February 8, 2023

*) Fears grow for untold numbers buried by Türkiye earthquake Rescuers are racing against time in Türkiye and war-ravaged Syria two days after two massive 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes struck southern Türkiye, killing close to 10,000 in both countries. According to Türkiye’s disaster agency AFAD, at least 6,957 people have been killed in several of the country’s southern provinces. More than 2,500 people have been reported dead in northern Syria according to figures from the regime’s Health Ministry and the White Helmets volunteer organisation. A newborn baby was found alive and pulled from the rubble of a home in northern Syria on Tuesday. In Türkiye, several stories have also emerged of survivors pulled out from the wreckage more than two days after the disaster. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a state of emergency that will last for three months in 10 provinces affected by the quake. *) Netherlands, Denmark and Germany buy 100 Leopard 1 Tanks for Ukraine The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany are buying 100 Leopard-1A5 battle tanks for Ukraine, the Dutch government has said. The Dutch defense ministry said in a statement the tanks would be purchased "directly from German industry". In an interview on Dutch national broadcaster NOS, Netherlands Defense Minister Kasja Ollongen said the tanks, a slightly older model, are "definitely still useable" for fighting in Ukraine. *) US President Biden's makes annual State of the Union speech to Congress US President Joe Biden sought to rally supporters and challenge his political adversaries in his second State of the Union Address, telling Republicans to join with him as he seeks to unite the country to meet its most pressing challenges. He was quick to spar with the opposition party amid an ongoing impasse with House Republicans over raising the national debt ceiling, accusing the GOP of attempting to hold the nation hostage in order to claim wins on their priorities. Biden also said that Washington would continue to stand behind Ki