The UK’s plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has raised significant concerns, with Downing Street suggesting that the incoming US President Donald Trump should review the agreement before it proceeds. The deal, which includes maintaining a 99-year lease on the joint UK-US military airbase on the largest island, Diego Garcia, has prompted mixed reactions.

Efforts were reportedly made to secure the treaty’s signing before Trump’s inauguration on Monday, with expectations that Mauritius’ cabinet would approve the proposal on Wednesday. However, this timeline has been delayed, with Mauritius’ Attorney General heading to London for continued discussions.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s office indicated that it was “reasonable” for the incoming US administration to review the details of the agreement. This move comes amid criticism from various quarters, including Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, who called the development “complete humiliation” for the Prime Minister, accusing Labour of rushing the deal before Trump’s return to office.

The planned handover of the Chagos Islands, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), stems from ongoing disputes between the UK and Mauritius. The UK took control of the islands in 1965, evicting over 1,000 residents to make way for the Diego Garcia military base. Despite Mauritius gaining independence in 1968, the country has consistently asserted its sovereignty over the islands. The United Nations’ highest court has ruled that the UK’s administration of the territory is unlawful.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch strongly opposed the deal, accusing Starmer of negotiating a “secret deal” to relinquish British territory. Badenoch claimed that the UK would bear the financial cost of the handover, though the price tag for the deal has not been disclosed. In contrast, Starmer defended the plan during Prime Minister’s Questions, emphasizing that the agreement was in line with ongoing negotiations and crucial for maintaining the military base on Diego Garcia.

The deal would allow Mauritius to begin resettlement programs on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia, while addressing historical grievances, as stated in a joint statement between the UK and Mauritius. However, Chagossian communities, including those residing in Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK, have voiced concerns over being excluded from the negotiations.

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who had previously planned to sign the deal, expressed reservations after his election, requesting an independent review of the agreement. Despite the challenges, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has maintained that the deal is beneficial for national security, securing the legal foundation of the Diego Garcia base.

As discussions continue, political tensions surrounding the Chagos Islands handover are expected to intensify, with both domestic and international stakeholders closely monitoring the outcome.

As the sun rises over the ice-covered mountains of Nuuk fjord, Greenland, one of the world’s last wild frontiers, finds itself at the center of international debates about sovereignty and independence. Following remarks from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in which he refused to rule out taking Greenland by force, residents across the island are voicing their opposition.

On December 16, Trump made waves with his controversial statement regarding Greenland’s status, prompting a wave of discontent among locals. “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders,” says a local fisherman, whose words echo a sentiment voiced throughout the island. “Trump can visit, but that’s it.”

Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has long been a place of strong local identity, and residents like Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a 73-year-old church elder, have expressed outrage at the idea of selling or ceding the island. “Greenland is not for sale,” Ringsted states, recalling how he learned to fish and hunt with his father and grandfather. He, like many others, wants to preserve the land and its ways of life for future generations.

Further emphasizing local sentiment, Angutimmarik Hansen, a sheep farmer, dismisses the idea of selling Greenland to the U.S. as “stupid.” Although he acknowledges the island’s economic challenges, he insists, “We can work with the people of the USA, but not at the expense of our sovereignty.”

Despite these objections, the U.S. is still an influential presence in Greenland, and political figures like Jørgen Boassen, a businessman and supporter of Trump, suggest there is potential for economic collaboration with the U.S. “They are welcome to come and see what our country is like,” he says.

In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and the world’s northernmost capital city, the conversation has shifted from rejection to reflection. Local leaders like Kuno Fencker, a member of Greenland’s parliament, argue that Greenland must be able to negotiate directly with the U.S. on matters like defense, security, and economic development, rather than through Denmark. Fencker believes that a sovereign Greenland could benefit from international cooperation, though he recognizes the island would need financial support, especially from the U.S. and Denmark.

However, the push for independence is not without its complexities. Greenland receives significant subsidies from Denmark, and any move toward full independence could come with economic challenges. “We are not naïve,” says Fencker, acknowledging the potential costs but emphasizing the importance of self-determination.

At the same time, Greenlanders are still grappling with the legacy of colonialism and injustices committed during Danish rule. Memories of forced sterilizations of Inuit women in the 1960s and 70s remain a painful chapter in the island’s history.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has stated, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American, we want to be Greenlandic,” underscoring the island’s desire for autonomy. Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has tread carefully, acknowledging the feelings stirred by Trump’s remarks but also highlighting Greenland’s ongoing relationship with Denmark.

The debate about Greenland’s future is far from over. As the island’s residents continue to navigate complex issues of independence and self-determination, Trump’s rhetoric has thrust the conversation into the global spotlight. Yet, the message from Greenland is clear: its destiny will be determined by the voices of its people, not foreign powers.

President Joe Biden has presented Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian honor in the United States, calling the pontiff “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.” This marks the only time Biden has awarded the prestigious honor with distinction during his presidency.

Originally, Biden had planned to present the medal in person during a trip to Rome, scheduled to be his final overseas visit as president. However, he canceled his travel plans to focus on managing the devastating wildfires in California. Instead, the White House confirmed that Biden awarded the medal during a phone call with Pope Francis, where they also discussed global peace efforts and the alleviation of suffering.

This is the only instance during Biden’s presidency in which he has presented the award with distinction, a distinction he himself received in 2017 from then-President Barack Obama when Biden was Vice President. Obama only awarded the honor with distinction once during his presidency.

The citation for Pope Francis praised his tireless commitment to serving the poor, his role as a loving pastor who engages with children, and his call for peace and environmental protection. The award also highlighted his efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue and reaching out to those in need.

As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, he has been honoring prominent figures, including supporters and allies, in recent weeks. Since taking office, Biden has awarded fewer Presidential Medals of Freedom compared to his predecessors. For instance, President Barack Obama awarded 118 medals during his presidency, while Biden has given out 19.

On January 4, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a diverse group of individuals, including celebrity chef José Andrés, Irish rock star Bono, and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Other notable recipients included world-renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and actor Denzel Washington.

Despite the relatively low number of awards compared to his predecessors, Biden’s honorees represent a broad spectrum of fields, from entertainment and activism to business and human rights. The recipients have had significant impacts in their respective areas, and their accomplishments have been recognized for advancing causes such as racial justice, public health, environmental conservation, and equality.

As Biden’s time in office draws to a close, his legacy of awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom continues to honor individuals whose contributions have shaped the world in meaningful ways.