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Wall Street Pauses as Fed Meeting Looms: Futures Hold Steady

U.S. stock futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors awaited the start of the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all hovered near flat, reflecting a cautious mood across Wall Street. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders are focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the central bank’s updated economic projections. Markets are looking for clues on when rate cuts might begin in 2024, with inflation cooling but still above the Fed’s long-term target. Recent gains in equities have been fueled by optimism that the Fed’s tightening cycle is over, yet uncertainty remains about how quickly monetary policy will shift toward easing. Until then, investors appear content to hold their positions, waiting for clearer signals from the Fed before making bold moves.
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Israel’s Strategic Alliance: Thwarting Iran’s Unprecedented Attack


Israeli leaders find themselves at a critical juncture following the recent direct Iranian attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles. The coordinated response, led by an international military coalition, has been hailed as a starting point for a “strategic alliance” of regional opposition to Tehran. However, as the world watches with bated breath, Israel’s War Cabinet remains silent on the next steps.

The military coalition, spearheaded by the United States, Britain, and France, and seemingly including several Middle Eastern countries, provided crucial support to Israel. At a time when Israel faces isolation over its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, this coalition’s backing is significant. Moreover, it could serve as a blueprint for future regional relations beyond the current crisis.

“This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East,” stated Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman.

While Israel credits the coalition for intercepting the vast majority of the approximately 350 drones and missiles launched by Iran, questions linger about which of Israel’s neighbors participated in this defense. Israeli military officials and key War Cabinet members allude to additional “partners” without revealing their identities. Even White House national security spokesman John Kirby remains tight-lipped on the matter.

One of these covert partners appears to be Jordan. The Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman al-Safadi, emphasized that Jordan acted in self-defense due to the real danger posed by Iranian projectiles. “If this danger came from Israel, Jordan would take the same action,” he asserted.

The United States has long sought to forge a regionwide alliance against Iran, aiming to integrate Israel and strengthen ties with Arab nations. Initiatives like the 2020 Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and four Arab countries, demonstrate progress. Additionally, having Israel within the U.S. military’s Central Command, which collaborates closely with moderate Arab states, further underscores this effort.

Despite the ongoing war in Gaza, which has claimed over 33,700 Palestinian lives, behind-the-scenes cooperation persists. The White House remains hopeful about postwar plans, including the potential for Israel-Saudi ties.

As the world holds its breath, Israel weighs its next moves carefully. The shadow war has escalated, and the strategic alliance forged in this crisis may shape the region’s future.


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