Trudeau will resign as prime minister
Justin Trudeau, who has been the Prime Minister of Canada for almost ten years, said he would resign bowing to an angry electorate amid uncertain economic prospects and political strife in the coming months. According to him, the activity of the parliament was suspended until March 24.
The announcement left Canada in a political flux as the incoming Trump administration vowed to impose punitive tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau's replacement will be chosen through national Liberal Party elections.
He is the latest leader to be angered by anti-government sentiment in the West, a backlash against immigration and the lingering effects of rising inflation during the coronavirus pandemic. While inflation in Canada has fallen below 2 percent, unemployment remains high at over 6 percent.
Quote: “It's time for a reset,” Trudeau said, adding: “I really feel that removing the controversy surrounding my continued leadership is an opportunity to turn the temperature down.”
By the numbers: According to a poll released last month by Ipsos, 73 per cent of Canadians, including 43 per cent of Liberal voters, believed he should step down as party leader.
The US has eased some restrictions on aid to Syria
Weeks after rebel forces toppled the Assad family's 50-year authoritarian rule of the country, The Biden administration has lifted some restrictions But it kept broad sanctions on humanitarian aid to Syria in place.
The Treasury Department's six-month decision allows humanitarian groups to operate more freely without the benefit of US sanctions, including providing basic services such as electricity, energy, water and sanitation.
Sanctions remain one of the most pressing issues for Syria's new administration as it tries to chart a path forward, and Ahmed al-Shara, the leader of the rebel coalition that ousted the government, has called on the United States to begin easing restrictions.
Background: During the Syrian civil war, the US and its allies regularly tried to apply economic pressure on the now-deposed President Bashar al-Assad, his inner circle and the country's economy. Washington is now taking a cautious approach to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group that overthrew the government in Damascus.
From the region:
Russia captured the main city of Ukraine
Russia said yesterday took control The city of Kurakhove in southern Ukraine's Donbas region is closing in on its forces there.
Ukrainian forces have made progress by attacking the Kursk region in southern Russia again. Combat footage obtained by military analysts showed Ukraine trying to breach Russian defenses on at least three fronts – the first significant attempt to advance in the region since Ukraine's initial intervention in August.
Shares: According to military analysts, capturing Kurakhove and surrounding towns could allow Russia to expand its offensive on the city of Pokrovsk, the focal point of the war in recent months. Russia is trying to encircle the city, hoping to avoid brutal and protracted urban battles.
Analysis: According to experts, the dueling attacks underscored how both the Kremlin and Kiev are trying to show their strength as Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has promised to end the war quickly, but has not said how.
MORE BREAKING NEWS
The Taliban are desperate for a cash injection after losing billions in international aid. Now they are looking for about 1 trillion dollars underground mineral deposits and precious stones Under the harsh landscape of Afghanistan.
But it remains to be seen whether the Taliban can do what the United States has failed to do: manage the country's deeply chaotic industry enough to profit from it.
The Lives He Lived: James Lee Williams, drag star who played The Vivienne and won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died over the weekend On the 32nd.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
ART AND IDEAS
By pushing their buttons
Many creators on the Internet have taught pets to communicate by pressing colorful plastic buttons on the floor that say things like FOOD, MORE, and even I DOG. For some commentators, the posts are hotly derided; others are amazed and even inspired.
But what do scientists think? “Apparently, the interest in owning dogs is that they are a different species. There's something unknown about them, and that's really cool,” says Alexandra Horowitz, head of the canine cognition lab at Barnard College. “Why do we make them wear clothes and speak our language?”
That's it for today's briefing. See you tomorrow. – Natasha
Reach out to Natasha and the team briefing@nytimes.com.