Mike Baker

authorized the board's role in Gaza through 2027 as a transitional mechanism, again, specifically focused on Gaza.

That mandate allows the board to coordinate reconstruction funding under Trump's peace plan, temporarily oversee the territory, and deploy a limited international stabilization force.

As an aside, might I point out, Hamas has still not disarmed.

But beyond that, the picture related to the Board of Peace is less defined.

The board's charter says it will carry out peace-building activities, quote, in accordance with international law, but offers few specifics on enforcement or how it would operate alongside established UN bodies.

For now, the Board of Peace stands as a test of Trump's effort to reset global diplomacy, while Washington's closest allies view it as a challenge to the international order.

But, you know, honestly, a new organization focused on conflict resolution and peace –

Well, can't do any worse than the UN.

All you need to know about the feckless United Nations is that Russia remains a member of the Permanent Security Council, despite Putin's four-year war on Ukraine.

Oh, and also the UN is the organization that had Iran chair a human rights commission at one point.

Not to mention the UN's UNRWA infiltration by the Iranian-backed Hamas, although I guess I did just mention it.

Okay, coming up in the back of the brief.

Mexico flies 37 cartel members to the U.S.

as the Trump administration continues to pressure the Mexican government to cooperate further on drug enforcement.

I'll have those details.

Hey, Mike Baker here.

Well, it is officially 2026.

You knew that.

Now, did you make any New Year's resolutions?

I did.