In Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, an ally of the ruling party, has been sworn in as president amid protests in Tbilisi, marking the final step in what critics call state capture by pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. The US imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili for undermining democracy, with outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili denouncing Kavelashvili’s inauguration as a “parody” and demanding new elections, following a year of political upheaval in the country. Opposition parties rejected the results of October’s parliamentary elections, leading to increased protests and a crackdown by authorities, as Georgia faces an authoritarian slide under the ruling party’s control.
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Biden plans $8bn arms sale to Israel
In response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Biden administration has provisionally approved an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, including precision guided missiles and small bombs. Despite concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the administration continues to support Israel's right to defend itself and deter Iran. This decision follows previous aid deliveries and congressional approval of additional wartime aid for Israel, totaling $26 billion in total support. Full Article
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