Obama & Trump?

Hi Global Recap readers,

• Trump and Obama sharing a laugh.

• Harris looking on with discontent.

• Biden either napping or crying inside.

Former President Carter’s funeral had all the drama of a Hollywood movie, sparking wild theories online about what really went down.

But what’s certain is that people are more focused on Trump, Obama, and Harris than on the actual center of the event—Jimmy Carter. 😬

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump and Obama
Chat at Carter Funeral

Today, US leaders came together at the Washington National Cathedral for former President Carter’s funeral.

But that’s not what’s got people talking.

The internet is lit up over President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama sharing laughs and (seemingly) friendly conversation.

Social Media Buzz

Even with the funeral’s somber tone, Trump and Obama found something to laugh about.

According to a professional “lip reader,” this is how the conversation went down:

• It’s unclear what they’re talking about, but Trump’s mention of “the foy” might be a nod to the Cathedral’s foyer.

• However, some online theorists think Obama’s laugh is nervous, claiming that Trump was threatening Obama and the “deep state” in this exchange. Yeah… I’m not buying it.

• Some also joked about them actually talking about Call of Duty. 🤣

Harris Wasn’t Happy

What’s also catching attention is Kamala Harris’ reaction to seeing Trump and Obama getting along:

• Some say they sense bitterness, jealousy, or maybe a mix of both. What’s your take?

Sleepy Joe or Grieving Joe?

President Biden was spotted napping during the event, but “body language experts” claim he wasn’t asleep—he was just hiding his grief.

Yeah… I’m not buying that either.

The top comment on the video was this:

🇻🇪 VENEZUELA
Opposition Leader
Freed After Arrest

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, was “arrested” on Thursday while leading a protest against the swearing-in of autocratic president Nicolás Maduro.

She was freed after a brief detention, but not before the regime fired shots at her convoy and forced her to film several videos.

Dramatic Arrest

Machado was violently intercepted at a protest in Caracas.

• Her party reported that regime officials fired at the vehicles carrying her.

• A member of her entourage confirmed her arrest to AFP news agency.

• Prominent journalist Carla Angola described the incident as a “kidnapping.”

Brief Detention

Machado was freed within hours of her arrest.

• Her Vente Venezuela movement announced her release on social media.

• She was known to have been coerced into filming several videos while detained, under duress.

Video

In this video, Machado denies her “arrest,” insisting she escaped from her kidnappers. However, some claim this is one of the videos she was forced to make under coercion.

Call for Uprising

Machado called for a national uprising against Maduro during the protest.

• Standing atop a truck, she declared, “Let no one be in any doubt, what they do tomorrow marks the end of the regime.”

• Machado’s appearance marked her first public outing since August, when she went into hiding after the July 28 vote.

Opposition Candidate's Return

Edmundo González, the opposition presidential candidate and last-minute stand-in for Machado after she was blocked from running in. 2024, is expected to return to Venezuela.

• González, who is thought to have beaten Maduro by a two-to-one margin, fled to Spain after the regime issued an arrest warrant for him.

• He plans to stage his own parallel swearing-in ceremony on Friday.

• The Maduro regime has offered a $100,000 reward for his arrest.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
Musk and Weidel's Chat

Elon Musk and Alice Weidel, co-leader of the “far-right” Alternative for Germany (AfD), had a friendly chat on X, just six weeks before Germans hit the polls.

Also, breathing down their necks were 150 EU “experts” keeping an eye out for any violations of EU election laws.

Musk's Endorsement

Musk has thrown his support behind the AfD, praising their deregulation stance and cultural preservation.

• Musk declared, “Only the AfD can save Germany.”

• He praised the AfD’s rejection of political correctness and their emphasis on “the preservation of German culture and security.”

Friendly Exchange

The interview was filled with agreeable exchanges and mutual nods. Although, some have labeled it as a “soft ball.”

• Musk and Weidel compared current speech regulations to Hitler’s media censorship.

• They criticized the “wokeish, leftist” agenda in German education.

• They laughed about not wanting to be surrounded by “yes people.”

Legal Scrutiny

German officials are investigating whether the interview constitutes an illegal party donation.

• Germany’s Political Parties Act prohibits party donations from outside the EU.

• Watchdog group LobbyControl argued the interview could be seen as political advertising.

AfD's Position

Despite Musk’s endorsement, the AfD is not expected to win the upcoming election.

• Polls suggest the conservative CDU and CSU will place first.

• A YouGov poll showed the AfD in second place with 21% support, 8 points behind the CDU and CSU.

Weidel's Defense

But, of course, Weidel can’t escape the criticisms aimed at the AfD. So, she defended the AfD against negative associations with right-wing politics.

• She claimed Hitler was an “antisemitic Socialist” and not a representative of the right or her party.

• She asserted the AfD is “the only protector of the Jewish people within here in Germany.”

Musk's Conclusion

Musk wrapped up the interview with a strong endorsement of Weidel and the AfD.

• He called Weidel “a very reasonable person” and urged people to support the AfD.

• Musk warned that without AfD support, “things are going to get very, very much worse in Germany.”

🇵🇱 POLAND
Netanyahu's ICC Warrant Dilemma

Poland has assured that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won’t be arrested if he attends the Auschwitz memorial, despite an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

With the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation approaching, the question arises:

“Does the ICC even have any real power to act at this point?”

Poland's Assurance

Poland promised Netanyahu's safe participation in the Auschwitz commemoration.

• Polish President Andrzej Duda requested Prime Minister Donald Tusk to guarantee Netanyahu's safety.

• The event marks the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation on January 27, 2025.

Netanyahu's Concerns

Netanyahu was reportedly hesitant to attend due to the ICC warrant.

• The warrant relates to alleged war crimes in Gaza.

• Netanyahu hasn’t traveled to Europe since the ICC issued the warrant in November, though his medical condition has also played a role in that decision.

Diplomatic Maneuvering

Poland seems to be trying to balance international law with diplomatic relations. However, many observers feel that so-called “international law” often pales in comparison to the laws of individual countries.

• As an EU member state, Poland is required to execute ICC warrants. But what happens if they ignore these rules and make exceptions? The ability to make exceptions suggests that these international obligations may not carry as much weight as they appear.

• Duda's letter to Tusk emphasized the "absolutely exceptional circumstances" of the event.

International Reactions

Different countries have varied stances on the ICC warrant.

• France believes Netanyahu has immunity as Israel is not an ICC signatory.

• Italy stated it is not feasible to arrest Netanyahu while he remains head of Israel's government.

Event Participation

Israel's representation at the event remains uncertain as of now though.

• President Isaac Herzog and Netanyahu are not planning to attend.

• Education Minister Yoav Kisch is expected to represent Israel.

🇱🇧 LEBANON
Lebanon Elects New President

After more than two years of political gridlock, Lebanon's Parliament has finally elected a new president, marking a significant step toward stabilizing the country.

Joseph Aoun Elected

General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese military, was elected president by an overwhelming majority.

• The election took place on January 9, 2025.

• Aoun secured the presidency in the second round of voting.

Economic and Political Crisis

Lebanon has been grappling with severe economic and political challenges.

• The country has faced an economic collapse and a devastating war with Israel and Hezbollah.

• The war has caused $8.5 billion in damages, according to the World Bank.

International Support

Lebanon's international backers have tied financial support to the election of a new president.

• The US and other international supporters have implied that postwar financial aid is contingent on the election.

• Aoun is considered to have US backing and is widely respected in Lebanon.

Hezbollah's Concessions

Hezbollah, weakened by the war, likely felt compelled to make concessions.

• The group has been a dominant political force in Lebanon but has lost power due to the conflict.

• Analysts believe Hezbollah's financial needs influenced their decision to support Aoun.

Future Prospects

Aoun is expected to appoint a prime minister and form a government.

• The process will involve consultation with Parliament and could take time due to the lack of a majority faction.

• Diplomats hope Aoun's leadership will lead to the full implementation of UN Security Council's Resolution 1701, aiming for long-term peace.