria and continues to strengthen its presence in strategic locations inside the country.
Another ceasefire violation by Israel: Israeli drones this morning targeted a civilian car on the al-Bissariyeh road south of Sidon. At least one person was killed in this attack.
