Vanished: $824,000,000,000

Hi Global Recap readers,

Ahhhh, isn’t it just refreshing to start the week with World War 3 trending online?

2024 doesn’t feel quite the same without being reminded that wars are raging in other parts of the world—and that you’re lucky not to be living in those countries.

But is it for real this time, or are people just freaking out over nothing? 👇️ 

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
US Missiles in Russia

The Kremlin is sounding the alarm over Biden authorizing Ukraine to use long-range missiles within Russia, marking a new level of involvement in the conflict.

🤔 Remember: In September, Putin warned that Russia might use nuclear weapons if it were attacked with conventional weapons.

Biden's Authorization

President Biden just green-lit the use of US-made long-range missiles in Russia.

• Biden authorized the use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) within the Russian Kursk region.

• The missiles have a range of about 190 miles.

• Ukraine has not yet used these weapons against Russian forces within Russia as of Monday morning.

Moscow's Warning

Russia warned of escalating tensions due to US missile authorization.

• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that allowing Kyiv to strike deep inside Russia with US long-range missiles would mark a “qualitatively new round of tensions.”

• Peskov emphasized that this move signals a new level of Washington's involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Kyiv's Request

Ukraine has been requesting these weapons for months.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been calling for authorization to use such weapons within Russia.

• The Biden administration had previously held back despite Zelensky's requests.

Soon after the news broke, President Zelensky posted the following:

Analysts’ Warnings

Analysts warn that the US authorization may not significantly alter the battlefield.

• The Institute for the Study of War suggests that the limited authorization could prove insufficient.

• They argue that the US should allow Ukraine to strike all legitimate military targets within Russia’s operational and deep-rear within range of US-provided weapons.

Social Media Response

Naturally, this meme began trending on X:

📊Poll

Some people are claiming that President Biden is deliberately trying to leave President Trump with a mess—possibly even a World War—to make his presidency look bad.

Do you agree?

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Pentagon Fails Seventh Audit

The Pentagon has failed its seventh consecutive audit, unable to fully account for its massive $824 billion budget. Despite this, officials remain optimistic about achieving a clean audit by 2028.

Eight times the charm..? 😂

Audit Results

The Pentagon failed to provide sufficient information for a clean audit.

• The Department of Defense received a disclaimer of opinion, meaning auditors couldn't form an accurate opinion.

• The goal is to achieve an unmodified audit opinion, indicating accurate financial statements.

Progress and Challenges

Despite the failure, officials claim significant progress.

• Michael McCord, undersecretary of Defense comptroller, stated the department has “turned a corner” in understanding its challenges.

• The Pentagon aims for a clean audit by 2028, as mandated by the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

Independent Audits

The Pentagon's audit involved 28 entities, with mixed results.

• Nine entities received an unmodified audit opinion, one received a qualified opinion, 15 received disclaimers, and three opinions are pending.

• Agencies with clean audits include the Defense Commissary Agency and the Defense Health Agency.

Financial Management

Efforts to improve financial management are ongoing.

• The Pentagon has improved from less than 7 percent to over 82 percent of its funding being free of material weaknesses since 2021.

• Eight agencies have accurately balanced their spending with Treasury Department funds.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump Plans Mass Deportations

President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed his plan to declare a national emergency and use military assets for mass deportations of migrants living in the US without legal permission.

National Emergency Declaration

• Trump responded to a social media post confirming the plan to use “military assets” for deportations.

• He pledged to launch the largest deportation program in American history on his first day in office.

Key Appointments

Trump has appointed immigration hard-liners to key positions.

• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been picked as homeland security secretary, pending Senate confirmation.

• Former Acting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan has been named “border czar.”

Deportation Strategy

The deportation effort will focus on criminals and national security threats.

• Homan discussed prioritizing the expulsion of criminals and national security threats.

• Trump suggested mobilizing the National Guard and potentially moving troops from overseas to the US-Mexico border.

🇧🇷 BRAZIL
G20 Summit Tackles Global Issues

The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro has kicked off with a focus on combating poverty and hunger, among various other issues.

Here’s a “quick” rundown (I tried…):

Global Alliance Launched

Brazil's President Lula da Silva launched a global alliance to combat poverty and hunger.

• Over 80 countries have backed this initiative.

• The alliance includes support from the African Union, European Union, international organizations, development banks, and philanthropies like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Climate Change and Poverty

Lula emphasized the need for action on climate change and poverty.

• He highlighted the devastating effects of climate change and called for global action.

• Lula stated that hunger and poverty are the result of political decisions, not scarcity.

Ukraine Conflict

The Ukraine conflict remains a contentious issue at the summit.

• Diplomats are struggling to agree on a joint statement addressing the war.

• A recent Russian air strike on Ukraine has intensified discussions.

US Policy Changes

Trump's return to power is influencing the summit's discussions.

• Trump plans significant policy changes, including tariffs and a negotiated solution to the Ukraine war.

• US President Joe Biden, attending his last summit, announced new pledges on climate and development.

China's Role

China's President Xi Jinping is a central figure at the summit.

• Xi announced measures to support the "Global South" and promote the Belt and Road Initiative.

• China's economic influence and development projects are key topics of discussion.

Security Concerns

Security has been heightened in Rio de Janeiro for the summit.

• Troops are reinforcing police to ensure the safety of the event.

• A Brazilian army patrol came under gunfire near a Rio slum, but no injuries were reported.

Future Challenges

Brazil's G20 agenda faces challenges with Trump's upcoming presidency.

• Brazil's focus on sustainable development and taxing the super-rich may face resistance.

• Argentine President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, has already opposed discussions on taxing the wealthy.

🇮🇷 IRAN
Iran Pushes Hezbollah Ceasefire

Iran is urging Hezbollah to cease hostilities with Israel, as US mediators head to Lebanon to broker a deal.

Does this signal a retreat from their aggressive stance, or is it a strategic fake-out?

Iran’s Message

Iran’s supreme leader is supposedly pushing Hezbollah towards a ceasefire with Israel.

• Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered messages to Hezbollah on Friday.

• The messages supported ending the conflict and assured continued financial and military support.

Hezbollah’s Stance

Hezbollah had previously vowed to continue attacking Israel as long as the Gaza war rages.

• However, recent reports indicate a potential shift in Hezbollah’s stance.

• Khamenei has previously claimed Israel “won’t last” and described the October 7 attacks as justified self-defense. So what is it? Will Israel pay very soon, or “sometime in the near future”?

UN Resolution

Khamenei reportedly told Hezbollah to move its forces north in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701.

• This resolution ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

• The move is part of the terms of a ceasefire agreement.

US Mediation

US mediators are heading to Lebanon to try to broker a deal.

• The mediation aims to bring an end to the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

• The effort is part of a broader push for peace in the region.