Monday, December 29, 2025

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TOM TOMORROW Cartoon: The black hole | Tom Tomorrow Monday December 29, 2025 · 6:30 AM MST


 

Cartoon: The black hole

 



 

Putin REJECTS Ceasefire As Trump Meets Zelensky

 
 
Dec 29, 2025
Putin REJECTS Ceasefire As Trump Meets Zelensky 
 
Donald Trump and Zelensky have met in Florida and have discussed the peace plan. Both leaders have held a press conference in which they’ve addressed the territorial issues, referendum in Ukraine and the situation with Russia. 
 
President Trump has spoken over the phone with President Putin ahead of his meeting with Zelensky and will speak to the Russian leader again over the coming days. 
 
Donald Trump has also called the European leaders. 
 
Omid Nouripour, Vice President of Germany's Bundestag has called for Friedrich Merz to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles. 
 
Yuri Ushakov has stated that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to keep the negotiations according to the framework established in Alaska.
 
cover image 

Trump: Putin has not agreed to ceasefire during referendum in Ukraine

KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — 29 December, 01:24
Trump: Putin has not agreed to ceasefire during referendum in Ukraine
Trump and Zelenskyy at a press conference on 28 December. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has not agreed to a ceasefire during a possible referendum in Ukraine on a proposed "peace plan".

Source: Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference following their meeting

Trump is unpopular in Europe — even among right-wing populist supporters, POLITICO Poll shows

The U.S. president gets favorable views from only about a third of people who support the parties Trump wants to see win power in France and Germany.

President Trump Hosts Christmas Eve Dinner At Mar-a-Lago
In France and Germany, only about a third of people who said they had supported right-wing parties reported seeing Trump in a favorable light. | Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump wants to grow Europe’s right-wing populist movement but he might have a harder time than he expects winning over European voters.

The MAGA leader is unpopular in Europe, even among the supporters of right-wing populist parties he sees as allies, according to the new POLITICO Poll in partnership with Public First, which surveyed more than 10,000 people across five countries earlier this month. His biggest fans are in Britain, where 50 percent of Reform-aligned respondents had favorable views of Trump. However, in France and Germany, only about a third of people who said they had supported right-wing parties reported seeing Trump in a favorable light

LeMonde English

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New Monetary Phase in Syria: Syria announces introduction of new currency with 90-day transition period

According to the statement, the Central Bank of Syria will hold a press conference dedicated to explaining the exchange mechanism in detail, with the aim of enhancing transparency and building public trust. It also said the bank will continue operating between 25 and 27 December to follow up on technical and administrative preparations for the exchange.

The statement did not provide further details about the design of the new currency or the denominations to be issued, saying all details will be announced during the expected press conference.

The Syrian pound will be worth 100 pounds after two zeros were removed: a new Syrian currency to be put into circulation within days.

Dec 28, 2025

The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader Hasriya, announced the launch of the new Syrian currency and issued its implementing regulations, emphasizing that this step is not a mere formality but rather a pivotal milestone within a comprehensive strategy based on solid institutional foundations.

The Governor indicated that the new currency was designed according to international standards and reflects the bank's commitment to implementing professional and responsible reform policies, marking a new beginning for the future of the Syrian economy.

He explained that transactions in the new Syrian pound will begin on January 1, 2026, with designated points for the free exchange of the old currency. He stressed that all bank balances from the beginning of next year will be in the new currency.

He confirmed that the exchange process will be carried out according to the principle of removing two zeros, so that 100 old Syrian pounds will become equivalent to one new Syrian pound, thus strengthening citizens' confidence in the support for the independence of the national economy.

He added: "We will provide the new Syrian pound if demand for it increases."

Syria to launch new currency on January 1

Central Bank of Syria governor Abdulkader Husrieh announces the launch of the new currency Reuters/Yamam Al Shaar
Central Bank of Syria governor Abdulkader Husrieh announces the launch of the new currency
Syria will launch a new national currency from January 1, 2026, the country’s central bank governor, Abdulkader Husarieh, has announced.

The monetary reform includes removing two zeros from the Syrian pound and allowing a 90-day period of dual circulation, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana) reported, quoting Husarieh.

“The move is the beginning of a new economic and monetary phase for the country,” he was quoted as saying.

 
Syria to Begin Currency Swap on January 1, Central bank Governor Says |  Dawn News English
Syria to Begin Currency Swap on January 1, Central bank Governor Says | Dawn News English
Uploaded: Dec 28, 2025 
Syria to remove Assad's image from currency

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsA87VLLLgJLa86ekOrl9hWfRE2GhAHSY38w&s
Syria is launching a new national currency on January 1, 2026, as part of major monetary reform, removing two zeros (100 old pounds = 1 new pound) to simplify transactions and boost financial stability after years of conflict, with old and new notes circulating together for 90 days for exchange
. This redenomination aims to combat inflation, rebuild confidence, and integrate Syria back into the global financial system, following the partial lifting of Caesar Act sanctions. 
 
Key Details of the Currency Reform:
  • Redenomination: 100 old Syrian Pounds (SYP) will equal 1 new Syrian Pound (SYP).
  • Launch Date: Exchange begins January 1, 2026, for 90 days, with possible extension.
  • Purpose: To address hyperinflation, simplify large transactions, and restore confidence in the currency.
  • Process: A direct replacement, not an increase in money supply; all bank balances convert automatically.
  • Exchange: Free of charge at designated outlets, with banks closed briefly for the transition.
  • New Notes: Feature enhanced security and will circulate alongside old notes. 
Context & Significance:
  • Economic Strain: The Syrian pound has lost over 99% of its value since 2011, making large bundles of cash necessary.
  • Post-Sanctions Era: The move follows the repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions, opening doors for financial reintegration.
  • Broader Strategy: This is part of a five-pillar economic plan for stability, transparency, and digital transformation, notes Arab News 
 
Syria announces introduction of new currency with 90-day transition period  - [İLKHA] Ilke News Agency

Syria announces introduction of new currency with 90-day transition period - İLKHA] Ilke News Agency

REUTERS

Violence along Syria's Alawite coast turned many against the new government. Now the leadership is trying to make amends and win the minority’s loyalty with economic in…
Facing Alawite backlash, Syria’s new leaders take controversial steps to win loyalty

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