UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarks on a landmark visit to the Gulf with a mission to enhance trade relations and strategic ties, including key areas like defense and artificial intelligence, all part of a broader effort to strengthen post-Brexit trade partnerships.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, political turbulence intensifies as former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun finds himself arrested amid the fallout of a martial law controversy, illustrating the volatile nature of the country's political scene.

Over in the United States, President-elect Donald Trump voices a non-interventionist stance on the Syrian conflict, emphasizing that the situation is not America's battle, a view resonating with sentiments from national security officials in President Biden's administration.

In a related commentary on civic duty, the Clintons, at the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library, stress the importance of remaining actively engaged in civic and political matters following a contentious U.S. election outcome.

In Syria itself, insurgents advance into Damascus, dramatically challenging Assad's long-standing regime and pointing to a significant shift in power dynamics within the country as they seize critical territories like the city of Homs.

This tumultuous scenario is further complicated by Hezbollah's strategic withdrawal from Qusayr, showcasing the unpredictable and rapidly changing landscape of Syria's ongoing conflict.