THE BRIEFING 

Here’s what’s happening in geopolitics today.

It’s a packed day in global politics - from Cameroon’s opposition leader fleeing into exile and Israel taking out a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, to a deadly suicide attack rocking Peshawar’s security forces.

China is racing to keep its space station fully operational with an emergency Shenzhou launch, while Spain’s chief prosecutor steps down after a high-profile leak conviction.

Today we’re doing a deep dive on the recent bout of sectarian violence that was sparked by double homicide of a wife and husband with many arguing there is more to this story than just murder.

THE LAST 24 HOURS IN GEOPOLITICS 

1. Cameroon opposition leader flees to Gambia after contested election
Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary fled to The Gambia, arriving on November 7, after contesting the results of the October 12 presidential election that returned President Paul Biya to power. Gambia says it is hosting him on “purely humanitarian grounds” to ensure his safety while working with regional partners like Nigeria to push for a peaceful resolution. Tchiroma rejected the official election outcome and the post-vote unrest has already cost dozens of lives, according to opposition and human rights sources.
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2. Israel kills Hezbollah military chief in Beirut
Israel carried out an airstrike in Haret Hreik, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, killing Haytham Ali Tabtabai, Hezbollah’s acting chief of staff, along with four others. The strike, which injured dozens, marks the first major Israeli attack on the capital since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was agreed nearly a year ago. Israeli leaders stated the strike was meant to prevent Hezbollah from “rebuilding and rearming,” while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack and called for international intervention.
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3. Six killed in suicide attack on security complex in Pakistan’s Peshawar
Three suicide bombers assaulted the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar on 24 November 2025, killing at least three security personnel and wounding multiple others, according to police. One bomber detonated explosives at the main gate while the other two attempted to enter the premises but were shot dead by FC personnel. Authorities have cordoned off the area, and an emergency has been declared at nearby hospitals after at least six civilians were also injured in the blast.
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4. China to launch Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on November 25 
Shenzhou‑22 is set to launch on 25 November 2025 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, according to state media. The mission is being flown unmanned and ahead of schedule, tasked with docking at the Tiangong space station to restore normal operations after damage to the previous vehicle caused an early return of the prior crew. Chinese officials say this step is critical to maintaining continuity of their manned-spaceflight programme and ensuring the station remains operational.
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5. Spain’s Chief Prosecutor quits after leak verdict
Spain’s Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz has resigned after the Supreme Court convicted him of leaking confidential information in a case involving the partner of a prominent opposition figure. He was sentenced to a two-year ban from public office, fined €7,200, and ordered to pay €10,000 in damages. His resignation marks a political blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who had defended him but now faces pressure to appoint a replacement.
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DAILY DEEP DIVE

A Double Homicide Wrapped In Sectarian Suspicion

Updated Context
As Damascus celebrates a full 24 hours of electricity — a first after over a decade of civil war — the city of Homs is plagued by a new wave of sectarian violence. This is one of many growing incidents across Syria, as old rivalries and tensions continue to exist between tribes, ethnicities, sects, and religions.

Double Homicide Context
Last night, a Sunni man and his wife were brutally killed in their home. The husband had his throat slit and his wife was burned, with a message left on the wall in the victims’ blood: “Ummaya dogs, Ya Hussein.” Based on the writing, many assumed the attack was committed by Shia or Alawites against a Sunni couple, though this has not been independently verified. According to Kurdish journalist Scharo Maroof, the husband and wife were said to be working with the Syrian Ministry of Interior.

The Attacks on Alawites and Christians
By the time the news spread the following morning, large groups of Bedouins had gathered in public places preparing to attack the Christian and Alawite quarter. Videos show alleged members of the tribe setting fire to commercial shops and cars. According to official government media, authorities were able to contain and stop the attacks, while other sources claimed there were at least two casualties. Early video footage allegedly shows government soldiers and interior police unwilling or unable to stop the looting, with armed soldiers among the looters. Hours later, new footage appeared to show government troops forcing and arresting looters. Others reported local police and soldiers evacuating residents from the violence.

Coordinated Murder?
Anti-government commentators suggested the murder was a suspicious attempt to create division within the Homs community. They argued that it was unclear why members of the already vulnerable Alawite community would murder a prominent Sunni couple and leave explicit anti-Sunni slogans behind. No evidence currently confirms any specific motive.

Growing Sectarianism
Images are circulating showing members of the Bani Khalid tribe standing next to an Assad banner made by the tribe, highlighting their previous loyalty to the regime. This reflects one of the complex aspects of Syrian society: the war was not as black and white as often portrayed. Many Sunnis fought alongside the Assad government. Now, the same Sunni tribe that was once allied with the Alawites is attacking areas associated with their former allies. In essence, this shows that Syrian society continues to fragment. Whether the murder was committed by Alawites or not, there is an argument that former pro-government Sunni groups are now eager to demonstrate new loyalties.

Sources:
News/Journal sources available upon request, not shown to maintain visual integrity of page.

TWEET OF THE DAY

“It really do be like that sometimes” 😂 

TODAY IN HISTORY

(November 24, 1642): Dutch discovery of Tasmania

Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman, who sailed from Batavia (Jakarta) to investigate the practicality of a sea passage eastward to Chile and to explore New Guinea, skirted the southern shores of Tasmania this day in 1642.