Arrest Warrant: Issued

Hi Global Recap readers,

Just days before the New Year, US President Jimmy Carter passed away at age 100 on December 29.

Many, both critics and supporters alike, including Biden, Obama, and Trump, shared their sympathy and condolences for the late president.

That being said, let’s move on to today’s geopolitical news.

🇰🇷 SOUTH KOREA
Yoon's Arrest Warrant Issued

The court has just issued an arrest warrant for the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after he ignored three summons.

Details

You have to wonder if Yoon saw this political chaos coming when he imposed martial law. Critics online are slamming it as one of the most short-sighted moves ever—and honestly, I can’t blame them.

• The arrest warrant and search warrant were issued by the Joint Investigation Headquarters on December 31, 2024.

• Yoon is the first president in South Korea's history to face arrest while still in office.

• The warrant was requested after Yoon failed to report for questioning three times.

Political Crisis

South Korea is in the midst of its worst political crisis in decades.

• Yoon faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

• The Constitutional Court hasn’t confirmed the impeachment yet, and it could take months. But with Korea’s “hurry-hurry culture,” we might get a verdict sooner than expected.

• Lawmakers impeached both President Yoon and acting President Han in just two weeks. If that doesn’t scream Korea’s “hurry-hurry culture,” nothing does.

Security Standoff

Unfortunately for those eager to see President Yoon arrested ASAP, carrying out the warrant might not be so simple.

• The Presidential Security Service has refused to comply with three previous search warrants.

• Police were deployed outside Yoon's residence to prevent scuffles between his supporters and protesters.

• An imminent arrest or search of the presidential residence seems unlikely without coordination with the Presidential Security Service.

We Found Out More

Over the weeks, through questioning of those involved, more details about the martial law have come to light.

• Yoon authorized the military to fire weapons if needed to enter parliament during his failed martial law bid.

• He also allegedly ordered the arrest of his political opponents—and, shockingly, even his own party leader made the list. Genius move.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Hundreds Freed in Prisoner Swap

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners, thanks to a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.

Prisoner Exchange

• On December 30, 2024, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the release of 189 Ukrainian prisoners, including military personnel, border guards, and national guards, along with two civilians.

• Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed that 150 Russian soldiers were freed as part of the exchange.

• The reason for the discrepancy in numbers remains unclear.

Zelenskyy's Statement

Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude and determination.

• He thanked the UAE for their role in negotiating the exchange.

• “We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.

• He posted pictures of Ukrainian soldiers holding the country's blue-and-yellow flags.

Notable Defenders

The exchange included some high-profile Ukrainian defenders.

• Among those freed were defenders of Snake Island, seized by Russia early in the invasion.

• Troops who defended Mariupol, captured by Moscow's forces after a nearly three-month siege, were also released.

US Support

The exchange coincided with a significant announcement from the US.

• President Joe Biden announced that Ukraine would receive nearly $2.5 billion more in weapons.

• The Biden administration is working quickly to spend all available funds to help Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

🇮🇷 IRAN
Tehran Bazaar Protests Erupt

Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar is alive with activity—but not business. Merchants and shopkeepers are striking over soaring inflation and the collapsing rial.

Inflation Strikes

The bazaar is in turmoil as inflation hits hard.

• On December 29, 2024, merchants and shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar called on their colleagues to close their shops and join the strike.

• Protests and strikes continued across Iran on December 30, with various other groups demanding better pay, pensions, and working conditions.

• The strike began with shoe sellers in the 15th Khordad area and quickly spread to other sectors.

Chanting for Change

Protesters are making their voices heard.

• Videos show merchants chanting “Don’t be afraid, close up,” and “Brave merchants, support, support”.

• A fabric merchant cited surging raw material costs and the devaluation of Iran’s currency as reasons for joining the protest.

Economic Ripple Effects

The rial's sharp depreciation is causing widespread issues.

• In the open currency market, 1 USD is now above 810,000 rials, skyrocketing expenses for merchants.

• Many workshops have shut down, and even those still running are struggling to sell goods in a sluggish market.

But That’s Not All

Iran’s economy is in its worst shape since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979.

• Factors: US-led sanctions over its nuclear program, support for militant groups, and arms transfers to Russia for its war on Ukraine tightening the pressure.

• Amid reports of energy shortages, which have led to school shutdowns and blackouts, it’s no surprise that people are beginning to voice their frustrations.

Broader Impact

The unrest is spreading beyond the bazaar.

• Protests expanded to key commercial hubs, including Abbasabad Market and Baghe Sepahsalar.

• Hamidreza Rastgar, head of Tehran’s Chamber of Guilds, acknowledged the discontent among manufacturers.

Government Response

Security forces are on high alert.

• Security forces were deployed to control the demonstrations.

• There were no immediate reports of violence, but the heavy presence of law enforcement highlighted the Islamic Republic’s sensitivity to unrest in this economically vital area.

🇸🇾 SYRIA
Elections Delayed by Four Years

For those hoping for a quick shift to democracy in Syria, here’s some bad news.

Syria's new leadership says elections might take up to four years to organize, following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime.

Election Timeline

• Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as al-Jolani), the de facto leader, announced that elections might not be held for up to four years.

• This is the first time al-Sharaa has commented on an electoral timeline since his rebel group overthrew the Assad regime earlier this month.

Infrastructure First

• Al-Sharaa emphasized the need to prepare the infrastructure before heading to elections.

• The interim government plans to draft a new constitution, which might take up to three years.

• Al-Sharaa highlighted the extensive destruction in Syria due to the previous regime.

• He stressed the importance of regulating society to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Concerns

This is making some people nervous because:

• Although he’s attempting to rebrand himself for legitimacy, Al-Sharaa was previously listed as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” by the US State Department.

  • However, the US has removed the $10 million bounty on Al-Sharaa’s head, signaling a shift in international relations.

• Some are drawing parallels to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, who was elected for a four-year term in 2005 and is still in office.

Future Plans

But for now, we have to take Al-Sharaa at his word.

• Al-Sharaa mentioned that his group, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), will eventually be dissolved.

• The upcoming National Dialogue Conference will help with the transitional phase, although no date is set yet.

📊 Poll

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