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Russia, U.S., and Ukraine Plan Abu Dhabi Security Talks as Moscow Stresses Territorial Demands 
NATO, Trump, and Arctic Security: Greenland Talks Highlight Rising Russia-China Concerns 
Trump Reverses Course on Greenland After Diplomatic Backlash 
Iran Warns of All-Out War Response as U.S. Sends Aircraft Carrier to Middle East 
Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Stall as Energy Crisis Deepens 
U.S. Backs Iraq’s Move to Detain ISIS Fighters, Urges Global Repatriation 
Trump Administration Weighs Tougher Sanctions on Cuba Including Possible Oil Blockade 
Haiti Transitional Council Pushes to Remove Prime Minister Despite U.S. Warnings 
New York Judge Orders Redrawing of GOP-Held Congressional District 
Trump Launches U.S.-Led Board of Peace to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire and Expand Global Role 
Somaliland President Meets Eric Trump and Israeli President at Davos to Seek Recognition and Investment 
Keir Starmer Condemns Trump’s Afghanistan Remarks as European Allies Push Back 
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United States Officially Exits World Health Organization, Raising Global Public Health Concerns 
Colombia Suspends Electricity Exports to Ecuador as Trade and Security Dispute Escalates 
As the Biden administration is focused on promoting Joe Biden’s next major proposals, it remains to be seen what the administration is going to do when it comes to the US’ interests in space. Over the weekend, it was announced that Vice President Kamala Harris would be leading the country’s National Space Council as its chairwoman.
Senior administration officials revealed to CNN that Harris is set to be the chair of the National Space Council as the Biden administration will be maintaining the organization. Harris confirmed that she will lead the organization on Twitter over the weekend as well. Harris would be taking over for her predecessor Mike Pence, who led the NSC during the Trump era.
“As I’ve said before: In America, when we shoot for the moon, we plant our flag on it. I am honored to lead our National Space Council,” tweeted Harris.
This marks another addition to Harris’ portfolio as vice president. The official noted that Harris plans to make her mark on the council, noting that her priorities include STEM education, cybersecurity, supporting sustainable development of commercial space activity as well as diversity in the workforce, advancing peaceful norms, and responsible behavior in space.
Officials revealed that in the meantime, the National Space Council will still operate under the 2017 executive order enacted by Donald Trump and have yet to decide whether changes should be made or not. The latest iteration would involve assisting the President in coming up with national space policies and strategies and synchronizing the country’s civil commercial and national security space activities.
In other news, Harris makes history once again this week as she becomes the first vice president to have her own wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The Museum will unveil her likeness as well as Biden’s later this year. Both their wax figures would be placed in the “Oval Office experience” part of the museum.
“We’re honored to create a figure for Vice President Harris and reflect this significant moment in US history for guests inside Madame Tussauds New York,” said the museum’s spokesperson Brittany Williams. Both wax figures will be wearing replicas of their outfits from their Inauguration Day.
