Bryan Lanza, a senior adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, stated that Trump's administration will prioritize peace efforts in Ukraine over reclaiming Russian-occupied Crimea. Lanza told BBC that the administration aims for "realistic peace," urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to adopt a pragmatic approach. "Crimea is gone," Lanza said, adding that retaking it is "not the goal of the United States." Trump's stance has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue it may weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty. During Trump’s campaign, he claimed he could end the conflict "in a day," though specific plans have not been detailed.

The U.S. Justice Department unveiled charges against an Iranian man, allegedly an asset of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for planning to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election. The criminal complaint, filed in a Manhattan federal court, claims that an IRGC official directed the man, identified as Shakeri, in September to develop a plan for surveilling and killing Trump. Shakeri, who resided in Tehran, reportedly immigrated to the U.S. as a child but was deported in 2008 after a robbery conviction. Two others have also been charged in connection with the assassination plot.

The Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV) denied reports that Afghan women are prohibited from hearing each other’s voices. In a recent audio statement, PVPV spokesperson Saiful Islam Khyber criticized these reports as “brainless” and “illogical,” affirming that women need to interact in society. While the Taliban enforces strict behavior codes based on their interpretation of Islamic law, including restrictions on women’s voices in public and media, officials clarified that communication during prayer may involve hand gestures instead of raised voices. Many international groups have condemned Taliban policies as “gender apartheid.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced backlash for congratulating Donald Trump on X, a platform banned in Pakistan. Sharif reportedly used VPN to access X, violating Pakistan’s laws after the platform was restricted earlier this year due to national security concerns, especially regarding activity by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Social media users criticized Sharif's actions, with one saying, "If hypocrisy had a face, it would be Shehbaz Sharif." Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office reaffirmed ties with the U.S., calling them “old friends and partners,” while stressing Pakistan’s “strategic” relationship with China.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema announced emergency measures following violent, antisemitic attacks on Israeli football supporters by rioters in the city. Expressing deep shame, Halsema condemned the attackers and highlighted this as a “dark moment” for Amsterdam. The emergency measures cover Amsterdam and the nearby Amstelveen area, allowing police to conduct extra searches, restrict protests, and ban face coverings temporarily. Authorities will also secure buildings deemed potential targets. The swift response aims to protect residents and visitors, addressing rising concerns over escalating antisemitic violence.

Canada abruptly ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program on November 8, 2024, discontinuing a fast-track study permit process for international students. Launched in 2018, SDS simplified visa applications for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines. Requirements included a $20,635 CAD Guaranteed Investment Certificate and language test scores. The streamlined process allowed successful applicants to secure permits within weeks, compared to the standard 8-week processing time. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) terminated the program without explanation, affecting thousands of students seeking to study in Canada. The move is expected to impact international student enrollment.

At least 24 people were killed and 44 injured in a suspected suicide blast at Quetta's main railway station in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The explosion occurred as a Peshawar-bound train was preparing to depart, targeting army personnel from the Infantry School. CCTV footage showed the crowded platform before the blast, which blew away the roof and scattered bodies across the area. No group has claimed responsibility. Police and hospital officials confirmed the casualties. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Balochistan, where militant groups have previously carried out attacks. An investigation into the blast is underway.

The US government has charged Afghan national Farhad Shakeri, 51, for allegedly being involved in an Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump before his election. The Department of Justice unsealed an indictment on Friday, claiming Shakeri was tasked with planning the assassination by an official in Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The plot is said to have been initiated in September, with Shakeri assigned to surveil Trump. The US authorities have not arrested Shakeri, who is believed to be in Iran. Iran has denied the accusations, calling them “completely baseless.”

A Russian court has sentenced soldiers Anton Sopov, 21, and Stanislav Rau, 28, to life imprisonment for killing nine members of the Kapkanets family in occupied Ukraine's Donetsk region last year. The victims, including two young children, were murdered while celebrating a birthday at their home. The soldiers were convicted of murder "motivated by political, ideological, racial, national, or religious hatred." Ukrainian officials believed the family was targeted for refusing to surrender their house to Russian troops. The trial, held behind closed doors, marks a rare instance of Russia holding its troops accountable for alleged war crimes.

At least 12 people were killed and over 20 injured in an explosion near Quetta Railway Station in Balochistan, Pakistan, on Saturday. The blast occurred as a train was about to depart for Peshawar, causing widespread panic. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, and authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Local security forces are on high alert, and efforts to secure the area are ongoing. The incident adds to the growing concerns over security in the region, with no group claiming responsibility for the attack yet.