Good morning, readers!

The US seems to be struggling both internally and externally.

With the impeachment inquiry looming over his head and Iran straight-out walking all over him, how will President Biden navigate through his remaining days as the leader of the free world?

Today’s geopolitics hotspots:

Biden faces impeachment: What you need to know

On Tuesday, The US Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, accusing him of corruption and abuse of power.

🔥 Allegations.

McCarthy claims that Biden and his family are involved in a “culture of corruption” that includes abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption.

• He says the House Oversight Committee has found evidence of this in their investigation, which he did not specify.

• He accuses Biden of using his influence as vice president and president to benefit his son Hunter, who had business ties with foreign entities, such as China and Ukraine.

Remember, these are allegations.

🚫 Responses.

The White House has dismissed McCarthy’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

• WH spokesperson: The Bidens have done nothing wrong. The inquiry is “extreme politics at its worst.”

• Rep. Ocasio-Cortez: McCarthy is “making a joke of himself.”

👥 Politics.

• McCarthy’s move is seen by many as a nod to his right-wing base, but a significant number of left-leaning voters also believe the president’s involvement.

• Recent CNN poll: “A majority of Americans believe Joe Biden, as VP, was involved with son’s business dealings.”

🌎 Implications.

• The impeachment inquiry is unlikely to succeed, as it requires a majority vote in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority.

• It could also damage the US’ reputation and credibility on the global stage. However, critics of Biden argue that his own incoherence and lack of assertiveness have already accomplished that feat.

🌟 Today’s gem

Quick updates

Click the country's name for more.👇🏻

🇷🇺 Russia:

Putin’s paranoia: Living in fear of his own guards.

Vladimir Putin is so scared of being assassinated that he doesn’t even trust his own security service. That’s what a former guard who fled to Ecuador reveals in a shocking interview.

He says:

• Putin makes fake travel plans to confuse even his own officers—sometimes arriving by sea instead of air.

• He also says Putin uses a secret palace in Crimea, where he can play ice hockey and hide from the world.

🇮🇷 Iran:

Iran’s president gets away with $6 billion.

The $6 billion of Iran’s frozen oil money, which the US unfroze for the release of five American prisoners, was supposed to be used for humanitarian aid only.

However, Iran’s president asserts that he will be the one to decide how the money is spent.

🇨🇳 China:

China cracks down on dollar buyers.

With the yuan hitting its lowest since 2008, the authorities are not willing to let the market decide the yuan’s fate.

• China’s central bank is cracking down on firms hoarding dollars. Now, any purchase exceeding $50 million needs approval.

• They have also issued a stern warning to curb the speculation and protect their national interests.

🇰🇵 North Korea:

Kim Jong Un sneaks into Russia, Putin ignores US threats.

After much anticipation, Kim and Putin, finally met at a remote Russian spaceport, with arms sales possibly on the discussion table. But North Korea had another surprise for the world: a ballistic missile launch off its east coast, just as the world’s eyes were on the summit. They surely know how to get people’s attention.

The US cautioned that any arms deal would unleash further sanctions. However, Kremlin spokesperson brushed off the warnings, stating that Moscow has no interest in “warnings from Washington.”