North America
Compromising DEA memo may worsen Venezuela/US tensions
The Associated Press has reported unlawful Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) activities in Venezuela starting in 2018
VenezuelaWashington will push for a Mideast peace exchange
Biden Administration officials are resorting to the carrot of normalisation to push for an end to the war in Gaza
Middle EastFood price growth is on track to ease slowly in 2024
The global food price index fell in January, led by lower prices for maize and meat but with rice prices still high
InternationalUkraine will fight Russia with fewer resources
Ukraine’s army chief General Valery Zaluzhny has outlined his vision for fighting with diminished resources
UkraineCentral US treasury clearing marks substantial change
Big banks, broker dealers and hedge funds will have to settle their treasury and repo trades centrally from 2026
United StatesUS-China economic ties will gradually weaken
A flagship US survey of the China business climate flags some optimism but also a trend of US firms moving from China
InternationalTurning AI lead into gains will test policymakers
All major countries are racing to deploy artificial intelligence, but their national strengths vary markedly
InternationalRussia’s ties with Iran will grow stronger
Moscow is seeking to turn what has historically been a transactional relationship into something deeper and enduring
Russia
