The Editor's Briefing | The National

It is possible to hold two contrasting but valid emotions: both to resent a brutal dictator and oppose an American move to remove him. It is also possible to rejoice at the fall of a regime and worry about what comes in its place.

These are two statements that apply to the mixed emotions of many Venezuelans whose president, Nicolas Maduro, was “extracted” (or kidnapped) by the US on January 3 and taken to New York. It brought back reminders of what many Iraqis who had suffered under Saddam Hussein felt. Mixed emotions met by judgement calls about how people should be feeling. The reality is a mixed one, and the fall-out will be felt for years to come. And many Venezuelans, like many Iraqis, can be spared the opinions of overnight arm-chair experts on their country.

Which is where serious journalists come in and owe our audience but also the people of those countries serious reporting and analysis. Reporting on the impact of a major political and military action on the people of a nation is ultimately what matters. And yet there are also the effects on the international order, economy and more.

So far, US President Trump has not attempted to change the governance structure in Venezuela, although he has repeatedly said he plans to "run it". Time will tell what that means and how long for. While this draft of history is still being written, our newsroom has been looking at the ramifications this has on our part of the world – from oil prices to Hezbollah and Iran.

And while the US very directly changed the leadership in Venezuela, it has also threatened to intervene in Iran, which has witnessed weeks of protests. These demonstrations are the first since the strikes on Tehran’s proxies in the region and their outcome will likely be felt way beyond Iran’s borders.

While we hoped for a more peaceful and calmer year, it appears we are already full swing into a fast changing and turbulent 2026. Keep reading The National for sober reporting...and inshalla some good news stories along the way.

Have a good weekend.