Defense and Military Forces

• U.S. Launches Major Strikes on Islamic State Targets in Syria - The airstrikes followed an even larger attack in December to avenge the killing of three Americans last year.
• Trump Is ‘Chest-Beating’ Over a Retreat - The round table convenes to discuss the start to Trump’s 2026, from Greenland to Minnesota and Venezuela.
• Trump Eyes Greenland, and Europe Figures Its Best Bet Is a Negotiation - European officials were stunned that President Trump restated his desire for Greenland after a yearlong effort to dissuade him, according to diplomats and others.
• After President’s Capture, U.S. and Venezuela Explore Restoring Diplomatic Ties - In moves that embodied the contradictions and fast-changing nature of the two countries’ relationship, both said on Friday that they were eyeing reopening embassies and restoring long-severed diplomatic ties.
• Buy Greenland? Take It? Why? An Old Pact Already Gives Trump a Free Hand. - Analysts say the Cold War agreement allows the president to increase the American military presence almost at will.
• Stephen Miller Offers a Strongman’s View of the World - President Trump’s trusted adviser is casting his hard-right gaze abroad, saying the world must be governed by “force.”
• Trump’s Foray Into Venezuela Could Embolden Russia’s and China’s Own Aggression - While both countries were allied with Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. attack could give them justification to use force in other spheres, analysts said.
• After Christmas Day Strikes, Fear Grips Muslims in Rural Nigeria - A small town set amid a smattering of baobab trees is grappling with the aftermath of a bombing ordered by President Trump.
• Cuba Says 32 of Its Citizens Died in Venezuela, Including Military Personnel - President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the casualties were from Cuba’s armed forces or interior ministry. The country is a longstanding ally of Venezuela.
• The Venezuela I Know - Many are celebrating the ouster of a brutal dictator, but the Maduro regime may survive the loss of Maduro.