Domestic Politics
The United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has dismissed claims made by the DC Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) that it is detaining and questioning individuals owing to their Iranian descent at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine, Washington DC. CAIR-WA claims that as many as 60 individuals were detained, with some being held for over 11 hours. [Al Jazeera]
US Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham stated his wish to change Senate rules to kickstart the impeachment trial in the next few days if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does not send the Senate the articles for impeachment. He argued that any delay denies the President an opportunity to confront the accusations and disrupts Congress’ ability to handle other matters. [Reuters]
International Relations
The American-led coalition in Iraq and Syria has suspended its counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State as the forces prepare for potential retaliation from Iran over a strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. The cessation of these missions comes with the backdrop of the Iraqi parliament vote to expel American and other foreign troops from the region. [The New York Times]
Donald Trump warned of sanctions against Iraq if American troops are forced out and reiterated his threat to target Iranian cultural sites should they retaliate. Trump’s move on Iran has divided policymakers in Washington, with senior officials describing widespread opposition within the administration to targeting cultural sites in Iran. [CNN]
Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan suspended a Canadian-led NATO training mission in Iraq following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The mission has been under Canadian command since its inception in 2018. It consists of hundreds of staff from allied nations and non-NATO countries, including 250 Canadian military members. [National Post]
Environment
Construction on the Coastal GasLink pipeline in Houston, Canada was halted after workers were issued an eviction notice by the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs. In December, the British Columbia Supreme Court allowed the company access to the site. However, today, it was forced to vacate the premises after he Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs decided to exercise Wet’suwet’en law. [CBC]
Business
Escalating tensions with Iran are having adverse effects on oil prices as prices rose upwards of 3% on Friday. Brent crude futures rose to $70.24 per barrel — the highest prices in the last six months, while US crude climbed to $64.36. However, analysts expect the response to be limited, which would keep the lid on oil prices. [CNN]
Law
Affirming Congress’ oversight responsibilities, United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the House will introduce and vote on a war powers resolution this week in an effort to limit Donald Trump’s actions with respect to Iran. The resolution will likely pass the Democrat-led House; but may face opposition in the Senate, with many Republicans lauding Trump’s actions. [Reuters]
Image Source: The Times of Israel