Category: World News

France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati has stepped down from her government role to dedicate her efforts to campaigning for mayor of Paris in the upcoming March 15 election.

Dati submitted her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, according to her statements during a television interview with BFMTV.

The French president has accepted her departure from the cabinet position, his office confirmed.

“The head of state thanked her for the useful action she has carried out in service to the French people over the past two years and offered her his full support in the fight she is waging,” Macron’s office stated.

During her tenure as Culture Minister, Dati recently managed leadership transitions at the renowned Louvre Museum following several institutional challenges. Polling data from Ifop indicates she leads the mayoral race, though victory would likely require a runoff election scheduled for March 22.

A former Spanish military officer who orchestrated one of Europe’s most dramatic failed coups has passed away at the age of 93.

Antonio Tejero died Wednesday night in Alzira, a town in eastern Spain, according to a statement from legal representatives of his family.

Tejero became infamous for his role in leading approximately 200 armed civil guards in a brazen assault on Spain’s parliament building on February 23, 1981. The attack represented the final and most significant effort to derail Spain’s democratic transformation following the 1975 death of dictator Francisco Franco.

In a remarkable coincidence, Tejero’s death occurred on the exact same day Spanish authorities released previously classified government documents concerning the 1981 coup attempt.

The takeover ultimately collapsed when Spain’s then-King Juan Carlos I appeared on national television to condemn the action, urging military forces to reject the coup and honor the nation’s new constitution.

The dramatic 18-hour siege, during which Tejero and his fellow guards held parliament members and government ministers captive, remains etched in Spanish national memory. Television cameras captured the entire ordeal as it unfolded, allowing Spanish citizens to witness the crisis in real time.

Broadcast footage showed military personnel discharging weapons inside the parliamentary chamber while elected officials dove for cover beneath their desks.

Wearing the distinctive patent leather tricorn hat of Spain’s civil guard police force, Tejero brandished a pistol and commanded “Everyone, freeze!” as he took control of the building. The raiders disrupted proceedings as lawmakers were preparing to confirm Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo as the country’s new prime minister.

Following his conviction for military rebellion, Tejero completed 15 years and nine months of a 30-year prison term.

Upon his release, he split his time between his hometown of Málaga in southern Spain and the capital city of Madrid, according to a 2011 report by Spanish newspaper El País.

Madrid law firm A. Cañizares Abogados announced Wednesday that Tejero died “peacefully, surrounded by his entire family and after receiving the holy sacraments.”

Cuban authorities announced that a deadly confrontation in territorial waters on Wednesday resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries after a Florida-registered speedboat allegedly fired upon Cuban border patrol forces, prompting return gunfire from Cuban officials.

According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, all four individuals who lost their lives were passengers on the Florida vessel, while six additional occupants sustained injuries. Cuban officials also reported that their border patrol commander was wounded during the exchange.

Cuban authorities stated that the injured individuals from the attacking vessel were transported for emergency medical care following the incident.

This deadly encounter occurs during a period of escalating friction between Cuba and the United States. The U.S. has imposed severe restrictions on oil deliveries to the Caribbean island, creating additional strain on Cuba’s Communist leadership. The situation became more complex following the January 3 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces in Caracas, effectively removing one of Cuba’s most important regional allies.

In an official statement, Cuban officials declared: “Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and stability in the region.”

PARIS – French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s administration weathered a parliamentary challenge Wednesday, defeating the first of two attempts to remove the government from power over controversial energy legislation.

The no-confidence measure, brought forward by the far-right National Rally party, secured support from 140 lawmakers but fell significantly short of the 289 votes required to succeed in ousting the government.

The political showdown stems from the administration’s decision to bypass the National Assembly and implement new energy regulations through executive decree, denying elected representatives their traditional final approval authority.

Parliamentary leaders are preparing for a second no-confidence vote, this one initiated by the hard-left France Unbowed party, which is anticipated to take place in the coming hours.

Lecornu’s administration operates without a clear parliamentary majority and has already weathered two previous attempts to remove it from office earlier this year, both triggered by the government’s decision to force through a delayed national budget without legislative approval.

PARIS – A new survey indicates French citizens have shifted their political concerns, with more voters now willing to block far-left parties from gaining power compared to far-right groups, marking a significant change in the country’s political landscape.

The Elabe polling firm found that approximately two-thirds of respondents would cast ballots against the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party in a runoff election, while only 45% said they would vote to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from taking office.

This change in public sentiment follows the recent death of 23-year-old far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who was allegedly killed by far-left extremists. The incident has deeply disturbed French society and turned public opinion against the LFI party. Seven individuals, including a staff member working for an LFI legislator, face formal charges in connection with Deranque’s death.

All accused individuals have rejected the charges against them, according to prosecutors.

The National Rally, historically associated with racist and antisemitic positions, has attempted to leverage concerns about far-left violence to build broader acceptance among mainstream voters. The party now holds the most seats in France’s parliament and is considered a strong contender for the 2027 presidential race.

Traditionally, the RN faced a strategy where opposing parties would unite in second-round elections to prevent their victory. Following the recent killing, RN officials have demanded that other parties establish a “sanitary cordon” against the LFI. The polling data suggests voters are responding to this appeal.

Former center-left President Francois Hollande has called for his Socialist Party to distance itself from LFI.

JOHANNESBURG — Eleven South African citizens touched down at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Wednesday, immediately facing police interrogation after allegedly being recruited to battle for Russia in the Ukrainian conflict.

Upon their arrival, the men were escorted directly to the airport police station for questioning regarding their involvement in the war zone. Airport witnesses observed one individual being removed from the plane in a wheelchair, while his companions carried what appeared to be military-style duffel bags.

This homecoming increases the total count of returned South Africans to 15, though two individuals remain in Russia. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tuesday that one person continues receiving medical treatment at a Russian hospital, while another awaits completion of travel paperwork before departing.

According to Police Colonel Katlego Mogale, authorities launched an investigation last week focusing on violations of South African legislation that forbids citizens from participating in overseas military conflicts without government approval.

The probe has expanded to include five suspects connected to recruiting these men for Russian service, notably featuring Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. Despite denying any criminal activity, she stepped down from her parliamentary position following these allegations.

Reports indicate several recruits have family ties to the Zuma clan and were personally enlisted by Zuma-Sambudla herself.

December arrests resulted in five individuals facing recruitment-related charges, with their court appearances scheduled for April.

LIMA, Peru — Interim President José María Balcázar issued an emergency declaration Wednesday covering more than 700 districts throughout Peru as devastating rainfall, mudslides, and floods continue wreaking havoc across nearly half the nation’s territory.

The emergency order, which appeared in Peru’s official government publication, is designed to expedite financial assistance to local and regional governments as they work to protect critical infrastructure such as highways, bridges, electrical systems, and water supplies while safeguarding residents’ lives and well-being. The declaration encompasses districts spanning Peru’s Pacific coastline, Andean mountains, and Amazon rainforest regions.

Weather officials attribute the extreme conditions to the Coastal El Niño climate pattern, which has caused ocean temperatures to rise dramatically. While the rainfall has grown more intense recently, the new administration couldn’t act on emergency measures until this week. Balcázar’s cabinet members were only sworn into office Tuesday, concluding a ministerial vacancy that started February 17 when his predecessor José Jerí was ousted amid corruption and influence-peddling allegations.

Transportation officials reported Wednesday that approximately 580 miles of roadways have sustained damage across the country, with the worst destruction occurring in four regions experiencing the heaviest precipitation. These transportation arteries provide essential access for more than 500,000 people each week.

Government officials have revised the casualty count upward, confirming that 68 individuals have perished from weather-related incidents since December began. Recent fatalities include a father and his son who were killed by a mudslide in Arequipa, along with a Lima police officer who lost his life in the Rimac River while trying to save a dog caught in Andean floodwaters.

Weather experts say Pacific Ocean temperatures continue climbing, with the Coastal El Niño phenomenon anticipated to intensify somewhat during March. The elevated sea surface temperatures create excessive evaporation and produce torrential downpours while causing rivers to swell beyond their banks.

A Spanish Civil Guard officer whose dramatic attempt to overthrow democracy became one of the most memorable moments in modern European history has passed away at age 93.

Antonio Tejero died peacefully Wednesday in Alzira, Valencia, surrounded by family members and after receiving last rites, according to his family’s legal representatives at A. Cañizares Abogados.

Television cameras captured the shocking scene on February 23, 1981, when Tejero marched into Spain’s parliament chamber at 6:23 p.m. wearing his distinctive three-cornered hat and waving a handgun. He commanded legislators to remain quiet and drop to the ground as additional rebel guards entered with automatic weapons, firing shots into the air while terrified lawmakers cowered behind their desks.

The national television network RTVE recorded thirty minutes of the dramatic takeover before being forced to shut off their equipment. That footage, broadcast the following day and repeatedly over the years, became permanently etched in Spanish collective memory.

For approximately seventeen hours, Tejero and his followers kept parliament members captive, disrupting the ceremonial installation of Spain’s newly elected democratic leadership.

The conspirators sought to restore authoritarian rule, just five years after dictator Francisco Franco’s passing had opened the door to Spain’s first democratic elections in forty years.

This coup attempt represented a crucial test for Spain’s young democracy and its constitution, which had been established only three years prior. King Juan Carlos I strengthened his democratic credentials by swiftly condemning the uprising through a televised address backing the legitimate government.

Born April 30, 1932, in Malaga province to teacher Antonio Tejero Camacho and Dolores Molina Labrada, Tejero grew up in military surroundings that shaped his worldview. His family relocated to a military installation shortly before his birth, where they experienced the early years of Spain’s 1936-1939 civil conflict.

According to historian Roberto Muñoz Bolaños, this military upbringing instilled in young Tejero the fascist principles of Franco’s government: opposition to communism and liberalism, resistance to regional autonomy, and “most importantly, belief in military supremacy over civilian authority.”

At nineteen, Tejero entered Spain’s military academy and was placed in the Civil Guard, a military branch handling civilian law enforcement. His advancement through officer ranks came rapidly due to his ideological alignment with commanding officers.

Following Franco’s death, Tejero transformed from exemplary soldier to disruptive force as Franco supporters lost military influence. He attributed Spain’s problems to democratic governance.

Disciplinary actions became frequent for insubordination, and in 1977 he lost his command position at a Civil Guard facility in Malaga after blocking an approved public demonstration, claiming the date should honor a fallen Civil Guard member from Barcelona.

The emergence of the now-defunct Basque separatist organization ETA and perceived efforts to diminish military power motivated him to develop “Operation Galaxia” in 1978 with fellow officers. Their scheme involved seizing the Moncloa presidential palace in Madrid and holding the prime minister and cabinet members hostage.

However, one conspirator exposed the plot before execution. Tejero received a prison sentence of seven months and one day, as reported by ABC newspaper.

Upon his release, Tejero immediately began organizing the 1981 attempt that would make him infamous.

He gained support from Lieutenant General Jaime Milans del Bosch for the operation, with the condition they claim royal authorization. When Juan Carlos declined to endorse their actions and instead supported democratic institutions, the coup collapsed.

Tejero and Milans del Bosch faced trial as primary conspirators, receiving thirty-year sentences.

While imprisoned, he established a far-right political organization called Solidaridad Española, but managed only 28,451 votes – insufficient for parliamentary representation.

Muñoz Bolaños wrote in the academic publication Aportes that Tejero’s path “demonstrates, more clearly than any other military leader, how a segment of the armed forces failed to adjust to Spain’s transformations since the 1960s and grasp that democracy requires consensus, dialogue and acceptance of opposing viewpoints.”

“Such concepts remained incomprehensible to a military officer shaped by Francoist ideology,” the historian noted.

Released in 1996, Tejero spent his remaining years largely out of public view, reportedly supplementing his military pension by selling artwork to supporters, according to La Sexta television.

His rare public statements showed no remorse for his actions.

“It cost me my career and my freedom, but despite that I do not regret having tried,” Tejero told Alvaro Romero Ferreiro in an interview for the 2021 book “Tejero: Man of Honour.”

One notable recent appearance was witnessing Franco’s remains being moved to Mingorrubio cemetery near Madrid in 2019 after exhumation from the mausoleum the dictator had constructed for himself.

Tejero wed schoolteacher Carmen Diez Pereira, with whom he raised six children: Carmen, Dolores, Antonio, Elvira, Ramon and Juan. His son Ramon, a Catholic priest, conducted the religious service before Franco’s reburial.

At Franco’s daughter’s 2017 funeral, Tejero stated he continued praising Franco for providing Spain with “40 years of happiness.”

The bullet holes created by Tejero’s forces on February 23, 1981, remain visible in the parliamentary chamber’s ceiling today.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian families face a daily struggle at the grocery store as prices continue climbing sharply. Many citizens share images on social platforms showing their diminished shopping baskets as they battle to afford essential items for their households. This financial burden adds to existing concerns about potential military conflict with the United States and ongoing recovery from recent nationwide demonstrations.

“Everybody is under pressure: merchants, civil servants, laborers,” said Ebrahim Momeni, a 52-year-old retired civil servant. “The weaker class of people is being crushed.”

International sanctions and poor economic management have plagued Iran’s financial system for years.

The country saw temporary improvement following a 2015 nuclear agreement that removed numerous sanctions, but President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of that deal in 2018. After returning to office over a year ago, Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy, broadening sanctions targeting Iran’s banking system and oil exports. His administration added fresh sanctions Wednesday against 30 individuals and entities allegedly supporting Iran’s missile and drone manufacturing, plus illegal petroleum sales.

This pressure has sped up the collapse of Iran’s national currency, the rial. When the nuclear agreement was established in 2015, the rial exchanged at approximately 32,000 per dollar. By late December, it had fallen to 1.3 million per dollar. Wednesday saw it hit a record low of 1.65 million rials per dollar — worsened by concerns over potential U.S. military action.

Price increases have exceeded 46% compared to January last year. Financial experts caution that the rial’s rapid deterioration could create a destructive pattern of rising costs and diminished buying power. They predict Iran’s economy — already burdened by significant youth unemployment — will face substantial inflation for years ahead.

The currency’s dramatic decline helped spark demonstrations that started in late December at Tehran’s central marketplace before spreading across the nation.

Costs for daily necessities, including food and personal care items, are climbing rapidly.

Momeni reported earning approximately 700 million rial (roughly $540) monthly. Over just the past month, a kilogram of red meat jumped from 13 million rials ($10) to 22 million rials ($17). During the same timeframe, milk prices doubled from 520,000 rials to 1.1 million per liter, while pasta increased from 340,000 to 570,000 rials per box.

“Those with lower incomes and fixed salaries are suffering because of the price hikes,” said Farhad Panahirad, a 44-year-old taxi driver. He and his spouse together earn about 600 million rials monthly, he explained.

Multiple shoppers at Wednesday markets described their strategies for managing increasing financial strain — monitoring social media daily for current pricing information, or shopping during evening hours when some vendors reduce produce prices by half to clear inventory before spoilage.

With fears that U.S. strikes could happen without warning, Iranians are rushing to buy emergency provisions. This includes flashlights, portable gas stoves, and window tape for blast protection, according to a tool shop owner in central Iran who requested anonymity due to retaliation concerns.

Some attempt purchasing large quantities of beans, bread, rice and preserved foods despite elevated costs. “I am not happy to buy this much stuff, but my wife said we had to be prepared for uncertainty in the coming days,” said Saeed Ebrahimi, 43, an electrical technician and father of two.

Even household appliances like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators have seen prices double, Iranian media reports indicate.

Tehran economist Farbod Molavi noted in the independent Dona-e-Eghtesad publication that elevated prices stem from market uncertainty and increased raw material expenses. Iran faces both economic downturn and widespread joblessness, he noted.

Official unemployment reached around 7.8% in October, rising from 7.2% during the same 2024 period, with youth unemployment reaching 20%. Approximately 24 million citizens fall between ages 15 to 34, government data shows.

Recognizing public hardship, the government began distributing monthly payments of 10 million rials in January to roughly 70 million people, representing about 75% of the population, for food purchases. Officials have pledged to boost these payments if prices continue rising.

However, the economic pressure seems set to persist. Trump has warned of strikes against Iran unless it accepts a new agreement limiting its nuclear activities. He has assembled the region’s largest concentration of naval vessels and aircraft in decades. Both nations have completed two negotiation rounds recently, with a third scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.

Panahirad, the taxi driver, expressed doubt that negotiations will help those struggling to afford food. “(Trump) is bullying them, to some extent. After all, he is a superpower and says what he wishes must be done,” he said.

“Wherever you go now people are talking about war. If you go to a bakery to buy bread you see people talking about war,” said Momeni. “This state of limbo is worse than war.”

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s national legislature has given final approval to a plan that will gradually shorten the country’s standard work week from 48 to 40 hours over the next several years.

The constitutional amendment, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, received overwhelming support in the lower house early Wednesday morning, passing by a margin of 411 to 58. The upper chamber had already given its endorsement earlier this month.

The legislation now moves to Mexico’s state-level assemblies for final ratification, where Sheinbaum’s political party holds commanding majorities.

Rather than an immediate change, the new work schedule will be phased in over four years, cutting two hours annually starting in 2027 until reaching the 40-hour target in 2030. Legislators chose to keep the current structure of one rest day for every six work days, turning down a proposal that would have mandated two weekly rest days.

Government estimates suggest the policy shift will directly impact 13.5 million Mexican workers, though some experts believe the actual number could be significantly higher.

“The gradual implementation should help businesses adjust without hitting their finances,” said Oscar Ocampo from the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness.

The reform will align Mexico with workplace standards already adopted across much of Latin America, Europe, and Asia, where some nations are even testing shortened four-day work schedules.

WASHINGTON — Days before critical nuclear negotiations are set to begin, the United States has levied fresh sanctions against Iran, targeting 30 individuals, businesses and vessels allegedly connected to the country’s weapons programs and illegal oil trade.

The penalties were announced Wednesday as President Donald Trump has deployed what officials describe as the most significant concentration of American naval and air power in the Middle East in recent decades, while maintaining the threat of military intervention to force Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Diplomatic talks involving U.S. representatives, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian officials are planned for Thursday in Geneva, with Oman serving as an intermediary.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control rolled out restrictions against vessels it claims are part of Iran’s “shadow fleet” — aging tankers used to secretly transport oil for nations under heavy international sanctions.

The sanctions also strike at drone production facilities, notably Qods Aviation Industries, which according to Treasury officials has provided unmanned aircraft “to all branches of the Iranian military and buyers in Africa and Latin America.”

These financial restrictions block access to any American-held assets and prohibit U.S. businesses and individuals from conducting transactions with the sanctioned entities. However, their practical impact may be limited since many targets likely have minimal ties to American financial institutions.

“Treasury will continue to put maximum pressure on Iran to target the regime’s weapons capabilities and support for terrorism, which it has prioritized over the lives of the Iranian people,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The Trump administration maintains that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons capability, escalating pressure following American military strikes in June against three Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iranian officials have consistently stated their nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Prior to the June attacks, the nation had been processing uranium to 60% purity — just a technical step away from the 90% enrichment level needed for weapons.

“We wiped it out and they want to start all over again. And they’re at this moment again pursuing their sinister ambitions,” Trump said during his State of the Union speech Tuesday night. “We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Ukrainian officials revealed Wednesday that Russian forces have deceived more than 1,700 African citizens into joining their military campaign, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

During a joint press conference with Ghana’s foreign minister in Kyiv, Sybiha disclosed that Ukrainian intelligence shows 1,780 African nationals are currently serving in Russia’s military ranks. These fighters represent citizens from 36 nations across the African continent.

“We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag African citizens into a deadly war,” Sybiha stated during the briefing. He indicated that Ukrainian officials are working with African governments to combat these recruitment schemes.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the African fighters as victims of elaborate deception, explaining they were targeted through dark web platforms with promises of legitimate employment opportunities.

“They have no security background. They have no military background. They have not been trained,” Ablakwa explained. “They were just lured and deceived, and then put on the frontlines.”

Russian officials have previously rejected allegations of illegally recruiting African nationals for military service. However, documented cases of African men being misled with job offers only to end up in combat zones have increased significantly in recent months, straining diplomatic relationships between Moscow and several African nations.

Ablakwa expressed Ghana’s support for Ukraine and advocated for a ceasefire to end the conflict, which reached its fourth anniversary on Tuesday. He also announced plans to request Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s assistance in securing the release of two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured while fighting for Russian forces.

As Ghana prepares to lead the African Union next year, Ablakwa pledged to implement awareness campaigns designed to expose trafficking networks that deceive Africans into joining Russian military operations.

Armed militants carried out deadly coordinated strikes on two Nigerian villages Tuesday evening, leaving at least 25 people dead and multiple homes destroyed, according to local officials and witnesses.

The simultaneous assaults targeted Kirchinga village in Madagali district and Garaha in the neighboring Hong area, both located in Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria. These communities sit along the borders of Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province militants.

Village leader Abubakar Lawan Kanuri from Kirchinga explained to Reuters that the attackers wore military clothing when they arrived Tuesday night, causing residents to initially believe they were government troops conducting routine patrols. Following the assault on his community, authorities recovered 18 bodies.

The second attack in Garaha claimed seven lives when militants riding more than 50 motorcycles descended on the village and launched an assault on a nearby military installation, according to local resident Musa Isa, who said he “narrowly escaped” the violence.

Isa described how the attackers approached from multiple angles before striking the military facility, where they killed three soldiers. Four civilians attempting to flee were also shot dead, and militants set fire to a local school. Many survivors have since evacuated to Mubi, the closest major town.

Adamawa State’s Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri issued a strong condemnation of the violence through his spokesperson, calling the incidents “cowardly acts of terrorism.” The governor pledged not to “let terrorists undermine our efforts to restore peace and stability” in the region.

These latest attacks underscore the persistent security threats facing northeastern Nigeria, which has remained the center of a 17-year Islamic extremist insurgency despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring stability to the area.

Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald V will spend several additional days in a Spanish hospital while doctors treat a skin infection on his leg, according to his physician.

The monarch was hospitalized Tuesday evening while vacationing with Queen Sonja on Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, just days after celebrating his 89th birthday. His personal physician, Bjørn Bendz, flew to the island Wednesday to oversee his care.

In a palace statement, Bendz reported that the king’s overall condition remains good and he is showing positive response to infection treatment. However, the doctor emphasized the need for continued hospital care over the coming days.

“It’s always serious when people nearing 90 are admitted for treatment to an infection,” Bendz explained, adding that medical staff want to thoroughly assess Harald’s health before release, “even though his condition is stable now.”

This marks another health challenge for the Norwegian ruler, who experienced medical issues during a 2022 vacation in Malaysia. During that trip, he required emergency pacemaker surgery and was transported back to Norway via medical aircraft for a permanent device.

Harald has served as Norway’s king since taking the throne in 1991. His current hospitalization occurs during a difficult period for Norway’s royal family.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of heir Crown Prince Haakon, has recently faced renewed questions about her past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Additionally, Mette-Marit’s son from an earlier relationship is currently facing trial in Oslo on serious criminal charges, including allegations of rape.

TORONTO — Canadian officials announced Wednesday they will provide $8 million Canadian dollars (approximately $6.7 million USD) in humanitarian food assistance to Cuba, as the Caribbean nation grapples with a deepening fuel shortage that has disrupted oil deliveries due to U.S. economic pressure.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated she has not coordinated this aid decision with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio or other American officials.

“This is Canadian foreign policy,” Anand explained. “We are focused on the humanitarian situation.”

The assistance will be distributed through United Nations organizations rather than directly to Cuban government officials.

For over a year, Global Affairs Canada has issued travel advisories warning of “shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel” throughout most of Cuba.

The island nation is experiencing a worsening energy emergency that has intensified in recent weeks after oil deliveries from Venezuela, Cuba’s primary petroleum supplier, stopped when the U.S. took action against the South American nation in early January and detained its former leader. Mexico, another key oil provider, subsequently halted its shipments under American pressure.

Aviation fuel shortages on the island have forced Air Canada and other carriers to cancel flights to the Caribbean destination.

Cuban tourism depends heavily on Canadian visitors, and Canada ranks as the island’s second-largest source of foreign investment, especially in mining and tourism industries, according to Global Affairs Canada.

Mexico has dispatched a second round of humanitarian supplies to Cuba. Two Mexican naval ships carrying 1,193 tons of aid left the port of Veracruz on Tuesday and are scheduled to reach Cuba on Saturday, the Mexican Foreign Ministry reported.

The vessel Papaloapan is transporting 1,078 tons of beans and milk powder, while the Huasteco carries 92 tons of beans and 23 tons of additional food supplies. The remaining 23 tons of humanitarian goods were donated by various social groups with assistance from Mexico City’s government, according to ministry officials.

In February, Mexico delivered over 814 tons of food and hygiene items to Cuba while diplomatic discussions continued about restarting oil deliveries. These petroleum shipments ceased in mid-January, shortly before President Donald Trump announced a substantial strengthening of the economic embargo against Havana.

Cuba’s economic difficulties, ongoing since 2020, have been worsened by increased U.S. sanctions designed to pressure changes in the island’s government system. These restrictions have created critical supply shortages and widespread power outages that reached their worst point in early 2026.

Since Cuba only produces 40% of its fuel needs domestically, the nation remains extremely susceptible to external supply disruptions. Although strong allies including Russia and China have criticized the U.S. actions, their assistance has been mostly symbolic so far.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio touched down in the Caribbean nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday to meet with regional leaders expressing alarm over Cuba’s worsening conditions and potential regional fallout.

The discussions come as the Trump administration has cut off oil deliveries to Cuba, intensifying pressure on the island nation following the January 3 removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had been a crucial Cuban supporter.

During his visit, Rubio participated in a private session with CARICOM, the 15-member Caribbean organization plus five associate members, and scheduled individual meetings with regional officials to address migration control and anti-drug trafficking efforts.

The Secretary’s Caribbean trip followed his attendance at the State of the Union address, where President Trump declared he was “restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere” and highlighted the military operation that captured Maduro while eliminating Cuban forces protecting him.

The administration has warned of potential tariff increases against countries that supply energy to Cuba, while encouraging Cuban leadership to negotiate an agreement that could prevent further humanitarian deterioration.

Prior to Rubio’s visit, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged CARICOM to coordinate a unified response to Cuba’s crisis. Though Cuba isn’t a CARICOM member, it maintains relationships with the organization and has historically provided medical professionals and educators to neighboring nations. The U.S. is also pressuring countries to end participation in Cuba’s medical exchange program, which generates revenue for the Cuban government.

“Humanitarian suffering serves no one. Apart from our fraternal care and solidarity with the Cuban people, it must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba. It will affect migration, security and economic security across the Caribbean basin,” Holness stated Tuesday, advocating for “constructive dialogue between Cuba and the United States aimed at de-escalation, reform and stability.”

Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, hosting the gathering, emphasized CARICOM’s potential role as a mediator in Cuba’s future. “A destabilized Cuba will destabilize all of us,” Drew warned.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil’s Supreme Court delivered unanimous guilty verdicts Wednesday against five men connected to the 2018 murder of human rights activist and city councilwoman Marielle Franco, along with her driver Anderson Gomes, in Rio de Janeiro.

The four-justice panel determined that former Representative Chiquinho Brazao and his brother Domingos Brazao, who served on Rio de Janeiro state’s audit court, masterminded Franco’s killing to prevent her and her political allies from interfering with their unlawful land acquisition operations.

Franco, a 38-year-old Black lesbian progressive politician from Rio’s impoverished neighborhoods, had become a prominent figure in Brazil’s Socialism and Liberty Party. Her assassination sent shockwaves through Rio de Janeiro and triggered national and international condemnation, even in a city accustomed to violent crime.

This verdict concludes an eight-year legal battle to hold accountable those responsible for Franco’s high-profile murder in a nation where many homicides remain unsolved.

The Brazao siblings, who wielded significant political influence in Rio de Janeiro, accumulated substantial wealth through fraudulent schemes that seized government property in the city’s western districts for private development ventures.

The court also found Rivaldo Barbosa, who headed Rio’s police force at the time, guilty of obstructing the investigation. Two additional defendants received convictions for participating in the criminal enterprise. Each of the five men maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.

Franco and Gomes died in a hail of bullets while sitting in her vehicle following a community gathering on March 14, 2018. The gunmen responsible for the shooting, former police officers Ronnie Lessa and Elcio de Queiroz, admitted guilt and received lengthy prison terms.

Authorities apprehended the Brazao brothers in 2024 after Lessa identified them as the architects of the double homicide while cooperating with prosecutors under a plea agreement.

HARARE, Zimbabwe — America will terminate its health assistance program to Zimbabwe following the breakdown of negotiations over a proposed funding agreement that Zimbabwe declined due to requirements for sharing confidential health information.

The termination leaves Zimbabwe without its largest health funding partner, creating uncertainty for HIV treatment programs and public health services in a nation where medical facilities often lack basic supplies and patients frequently purchase their own medications due to shortages.

Zimbabwe’s leadership stated the funding proposal included unacceptable conditions. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana explained Wednesday that the decision stemmed from worries about data sharing requirements, fairness issues, national sovereignty, and America’s broader retreat from global health organizations.

According to Mangwana, the American proposal demanded “comprehensive access to Zimbabwe’s sensitive health data, including virus samples and epidemiological information from our citizens.”

Mangwana reported that President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered the talks ended because America failed to provide “a corresponding guarantee of access to any medical innovations — such as vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments — that might result from that shared data.”

“The United States was not offering reciprocal sharing of its own epidemiological data with our health authorities,” Mangwana stated. “In essence, our nation would provide the raw materials for scientific discovery without any assurance that the end products would be accessible to our people should a future health crisis emerge.”

America had proposed $367 million across five years to fund Zimbabwe’s key health initiatives, covering HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health services, and disease outbreak readiness, according to the American embassy in Zimbabwe.

The arrangement would have marked the most significant potential health investment in Zimbabwe from any international ally, delivering “extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities — especially the 1.2 million men, women, and children currently receiving HIV treatment through U.S.-supported programs,” stated U.S. ambassador Pamela Tremont on Tuesday.

“We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe,” Tremont declared, noting that Zimbabwe indicated readiness to manage its HIV response without external support. “We wish them well,” Tremont added.

America has served as Zimbabwe’s primary bilateral health funding source for years, contributing almost $2 billion in aid since 2006. The U.S. claims it “is directly responsible” for Zimbabwe’s achievement of United Nations HIV treatment, testing and viral suppression goals.

Zimbabwe recently began distributing lenacapavir, an innovative HIV prevention medication given twice yearly. The distribution received backing from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, working with the Global Fund, creating questions about future program deliveries.

Zimbabwe’s College of Public Health Physicians has called for renewed discussions, emphasizing the necessity of continued American funding for “critical components” of Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure.

“An abrupt discontinuation of such support could risk treatment interruption, increased transmission, the emergence of drug resistance, and additional strain on the health system,” the organization stated.

Zimbabwe, similar to other low-income nations, has struggled with reduced aid under President Donald Trump’s policies, though some programs persisted through PEPFAR. America also departed from the World Health Organization in January, reflecting a broader restructuring of global health involvement.

Under the current American approach, the Trump administration has pursued direct “America First” health funding agreements, replacing arrangements previously managed through the now-dissolved U.S. Agency for International Development.

The American embassy in Zimbabwe reported agreements exceeding $18 billion signed with 16 African nations, though recipient countries would provide approximately $7.1 billion of this total as part of America’s push for nations to increase their own health sector investments.

Multiple countries have already joined the new agreements. Nigeria secured a deal emphasizing Christian-based medical facilities. Rwanda and Uganda have also signed contracts, while some agreements, including those with Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire, feature provisions for private American sector investment.

In Kenya, an agreement signed in December faces delays after the High Court halted implementation pending a lawsuit filed by a consumer rights organization regarding data security concerns.

Zimbabwean officials condemned the bilateral approach as “a departure from the multilateral frameworks” and argued that virus data with pandemic potential should be shared only through the WHO system.

“This system is designed to ensure that when a country contributes its data, the benefits — including vaccines and treatments — are shared equitably, not commercialized exclusively by those with the resources to develop them,” Mangwana explained.

The Australian foreign ministry announced Wednesday that it has ordered the families of its diplomatic personnel to evacuate from Israel and Lebanon due to worsening security conditions across the Middle East region.

Officials from Australia’s foreign ministry stated that the decision was made in response to the declining safety situation in both nations, prompting the precautionary measure to protect diplomatic family members.

The evacuation order affects relatives of Australian diplomatic staff currently stationed in the two Middle Eastern countries.

Pakistani authorities have intensified security operations and taken dozens of suspects into custody following concerns about potential retaliatory militant strikes after conducting weekend airstrikes across the border in Afghanistan, according to officials in Islamabad.

Junior Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry confirmed Wednesday that Pakistani forces remain on heightened alert status. “Our forces are on high-alert to combat any attacks,” Chaudhry stated to Reuters. “You know the militants always react whenever we go after their hideouts in Afghanistan.”

The weekend military operations targeted what Pakistani officials described as militant positions responsible for recent suicide bombings within Pakistan’s borders.

Pakistani leadership continues to hold the Afghan government accountable for providing sanctuary to extremist groups, while Kabul maintains its position that such militancy represents Pakistan’s domestic issue rather than cross-border terrorism.

Border tensions escalated Tuesday when Pakistani and Afghan military units engaged in gunfire exchanges, with both nations placing blame on the other for initiating hostilities.

Recent militant violence has included an assault on law enforcement in Kohat city within Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in seven deaths including five police officers and two civilians, plus a checkpoint suicide attack that claimed two police lives.

According to Chaudhry, these revenge attacks demonstrate Pakistan’s assertions about militant connections operating from Afghan territory. He noted that security forces have successfully prevented multiple planned attacks recently while apprehending various suspects, including Afghan nationals.

“Security forces have accelerated search and intelligence based operations and have arrested dozens of suspected militants, their handlers and their facilitators,” the minister explained.

Intelligence sources revealed that Pakistani security agencies have issued warnings regarding anticipated increases in terrorist activities throughout the country in upcoming days.

Potential targets identified in these alerts include metropolitan areas, commercial districts, security installations, and religious facilities, according to intelligence sources.

“We have been given a strong caution about more terror attacks in our official communications. In this regard, we have almost doubled our search operations across Pakistan,” an intelligence official reported.

A second intelligence operative expressed concerns that while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces already face ongoing terrorist threats, “we fear that Afghanistan will retaliate against Pakistan through terror networks in Punjab and Sindh as well.”

Extremist violence represents an escalating challenge for Pakistan, with incident numbers climbing annually since 2022, based on data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), an international monitoring group.

ACLED statistics indicate attacks within Pakistan surged nearly four times to 2,425 incidents in 2025 compared to 658 in 2022, while TTP-related attacks during the same timeframe increased more than seven-fold from 118 to 838.

SAO PAULO – A new survey released Wednesday reveals that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva maintains his frontrunner status for October’s presidential election, but his once-commanding advantage has vanished in a potential second-round matchup against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

The AtlasIntel/Bloomberg survey indicates that in initial voting scenarios, the leftist incumbent would capture between 43% and 47% of ballots across five different simulated matchups. His right-wing opponent, Senator Bolsonaro, would secure between 33% and 40% across four separate scenarios.

However, the most striking finding emerges in a hypothetical runoff situation, where both candidates are essentially deadlocked – Lula at 46.2% and Flavio Bolsonaro at 46.3%. This represents a dramatic shift from January’s polling, which showed Lula ahead 49.2% to 44.9%, and an even steeper decline from his 12-percentage-point lead recorded in December.

While Lula would prevail against six other potential challengers, the survey shows he would narrowly lose to Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas in a head-to-head contest.

Financial markets have been closely monitoring these polling trends since December, when imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flavio. This announcement triggered a decline in Brazil’s currency and stock markets, as investors had anticipated the elder Bolsonaro would support a more business-friendly candidate like Freitas.

The 80-year-old Lula, who successfully defeated Jair Bolsonaro in 2022, is pursuing what would be his fourth non-consecutive presidential term. Under Brazil’s electoral system, any race where no candidate receives more than 50% of valid votes automatically triggers a runoff between the top two finishers – a scenario that has occurred in every presidential election since 2002.

The polling data comes from AtlasIntel’s survey of 4,986 respondents conducted between February 19-24, with a margin of error of one percentage point in either direction.

A construction company based in Gaza has been selected to develop a housing complex funded by the United Arab Emirates for tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians in territory currently controlled by Israeli forces, according to multiple sources familiar with the arrangement.

Four sources, including Israeli officials and Palestinian business leaders, identified the contractor as Masoud & Ali Contracting Co (MACC), a Gaza-based firm with decades of experience on major construction projects throughout Gaza and the West Bank.

The housing development represents an effort to begin rebuilding without waiting for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza, which is supposed to occur alongside Hamas disarmament in the next stage of President Trump’s ceasefire framework.

Using Palestinian workers for construction may help minimize local opposition to the project, though it’s uncertain whether significant numbers of Palestinians would choose to live or work in areas under Israeli control.

The UAE has not yet publicly announced the housing initiative, which some diplomatic sources have nicknamed “Emirates City.” Planning documents reviewed by Reuters show the development would be constructed near Rafah in southern Gaza, an area cleared and demolished by Israeli forces during the conflict with Hamas.

One Palestinian business source with inside knowledge of the plans said MACC would collaborate with two Egyptian companies on the project. He described the development as covering approximately 74 acres and designed to accommodate tens of thousands of residents in prefabricated trailer-style units arranged in multi-story configurations.

All sources requested anonymity when discussing plans that remain officially unannounced.

MACC representatives declined to provide comment. Israeli military officials did not respond immediately to requests for comment, and Hamas spokespeople also did not respond.

A UAE official avoided directly addressing the housing plans but stated the country remains “firmly committed to supporting all international relief and recovery efforts in Gaza, in close collaboration with partners, to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those in need swiftly and effectively.”

Following the October ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces maintain control over 53% of Gaza, where they have destroyed numerous structures and established military installations. Gaza’s population of over 2 million people is now mostly restricted to a narrow coastal area still under Hamas control, living primarily in temporary shelters and damaged structures.

Reconstruction efforts beginning in Rafah form a central component of Trump’s war-ending strategy, though other crucial elements remain unresolved, including Hamas disarmament and Israeli military withdrawal.

Trump’s initiative operates through his Board of Peace, an international leadership group that supervises a Gaza-focused body comprising officials and business leaders, plus a Palestinian technical committee intended to take over Gaza governance from Hamas.

At a Board of Peace gathering last week, the UAE committed $1.2 billion for Gaza assistance. However, the housing compound plans were not part of the reconstruction presentations at that conference.

A U.S. official previously confirmed to Reuters that the UAE is coordinating the housing initiative with Washington, the Board of Peace, and the Palestinian technical committee.

Since fighting began in October 2023, the UAE has emerged as one of Gaza’s largest donors, contributing nearly $3 billion in aid according to its foreign minister. The UAE developed strong ties with Israel after normalizing relations in 2020 through a U.S.-mediated agreement.

The Palestinian business source familiar with the compound planning explained that MACC and the two Egyptian firms received their contracts through a major Egyptian company, which he declined to name. This Egyptian company would receive payment from the UAE, he said.

Construction has not yet started, partly because Israeli authorities have not approved the compound’s blueprints, according to the source.

A Western diplomat briefed on the project said contractors were supposed to visit the construction site earlier this month, though it’s unclear whether that inspection occurred.

MACC’s website indicates the company has constructed desalination facilities, water pumping stations, solar energy installations, bridges and buildings throughout Gaza and the West Bank, working with funding partners including the World Bank and USAID.

Palestinian political analyst Reham Owda said hiring a Palestinian company instead of bringing in foreign workers would be “more acceptable to Gazans” because it would generate employment opportunities and respect local cultural considerations.

“It will gain wide acceptance because it will help solve the housing crisis, accelerate reconstruction, and employ Gaza’s workforce,” Owda explained.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Wednesday that he’s deploying additional security personnel to protect vital energy infrastructure, alleging that Ukraine is deliberately targeting Hungary’s energy supply system.

The Hungarian government has recently blamed Kyiv for intentionally blocking Russian oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, which passes through Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has rejected these accusations, maintaining that the pipeline serving Hungarian and Slovakian refineries was damaged during a Russian drone strike.

Speaking in a social media video, Orbán — who maintains Europe’s strongest ties with Moscow among EU leaders — accused Ukraine of implementing “an oil blockade” to pressure Hungary. He claimed Hungarian intelligence agencies have evidence that Ukraine is “preparing further actions to disrupt the operation of Hungary’s energy system,” though he offered no supporting evidence or specifics.

“We will deploy soldiers and the necessary equipment to repel attacks near key energy facilities,” Orbán stated. “The police will patrol with increased forces around designated power plants, distribution stations and control centers.”

While most European nations have dramatically cut or completely eliminated Russian energy imports following Moscow’s February 24, 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia — both EU and NATO allies — have continued and even expanded their Russian oil and gas purchases, securing temporary waivers from EU restrictions on Russian oil imports.

This past Sunday, Hungary threatened to obstruct a massive 90-billion euro ($106 billion) EU loan package for Kyiv, and on Monday blocked new EU sanctions targeting Russia. Orbán has pledged to oppose any additional EU support for Ukraine until oil deliveries restart.

The Druzhba pipeline has remained offline since January 27. Ukrainian authorities say repairs are dangerous and the pipeline cannot function safely while Russia continues attacking energy infrastructure.

Orbán also implemented a drone flight ban Wednesday in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, which shares a border with Ukraine.

The Hungarian leader has consistently accused Ukraine of “blackmail” aimed at forcing him to abandon his anti-Ukrainian stance, and of attempting to inflate Hungary’s energy costs ahead of a crucial election.

Orbán, who returned to power in 2010, confronts his most serious political challenge in an April 12 election. The EU’s most tenured leader and his right-wing Fidesz party are behind in most independent surveys against rising center-right opponent Péter Magyar.

Simultaneously, Orbán has initiated an intensive anti-Ukraine media blitz depicting the war-torn nation as a fundamental threat to Hungary.

His party has promoted the narrative that an electoral defeat would result in the Tisza party pulling Hungary into Ukraine’s conflict, financially ruining the country and sending Hungarian youth to die in combat.

PARIS — The world’s most visited museum has selected a new leader following months of mounting pressure and institutional turmoil.

Officials announced Wednesday that Christophe Leribault will take the helm of the Louvre Museum, just hours after former director Laurence des Cars stepped down from her position. The administrative upheaval follows a devastating crown jewels theft in October valued at $102 million, along with numerous operational failures that have shaken public trust in France’s premier cultural institution.

The swift transition aims to bring stability to a museum plagued by an unprecedented series of problems: the massive theft, worker strikes, structural water damage, deteriorating facilities, and allegations of a suspected decade-long ticketing scam worth $12 million.

The directorial change also safeguards a politically significant initiative for French President Emmanuel Macron, who has positioned the Louvre’s comprehensive renovation as a cornerstone cultural achievement as his presidency nears its conclusion next year.

Government officials have positioned Leribault as the stabilizing force needed for the troubled institution, tasking him with overseeing both security improvements and comprehensive modernization efforts.

Leribault brings extensive credentials as an 18th-century art expert who received his education at the École du Louvre. His career includes leadership roles at France’s most prominent cultural institutions, such as the Petit Palais and the Musée d’Orsay.

Most recently, he managed operations at Versailles, one of France’s largest heritage destinations, handling substantial visitor volumes and overseeing an annual operating budget of approximately $200 million.

His professional background positions him as an ideal candidate for this crisis period: an experienced curator and administrator well-versed in France’s museum infrastructure and accustomed to public attention, massive crowds, and the complexities of state-run cultural operations.

Des Cars held special significance beyond typical museum leadership. Her 2021 appointment marked a historic milestone as the first female director in the Louvre’s history — representing a meaningful shift at a palace originally constructed for monarchs.

Many within France’s cultural community viewed her departure as finally addressing questions that had persisted since the theft: how could such a significant security failure occur at one of the nation’s most important cultural symbols without senior leadership being held accountable?

Macron’s administration characterized her resignation as “an act of responsibility,” while emphasizing the museum’s need for stability and renewed energy for security and modernization initiatives.

In a Tuesday interview with Le Figaro, des Cars explained that she had become a focal point for criticism and could no longer effectively lead the museum’s transformation under the current institutional circumstances.

While the $102 million jewelry heist served as the catalyst, it represented only part of a broader pattern of institutional challenges.

Worker unrest, water damage, aging infrastructure, and a separate ticketing fraud investigation had already created an impression that the famous institution was losing control of fundamental operations.

A spontaneous employee strike in June left tourists stranded outside the iconic glass pyramid entrance, revealing staff frustrations over excessive crowding, insufficient personnel, and poor working conditions.

In a rare media appearance with The Associated Press just days before des Cars’ resignation, the museum’s second-in-command, general administrator Kim Pham, described fraud at an institution of this magnitude as “statistically inevitable,” while acknowledging operational deficiencies and confirming that oversight measures had been strengthened.

Pham highlighted the facility’s enormous scope: 86,000 square meters of space, 35,000 artworks on public display, and approximately 9 million annual visitors.

Museum officials and others in France’s cultural sector privately acknowledge a more fundamental reality: historic stone structures inevitably develop leaks.

The Louvre represents this challenge on an enormous scale — a medieval-to-contemporary palace complex situated in the heart of a bustling capital city, rather than an isolated facility on the periphery.

Pham articulated this challenge more diplomatically, characterizing the Louvre as a historic structure with “many historical layers” spanning back to the early 13th century.

The museum’s central Paris location creates additional pressures from tourism, traffic, numerous entry points, and constant wear from serving simultaneously as both historical monument and mass tourist destination.

As Macron approaches the conclusion of his presidency — his final term expires next year — the Louvre renovation has emerged as his defining cultural legacy project, comparable to the major museum and monument initiatives that often define French presidential legacies.

He unveiled the “Louvre New Renaissance” initiative in January 2025, a project now projected to cost approximately $1.36 billion, according to French government auditors.

The plan encompasses a new entrance adjacent to the Seine River, expanded underground facilities, and a dedicated “Mona Lisa” gallery with scheduled access to reduce crowding around the famous painting and improve visitor circulation.

French presidents traditionally become associated with significant cultural projects — Pompidou with the Centre Pompidou, Mitterrand with the national library, Chirac with the Quai Branly museum.

The Louvre renovation represents Macron’s contribution to this presidential tradition.

This connection explains why some cultural observers openly questioned why des Cars didn’t depart immediately in October following the heist, despite reportedly offering her resignation: Macron had invested so heavily in the Louvre initiative that an immediate leadership departure risked creating an impression that his primary cultural project was failing.

The central issue remains security implementation, and progress has been insufficient and too slow.

French government auditor reports indicate the Louvre’s security improvements won’t be finished until 2032, according to French media coverage, with shockingly fewer than 40% of museum galleries currently equipped with surveillance cameras.

Some tangible improvements have been implemented since the theft occurred.

Additional security measures, including intrusion detection systems and vehicle barriers, were installed by late 2025.

Des Cars also informed legislators in November that the Louvre would deploy 100 exterior cameras by the end of 2026 and enhance coordination with law enforcement, including establishing an advanced police station within the Louvre complex.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Dawn breaks over a scene of cautious renewal as several women unfold weathered beach umbrellas in central Port-au-Prince, checking their surroundings before setting up produce stands.

An unusual calm has settled over Carrefour Aéroport, the well-known crossroads in Haiti’s capital that previously thrived with busy traffic and trade before hundreds of gang members invaded the location in early March 2024 during an extraordinary surge of violence.

The criminals destroyed shops, murdered innocent people, and burned down a police station while officers escaped.

Following the assault, criminal groups sucked the vitality from Carrefour Aéroport for almost two years.

In December, Haitian law enforcement launched a continuous offensive against the criminal organizations to push them from the territory, supported by a private security company and Kenyan officers leading a United Nations-backed operation that is now concluding.

Recapturing Carrefour Aéroport represents “probably one of the very first tangible messages sent by the authorities that, ‘yes, we can take back the territory of … no man’s land,’” stated Romain Le Cour, director of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

The development offers a preview of potential outcomes throughout Port-au-Prince following attacks by the influential gang alliance Viv Ansanm, which started targeting neighborhoods and crucial government facilities in February 2024. These assaults forced the main international airport to close and ultimately caused former Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down.

“It is a sign of hope,” Le Cour stated. “It sends the message that this is doable.”

On February 7, Haitian officials ceremoniously reopened a refurbished police station at Carrefour Aéroport amid great celebration in a capital where criminal groups control 90% of the territory.

Interested spectators observed, with one person applauding as heavily protected officers entered their restored facility almost two years after gangs had burned it down.

“Life is timidly returning to normal,” Jacques Ader, a police commissioner, told reporters.

Following the reopening, street merchants and operators of vibrant buses called tap taps have begun returning to the location.

“Small businesses are recovering,” said Jean-Remy Laveau, a 35-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who previously operated in the area before criminal groups took control.

“It will be good for me, more activities, more money more work. I’ll be able to better feed my two kids and my wife,” he said.

Mario Volcy, a 44-year-old tap tap operator, was also anxious to resume work. On a recent morning, he highlighted the vans and large buses moving through the area for the first time since early 2024.

He urged the government to prosecute those responsible for the violence and assist those harmed by it.

“All victims should receive support from the state,” he said as he ended the conversation quickly, noting with a grin that his tap tap was packed. “I have to go now!”

He departed with a Bible on his dashboard and his tap tap displaying “God is my guide” along its side.

Not everyone is celebrating Carrefour Aéroport’s revival.

Gaspar Caseus, 49, expressed continued frustration because gangs still dominate the primary highway to southern Haiti. He urged officials to regain control of other major crossroads.

“I need to be able to move south,” he said. “That is where I pick up coal to bring back to the city for sale.”

“Things changed after the attack,” he continued. “It destroyed my life. It forced my family to move. I look like a beggar. I was able to eat whenever I felt like it. Now, I eat only if something comes around or a good friend remembers me.”

Caseus mentioned hearing radio reports that additional assistance would arrive in April, when a gang-suppression force is scheduled to replace the current UN-backed mission that is ending due to insufficient funding and staffing.

“As long as I am alive,” he said, “someday, things will change for the better.”

Recently, 32-year-old Antoinette Desulmon put on a large hat to shield herself from the sun and arranged mangoes, oranges, tomatoes, and peppers, hoping someone at Carrefour Aéroport would purchase from her.

She observed police patrolling in an armored vehicle and noted the station had reopened, but worried the tranquility might be temporary.

“Fear is with me every second,” she said. “I am here selling, but my head is somewhere else.”

Desulmon’s partner disappeared two years ago; she suspects he fell victim to gang violence.

“I miss him a lot,” she said, expressing concern for her two children living in temporary housing with a cousin, among the 1.4 million Haitians forced from their homes by gang violence.

Desulmon explained she had no alternative but to resume selling produce to support her two children and cousin.

“My heart is broken,” she said. “The depression is real.”

Surrounding her, only the police station has been reconstructed. Numerous burned homes remain destroyed while businesses and schools stay closed.

Le Cour, the Haiti specialist, predicted it would likely require time before Carrefour Aéroport returns to its former bustling activity of street vendors, auto parts shops, and restaurants serving morning coffee to commuters and local soup called bouillon at lunch.

He expressed optimism that the incoming gang-suppression force would reclaim additional territory.

However, significant challenges persist even if successful.

“We’re missing the other side of the equation, which is, what do you do with gang members? What’s the plan for the day after you retake the territory?” Le Cour questioned. “Are you able to rebuild the territory? Are you able to bring people back in?”

Iranian leadership delivered a sharp response Wednesday to President Trump’s diplomatic pressure campaign, just one day before high-stakes nuclear negotiations scheduled in Geneva, with officials denouncing his statements as “big lies” while simultaneously expressing hope that “honorable diplomacy” could produce an agreement.

These defiant comments from two Iranian representatives come at a time when the United States has positioned its most substantial naval and air force presence in the Middle East in recent decades, as part of Trump’s strategy to secure a nuclear deal while Iran faces internal challenges from widespread domestic unrest that erupted last month.

Should these diplomatic efforts collapse, Trump has repeatedly issued warnings of potential military strikes against Iran — a prospect that has regional powers concerned about the possibility of a broader Middle Eastern conflict.

Stock market futures showed positive movement Wednesday morning, with S&P 500 and Dow Jones futures each gaining 0.3%, while Nasdaq futures advanced 0.5% ahead of market opening.

During Tuesday evening’s address, Trump highlighted employment figures, manufacturing growth, and economic performance he claims is more robust than many Americans recognize. However, he avoided extensive discussion of cost-of-living concerns, despite surveys indicating his economic management and everyday financial issues have become increasingly problematic for his administration.

Market watchers are paying close attention to upcoming quarterly earnings from semiconductor leader Nvidia, expected later today. This financial report could significantly impact volatile markets as investors evaluate whether enormous investments in artificial intelligence technology will deliver expected returns.

Expectations remain extremely high for Nvidia’s results covering the company’s fiscal period from November through January, given that the company’s processors have become fundamental components for AI development.

Dr. Casey Means, a health advocate and author connected to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiative, will face Senate health committee questioning Wednesday as she pursues confirmation as the nation’s surgeon general.

The Washington confirmation session was postponed from last October when Means went into labor on her scheduled appearance date. The 38-year-old candidate will have the chance to outline her approach to combating chronic illness by targeting underlying causes through nutrition and lifestyle modifications — a philosophy that aligns with the health department’s current emphasis on proper nutrition as midterm elections approach.

However, Means will probably encounter challenging inquiries regarding her credentials and possible financial conflicts. The Stanford-trained doctor’s frustration with conventional medical practice led her toward promoting various products, sometimes without revealing her potential financial interests.

The Central Intelligence Agency reached out to prospective Iranian sources Tuesday, publishing Farsi-language guidance on secure methods for contacting the American intelligence service.

This outreach represents the most recent in a series of recruitment efforts conducted in Farsi, Korean, Russian, and Mandarin languages, offering protected communication channels with the CIA. Tuesday’s Farsi message on X, Instagram, and YouTube arrives during particularly strained U.S.-Iran relations and amid fresh Iranian domestic protests.

Demonstrating continued Iranian unrest, university students staged anti-government demonstrations in Tehran on Monday.

“Hello. The Central Intelligence Agency hears you and wants to help,” the agency stated in the message, according to an English translation. “Here are some tips on how to make a secure virtual call with us.”

The Farsi post accumulated millions of views within hours of publication.

Trump’s Tuesday speech served as a celebration of his early second-term accomplishments, as he highlighted domestic economic revival alongside international diplomatic changes. Trump will have his first chance to present this midterm message later this week during a Texas visit, where Latino voters whose support helped secure his 2024 reelection victory demonstrated his success in transforming the Republican voter base.

The White House seeks to promote this message to a broader public that remains largely dissatisfied with Trump’s presidential performance, while potential Middle Eastern military action threatens to divert attention from his domestic agenda.

Nevertheless, the economic growth and national security themes Trump emphasized during his 108-minute Tuesday address will form the foundation of the campaign message he and fellow Republicans plan to present to voters this November.

The Pentagon is assembling the most extensive American military presence in the Middle East in decades, featuring two aircraft carrier battle groups, as President Trump considers potential military action against Iran if nuclear program discussions fail.

“It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, and we have to make a meaningful deal,” Trump said last week. “Otherwise bad things happen.”

Trump will likely have numerous military choices available, potentially including targeted strikes on Iranian air defense systems or operations aimed at Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to defense analysts. However, they caution that Iran might respond more aggressively than it did following previous American or Israeli attacks, potentially endangering American personnel and triggering regional warfare.

“It will be very hard for the Trump administration to do a one-and-done kind of attack in Iran this time around,” said Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group. “Because the Iranians would respond in a way that would make all-out conflict inevitable.”

Iranian officials responded defiantly Wednesday to President Trump’s pressure tactics before Thursday’s critical Geneva discussions regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, fluctuating between denouncing his comments as “big lies” and suggesting negotiations might produce an agreement through “honorable diplomacy.”

These statements from Iranian representatives precede Thursday’s talks as America has deployed its largest Middle Eastern military force in decades, supporting Trump’s negotiation strategy while Iran confronts domestic challenges following last month’s nationwide demonstrations.

If diplomatic efforts fail, Trump has repeatedly warned of potential Iranian attacks — a scenario Middle Eastern nations worry could escalate into regional warfare as tensions from the extended Israel-Hamas conflict continue. Iran has already declared all American military installations in the Middle East would be considered valid targets, potentially endangering tens of thousands of U.S. service members stationed throughout the region.

BERLIN – German foreign ministry officials issued a public appeal Wednesday for Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities and participate meaningfully in nuclear negotiations set to begin Thursday in Geneva.

A spokesperson from Germany’s foreign office also called on Tehran to limit its ballistic missile development and end activities that create instability throughout the Middle East region.

“We expect Iran to seize the opportunity to engage constructively in the (Geneva) talks,” the spokesperson stated.

According to a senior U.S. official who spoke Monday, the Geneva negotiations will feature American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner conducting discussions with Iran’s diplomatic team.

BERLIN – German officials unveiled a comprehensive plan Wednesday to overhaul the country’s security infrastructure and incorporate artificial intelligence tools in their battle against organized criminal networks responsible for billions in economic losses.

The initiative, announced jointly by Germany’s finance, interior, and justice departments, focuses on upgrading the nation’s customs service and federal criminal police force (BKA) through enhanced legal authority, advanced technology, and expanded personnel.

Data from the BKA indicates that organized criminal activity represents a major threat to Germany’s domestic security, generating approximately 2.64 billion euros in economic harm during 2024 alone.

“We are ensuring that the investigating authorities hit the perpetrators where it hurts most: their money,” stated Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.

The comprehensive strategy emphasizes faster seizure of questionable assets, encompassing currency, high-end vehicles, and real estate properties linked to criminal enterprises.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that the BKA will receive additional personnel, expanded authority, and stronger enforcement capabilities. The proposal includes establishing shared data analysis facilities and collaborative investigation units between customs officials and the BKA to address money laundering schemes and narcotics operations.

According to Klingbeil, customs agents and BKA investigators will gain mutual access to their respective databases while utilizing artificial intelligence technology to identify suspects and process vast amounts of investigative material.

Germany’s policing structure divides responsibilities between local forces handling routine law enforcement under individual state regulations and federal agencies managing border security, railway protection, and aviation safety.

The BKA serves as the country’s primary federal investigation unit, addressing severe and organized criminal activity spanning multiple states or international boundaries, frequently coordinating complex cross-border cases.

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig emphasized that organized crime erodes public confidence in legal institutions and cannot be permitted to succeed, stressing the importance of rapid identification, prosecution, and punishment of offenders.

BKA statistics reveal that illegal narcotics trafficking comprised 40% of organized crime cases in 2024, representing 259 of 650 total proceedings, while money laundering appeared in 146 cases involving approximately 230 million euros in total value.

Italian authorities have taken control of food delivery company Deliveroo’s operations in the country following accusations of widespread worker exploitation, according to court documents released Wednesday.

Milan prosecutors appointed a court-supervised administrator to oversee the company’s Italian branch and launched an investigation into its chief executive. The move aims to address alleged violations of labor laws and improve working conditions for delivery drivers.

Deliveroo, which was purchased by U.S.-based DoorDash for approximately $3.92 billion last year, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the legal action.

The crackdown follows similar enforcement measures taken against Spanish delivery service Glovo’s Italian operations just two weeks earlier, highlighting growing scrutiny of the gig economy sector.

Court documents reveal that Deliveroo employed roughly 3,000 delivery drivers in the Milan region and approximately 20,000 across Italy. Prosecutors argue these workers, known as “riders,” were classified as independent contractors despite functioning as employees under company control through digital platform management.

According to the 60-page legal filing, delivery drivers earned between $3.53 and $4.71 per delivery while covering their own transportation and equipment costs. Italian statistics show the poverty threshold stands at about $860 monthly for single individuals and $1,435 for couples.

Investigators found that some workers earned up to 90% below poverty-level wages compared to standard employment contracts in the industry.

The legal documents include sworn statements from 54 workers, predominantly immigrants from Pakistan and Nigeria. These individuals reported working 10 to 17 hours daily, seven days per week, earning barely enough to afford shared housing, basic food, and small remittances to family members abroad.

“Investigations reveal genuine labor exploitation occurring over multiple years affecting a substantial number of workers receiving compensation completely inadequate for their work output,” prosecutors stated in their findings.

“This unlawful practice must cease immediately, particularly given the significant worker population surviving on sub-poverty wages,” the document continued.

This enforcement action represents part of Italy’s broader three-year campaign targeting labor violations across multiple industries throughout the country.

A senior Iranian official who narrowly escaped death when Israeli forces struck his Tehran residence has returned to a pivotal position in the country’s defense leadership during one of its most challenging periods.

Ali Shamkhani, 70, was pulled from the debris of his destroyed home following the June 2025 attack and has now been named to head Iran’s newly formed Defense Council by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“Bastards, I am alive,” Shamkhani declared in an October interview with Iranian filmmaker Javad Mogouei, describing his close call with death and referencing the classic 1973 prison break movie Papillon.

The appointment places Shamkhani back at the heart of Iran’s military decision-making as the nation faces mounting pressure from the United States. His new role involves coordinating Iran’s wartime strategy while American warships in nearby waters threaten fresh airstrikes if diplomatic talks fail to reach a nuclear agreement.

During his State of the Union address Tuesday, President Donald Trump outlined his rationale for potential military action against Iran, declaring he would not permit what he called the world’s leading terrorism sponsor to obtain nuclear weapons.

Iranian officials reject terrorism allegations and maintain their nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, though Western nations and Israel suspect weapons development.

In a January 2026 social media post, Shamkhani warned that any American military action would trigger immediate and massive retaliation. “A ‘limited strike’ is an illusion. Any military action by U.S. – from any origin and any level – will be considered the start of war, and its response will be immediate, all out, and unprecedented, targeting heart of Tel Aviv and all those supporting the aggressor,” he wrote.

The veteran military leader earned his credentials during the brutal 1980-1988 conflict with Iraq, when Iran’s newly established Islamic Republic fought for its survival. Since leaving the Supreme National Security Council in 2023, he has served as a political counselor to Khamenei.

For ten years, Shamkhani directed the security council through major events including Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and America’s 2018 withdrawal from that deal, experiences that deepened his distrust of such arrangements.

Born in 1955 to an Arab family in Khuzestan province’s oil region, Shamkhani advanced through Revolutionary Guard leadership during the Iran-Iraq conflict, initially commanding forces in his home province where the heaviest fighting occurred.

By 1982, he served as second-in-command to Revolutionary Guard chief Mohsen Rezaei, a fellow Khuzestan native and former anti-shah activist from the 1970s. Before the war concluded, he led the Guards’ ground troops while simultaneously holding a cabinet position.

Supreme Leader Khamenei transferred him to the conventional navy in 1989 after U.S. forces had severely damaged that branch. Within twelve months, he commanded both regular and Revolutionary Guard naval forces, implementing unconventional maritime strategies to counter technologically superior opponents.

Shamkhani’s career has included significant diplomatic assignments alongside his security duties.

Serving as defense minister under reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005, he conducted the first visit to Saudi Arabia by an Iranian defense official since the 1979 revolution, helping reduce tensions between the regional competitors.

More recently, he spearheaded Chinese-mediated negotiations that restored diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2023, ending an eight-year break that began when Iranian demonstrators attacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

His appointments typically occur when Tehran seeks engagement with opponents while maintaining a strong stance.

This approach was evident during nuclear negotiations under President Hassan Rouhani, when Shamkhani helped implement the 2015 agreement and managed its collapse after American withdrawal.

Rouhani eventually regretted selecting Shamkhani, believing he backed legislative measures that strengthened Iran’s negotiating stance by requiring increased uranium enrichment.

In his October 2025 interview, Shamkhani suggested Iran should have pursued nuclear weapons in the 1990s, comments reflecting his focus on deterrence following major air attacks by Israel and the U.S. during last year’s 12-day conflict.

The official has faced sanctions and corruption allegations regarding his family’s business activities. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned him in 2020 and targeted his son Mohammad Hossein in 2025 for operating ships that transport banned oil from Iran and Russia to international customers.

Treasury officials describe the Shamkhani family’s “shipping empire” as generating enormous wealth while helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions.

Shamkhani has not publicly addressed corruption claims.

His daughter Fatemeh sparked controversy in 2025 when video of her wearing a revealing dress at an expensive wedding circulated widely, prompting criticism about elite privilege and highlighting conflicts between the government’s conservative values and the lifestyles of those in power.

Military officials in Guinea have announced they are holding 16 soldiers from Sierra Leone, claiming the troops illegally entered their territory and erected the Sierra Leonean flag on Guinean land.

This latest incident adds to border tensions that have persisted between these neighboring West African nations for more than 20 years, dating back to Sierra Leone’s civil conflict from 1991 to 2002. During that war, Sierra Leone requested Guinea’s military assistance to protect its eastern frontier, but Guinean forces never fully departed when the fighting ended.

According to a statement released late Tuesday by Guinea’s Ministry of National Defense, the Sierra Leonean troops entered the Koudaya district in Faranah, a border area, without proper authorization. Officials said the soldiers “set up a tent and raised their national flag” in the disputed territory. Guinea’s military also confiscated the soldiers’ gear and provisions.

Sierra Leone’s government reported earlier on Tuesday that multiple members of a security team, including one officer, were taken into custody on Monday while constructing bricks for a border checkpoint in Kalieyereh, located in Falaba district.

Tensions between the countries flared again last year when Guinea’s military forces moved into a mineral-rich border community claimed by Sierra Leone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Wednesday that his nation’s representatives will sit down with Trump administration officials in Geneva this Thursday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Russia.

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov is scheduled to conduct discussions with President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to Zelenskyy’s remarks to media representatives. Press secretary Diana Davytian confirmed the Geneva location for these talks.

The Swiss capital will simultaneously host nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran on the same day.

American diplomatic initiatives have previously facilitated discussions between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in both Abu Dhabi and Geneva during this year, though these sessions have failed to resolve fundamental disagreements as Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine approaches its fifth year.

According to Zelenskyy, Thursday’s discussions will focus on specifics regarding Ukraine’s potential reconstruction following the conflict and will prepare for an anticipated three-party meeting including Moscow representatives. He also revealed that he has instructed Umerov to explore possibilities for exchanging prisoners.

The Ukrainian leader expressed his desire for the Russian talks to occur within the next week.

During Tuesday’s observance of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy maintained a resolute position, emphasizing that Russia has failed to conquer Ukraine or crush Ukrainian resolve, despite possessing superior military resources and conducting extensive bombardments of civilian targets.

Recent months have seen Ukrainian military forces successfully repel Russian troops at various points along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle line in the country’s eastern regions, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

The Washington-based research organization described these “significant gains” as the most substantial since 2024, although they are unlikely to develop into major offensive operations due to Ukraine’s personnel shortages. Nevertheless, these advances will probably interfere with Russian plans for spring and summer military campaigns.

Ukraine has maintained its nearly daily long-distance drone campaigns targeting military and supporting infrastructure locations within Russian territory.

According to Kyiv’s top representative in Washington, the U.S. State Department has communicated concerns regarding Ukraine’s recent strikes on the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which have affected American petroleum interests in Kazakhstan.

In the early hours of Wednesday, a Ukrainian drone strike on the Dorogobuzh fertilizer facility in Russia’s western Smolensk region resulted in four worker fatalities and injured ten others, according to Governor Vasily Anokhin, who reported that the attack ignited a fire at the installation.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched 115 attack drones during overnight operations.

In a community within the southern Zaporizhzhia region, a strike resulted in four deaths and injured one child, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported.

PARIS — Paris’s famous Louvre Museum, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” has appointed a new director to navigate the institution through a period of significant turmoil. Christophe Leribault, an experienced art historian and museum administrator, will assume leadership of the world’s most visited museum as it grapples with serious challenges following October’s audacious theft of French crown jewels.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon made the announcement Wednesday. Leribault will replace Laurence des Cars, who stepped down from her position on Tuesday.

The incoming director faces substantial obstacles in restoring stability to the renowned institution.

October’s bold theft during museum hours ranks among the most notorious art crimes in recent decades and revealed serious vulnerabilities in the landmark’s security systems.

The historic former royal residence has been plagued by numerous additional issues that paint a troubling picture of a beloved cultural treasure in decline.

These problems encompass a ruptured water pipe close to the “Mona Lisa,” flooding that harmed irreplaceable manuscripts, deteriorating infrastructure, employee strikes protesting visitor overcrowding, insufficient staffing levels, and increased admission costs for most international tourists.

Calls for management changes intensified recently when officials disclosed a suspected ticketing scam operation connected to the museum that may have operated for ten years, potentially defrauding the Louvre of 10 million euros ($11.8 million).

Leribault comes with impressive credentials, having successfully managed the Palace of Versailles, another internationally famous French cultural site and major tourist destination, while overseeing an annual operating budget of approximately 170 million euros ($200 million).

Zimbabwe has walked away from negotiations for a substantial $367 million health partnership with the United States, expressing alarm over requirements to share confidential medical information in exchange for American financial assistance. A government official described the proposed deal as fundamentally unfair on Wednesday.

“At its core, the arrangement was asymmetrical. Zimbabwe was being asked to share its biological resources and data over an extended period, with no corresponding guarantee of access to any medical innovations — such as vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments — that might result from that shared data,” government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said in a statement.

According to Mangwana, the United States was unwilling to provide reciprocal access to its own disease surveillance information.

The American embassy in Harare confirmed that Washington will now begin terminating its health programs in the southern African nation.

The proposed five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding would have allocated $367 million to Zimbabwe for programs addressing HIV/AIDS care and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health services, and emergency disease response capabilities.

“We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe,” U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said.

The Zimbabwean official criticized the American proposal for imposing excessive conditions on the financial aid.

“When financial assistance is contingent upon concessions that touch upon national security, data sovereignty, or access to strategic resources, it fundamentally alters the nature of the relationship from one of partnership to one of unequal exchange. This we cannot accept.”

Mangwana declined to identify the specific strategic resources referenced in his statement.

On the same day, Zimbabwe, which produces valuable minerals including gold, platinum and lithium, announced an immediate halt to all exports of unprocessed minerals and lithium concentrates.

This development follows a similar situation in Kenya, where a court halted a health funding agreement exceeding $1.6 billion between that government and the United States late last year. The suspension came after a consumer advocacy organization filed legal challenges over potential risks to citizens’ medical data privacy.

“This growing continental reflection should not be misconstrued as anti-American sentiment,” Mangwana said. “On the contrary, it is a sign of Africa’s maturation as a geopolitical actor, one that seeks partnerships based on equality rather than patronage.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Wednesday that his nation’s diplomatic team will sit down with American officials Thursday to hash out plans for rebuilding Ukraine after the war ends.

Speaking to journalists through a WhatsApp media session, Zelenskyy revealed that the discussions will center around what he called a “prosperity package” designed to help Ukraine recover from years of conflict.

The meeting in Geneva will bring together Ukraine’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, who serves as secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law to the American president.

“First, it will be a bilateral meeting with the American side. The first question is the prosperity package, which is the package for Ukraine’s recovery, and they will discuss the details,” Zelenskyy explained to reporters.

The Ukrainian leader also indicated that Thursday’s talks would lay groundwork for a three-way meeting potentially including Russian representatives, which Kiev hopes to arrange for early March.

Rebuilding Ukraine has emerged as a central issue in broader discussions about ending the conflict, which has now stretched into its fifth year. The war’s destruction from aerial bombardments and ground fighting has left the country facing massive reconstruction needs.

Ukrainian leadership is seeking approximately $800 billion in combined public and private investment over the next decade to restore their nation. A recent World Bank analysis released Monday put the reconstruction price tag at $588 billion, based on damage assessments from February 2022 through the end of 2025.

Ukraine is positioning itself as an attractive investment opportunity for when it joins the European Union, though any significant funding commitments hinge on achieving a ceasefire and peace agreement that remain out of reach.

Earlier diplomatic efforts this month saw Ukrainian and Russian representatives hold their third U.S.-facilitated meeting of the year, but those talks produced no major progress on core disputes, particularly regarding territorial issues.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that Thursday’s discussions would address arrangements for prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.

Polish law enforcement officials have arrested six people accused of attempting to illegally transport specialized equipment to Russia that could be used in military drone production, according to prosecutors in Warsaw.

The group consisted of four individuals from Belarus and two Polish citizens who were taken into custody on February 18th. Authorities say they were trying to smuggle machinery designed to automate the manufacturing of integrated circuits, which are essential components in combat drone assembly.

Polish officials have repeatedly cautioned about efforts by Russia and Belarus to undermine nations supporting Ukraine since Moscow’s invasion began on February 24, 2022.

The equipment in question falls under international sanctions and has strategic military significance, prosecutors explained on Wednesday. The suspects allegedly planned to transport the machinery through Belarus as part of their smuggling operation.

“Violation of the provisions of the sanctions act is classified as a crime, punishable by imprisonment for a period of no less than three years,” prosecutors said in a statement.

Three of the accused have been ordered to remain in jail for three months while awaiting trial, while the other three were released under police monitoring with bail conditions and travel restrictions preventing them from leaving Poland.

According to prosecutors, intervention by officers from Poland’s National Revenue Administration successfully prevented the smuggling attempt. “Earlier actions by officers of the National Revenue Administration helped thwart an attempt to smuggle a machine, which contributed to the disruption of potential supplies of military equipment to the troops of the Russian Federation operating in eastern Ukraine,” prosecutors said.

Turkish officials are developing contingency plans to safeguard their nation’s interests should military conflict erupt between Iran and the United States, according to a diplomatic source who spoke with Reuters on Wednesday.

The two nations have returned to diplomatic talks this month even as Washington continues strengthening its military presence across the Middle East. While Iran has warned it would target American military installations in the region if attacked, Tehran’s foreign minister indicated Tuesday that an agreement with the U.S. could be “within reach” through diplomatic channels.

As a NATO ally sharing its eastern border with Iran, Turkey has consistently opposed military action against its neighbor and advocates for regional stability. Turkish leadership has maintained communication with both nations in efforts to reduce tensions and push for diplomatic solutions.

“Naturally, all aspects of the measures that could be taken in the event of a negative development are being evaluated,” the diplomatic source stated, requesting anonymity.

“All scenarios are being considered; and steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of our citizens are being worked on,” the official explained, while emphasizing that any actions that would “violate Iran’s sovereignty” were “out of the question.”

The source declined to specify which particular measures Turkish authorities are reviewing.

Turkish officials also refuted earlier media claims suggesting the country intended to cross into Iranian territory to prevent a possible refugee crisis, with the presidency’s disinformation office issuing a denial of such reports.

BANGKOK – Thailand took a significant step toward forming its new government Wednesday as election officials validated the results for nearly 400 seats in parliament following this month’s nationwide voting.

The election commission confirmed 396 constituency positions within the 500-seat lower house, officials announced. Another 104 seats remain pending confirmation, with 100 of those being party-list positions that a commission source indicated would likely receive approval next week.

Under Thailand’s parliamentary system, the new legislature must assemble within two weeks once at least 475 seats – representing 95 percent of the total – receive official certification. Following that assembly, lawmakers will choose a prime minister who will then establish the new government.

Early returns from election night indicated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party captured the largest number of seats, with the People’s Party and Pheu Thai party finishing second and third respectively.

Bhumjaithai leadership has announced plans to partner with the third-place Pheu Thai party in forming a coalition government, along with several smaller political parties. This proposed alliance would control an estimated 286 parliamentary seats.

However, the election process has faced some challenges, with several complaints filed regarding potential voting irregularities that could result in legal proceedings against the election commission.

SYDNEY – The head of Australia’s central bank acknowledged Wednesday that determining monetary policy has become increasingly challenging as the nation’s economy hovers near equilibrium while dealing with elevated inflation rates that aren’t accelerating further.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock made these remarks during a university dinner event in Melbourne, emphasizing that a patient approach to policy decisions is essential.

Her comments followed the release of January inflation figures that once again exceeded expectations, prompting financial markets to increase speculation about a potential interest rate increase in May following this month’s adjustment.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian leadership struck back Wednesday at President Donald Trump’s confrontational approach before Thursday’s pivotal nuclear discussions in Geneva, dismissing his statements as falsehoods while suggesting diplomatic solutions remain possible through what they termed “honorable diplomacy.”

These comments from Iranian officials arrive as the United States has positioned its most substantial collection of military aircraft and naval vessels in the Middle East region in recent decades, reflecting Trump’s strategy to secure an agreement while Iran faces domestic turmoil following last month’s widespread civil unrest.

Should these diplomatic efforts collapse, Trump has repeatedly warned of potential military strikes against Iran — a prospect that regional powers worry could escalate into broader Middle Eastern warfare while tensions from the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict continue. Iran has already declared that any American military installations throughout the Middle East would be viewed as valid targets, potentially endangering tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel stationed across the region. Analysis of satellite imagery by The Associated Press reveals that American naval vessels normally stationed in Bahrain have apparently moved to open waters.

During Tuesday evening’s State of the Union address, Trump addressed Iran and the upcoming nuclear discussions.

“They’ve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they’re working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America,” Trump said. “They were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program, and in particular nuclear weapons, yet they continue. They’re starting it all over.”

Earlier satellite analysis conducted by the AP revealed Iran has begun reconstructing missile manufacturing facilities and conducting activities at three nuclear locations targeted by U.S. forces in June. Iran consistently claims its nuclear activities serve peaceful purposes. Western nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency assert Iran operated a nuclear weapons program through 2003. Before the June military action, Iran had been processing uranium to 60% enrichment levels — just one technical step below the 90% concentration needed for weapons.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei drew parallels between the president and Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda chief. He charged Trump and his team with orchestrating a “disinformation & misinformation campaign” targeting Iran.

“Whatever they’re alleging in regards to Iran’s nuclear program, Iran’s ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January’s unrest is simply the repetition of ‘big lies,’” Baghaei wrote on X.

Trump claimed during his address that at least 32,000 people died in the protests, a figure at the higher end of activist estimates. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency has documented over 7,000 deaths but believes actual casualties are significantly higher. Iran’s government, which historically minimizes casualty figures from civil unrest, provided its sole official count on January 21, reporting 3,117 fatalities.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf offered the U.S. a choice between diplomatic engagement or facing Iranian retaliation.

“If you choose the table of diplomacy — a diplomacy in which the dignity of the Iranian nation and mutual interests are respected — we will also be at that table,” Qalibaf said, according to the semiofficial Student News Network, a media outlet believed to be close to the all-volunteer Basij force of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

“But if you decide to repeat past experiences through deception, lies, flawed analysis and false information, and launch an attack in the midst of negotiations, you will undoubtedly taste the firm blow of the Iranian nation and the country’s defensive forces.”

Iranian and American representatives are scheduled to convene Thursday in Geneva for their third negotiating session under Omani mediation, with Oman historically serving as a diplomatic bridge between Tehran and Western powers.

If diplomatic efforts fail, questions remain about the timing of potential military action, along with its scope and objectives.

American officials have not clarified the objectives of possible military intervention. Should the aim be pressuring Iran toward nuclear concessions, limited strikes may prove ineffective. If the goal involves regime change, this would likely require extensive, prolonged military commitment. No public evidence suggests planning for post-conflict scenarios, including potential Iranian instability.

The current state of Iran’s nuclear capabilities remains unclear. Trump previously claimed American attacks “obliterated” the program. Now, eliminating whatever nuclear infrastructure remains appears to be a renewed administration priority. IAEA inspectors have been denied access to verify what facilities still exist.

Regional implications of military action also remain uncertain. Tehran could target American-allied Gulf nations or Israel in retaliation. Oil markets have already risen partly due to these concerns.

Tuesday satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the AP showed American vessels normally based in Bahrain, headquarters of the Navy’s 5th Fleet, positioned at sea. The 5th Fleet directed inquiries to U.S. Central Command, which did not immediately respond. Prior to Iran’s June attack on Qatar, the 5th Fleet similarly dispersed its ships to avoid potential strikes.

MOSCOW – Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, has been ordered to pay more than 22 million roubles (approximately $288,000) by a Russian court for making virtual private network applications available through its Google Play store, according to Wednesday reports from state news agency TASS.

These VPN applications serve as digital tools that allow Russian citizens to circumvent government-imposed blocks and access international technology platforms and online content that Moscow has either banned or placed under restrictions.

A credible polling organization revealed Wednesday that Hungary’s center-right opposition Tisza party has expanded its advantage over Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party in February, as the country approaches crucial April 12 elections where the longtime leader seeks another term.

The veteran nationalist politician, who has maintained control for 16 years, now confronts his most formidable electoral challenge in a parliamentary contest that could significantly impact both Hungary and broader European far-right political movements.

The survey results indicate Fidesz continues to lose support while Tisza attracts more voters, even as the government has introduced several popular policy measures following three years of economic decline.

According to polling firm Median, whose findings appeared on news site hvg.hu, Tisza has expanded its margin over Fidesz to 20 percentage points among committed voters, growing from a 12-point advantage recorded in January’s poll.

The party founded by former government official Peter Magyar in 2024 now commands 55% support from decided voters, an increase from 51% the previous month.

Meanwhile, Fidesz backing declined to 35% from 39% recorded one month earlier, based on the survey conducted from February 18 through 23.

Among all citizens surveyed, Tisza received support from 42% while Fidesz garnered backing from 31%.

Median pollsters noted that Tisza “has made up for its loss of momentum in the autumn and is once again leading Fidesz with a confidence similar to that of last summer.”

Beyond these two major parties, only the far-right Our Homeland (Mi Hazank) organization appears positioned to secure parliamentary representation, earning 6% support among decided voters compared to 5% in January, according to Median. Political parties require at least 5% to obtain legislative seats.

Median maintains one of Hungary’s strongest records for accurate election predictions, correctly forecasting Orban’s overwhelming triumph in the previous election four years earlier, though it somewhat overestimated opposition performance.

Although most surveys indicate Tisza holds the lead, Fidesz references polls suggesting it remains on track for victory, though critics argue these studies primarily come from organizations with financial or personal connections to the governing party.

During a recent campaign event in Sumeg, Orban stated that polling data suggests Fidesz could prevail in 65-70 of Hungary’s 106 individual districts, down from 87 four years prior, but sufficient to maintain governmental control.

Hungary’s legislative body consists of 199 members, with 93 chosen from party lists and 106 elected directly from local constituencies.

MEXICO CITY – Mexican lawmakers have given their approval to legislation that will gradually shorten the country’s standard work week from 48 hours to 40 hours by the year 2030.

The Chamber of Deputies passed the measure on Tuesday evening with overwhelming support, as 469 representatives backed the proposal while no lawmakers cast opposing votes.

The legislation had already gained approval from Mexico’s Senate earlier this month, where President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party maintains strong control.

While opposition legislators initially raised objections to the proposal, they ultimately joined with the ruling party to support the reform following a marathon legislative session that stretched beyond 10 hours.

The measure represents the culmination of years of negotiations between government officials and private sector representatives. Sheinbaum formally presented the legislation in December, outlining a plan to reduce working hours by two hours annually until reaching the 40-hour target in 2030. Officials estimate the change will impact approximately 13.4 million Mexican workers.

Despite the legislative victory, labor organizations have criticized the reform as insufficient, arguing it falls short of addressing broader worker protection issues.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — An American man has returned to the United States following his release from an Indonesian prison where he served 11 years for the calculated killing of his girlfriend’s mother on the vacation island of Bali.

Tommy Schaefer received an 18-year prison term for the 2014 killing of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, who was the mother of his girlfriend Heather Mack. The crime occurred during a high-end vacation and became widely known as the Bali ‘suitcase murder.’

According to Felucia Sengky Ratna, who heads the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Schaefer was sent back to America from Bali International Airport on Tuesday night following the completion of his sentence, which was reduced due to multiple good behavior credits.

Authorities discovered the severely beaten remains of 62-year-old von Wiese-Mack, a well-to-do Chicago socialite, stuffed inside a taxi’s trunk at the exclusive St. Regis Bali Resort in August 2014.

Both Heather Mack, who was nearly 19 years old and several weeks into her pregnancy when the murder occurred, and Schaefer, then 21, were taken into custody on the island one day after investigators found the victim’s body.

Mack completed seven years of her 10-year Indonesian prison term for her role in her mother’s death before being sent back to the United States in October 2021.

Following her return to America, she received an additional 26-year federal prison sentence in Chicago this past January after entering a guilty plea for her participation in murdering her mother and concealing the corpse in luggage during their island getaway.

Swiss citizens will head to the polls next month to decide whether to dramatically reduce government funding for their national broadcasting service, in a vote that reflects growing global tensions between conservative politicians and public media organizations.

The March 8 referendum would lower the mandatory annual fee that Swiss residents pay to support broadcaster SRG from 335 Swiss francs ($433) down to 200 francs. Conservative groups, including the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, are pushing the initiative as a way to reduce costs for households.

These supporters argue that younger generations have largely abandoned traditional television and radio in favor of social media platforms and streaming services, making the current fee structure outdated.

“SRG’s journalistic work has a political bias, a bias to the left,” stated Thomas Matter, a lawmaker with the Swiss People’s Party.

However, SRG disputes these accusations of political slant, pointing to research from the University of Zurich that concluded the broadcaster maintains political neutrality without favoring either conservative or liberal viewpoints.

Recent polling data from GFS Bern suggests the outcome remains uncertain, with 46% of voters supporting the cuts and 52% opposing them.

The broadcasting company operates an extensive network of 17 radio stations and seven television channels across Switzerland’s four official languages. Officials warn that reducing their annual 1.5 billion franc budget would essentially “end SRG” as it currently exists.

Economic analysts at BAK Economics project that approximately half of the broadcaster’s 5,479 employees could lose their jobs if voters approve the funding reduction. The company has already announced plans for workforce reductions and would face severe programming cuts.

This Swiss debate mirrors similar controversies affecting public broadcasters worldwide, as conservative political movements increasingly challenge these institutions.

In Britain, the BBC faces mounting pressure from politicians across the political spectrum who accuse it of bias. The Reform UK Party, currently leading in opinion polls, wants to eliminate the 174.50-pound ($235.33) television license fee that funds BBC operations.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has described the BBC as “institutionally biased” and advocates for significantly reducing its size and scope.

The BBC is also confronting a $10 billion legal challenge from U.S. President Donald Trump over edited footage that allegedly misrepresented his remarks about the January 2021 Capitol incident. While the BBC has issued an apology and acknowledged editorial misjudgment, it maintains the lawsuit lacks legal foundation.

Trump’s legal representatives claimed in December that the BBC “has a long pattern of deceiving its audience in coverage of President Trump, all in service of its own leftist political agenda.”

In May, Trump issued an executive order to eliminate funding for NPR and PBS, two American broadcasters that receive partial government support, targeting what his administration considers politically hostile institutions.

Similar movements have emerged in Germany and Austria, where far-right political parties are demanding the elimination of mandatory broadcasting fees while accusing state media of liberal bias.

Mark Eisenegger, a professor specializing in public discourse at Zurich University, describes these bias allegations as a standard strategy employed by populist and right-wing movements to undermine public broadcasting and create opportunities for their own media outlets.

“They see independent journalism as a threat,” Eisenegger explained.

Opposition campaigners in Switzerland are using posters warning that cutting SRG funding would allow the proliferation of “Russian lies” and “American fake news.”

Laura Zimmermann, who leads the campaign against the proposed cuts, emphasizes that SRG plays a crucial role in maintaining Swiss unity by broadcasting in all four national languages while serving as a safeguard against public misinformation.

“We’re living in an age of disinformation,” Zimmermann said. “It’s a vital part of our security.”

JERUSALEM — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Israel Wednesday, launching a two-day diplomatic mission centered on expanding security, economic and technological partnerships between the two nations.

During his stay, Modi plans to conduct discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, culminating in an address to the Israeli parliament Wednesday night.

“Our nations share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership,” Modi posted on X. “Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years.”

Netanyahu described their relationship as one between “personal friends” when announcing the visit earlier this week. The diplomatic engagement could provide Israel with valuable international backing at a time when relationships with numerous allies have grown strained following the Gaza conflict that erupted in October 2023.

Beyond diplomatic ties, India represents Israel’s second-largest Asian trading partner. Commerce between the two countries reached $3.62 billion during the 2025 fiscal year, based on data from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

This marks Modi’s second official journey to Israel, following his groundbreaking 2017 trip that made him the first Indian prime minister to visit the country. Netanyahu returned the gesture with his own visit to India in 2018.

During a Cabinet session Sunday, Netanyahu outlined that economic and security matters would dominate their discussions, along with technology sharing initiatives encompassing artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

“We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision,” Netanyahu posted on X before Modi’s arrival. “Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress.”

Modi’s close relationship with Israel represents a notable departure from India’s traditional foreign policy approach. Historically, India maintained strong support for Palestinian causes and delayed establishing complete diplomatic relations with Israel until 1992.

As a committed Hindu nationalist leader, Modi quickly demonstrated solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023 assault by Hamas militants, becoming among the first world leaders to offer support.

However, India joined over 100 nations earlier this month in criticizing Israel’s recent measures to expand control over the occupied West Bank while reducing the Palestinian Authority’s already limited authority.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is betting his political future on a controversial strategy: convincing voters that Ukraine, not Hungary’s struggling economy, represents the biggest danger to their nation.

With his approval ratings slipping ahead of the April 12 election, the pro-Moscow leader has launched an extensive propaganda campaign warning Hungarians against joining the rest of Europe in backing Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. Orbán claims this support could drain Hungary’s finances and send Hungarian soldiers to die in combat.

Across Hungary, government-funded billboards display computer-generated pictures of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside European leaders, with Zelenskyy’s hand extended as though asking for cash. The imagery targets the European Union’s financial assistance to Ukraine as the conflict approaches its fifth year.

“Our message to Brussels: We won’t pay!” declare the state-sponsored advertisements.

The stakes of Hungary’s election became evident Monday when the country prevented new EU penalties against Russia after Moscow disrupted oil deliveries flowing through Ukraine. Orbán’s administration threatened to block additional pro-Ukraine measures until the energy supplies restart.

Among EU members, Orbán stands as Putin’s most reliable supporter. While the bloc’s other 26 countries have distanced themselves from Moscow since the February 24, 2022 invasion began, Hungary has strengthened its Russian ties.

Orbán defends his Putin relationship as practical, pointing to Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy imports. However, his anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, restrictions on journalists and civic groups, and branding of opponents as “foreign agents” mirror Putin’s authoritarian tactics, critics argue.

The election presents Orbán’s toughest political battle since returning to power in 2010. Independent surveys show the EU’s longest-serving leader and his Fidesz party losing ground to center-right newcomer Péter Magyar.

Magyar, a 44-year-old attorney who left Fidesz in 2024, has built his campaign around addressing inflation, strengthening public services, and fighting government corruption. The former party insider also pledges to restore Hungary’s Western partnerships and rebuild democratic institutions weakened during Orbán’s 16-year tenure.

Political scandals have boosted Magyar’s Tisza party, particularly public outrage over a presidential pardon granted to someone involved in child sexual abuse, forcing both the president and justice minister to step down.

Facing Magyar’s challenge, Orbán and Fidesz have shifted focus through a massive media blitz funded by taxpayers. Radio, television, and online advertisements accompany the billboard campaign, while a petition sent to every eligible voter claimed EU aid to Ukraine would devastate Hungary economically.

Additional advertisements, financed by a mysterious pro-government group connected to Fidesz, portray Magyar as Zelenskyy and EU manipulation, suggesting he would betray Hungarian interests and involve the country in warfare.

Hungary’s state media and government-friendly outlets echo these narratives, claiming Ukraine seeks to extend the deadly conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, working with the EU to achieve this goal.

Orbán recently declared the EU, rather than Russia, poses Hungary’s greatest threat. He points to increased European defense budgets — driven by Russian aggression and American pressure for higher NATO spending — as proof the EU is preparing for war with Moscow and planning to force Hungarians into military service.

A disturbing AI-created video released by Fidesz on social media shows a young girl asking her sad mother in Hungarian: “Mommy, when is daddy coming home?”

The following scene depicts the fictional father — tied up, blindfolded, and kneeling in battlefield mud — being executed by a soldier. “We won’t allow others to decide on the fates of our families,” the voiceover states. “Let’s not take a risk. Fidesz is the safe choice.”

While some EU nations have suggested peacekeeping forces for Ukraine to oversee potential ceasefires, these troops wouldn’t engage in fighting, and participation would remain optional, explained András Rácz, a Russia specialist at the German Council on Foreign Relations.

Despite the misleading nature of many claims, Rácz noted that Fidesz has won two previous elections by stoking fears about opponents dragging Hungary into war.

“They are trying to max this out. They have nothing else,” Rácz observed. “Populists often try to define an enemy, often an imaginary one, and then offer protection to the society from that enemy. Ukraine has been ideal from this perspective.”

For years, Orbán has worked to undermine EU financial and military support for Ukraine while strongly opposing sanctions on Russian energy and officials.

Relations with Ukraine deteriorated recently when Russian oil shipments to Hungary stopped; Ukraine attributed the interruption to a Russian drone attack in late January that damaged pipeline infrastructure. Orbán characterized it as extortion.

His government responded last week by stopping diesel exports to Ukraine and threatening to reject a 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) EU loan package for Kyiv. Monday’s blocking of the 20th round of EU sanctions against Russia followed.

The anti-Ukraine messaging has found support among loyal Fidesz voters. Despite Tisza’s polling lead, victory remains uncertain.

However, many Hungarians reject Orbán’s anti-Ukraine rhetoric. Sunday saw hundreds of Hungarians and Ukrainians, including many refugees, gather in central Budapest to mark the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Marching toward a protest at the Russian embassy, participants carried Ukrainian and Hungarian flags while chanting, “Stop Putin, stop the war!”

Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, told The Associated Press that Orbán’s messaging and policies represent “a betrayal not only of Ukraine, but of Hungary’s national interest.”

“I hope that this will go into history as a failed policy, but that history will also remember that there were some who stood up for what is right,” he stated.

Among the demonstrators was Ester Zhivatovska, a 19-year-old veterinary student from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa studying in Budapest. She called the billboards featuring her country’s president ridiculous.

“The main message of these billboards is that Ukraine will steal Hungarian money,” she said. “But come on, you’re using these AI images from the Hungarian budget to do what? To win elections.”

SEOUL, South Korea — American and South Korean military officials announced Wednesday they will move forward with their yearly spring training exercises in March, aimed at strengthening their joint defense capabilities while diplomatic relations with nuclear-armed North Korea remain at a standstill.

The Freedom Shield training exercises are scheduled to run from March 9-19, military officials confirmed.

Pyongyang has consistently characterized these allied military exercises as practice runs for invasion and has used them as justification to ramp up its own weapons testing and military displays. The allied nations maintain these training exercises are purely defensive.

The announcement comes during a significant political gathering in North Korea where dictator Kim Jong Un is anticipated to present his major domestic, international, and military objectives for the coming five years. So far, North Korean government media has not published any direct statements from Kim regarding relationships with Washington or Seoul during the ruling Workers’ Party congress that started last week.

Military experts believe Kim may use this congress to solidify his aggressive approach toward South Korea, repeat demands for Washington to abandon denuclearization requirements before resuming negotiations, and reveal plans to strengthen and merge his nuclear and traditional military forces, based on his recent public statements.

Freedom Shield represents one of two “command post” training programs the allies hold annually, with the second being Ulchi Freedom Shield in August. These exercises primarily use computer simulations to evaluate the allies’ combined operational readiness while incorporating new warfare scenarios and security threats.

The March training will include a field component called Warrior Shield designed to improve “training realism and combat readiness,” Col. Ryan Donald, public affairs director of U.S. Forces Korea, explained during a press briefing.

Neither South Korean nor American officials disclosed troop participation numbers for the exercises, though these events typically include thousands of military personnel.

Some observers suggest the allies may be looking to scale back these drills to encourage dialogue opportunities with North Korea.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who holds liberal political views, has indicated interest in renewed inter-Korean cooperation, while some of his senior advisors have expressed optimism that President Donald Trump’s anticipated China visit in late March or April might create openings for renewed Washington-Pyongyang discussions.

Col. Jang Do-young, public affairs director for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated the March exercises will exclude scenarios addressing potential North Korean nuclear attacks but will incorporate training focused on “deterring nuclear threats.” He noted that allies continue working out details for the field training component.

Kim’s nuclear weapons program has grown rapidly in recent years, now including systems that threaten American allies across Asia and intercontinental missiles potentially capable of reaching American territory, which has increased South Korea’s security worries while diplomatic efforts with Pyongyang remain stuck.

South Korea also faces challenges from escalating U.S.-China regional competition, leading Washington to push its ally to shoulder more defense responsibilities against North Korea as America shifts greater attention toward China.

North Korea has consistently refused Washington and Seoul’s appeals to restart diplomatic talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear program, which collapsed in 2019 after Kim’s second summit with Trump during the former president’s initial term ended unsuccessfully.

Kim has now prioritized Russia in his international strategy, deploying thousands of soldiers and substantial military equipment to assist Moscow’s Ukraine conflict, likely in return for assistance and military technology.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Authorities in Sri Lanka have detained the nation’s former top intelligence official as part of an ongoing investigation into the devastating Easter Sunday bombings that claimed nearly 270 lives four years ago, according to law enforcement officials.

Retired army major general Suresh Salley was taken into custody Wednesday by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department, police spokesman Fredrick Wootler confirmed.

The deadly assault occurred on April 21, 2019, when two extremist Islamic organizations executed six coordinated suicide bombings targeting Christian churches and upscale hotels frequented by tourists. Video evidence later revealed the perpetrators had sworn loyalty to the Islamic State organization.

The coordinated strikes devastated the island nation and brought back painful memories of the country’s brutal 26-year conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, commonly called the Tamil Tigers, who waged war to establish a separate homeland for Sri Lanka’s Tamil ethnic community.

Salley had earned widespread recognition as a military intelligence leader who played a crucial role in bringing the civil war to an end in 2009. According to Wootler, investigators are examining potential “links or lapses” involving Salley related to the 2019 terrorist attacks.

In the aftermath of the bombings, accusations emerged suggesting the perpetrators had connections to Sri Lanka’s intelligence apparatus.

A 2023 investigation by Britain’s Channel 4 featured testimony from an individual who claimed to have facilitated a meeting between Salley and a domestic organization called National Thowheed Jamath, which drew inspiration from the Islamic State. The alleged pre-attack meeting supposedly involved planning to destabilize Sri Lanka and help former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa secure victory in that year’s presidential contest.

The Channel 4 source, Azad Maulana, had previously served as a spokesman for a Tamil Tigers splinter faction that eventually became a government-supporting militia and assisted the Sinhalese-majority administration in defeating the separatist movement.

Maulana stated that upon viewing security footage from the bombing sites, he identified several attackers as individuals he had arranged to meet with Salley.

Sri Lanka’s defense ministry has categorically rejected any allegations of involvement in the attacks.

KUALA LUMPUR – A significant member of Malaysia’s governing coalition demanded Wednesday that authorities establish a royal commission to examine serious misconduct claims against the nation’s primary anti-corruption organization.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and its leadership have faced intense public criticism after numerous news outlets this month published reports alleging wrongdoing and violations of public service regulations, along with other serious charges.

A Bloomberg investigation claimed MACC personnel were assisting business groups in taking over companies through questionable means. Reuters could not independently confirm these findings, which were based on internal documentation and witness interviews.

The anti-corruption agency dismissed the claims as “baseless,” stating Tuesday that the accusations represented an effort to undermine their corporate investigations and enforcement activities.

Nevertheless, the Democratic Action Party, a crucial component of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, announced it would advocate for a formal investigation into these allegations, describing the MACC’s rejection as “insufficient.”

“There must be an inquiry into the allegations made and that inquiry ought to be by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter,” stated DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, who also serves as a cabinet minister, in Wednesday’s announcement.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who leads the DAP, indicated he would recommend creating the royal commission during Friday’s cabinet session, according to local news reports from Tuesday.

Representatives for Prime Minister Anwar did not immediately provide comment when contacted.

Officials previously established a special investigative committee this month to examine the MACC chief after a different media investigation alleged violations of shareholding regulations.

Sources within Myanmar’s ruling party reveal that a former military commander is expected to assume the influential position of parliament speaker, potentially strengthening the armed forces’ hold on power as the nation transitions away from direct military rule.

The military junta that has governed Myanmar since seizing control in 2021 plans to officially transfer authority when the new parliament convenes next month. However, top military officials are anticipated to maintain significant political influence following the Union Solidarity and Development Party’s overwhelming electoral victory. The USDP, established by the military in 2010, dominated the recent elections.

According to three USDP insiders who spoke with Reuters, party chairman Khin Yi, a former brigadier general and ex-police chief, is expected to secure the crucial lower house speaker position.

This role would grant him authority over presidential elections, legislative processes, budget approvals, and major government appointments.

The USDP has not provided any official response regarding Khin Yi’s potential appointment.

The anonymous sources, who requested confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of the matter, indicated that former generals with strong connections to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will likely assume the first and second vice presidential positions.

“Since there are high-ranking former military officers within the party, understanding their roles, the highest possible position for him would likely be the speaker of the lower house,” one source explained regarding Khin Yi’s expected role.

Myanmar operates under a distinctive power-sharing arrangement that reserves 25% of legislative positions for military personnel, who have controlled the country for five out of the last six decades. The military also maintains control over defense, border affairs, and interior ministries.

The USDP secured 81% of contested seats in both parliamentary chambers during the recent election, which was marked by minimal voter participation, ongoing civil conflict, and absence of credible opposition candidates. This victory effectively places the legislature under military influence.

Additionally, authorities plan to establish a new five-member Union Consultative Council to supervise both military and civilian administrative functions.

Political observers suggest this structure will enable Min Aung Hlaing to pursue the presidency while retaining his military command.

Independent political analyst Htin Kyaw Aye notes that the speaker position, previously held by prominent political figures, carries more substantial influence than the vice presidency, which is largely ceremonial despite its prestige.

“This is a position with a high capacity for influence and action,” he explained. “If one cannot be president, the position of speaker of the Hluttaw (parliament) is the one that allows for the greatest exercise of power.”

An incoming USDP legislator confirmed that details about key appointments remain strictly confidential, known only to the party’s inner circle.

Two party members who attended a recent USDP gathering reported that Khin Yi, who previously served as immigration minister, was informally approached about accepting the vice presidency but indicated his preference for a parliamentary leadership role.

“He said, ‘What is certain is that I think I will be leading in the legislative sectors of one of the houses of parliament’,” one source quoted Khin Yi as stating during the meeting.

Military leaders from the United States and South Korea announced Wednesday that the two nations will hold their major annual joint training exercise, Freedom Shield, from March 9 through March 19.

Defense officials described the yearly military exercise as “defensive in nature” during a briefing, although this characterization has not stopped North Korea from consistently criticizing these training operations as preparation for an attack.

The upcoming drills will also help advance ongoing efforts to transition wartime military command from American forces to South Korean control, according to military leaders from both countries.

Previous training exercises, including the 2023 version, included comprehensive multi-domain and command center exercises designed to enhance military readiness for this transition.

South Korea has set a goal to assume full wartime military command from the United States before President Lee Jae Myung completes his presidential term in 2030.

Military officials from both nations confirmed that next month’s joint training will include practice scenarios addressing North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

While President Lee has attempted to rebuild damaged diplomatic relations with North Korea, Pyongyang has rejected these diplomatic overtures.

South Korean news outlets had earlier reported that Seoul suggested reducing the scope of field training components of Freedom Shield to support diplomatic engagement, but the United States opposed these changes.

Military officials confirmed to Reuters that discussions about modifying the field exercises remain active and will continue until the final moments before the drills begin.

Meanwhile, North Korea is currently conducting the ruling Workers’ Party’s Ninth Congress, its most significant political gathering, which military experts believe may end with a parade in Pyongyang displaying the country’s newest military equipment.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing Wednesday for high-level discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, focusing on improving economic relations between the two nations amid growing trade tensions.

During their meeting, Merz stressed Germany’s commitment to strengthening business ties with China, which became Germany’s top trading partner last year. However, he also highlighted the importance of creating more balanced and transparent cooperation moving forward.

“We have very specific concerns regarding our cooperation, which we want to improve and make fair,” Merz stated during the discussions. The chancellor faces the challenging task of restructuring an economic partnership that has become increasingly disadvantageous for German businesses.

Premier Li responded by urging both nations to collaborate in protecting global free trade and multilateral cooperation, appearing to reference the trade disputes initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump that have disrupted international commerce.

“China and Germany, as two of the world’s largest economies and major countries with important influence, should strengthen our confidence in cooperation, jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and strive to build a more just and fair global governance system,” Li declared.

Beijing is positioning itself as a dependable economic ally compared to the United States, while European nations grapple with supply chain weaknesses and concerns about over-reliance on Chinese markets.

European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned the European Parliament Tuesday about troubling developments in China-Europe relations, including China’s increasing control over essential manufacturing industries, growing trade deficits, and declining market presence for European Union businesses in China.

This marks Merz’s inaugural trip to China, making him the most recent European leader attempting to rebuild relationships with Beijing, following similar visits by British Prime Minister Starmer and Canadian officials earlier this year.

The German delegation includes representatives from 30 major companies, featuring automotive giants Volkswagen and BMW, which are experiencing significant pressure from Chinese competitors. This competition has contributed to widening trade gaps that worry Berlin officials and fuel discussions about protective trade measures.

According to Rhodium Group analyst Noah Barkin, Germany’s manufacturing-focused economy has been especially affected by competition from Chinese producers.

China’s market appeal has shifted dramatically in recent years, as economic slowdowns have reduced consumer spending and excess manufacturing capacity has pushed Chinese companies to expand internationally.

Prior to the visit, Chinese government media highlighted opportunities for European-Chinese cooperation to provide stability while U.S. tariff policies disrupt global trade patterns.

The state-run Xinhua news agency referenced a German business survey showing that technological advances in China are benefiting German corporate headquarters.

The Global Times, a government-supported publication, suggested that China’s enormous market potential would overcome competitive concerns.

“Rhetoric such as ‘systemic rival’ and ‘de-risking’ has at times complicated Germany’s China policy,” the publication noted. “Yet the enthusiasm and actions of the German business community speak louder than political slogans.”

BEIJING — Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany touched down in Beijing Wednesday morning, launching an intensive two-day diplomatic mission aimed at securing better economic opportunities for German businesses and enlisting China’s support in ending the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The German leader landed under cloudy skies in China’s capital, marking his inaugural visit to the country since assuming office in May. Prior to his departure, Merz highlighted the significance of coordinating Germany’s approach to China within a broader European framework, pointing out the strategic timing of his visit following recent trips by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit scheduled for early April.

“Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want partnership with China balanced, reliable, regulated and fair,” Merz said. “This is our offer. At the same time, it is what we also hope for and expect from the Chinese side.”

Since taking office, Merz has advocated for developing a more robust Europe, both in economic and defense capabilities, to navigate the shifting global landscape. European nations have faced challenges from Trump’s tariff policies and his calls for increased European self-reliance in security matters, along with his controversial demands regarding Greenland.

In his pre-departure statements, Merz acknowledged that despite existing tensions with China, “the big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing.” He emphasized the necessity of Chinese cooperation in addressing international crises, particularly the Ukraine situation, observing that “Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow.”

European governments have expressed disappointment over China’s limited efforts to influence Russia toward ending the military action. Beijing has continued its commercial and diplomatic relationships with Russia while claiming neutrality in the conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated this week, “We hope all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.”

Merz joins a series of international leaders visiting Beijing as China seeks global allies to counter Trump’s tariff strategies and his challenges to established international institutions that have shaped post-World War II global relations.

“At a time when the world is experiencing turbulence and transformation, China and Germany, as major economies and advocates of multilateralism, share the responsibility to uphold the stability of global industrial and supply chains and oppose protectionism and economic coercion,” China’s official Xinhua News Agency said in a commentary.

Trade imbalances present a significant concern, with Germany’s purchases from China climbing 8.8% to 170.6 billion euros ($201 billion) in the past year, while German exports to China dropped 9.7% to 81.3 billion euros ($96 billion).

European officials are encouraging Chinese manufacturers to establish production facilities within their borders while simultaneously calling for China to address manufacturing overcapacity that has depressed prices in sectors like electric vehicles and solar energy equipment. They also seek the elimination of obstacles that foreign businesses encounter in the world’s second-largest economy.

“We also want to discuss how we can find a remedy, for example, where systemic overcapacities have arisen, where there are export restrictions and where there are access restrictions … that distort and prevent competition,” Merz said.

TOKYO — Japanese officials confirmed Wednesday that one of their citizens has been held in Iranian custody since late January, with Tokyo now calling for the person’s immediate freedom.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki acknowledged the detention during questioning about international media coverage of the situation, stating the Japanese citizen was taken into custody on January 20th. Ozaki declined to provide additional information about the case, referencing privacy concerns.

According to Ozaki, Japanese officials are maintaining communication with both the detained individual and their relatives while offering appropriate assistance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Israel Wednesday for a crucial two-day diplomatic mission, as escalating military tensions between Washington and Tehran cast a shadow over the Middle East region.

This marks Modi’s return to Israel nearly nine years after making history as the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in 2017. During that groundbreaking trip, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu famously walked barefoot together along a beach in Haifa’s northern port area.

The two leaders, who remain in office and consider themselves personal friends, plan to focus their discussions on artificial intelligence cooperation and defense partnerships. The timing coincides with Israel’s push to expand its military equipment exports globally.

According to an Israeli government representative, the visit will “pave the way for new partnerships and collaborations across many fields.” A foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that diplomatic relations between the nations stand ready for a major enhancement.

Modi’s itinerary includes addressing Israel’s parliament, known as the Knesset, and participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Yad Vashem, the country’s primary Holocaust remembrance site.

The diplomatic visit unfolds against a backdrop of mounting regional security concerns. The Pentagon has positioned substantial naval forces near Iran’s coastline in preparation for potential military action against the Islamic Republic, following stalled negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear development program. Additionally, an American aircraft carrier has been dispatched to the Mediterranean Sea, heading toward Israeli waters.

Any potential U.S. military action against Iran could trigger Iranian counterattacks against Israeli targets and American military installations throughout Gulf Arab nations. This scenario particularly concerns India, as millions of Indian workers in these countries send billions of dollars in remittances back home annually.

Kabir Taneja from the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian policy research organization, emphasized that New Delhi opposes regional conflict escalation.

“I’m sure those kind of messages have been delivered in the past and will be delivered during this visit as well,” Taneja stated.

Israeli foreign ministry officials confirmed that discussions with a “regional aspect” would likely occur throughout the visit.

During a recent cabinet session, Netanyahu characterized India as part of a future “axis” of allied nations united in opposing “the radical Shi’ite axis” and “the emerging radical Sunni axis.” Iran operates under a Shi’ite Muslim theocratic government system.

“(Our) cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future,” Netanyahu declared.

However, Taneja noted that while India shows interest in purchasing Israeli military technology, New Delhi would likely resist joining any formal military alliance due to its traditional policy of international non-alignment.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis Wednesday to meet with Caribbean Community leaders who have voiced concerns about the direction of Trump administration policies affecting their region.

Rubio’s visit to the CARICOM summit follows last month’s military operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro, along with increased enforcement actions against alleged drug trafficking and heightened pressure on Cuba.

In Tuesday night’s State of the Union speech, President Trump described Maduro’s capture as “an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States. And it also opens up a bright new beginning for the people of Venezuela.”

The 15-member Caribbean bloc has convened to address urgent regional challenges as the Trump administration implements what it calls a modern version of the Monroe Doctrine to strengthen U.S. influence across the Western Hemisphere.

Trump stated his administration is “restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere, acting to secure our national interests and defend our country from violence, drugs, terrorism and foreign interference.”

Regional leaders have raised objections to several administration policies, including requirements that countries accept deportees from third nations, end Cuban medical programs, and limit ties with China.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ newly elected Prime Minister Godwin Friday expressed concerns similar to those heard from European officials, stating the Caribbean faces challenges “from inside and out. International rules and practices that we have become used to over the years have changed in troubling ways.”

During Tuesday’s opening session, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, who chairs CARICOM, declared the region “stands at a decisive hour.”

“The global order is shifting,” Drew explained. “Supply chains remain uncertain, energy markets fluctuate and climate shocks intensify.”

Drew and other officials discussed shifting international dynamics and emphasized the need to address Cuba’s humanitarian crisis, a point also highlighted by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“It must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba,” Holness cautioned. “It will affect migration, security and economic stability across the Caribbean basin.”

Holness affirmed that Jamaica “stands firmly for democracy” while also “supports constructive dialogue between Cuba and the U.S. aimed at de-escalation, reform and stability.”

Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell told The Associated Press Tuesday before the summit that while he’s unsure which specific issues will arise in discussions with Rubio, he anticipates comprehensive talks about U.S.-Caribbean relations.

“It is about mutual respect and a rules-based order,” Mitchell explained. “Those are some of the things we would expect from the meeting, and we are also available for any private dialogue with Mr. Rubio.”

The State Department hasn’t disclosed which officials will meet with Rubio Wednesday, but indicated he plans to explore ways to enhance regional security, stability, trade and economic development through both group sessions and one-on-one meetings.

Caribbean leaders are also scheduled to address additional topics including security concerns, reparations, climate change, financing issues, and establishing a unified market system.

Rubio’s Caribbean trip occurs more than a month following Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces and his transfer to America to face drug trafficking allegations.

Since early September, U.S. operations have resulted in at least 151 deaths during strikes against small vessels suspected of drug smuggling. Monday’s most recent attack claimed three lives in Caribbean waters. U.S. officials have not released evidence confirming these boats were transporting narcotics.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported these operations. Tuesday she again expressed gratitude to Trump, Rubio and U.S. military forces “for standing firm against narcotrafficking” and for their assistance with national security issues.

“The crime is so bad, I cannot depend on just my military, my protective services,” she stated.

Cuba’s circumstances are anticipated to be a central focus during the CARICOM gathering.

Cuba’s U.N. resident coordinator Francisco Pichón informed AP Monday that the U.S. oil embargo is blocking humanitarian assistance from reaching communities still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which hit eastern Cuba in late October as a Category 3 hurricane.

Pichón pointed out that the energy restrictions and fuel shortages “affect the entire logistics chain involved in being able to work in Cuba at this time, anywhere in the country.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent several hours away from his official residence Tuesday evening after authorities received what turned out to be a false bomb threat targeting his Canberra home.

The Prime Minister was safely evacuated from The Lodge late Tuesday night as a security precaution. He was able to return home after investigators determined no suspicious materials were present on the property.

Law enforcement officials confirmed there is no continuing danger to public safety.

Speaking at a Melbourne event Wednesday, Albanese reflected on the incident and called for cooler heads to prevail across the country.

“I think it’s just a reminder, take every opportunity to tell people, turn the heat down for goodness sake,” Albanese stated.

“We can’t take these things for granted,” he added.

According to Australia’s public broadcaster ABC, the security threat was connected to Shen Yun, a traditional Chinese dance company that China has prohibited and which plans to tour Australia this month.

The threatening message was reportedly sent to local event organizers, falsely stating that explosive devices had been positioned near the Prime Minister’s home and would be set off if the dance company proceeded with their Australian shows, ABC reported.

Law enforcement representatives refused to provide details about where the threat originated.

The New York-headquartered Shen Yun organization has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

On Wednesday morning, Albanese shared an Instagram post featuring his dog positioned near a doorway at The Lodge, along with a message expressing gratitude to police officers for their professional response.

Government statistics released Wednesday reveal that South Korea’s fertility rate has climbed for the second year in a row during 2025, offering hope that the nation may be emerging from a prolonged demographic decline that has persisted for nearly ten years.

The Ministry of Data and Statistics reported that South Korea’s total fertility rate – representing the average number of children a woman is projected to bear throughout her childbearing years – reached 0.80 in 2025, an increase from 0.75 recorded in 2024.

The Asian nation experienced a resurgence in births beginning in 2024, driven by post-pandemic recovery and government initiatives, following eight straight years of declining birth rates that culminated in the globe’s lowest fertility rate of 0.72 in 2023.

Statistical data shows 5.0 births per 1,000 residents in 2025, compared to 4.7 in 2024. This figure exceeds China’s 5.6 rate from last year, Taiwan’s 4.6, and Japan’s 5.7 in 2024, where declining trends persist.

The recovery rate has surpassed the government’s optimistic projections of 0.75 for 2025 and 0.80 for 2026, with forecasts suggesting the total fertility rate could exceed 1.0 per woman by 2031.

Marriage statistics, which typically predict birth trends with a one to two-year delay, increased 8.1% in 2025 following a record 14.8% surge in 2024.

“The biggest part is that marriages are increasing a lot accumulatively,” ministry official Park Hyun-jung explained during a press conference. She highlighted growth in the population of people in their thirties – the typical age for marriage and childbearing – along with shifting social perspectives.

Seoul experienced the most dramatic increase in births, with the capital’s fertility rate reaching 0.63, representing an 8.9% jump from 0.58 in 2024, despite remaining the nation’s lowest rate.

Hallym University sociology professor Shin Kyung-ah cautioned that the figures require deeper analysis due to statistical factors like demographic composition shifts influencing the increase.

“Still, it is meaningful as an indicator suggesting positive changes, which will, at least indirectly, also help make people become more positive about having a baby,” Shin commented.

A government survey conducted every two years in 2024 found that 52.5% of South Koreans held favorable views toward marriage, rising from 50.1% in 2022. Citizens indicated their ideal family size averaged 1.89 children.

Birth numbers increased 6.8% to 254,457 last year, representing the largest percentage growth since 2007, while deaths climbed 1.3% to 363,389, causing the population to contract naturally for the sixth straight year.

President Lee Jae Myung’s administration intends to develop a comprehensive five-year demographic policy plan this year, addressing concerns about economic disruption from rapid population aging.

Officials also plan to expand existing childbirth support policies implemented in recent years and introduce programs to recruit skilled international workers as the domestic workforce shrinks.

The nation’s potential economic growth rate, currently estimated at approximately 2% annually, has dropped six percentage points over the past three decades – a steeper decline than most major economies – and could fall to 0.6% between 2045-2049, according to central bank projections.

Credit rating agencies have warned that South Korea’s government finances face pressure from increasing social welfare costs. The country’s public pension system, ranking third globally with $1 trillion in assets, is projected to become insolvent by 2071.

President Lee has advocated for regional collaboration on demographic challenges and proposed hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group’s inaugural population policy forum in South Korea this year during last year’s summit.

During January visits to China and Japan, Lee secured separate agreements with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to pursue joint efforts addressing aging populations.

Government projections from 2022 indicate South Korea’s current population of 51.8 million could decrease by nearly one-third to 36.2 million by 2072.

Japanese government officials announced Wednesday that one of their citizens has been held in Iranian custody and are pressing Tehran for the individual’s immediate freedom.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki revealed during his regular press conference that the detention occurred on January 20, though he declined to provide additional information about the circumstances or the identity of the person being held.

Japan has issued forceful appeals to Iranian officials for the prompt release of their detained citizen, according to Ozaki’s statements to reporters.

A respected Russian academic known for his expertise on North Korea was taken into custody by Latvian police while presenting a lecture, according to reports from Russian news outlets.

Andrei Lankov, who serves as a history professor at Seoul’s Kookmin University, verified to Russian business publication RBK that law enforcement officers interrupted his North Korea presentation and subsequently added him to the nation’s prohibited persons list. He was later transferred to immigration authorities, though the specific grounds for his arrest remain unclear. The incident was also covered by Russia’s Tass news service.

Speaking to RBK around 11 p.m. Moscow time, Lankov reported that he remained in detention, noting that legal representatives were handling his case while friends assisted with practical matters.

Representatives from Kookmin University in South Korea confirmed they were monitoring the developing situation involving their faculty member. Attempts to reach Lankov directly through his mobile phone were unsuccessful.

Born in what was then Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Lankov spent considerable time in North Korea during the 1980s as part of an exchange program and has dedicated his academic career to studying the isolated nation. After working in South Korea and Australia during the 1990s, he relocated to Seoul in 2004 to begin his current teaching position. He maintains citizenship in both Russia and Australia.

The scholar has gained recognition for his pragmatic analysis of North Korea, frequently characterizing the regime as a calculating government that maximizes scarce resources while playing major world powers against each other for survival. He has also publicly criticized Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and Moscow’s deployment of North Korean forces in support of its military operations.

Earlier this year in April, a Moscow court allegedly imposed a fine of 10,000 rubles (approximately $130) on Lankov for participating in activities connected to an organization deemed “undesirable” by Russian authorities. At that time, Lankov informed RBK that journalists had been the source of his information about the legal proceedings.

A former rapper who transitioned from music to politics is positioned to become Nepal’s next prime minister, marking a dramatic shift in the Himalayan nation’s political landscape.

Balendra Shah, widely recognized by his stage name ‘Balen,’ emerged as the leading candidate following Nepal’s youth uprising in September that resulted in 77 deaths and led to Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation. The 35-year-old politician addressed his millions of social media followers with a direct message at the time.

“Dear Gen Z, the resignation of your killer has come,” Shah posted. “Now your generation will have to lead the country. Be prepared.”

The musician-turned-politician, who secured the mayor’s office in Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu during 2022, now leads polling projections for the March 5 general election. While Nepal lacks comprehensive polling data, four political experts and regional media outlets identify him as the top contender, potentially displacing the nation’s established political leadership.

“Balen Shah is so popular that now buses coming to Kathmandu have stickers on them saying, ‘Headed to Balen’s city’,” noted Bipin Adhikari, who specializes in constitutional law at Kathmandu University.

Shah’s potential victory would represent a remarkable transformation for someone who gained initial recognition through rap music that challenged Nepal’s power structure. His success could fundamentally alter the political dynamics of the small nation situated between China and India, which has traditionally been controlled by a few dominant parties.

The established parties include Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), which maintains closer ties to China, and the moderate Nepali Congress, which aligns more closely with India.

Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) represents a centrist alternative that promises in its platform to pursue “balanced foreign relations” with both neighboring powers.

Much of Shah’s national popularity stems from his achievements as Kathmandu’s mayor, where he concentrated on enhancing city infrastructure, particularly waste management systems, while improving service delivery in areas like healthcare.

However, he has also drawn criticism, including from Human Rights Watch, for allegedly directing police to confiscate property belonging to street vendors and individuals without land ownership.

Shah, who stepped down from his mayoral position in January to pursue the national election, has not responded to interview requests or written questions from Reuters.

Distinguishing himself from Nepal’s traditional political establishment of older career politicians, Shah typically avoids conventional media outlets.

His extensive social media reach, encompassing more than 3.5 million followers across platforms like Facebook, allows him to communicate directly with Nepal’s younger population.

Shah’s recent Facebook activity features carefully selected campaign photographs, consistently showing him wearing his signature dark sunglasses and sporting a graying beard.

“What makes Balen special is that he stays connected with the youth through his short messages on social media, but it would not be a cakewalk for him after becoming prime minister,” observed independent political analyst Puranjan Acharya.

Shah grew up with a father who practiced traditional Ayurvedic medicine and a mother who managed their household. According to an associate, he developed an early interest in poetry that eventually led to his passion for rap music, drawing inspiration from American artists including Tupac Shakur and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

Following his undergraduate civil engineering studies in Nepal, Shah pursued a master’s degree in structural engineering in southern India, having already established himself as a prominent rapper in his homeland.

His musical compositions, frequently targeting Nepal’s governing elite, resonated strongly with citizens in a nation where approximately 20% of the 30 million residents experience severe poverty.

Shah’s 2019 release “Balidan” – meaning sacrifice in Nepali – has accumulated over 12 million YouTube views and remains among his most recognized works.

The song’s verses include: “Let me speak, sir, it is not a crime, Let me open the mind, I am not a curse to the palace, My mind is not bad, it is not afraid to speak the truth.”

Shah officially entered political life by running as an independent candidate for Kathmandu mayor, campaigning under the motto “Time for change.” He secured victory with a substantial margin.

In December, Shah aligned with the RSP, headed by former television personality Rabi Lamichhane, accepting the party’s nomination for prime minister.

The RSP’s platform commits to generating 1.2 million employment opportunities and reducing forced migration, addressing widespread frustration over joblessness and inadequate wages that have driven millions of Nepalis to seek employment abroad.

Additional party promises include increasing Nepal’s per capita income from $1,447 to $3,000, expanding the national economy to $100 billion GDP, and establishing universal healthcare coverage – all targeted for completion within five years.

Political observers suggest that Shah’s potential national success will largely depend on his ability to assemble qualified personnel capable of reforming Nepal’s stagnant and corruption-plagued administrative structure.

“It needs a team, experts and support,” Acharya explained. “Under the existing state apparatus, he can’t perform and he will be finished like wood attacked by termites.”

European Union officials are sounding alarms about potential security threats following a massive breakout from a Syrian detention facility housing family members of Islamic State suspects.

A confidential EU document dated February 23 and obtained by Reuters indicates that most detainees have fled the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, with their current locations unknown.

“This raises concerns about how terrorist groups might seek to capitalise on the current situation to increase recruitment efforts among escapees,” the internal memo states.

The al-Hol facility, located close to Iraq’s border, served as a primary holding center for family members of suspected ISIS fighters captured during the American-supported military operations against the extremist organization in Syria.

The camp’s oversight shifted dramatically in January when forces loyal to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa seized control from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who had maintained security at the site for years.

According to official records cited by Reuters, the facility housed 23,407 individuals on the day before the government takeover, including 6,280 foreign nationals representing over 40 countries.

Earlier this month, U.S. military forces completed transferring 5,700 male Islamic State fighters from Syrian prisons to Iraq, though this fell short of the originally planned 7,000 transfers, the EU document notes.

The European memo describes the transition as a “chaotic takeover” that “led to the collapse of security and services in the al-Hol camp, triggering the escape of a significant portion of its population.”

Both the United Nations refugee agency operating in Syria and Syrian government officials “have confirmed that an uncontrolled exodus has occurred over the past few weeks,” according to the document.

Syrian authorities have criticized the SDF for abandoning al-Hol on January 20 without proper coordination. The SDF maintains its forces were “compelled” to retreat from the camp to defend cities facing imminent threats.

A Syrian security official told Reuters that authorities are collaborating with international partners to establish a specialized unit to “pursue those who are wanted.”

Beyond al-Hol, the SDF had overseen multiple detention centers throughout northeastern Syria, including facilities holding thousands of Islamic State militants and a second camp at Roj housing additional jihadist family members.

The EU assessment suggests Damascus has “limited” capability to manage these installations and faces “significant operational challenges.” The memo indicates that recent developments have derailed the government’s plans to gradually close al-Hol camp, creating “grave security concerns.”

Combined, the al-Hol and Roj camps held approximately 25,000 people, mostly women and children, “with many of these being highly radicalised and living in degrading humanitarian and security conditions,” the European document states.

The SDF continues controlling the Roj facility for now. Last week, Kurdish forces released 34 Australian citizens from Roj, though they later returned. Australia has refused to assist Islamic State families seeking repatriation. The Roj camp also houses British-born Shamima Begum.

European officials express “reason for concern regarding the possible escape of families” from Roj once Syrian government forces assume control.

Neither Syria’s Information Ministry nor U.S. Central Command provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the Central Intelligence Agency reached out directly to Iranian citizens, publishing detailed guidance in their native language on how to safely establish contact with American intelligence operatives while President Donald Trump weighs potential military action against the Islamic Republic.

This latest outreach represents part of an ongoing intelligence recruitment campaign that has targeted speakers of Farsi, Korean, Russian, and Mandarin with secure communication methods. Tuesday’s Farsi message, distributed across X, Instagram, and YouTube platforms, arrives during a particularly volatile period in American-Iranian diplomatic relations, while Iran’s religious leadership confronts fresh domestic unrest.

The United States has positioned its most substantial military presence in the Middle East region in decades amid escalating Iranian tensions. In January, Trump issued military threats following Tehran’s harsh response to nationwide demonstrations, before redirecting attention toward Iran’s controversial nuclear activities and demanding diplomatic negotiations. Additional nuclear discussions are scheduled for this week.

Demonstrating continued internal opposition, Iranian university students staged anti-government demonstrations in Tehran on Monday.

“Hello. The Central Intelligence Agency hears you and wants to help,” the intelligence service stated in the message, based on English translations. “Here are some tips on how to make a secure virtual call with us.”

The Persian-language content accumulated millions of views in mere hours following its release.

While the agency maintains secrecy regarding specifics about new contacts or intelligence sources generated from previous recruitment materials, Director John Ratcliffe has confirmed these efforts are producing results.

“Last year, CIA’s Mandarin video campaign reached many Chinese citizens, and we know there are many more searching for a way to improve their lives and change their country for the better,” Ratcliffe stated earlier this month during the release of a new Mandarin-language video.

The intelligence agency’s recommendations include utilizing virtual private networks, or VPNs, to bypass government internet censorship and monitoring systems, along with employing untraceable temporary devices. The CIA additionally advised prospective sources to utilize private browsing software and eliminate their internet activity records for protection.

The guidance details methods for contacting the CIA through its official website or via the darknet, an internet section accessible only through specialized anonymity tools. The CIA has published comparable instructions in Russian as well.

Iran’s United Nations Mission spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the new recruitment video.

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration announced Tuesday it will make public records connected to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s selection as a trade representative, as questions mount about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The decision comes after Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last week, which prompted several members of Parliament to question whether traditional rules protecting the royal family from legislative criticism should continue.

Mountbatten-Windsor, previously called Prince Andrew, became the first British royal family member arrested in over 300 years when police detained him on allegations of misconduct in public office.

He has consistently rejected any wrongdoing regarding Epstein and has expressed regret about their association.

During parliamentary discussions, junior trade minister Chris Bryant described Mountbatten-Windsor as engaging in “a constant self-aggrandising, self-enriching hustle” while serving as envoy.

Bryant characterized Mountbatten-Windsor as “a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest which he said he served, and his own private interest.”

The late Queen Elizabeth’s second son held the position of UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 through 2011, an unpaid position that enabled him to meet with top business leaders and government officials worldwide.

Law enforcement launched their investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor after the U.S. government released correspondence last month that seemingly demonstrated he had shared official documents with Epstein during his tenure as trade representative. Such sharing typically violates confidentiality protocols for trade envoys.

Opposition party legislators took turns condemning Mountbatten-Windsor, with at least four calling for an end to parliamentary traditions that shield royals from criticism.

“These arcane rules make a mockery of our democracy,” stated Brendan O’Hara, a Scottish National Party parliament member. “Nobody, regardless of rank or privilege, should or must be above the law.”

The House of Commons Speaker permitted lawmakers to debate the former prince because he no longer holds royal family status after losing his titles.

The Liberal Democrats pressured the government through an old parliamentary process called a humble address to force disclosure of all appointment-related documents.

Bryant announced the government’s support for the measure, which passed without opposition.

Attendance was light among both ruling Labour Party members and Conservative opposition representatives.

Bryant indicated he would work to expedite document release, though officials must verify it won’t compromise the ongoing police investigation.

Making these vetting records public could create embarrassment for officials who worked under then-Prime Minister Tony Blair when the appointment occurred, as well as British royal family members facing their most serious crisis in nine decades due to Mountbatten-Windsor’s Epstein connections.

Mountbatten-Windsor has remained silent since the U.S. government published over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents. Epstein received a conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.

Those records indicated that in 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor sent Epstein official trip reports covering Vietnam, Singapore and other locations he had visited.

Consumer prices in Australia jumped beyond expectations during January, driven primarily by increases in housing and healthcare expenses, according to new government data released Wednesday.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that monthly consumer prices climbed 0.4% compared to the previous month, while yearly inflation held steady at 3.8%. Economic analysts had predicted smaller increases of 0.3% monthly and 3.7% annually.

Core inflation measurements, which exclude volatile items, gained 0.3% for the month and accelerated to 3.4% annually, up from December’s 3.3% rate. This exceeded economist expectations of 3.3% and has prompted financial markets to increase bets on a possible interest rate increase by May.

The inflation data suggests Australia continues to grapple with persistent price pressures, particularly in essential sectors like housing and health services, potentially complicating the central bank’s monetary policy decisions moving forward.

TOKYO – Economic data released Wednesday revealed that Japan’s service sector pricing maintained steady growth at 2.6% year-over-year in January, matching the previous month’s performance and indicating that wage increases from a constrained labor market are continuing to fuel inflationary pressures throughout the nation’s economy.

The services producer price index, which measures what businesses charge one another for various services, showed identical growth rates for both December and January, according to information from the Bank of Japan.

Construction services and temporary staffing agencies were the primary drivers behind the price increases, the data indicated.

Japan’s central bank concluded its decade-long massive economic stimulus program last year and subsequently increased short-term borrowing rates to 0.75% in December, based on assessments that the country was approaching sustainable achievement of its 2% inflation goal.

Given that consumer price inflation has remained above 2% for almost four years running, monetary policy officials have indicated their willingness to continue raising interest rates if price growth persists alongside corresponding wage increases.

Central bank chief Kazuo Ueda has stated that monetary authorities will closely monitor whether expectations of consistent wage growth will encourage additional companies to transfer rising labor expenses to consumers, as they determine the timing for future interest rate increases.

AMSTERDAM – Dutch foreign ministry officials called in Iran’s ambassador on Tuesday to formally object to Iranian authorities confiscating luggage belonging to a Netherlands diplomat at Tehran’s airport last month.

According to a ministry statement, Iranian officials created a diplomatic crisis on January 28, 2026, when they compelled the Dutch representative to surrender his official diplomatic bags at the Tehran airport. Ministry officials called the action “unacceptable.”

Dutch authorities have made multiple requests for Iran to return the confiscated items immediately, though officials have not disclosed what the luggage contained. The formal summoning of Iran’s ambassador came after Iranian authorities published video of the airport incident on the internet.

Sierra Leone’s government announced Tuesday that Guinea has detained multiple members of its security forces, marking another escalation in an ongoing territorial disagreement between the neighboring West African nations.

Officials from Guinea have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

The border conflict between these two countries has persisted since Sierra Leone’s civil war from 1991 to 2002, during which Guinea sent military forces to assist in fighting rebel groups.

According to a Tuesday social media post from Sierra Leone’s information ministry, military and police personnel were building a border checkpoint and additional structure in the frontier community of Kaliyereh on Monday when Guinea’s military forces entered the area.

The ministry’s statement indicated that Guinea’s forces detained “several members of the joint security team, including an officer” and confiscated weapons and military equipment.

“Government is actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels to confirm their location and secure their safe and unconditional release,” the official statement declared.

Authorities have dispatched an investigative team to the region to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Central Intelligence Agency has released comprehensive instructions in the Persian language, providing Iranians with methods to safely reach out to American intelligence officials through encrypted digital channels. This outreach effort comes as Iran’s government continues its harsh response to domestic protesters and diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States remain strained.

Through a social media post on X, the intelligence agency announced its desire to establish safe communication lines with people living within Iran’s borders, stressing the critical importance of maintaining digital privacy and security. The agency’s message conveyed that the CIA “can hear your voice and wants to help you,” while providing readers with comprehensive security protocols aimed at avoiding detection by Iran’s government surveillance systems.

The intelligence organization strongly cautioned against utilizing personal computing devices or conventional telephone systems, instead recommending the acquisition of fresh, untraceable equipment that cannot be linked to the individual user. The agency also stressed the importance of maintaining awareness of one’s physical environment and being cautious of anyone who might observe their computer screens or track their digital activities.

To reduce the chances of digital detection, the CIA suggested utilizing third-party web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox instead of built-in device applications. The agency also recommended enabling Private Browsing or Incognito features, along with similar privacy settings, to prevent the storage of web browsing information.

The security instructions promoted the utilization of identity-concealing and censorship-circumventing tools, including the Tor browser for accessing the Dark Web, while cautioning that Iranian security and intelligence agencies likely monitor numerous websites. The CIA explained that it offers a protected, censorship-resistant communication method accessible through these specialized tools. The agency also recommended using virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent internet censorship and monitoring, and emphasized the importance of clearing browsing records and other digital evidence after establishing contact.

Based on the provided instructions, people attempting to contact the CIA were requested to provide detailed personal and work-related information. This includes their residential city and nation, complete name, professional role and position, along with describing their level of access to information or abilities that might interest the agency. The CIA also sought secure contact details to enable ongoing communication.

The security guidelines described several methods for contacting the agency, including through its official website and through the darknet, an internet section only accessible through special software created to hide users’ identities.

This message represents the most recent in a collection of CIA recruitment communications published in Persian, Korean, Russian, and Mandarin languages, all advertising what the agency calls secure communication pathways.

A group of 14 distinguished former cricket captains from around the world has penned an appeal to Pakistan’s government, calling for proper medical attention and family access for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The international coalition includes notable names such as Greg Chappell of Australia, Sir Clive Lloyd, Mike Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brierley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Kapil Dev, Steve Waugh and John Wright.

Writing in ESPNcricinfo on February 23rd, Greg Chappell explained his motivation for organizing the letter after learning about his former colleague’s imprisonment and deteriorating health condition. Chappell described feeling obligated to take action for his longtime friend.

“To pierce the gathering gloom surrounding one of cricket’s greatest luminaries, I knew I had to assemble a chorus of voices, a collective of captains whose shared history could not be ignored amid the winds of political indifference,” Chappell wrote.

Reflecting on Khan’s character, Chappell added: “I remember him as a man of immense charisma and an even greater will. He was a leader who did not merely command his team; he inspired a nation.”

Chappell expressed alarm about current reports regarding Khan’s confinement and wellbeing. “Today, that vibrant, charismatic leader is confined to a space that reports suggest resembles a death row cell. Most distressing are the reports concerning his health,” he observed.

The former Australian captain emphasized the non-political nature of their request. “We urge the government of Pakistan to immediately provide Imran Khan with medical care from doctors of his choice, ensure humane conditions, including family visits, and grant him fair and transparent access to the legal process. These are not extremist demands; they are basic necessities of a civilized society.”

In his final thoughts, Chappell argued that Khan should receive the same fair treatment he always advocated for during his playing days. “We hope that the principles of decency will prevail and that our collective voice will ensure he is not forgotten in the darkness of a solitary cell. The game deserves no less, and future generations who look up to our legacy demand that we stand for what is right.”

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry pushed back against the international appeal, stressing that athletic achievements don’t exempt anyone from legal consequences.

Chaudhry countered: “just as ball tampering and batting offenses are crimes in cricket, corruption is a crime if a captain becomes prime minister. They should have condemned that as well.” He continued, “They should have also expressed regret that he is currently convicted in a corruption case.”

The minister maintained that Khan’s health concerns had already been handled before the letter was drafted. Describing Khan as “the most looked-after prisoner in Pakistan’s history,” Chaudhry stated the Supreme Court had approved his care.

Regarding the request for Khan to select his own medical providers, Chaudhry responded: “Everything is according to the law; prisoners don’t get to choose.”

Chaudhry suggested the former cricket leaders should concentrate on human rights issues within their own nations instead of advocating for someone convicted of corruption.

Pakistani officials have continuously maintained that the former leader, who has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion affecting his right eye, receives excellent prison facilities and prompt medical attention without any delays. Nevertheless, his relatives and political party have repeatedly rejected these assertions, expressing grave worries about his wellbeing.

Khan represents a remarkable transformation from sports hero to political figure, having guided Pakistan’s cricket team to their historic 1992 World Cup triumph.

His political career ended abruptly in 2021 when he lost power following a parliamentary vote of no confidence. He currently remains incarcerated on corruption allegations that he steadfastly rejects as politically driven attacks. Despite his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party winning the most seats in the 2024 general elections, they were denied the opportunity to establish a government.

DUBLIN – The Trump family has received the go-ahead from Irish authorities to construct a ballroom at their golf resort on Ireland’s western coastline, but there’s an unusual catch – they must develop a conservation strategy for a rare species of tiny snails living on the property.

Clare County Council granted approval Tuesday for the Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg to move forward with their ballroom project, designed to accommodate 320 guests. Eric Trump previously described the planned facility to the Sunday Independent as what would be “the nicest ball­room in the country.”

The December application faced pushback from environmental advocates who demanded stronger protections for the Vertigo angustior snail, a rare species safeguarded under European Union habitat regulations designed to preserve endangered wildlife.

Local planners issued their approval with 14 stipulations, most notably requiring the golf resort to develop and submit a comprehensive plan for monitoring and protecting the snails before any construction begins.

The environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment had contested the proposal, contending that no new development permits should be issued until the resort complies with a court directive from the original 1999 course approval that mandated “maintenance or improving” conditions for the protected snail population.

However, several community organizations endorsed the ballroom project, highlighting the employment opportunities it could bring to the resort, which currently provides jobs for 300 workers during busy summer months. Many area residents have praised Trump for preserving their jobs when he purchased the struggling golf course in 2014.

Construction plans call for a 1,240 square meter ballroom, significantly smaller than the 8,360 square meter ballroom proposed for the White House. Trump lodged at the property, located 300 kilometers from Dublin, during his official Irish state visit in 2019.

When Trump assumed the presidency, he transferred the Trump Organization into a trust overseen by his children, though he continues as the beneficiary.

The golf resort faced a setback in 2020 when local authorities rejected their application to construct a seawall for coastal erosion protection, with planners expressing concerns about potential damage to the site’s sand dune ecosystem.

Newly released footage from 2022 reveals Hamas terrorists conducted detailed rehearsals for the October 7, 2023 attack more than a year before carrying out the deadly assault.

Israeli Channel 13 broadcast the video Monday, showing Hamas operatives engaged in strategic planning sessions and practice exercises that mirror the actual terrorist attack. The footage captures individuals in both civilian attire and military gear gathered around a conference table, including Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who now serves as Hamas’s leader in Gaza.

The broadcast combined this planning footage with previously obtained video of Hamas forces practicing a seaborne assault on Zikim Beach. Participants in the recording can be heard celebrating the training exercise and discussing their hopes that a real operation would lead to the release of imprisoned terrorists.

Audio from the video captures members of Hamas’s elite Nukhba Force coordinating from what appears to be a command center during the simulation. One operative is heard reporting over the phone: “They have destroyed two pieces of military equipment and killed four soldiers. The enemy is confused.”

The conversation continues with tactical updates: “The destruction was total? How many injured? Lightly? Can they be treated in the field? How many martyrs?” as commanders communicate with field units during the mock attack.

The recording was made during 2022 when Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid led the Israeli government. Channel 13 has not disclosed how they obtained the footage.

This isn’t the first evidence of Hamas preparation for the attack to surface. Additional training videos have emerged previously, including propaganda footage released less than a month before October 7th showing terrorists practicing breaching replica border barriers, driving vehicles into simulated Israeli territory, and firing at human-shaped targets.

Iran’s top religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has given his endorsement to a new nuclear negotiation proposal crafted by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to sources speaking to Channel 12. However, the document has yet to reach American officials.

The development comes after U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner asked for Iran’s response following last week’s diplomatic meetings in Geneva. American negotiators had expected to receive the proposal within several days, ahead of Thursday’s scheduled continuation of talks. U.S. officials have indicated that these upcoming discussions could be the last chance for a peaceful resolution, with military action being considered as an alternative, Channel 12 reported.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi expressed his country’s commitment to reaching a deal as negotiations prepare to restart in Geneva. “We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We will do whatever it takes to make this happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with complete honesty and good faith,” Takht-Ravanchi stated through Iranian government media.

The Iranian official also issued a warning about potential military consequences, saying “If there is an attack or aggression against Iran, we will respond according to our defense plans … A US attack on Iran is a real gamble.”

Foreign Minister Araghchi released his own statement indicating that Iran would proceed with discussions building on previous agreements, noting that talks would continue “with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal—in the shortest possible time.”

Araghchi emphasized that Iran “will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon,” while pushing back against requirements to abandon what he described as the nation’s entitlement to “peaceful nuclear technology.”

At the same time, the United States has been strengthening its military presence in the region. The Times of Israel confirmed that American F-22 stealth aircraft that left the United Kingdom have been stationed at an Israeli Air Force facility in southern Israel.

Eleven F-22 jets successfully departed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England, with one aircraft returning due to mechanical problems. These planes had been at the British base for several days following their arrival last week, reportedly delayed by refueling support complications.

This military positioning occurs as President Donald Trump considers authorizing strikes against Iran. Recent days have seen numerous American combat aircraft—including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s, and F-16s—moving toward the Middle East region, according to the Military Air Tracking Alliance.

Washington has issued an ultimatum to Baghdad, demanding Iraq establish a new government without Iranian interference by Friday or risk facing sanctions, according to reports from Saudi television network Al-Hadath.

The controversy revolves around Shi’ite political parties nominating former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to return to power. Intelligence suggests al-Maliki maintains strong connections with Iran. President Donald Trump publicly rejected al-Maliki’s candidacy on Truth Social just days after the nomination was announced on January 27.

Saudi media reports indicate American officials have warned Iraqi leadership that missing this week’s deadline could result in punitive actions. Sources within Iraq confirm that Baghdad received an official communication stating that sanctions targeting specific individuals and organizations could be implemented if al-Maliki’s nomination moves forward.

Tom Barrack, the US envoy who took over Iraq responsibilities after Mark Savaya left in January, made public statements following discussions with current Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. Barrack wrote on X: “Fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani discussing continued Iraqi goals and objectives to build a sovereign, stable and prosperous future that aligns with a desire and plan for peace and prosperity in the region. The necessity of effective leadership that aligns itself with the policies and practices of further stabilization for Iraq and the Iraqi people is key to our mutual goals.”

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that the Coordination Framework, the Shiite coalition supporting Maliki, continues backing his candidacy. During discussions in Baghdad with US envoy Barrack, Hussein stressed the significance of preserving dialogue and cooperation during the upcoming period until Iraq’s government formation concludes, according to a Foreign Ministry statement released through state news agency INA.

Middle East Broadcasting Networks reports that divisions exist within the Coordination Framework regarding whether to pursue Maliki’s nomination. Though al-Maliki wields considerable political power from his two previous terms leading the country, certain coalition members worry that pushing for his comeback might damage relationships with Washington when Iraq requires ongoing international support to address economic and security challenges.

Al-Maliki has dismissed suggestions that outside pressure should influence the decision. He has stated that any choice to step aside must originate from the Coordination Framework directly, maintaining that the prime minister position represents a political entitlement determined by parliamentary dynamics rather than foreign interference.

President Trump’s ambassador to France is creating diplomatic headaches in Paris after repeatedly skipping mandatory meetings with French government officials.

Charles Kushner, a real estate developer who took the ambassadorial post last summer, has disrupted traditional diplomatic relations between the United States and France through his unconventional approach to the role once filled by founding fathers Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.

The 71-year-old businessman, who has no prior diplomatic background and served federal prison time for campaign finance violations and tax fraud before receiving a Trump pardon in 2020, made waves shortly after his arrival by penning a public letter to French President Emmanuel Macron criticizing France’s efforts to combat antisemitism.

Macron responded sharply to the ambassador’s public critique, calling Kushner’s remarks an “unacceptable statement for somebody who is supposed to be a diplomat.” When French officials summoned Kushner to the foreign ministry for an explanation, he failed to appear.

The ambassador again skipped a required meeting on Monday after the U.S. Embassy reposted social media comments from the State Department’s counterterrorism office regarding the death of a French far-right activist.

Following Monday’s absence, French diplomatic sources indicated Kushner would be prohibited from meeting with government officials. However, the situation shifted Tuesday when Kushner contacted Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot by phone.

According to a source familiar with the conversation, Kushner “expressed his desire not to interfere in our public debate” during the call. The two officials agreed to schedule an in-person meeting in the coming days.

The U.S. Embassy released a statement describing the phone conversation as “frank and amicable,” with both sides “reaffirming their shared commitment to working together” on issues affecting both nations as they mark 250 years of diplomatic ties.

French legal scholar Julien Jeanneney, who specializes in American constitutional law, described the situation as a “power struggle” between Kushner and France’s foreign ministry that began with the ambassador’s antisemitism letter.

“The function of a diplomat is not to lecture the country where he is posted, at least not publicly,” Jeanneney explained. “Publishing such a letter goes against basic diplomatic customs. And not responding to the summons from the foreign minister is… a sign of defiance.”

Kushner’s behavior reflects a broader pattern among Trump’s European ambassadors, who the administration says are confronting Europe’s risk of “civilisational erasure.”

In Poland, Ambassador Tom Rose severed communication with the parliament speaker after failing to gain support for Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize candidacy. Meanwhile, Belgian officials summoned Ambassador Bill White over allegations of antisemitism related to restrictions on unauthorized circumcisions.

Tensions between Paris and the Trump administration extend beyond Kushner’s actions, encompassing disagreements on trade policies, European sovereignty, digital regulations, and free speech issues.

However, sources from both countries suggest Kushner’s primary motivation stems from his Orthodox Jewish faith and concerns about antisemitism rather than broader “Make America Great Again” objectives.

“I don’t see him with a MAGA cap,” observed Nicolas Conquer, who leads a Trump-inspired French policy organization and maintains contact with Kushner’s staff. “He is not the standard-bearer of MAGA in France.”

Philippe Karsenty, spokesperson for Comité Trump France who has met with Kushner multiple times, said the ambassador views antisemitism as a dangerous threat to democratic society that must be addressed urgently.

“It is about ensuring that France in 2026 is not France in 1939,” Karsenty stated.

American officials acknowledged that Kushner’s public letter created diplomatic friction but argued it prompted French authorities to take action. While antisemitic incidents reached unprecedented levels following the 2023 Gaza conflict, they decreased by 16% in the past year compared to 2024.

Both French and American officials noted that Kushner’s family connection to Trump – he is the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner – provides diplomatic advantages, even though Macron typically communicates directly with Trump via mobile phone.

The ambassador speaks no French and has demonstrated little interest in learning the language, according to officials from both nations. He depends heavily on his chief of staff, Gabriel Scheinmann, who is fluent in French and skilled at navigating France’s political landscape.

Officials also noted Kushner’s unusual schedule, retiring early each evening and typically sending emails beginning around 4:30 a.m.

“He wakes up early, goes to bed early, does not host useless receptions,” Karsenty said. “He meets very few unnecessary people. He is not at an age to learn a language, and he did not come for that. He came to act.”

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan National Assembly officials reported Tuesday that more than 3,200 individuals have gained their complete freedom following the implementation of a new Amnesty Law just four days prior. The beneficiaries include both imprisoned individuals and those who had been living under house arrest or similar restrictions.

During a press briefing, National Assembly member Jorge Arreaza, who chairs the commission responsible for implementing the amnesty program, revealed that officials have processed 4,203 applications so far.

According to Arreaza’s breakdown of the approved cases, 3,052 individuals who had been living under house arrest or similar constraints have received complete freedom. An additional 179 people who were serving prison sentences have also been released.

Following the January 3rd arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro, the current administration pledged to free substantial numbers of detained individuals. Critics, including family members and human rights organizations, have expressed frustration with what they view as a sluggish release process and overly restrictive conditions imposed on those who have been freed.

The amnesty program does not extend to those found guilty of murder, narcotics trafficking, military insurrection, or severe human rights abuses.

However, Venezuelan prisoner advocacy organization Foro Penal reported Tuesday that they have confirmed just 91 “political releases” since the amnesty program began on February 20. The group has also requested reconsideration of 232 cases that were initially denied amnesty benefits, noting that approximately 600 individuals remain in custody.

British law enforcement officials announced Tuesday they have completed their search of Prince Andrew’s previous residence in southeastern England, following his detention last week on charges related to misconduct in public office.

The Duke of York’s Thursday arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation examining his relationship with deceased American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright released a statement saying, “Officers have now left the location we have been searching in Berkshire. This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday.”

Recently released Epstein files from the U.S. Justice Department last month contained documents suggesting that the monarch’s younger sibling may have shared classified government materials with the convicted financier during his tenure as a trade representative.

Prince Andrew has consistently maintained his innocence regarding any improper conduct connected to Epstein, though he has expressed regret about their association.

In a related development, London police announced Friday they are reaching out to former security personnel who previously served Prince Andrew, encouraging anyone with information about sexual offenses linked to Epstein to contact authorities.

Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald was admitted to a medical facility Tuesday while vacationing on the Spanish island of Tenerife, according to an announcement from the royal palace.

The monarch was hospitalized due to an infection and dehydration while enjoying a private getaway with Queen Sonja, palace officials confirmed. Despite his medical issues, the king’s condition is reported as stable and good.

Harald holds the distinction of being Europe’s eldest reigning monarch and has served as Norway’s ceremonial leader since taking the throne in 1991.

WASHINGTON — Ukraine’s top diplomat in Washington revealed Tuesday that American officials have complained about Ukrainian military strikes targeting a Russian Black Sea port, citing concerns over disrupted U.S. oil operations in Kazakhstan.

Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna made the disclosure on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, explaining that the State Department contacted Ukrainian officials about attacks on Novorossiysk port.

“This reach-out was not related to encouraging Ukraine from refraining to attack Russian military and energy infrastructure. It was related to the very fact that American economic interest was affected there,” Stefanishyna told reporters in Washington. “It did happen, and we have taken the note.”

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium operates a pipeline from the Caspian coast in northwest Kazakhstan to the Novorossiysk port. The pipeline handles much of the crude exports from three major Kazakh fields in which major U.S. energy companies, Chevron and ExxonMobil, have stakes.

The G7 group of leading industrialized nations issued a leaders’ statement on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of the war reaffirming their “unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.” The statement also praised President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.

The U.N. General Assembly also passed a resolution on Tuesday voicing support for Ukraine, but the U.S. was one of 51 countries that abstained.

During U.S.-brokered talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained maximalist demands, insisting Kyiv pull its forces from four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed but never fully captured. Trump has argued it’s inevitable that Russia will win control of the Ukrainian territory and has pressured President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a deal to save lives.

Zelenskyy said his country has withstood the onslaught by Russia’s bigger and better equipped army, which over the past year of fighting captured just 0.79% of Ukraine’s territory, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank. Russia now holds nearly 20% of Ukraine.

Trump later on Tuesday will deliver the annual State of the Union address. Stefanishyna said she expects that Trump, who has made ending the war a priority, will touch on the conflict in the address, even though she did not expect major changes in his message.

“But at the same time, we want President Trump to hear us ahead of the speech that, you know, despite all the complexity and tragedy of what is happening in Ukraine, still Ukrainian people very much rely on his leadership,” she said.

Norway’s royal palace announced Tuesday that King Harald has been hospitalized during his winter holiday in Spain’s Canary Islands.

The 89-year-old monarch, who celebrated his birthday just this past Saturday, was taken to a medical facility in Tenerife Tuesday night. Palace officials stated he is receiving care for dehydration and an infection, though they did not provide specifics about the nature of the infection. According to the royal statement, Harald’s current condition is described as stable.

Palace representatives confirmed that the king’s personal doctor will make the journey to Tenerife to evaluate the situation firsthand. An official health update is expected to be released Wednesday following the physician’s assessment.

The royal couple had been enjoying their winter retreat on the Spanish island when the health issue arose. Harald has served as Norway’s reigning monarch for more than three decades, ascending to the throne in 1991.

CHANIA, Greece — Demonstrators took to the streets on the Greek island of Crete Tuesday evening after a massive US Navy aircraft carrier arrived as part of America’s expanding military presence in the Middle East.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, recognized as the globe’s most massive aircraft carrier, arrived Monday at the US naval facility in Souda Bay on Crete. The deployment comes as President Donald Trump has issued warnings about potential military strikes against Iran.

A peaceful demonstration took place in Chania, a port city located near the naval base, with support from Greece’s Communist Party. Demonstrators displayed individual signs that together spelled out “Killers” in English.

Middle East tensions have escalated once more, primarily due to disputes surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Following almost two years of silence from its core leadership, the terrorist organization ISIS emerged with a lengthy audio statement on February 21, 2026, featuring a 35-minute address by spokesperson Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari. This communication arrives as the extremist group has lost all territorial holdings in Syria and Iraq, now functioning through underground militant cells while facing continuous counterterrorism operations throughout the region.

The recording addresses Syria’s current political structure under Ahmed al-Sharaa, denouncing his administration as unlawful and inadequately Islamic, while positioning ISIS as the uncompromising option against what it characterizes as political corruption.

Current circumstances in northeastern Syria contribute additional security concerns to the broader regional picture. Detention centers housing ISIS prisoners have historically been managed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which supervises a system of correctional facilities and holding areas containing thousands of suspected militants. International intelligence estimates from recent years suggest approximately 9,000 to 10,000 ISIS fighters remain in SDF detention, including roughly 2,000 foreign citizens from numerous nations.

Relatives of suspected combatants—primarily women and children—continue residing in facilities like al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. This camp’s population has varied but typically maintains around 40,000 inhabitants according to recent reports, with several thousand international residents among them. Security evaluations by humanitarian and counterterrorism observers have consistently cautioned that these camps may function as environments for ongoing radicalization, recruitment, and internal control by extremist elements.

Regional instability in northeastern Syria has previously resulted in escape efforts and successful prison breaks. The most notable incident happened in January 2022, when ISIS militants assaulted Al-Hasakah Central Prison in Hasakah’s Ghuwayran district, sparking several days of combat and allowing hundreds of prisoners to escape before authorities regained control. While most were reportedly recaptured or eliminated, the event highlighted the fragility of detention systems in the area.

Security experts have consistently cautioned that northeastern Syria’s detention facilities function as both containment systems and potential strategic resources. This past January, Syrian military and intelligence services under President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration took control of multiple installations—including correctional facilities and camps—previously managed by the SDF, along with surrounding territories formerly controlled by the SDF.

This transition encompassed the detention center at al-Aqtan near Raqqa and regions surrounding al-Hol camp, which has housed tens of thousands of family members connected to suspected ISIS militants.

Additionally, Iraqi officials have verified the movement of certain suspected ISIS members from Syrian detention centers back into Iraqi custody, partly due to American pressure. Iraq has occasionally repatriated citizens for legal proceedings under its anti-terrorism legislation. Although these transfers reduce Syria’s detention responsibilities, they also reintroduce experienced operatives into Iraq’s legal and correctional systems, where overcrowding and prison radicalization remain documented issues.

Even a minor security breach could produce significant ramifications. Should only a small fraction of the estimated 9,000–10,000 detainees escape or receive inadequate monitoring following transfer, this could mean dozens or hundreds of individuals with previous operational training rejoining secret networks. Since ISIS currently operates through small-cell insurgency and decentralized violence rather than large-scale mobilization, the return of even several dozen trained operatives could increase attack risks in Syria, Iraq, or elsewhere.

The audio message also identifies Africa as the movement’s primary operational theater, presenting its African branches as proof of organizational strength while encouraging supporters to undertake hijra—a religiously motivated migration or relocation—to African strongholds instead of the Levant. The spokesman emphasizes internal discipline, security screening, and operational caution, suggesting concerns about infiltration and internal vulnerabilities. Despite broader regional conflicts, the audio does not extensively address Gaza or wider Middle Eastern tensions, instead concentrating on internal strengthening, African operations, and selective international incitement.

Within Syria, ISIS remnants remain concentrated in desert regions, where small units conduct ambushes, targeted killings, and quick-strike operations. In Iraq, the organization has adopted a low-level insurgency approach, depending on dormant cells and rural networks instead of open territorial governance. In Western nations, the group’s operational presence has diminished since its 2015–2017 height, though its propaganda continues encouraging inspired attacks executed by individuals or micro-cells operating independently.

Given this context, the recent audio message does not proclaim a territorial resurgence. Rather, it consistently references Syria and Iraq as historical strongholds, encourages renewed desert region activity, commends African affiliates, and demands attacks against what it terms “Crusader and Jewish targets.” The focus appears centered on unity, persistence, and symbolic continuity rather than territorial growth.

Daniele Garofalo, a specialist in extremist organizations, views the message as an internal strengthening initiative.

“I read it as a signal of command and control, not as a prelude to a new campaign,” he said. “After a two-year vacuum, the leadership needs to demonstrate that it still exists, that it leads, that it maintains narrative cohesion and internal discipline,” he told The Media Line.

He contended that the message’s format and approach suggest stabilization instead of escalation.

“It is consolidation. I do not see elements that indicate a credible reactivation of territorial control,” Garofalo explained. “The leadership uses Syria and Iraq as a symbolic center, but the operational objective is to keep clandestine networks, sleeper cells, and micro-local structures alive,” he added.

Garofalo indicated the message reflects a wider strategic approach.

“It confirms the line we have observed. Operational center of gravity in Africa, the Levant in a defensive and survival posture,” he said, adding that praise for African branches signals where the group currently shows operational momentum.

Regarding the international attack appeals, he emphasized that intention does not automatically create capability.

“When the central leadership is weak and the core theater is under pressure, incitement abroad becomes the most cost-effective instrument for generating strategic impact,” Garofalo said. “The more realistic risk is inspired violence—low cost and high visibility,” he added.

Lucas Webber, a senior research fellow at The Soufan Center, interprets the audio as a deliberate effort to display strength during regional changes.

“The 35-minute audio message represents a calculated effort to project resilience and reassert influence after a prolonged period of silence,” Webber told The Media Line. “It is designed to demonstrate organizational continuity and strategic relevance,” he added.

He highlighted the changing Syrian situation specifically.

“The Islamic State is attempting to exploit instability following the fall of the Assad regime, positioning itself as the uncompromising jihadist alternative to Syria’s new political order,” Webber explained. “It seeks to insert itself into an evolving landscape, even if territorially constrained,” he added.

Webber does not observe indications of returning to territorial administration.

“What we see here is a reaffirmation of the Islamic State’s insurgent model,” he said. “The group is emphasizing sustained insurgency and localized operations, not state-building,” he added.

Similar to Garofalo, Webber noted Africa’s prominent position in the group’s communication.

“The message devotes notable attention to African branches, positioning them as evidence of global continuity within a dispersed movement,” Webber said, describing this as a strategic recalibration rather than a rhetorical flourish.

Concerning Western target references, Webber stressed the decentralized approach.

“These appeals are consistent with the group’s longstanding strategy of inspiring decentralized violence,” he said. “They are less about directing complex external operations and more about sustaining the perception of global reach,” he added.

Overall, the February 21 message appears more as a carefully constructed statement of persistence than a declaration of revival. ISIS continues operating through insurgency in Syria and Iraq, derives operational energy from African regions, and depends on ideological messaging to project influence beyond its actual capabilities. The audio reinforces a pattern that has characterized the group since losing territory: adaptation through dispersion, narrative control, and opportunistic violence rather than centralized territorial administration.

College campuses across Iran have transformed into centers of resistance as students clash with government security forces following the reopening of universities after several weeks of shutdown. The return to classes on Saturday has reignited widespread demonstrations that Iranian authorities had hoped to suppress.

Government officials are expressing deep concern about the resurgence of campus activism, particularly as scattered protests continue in various cities alongside strikes and demonstrations over economic hardships and rising costs.

A student organizer from the University of Tehran spoke with The Media Line on Monday evening, explaining that Iranian leadership was caught off guard by the intensity of campus unrest. Despite the government’s violent crackdown that has resulted in thousands of deaths, implementation of martial law conditions, severe internet limitations, and intimidation of journalists, the reopening of educational institutions has created new flashpoints for confrontation between students and government forces.

The activist noted that current protest levels demonstrate an escalation beyond what occurred before January 8, when massive crowds took to the streets and faced gunfire from government troops.

When universities officially resumed operations on Saturday, February 21, students in Tehran and other cities immediately converted their campuses into zones of open defiance. Anti-government chants including calls for the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei and condemnation of the ruling system prompted immediate deployment of Basij militia forces by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, leading to violent confrontations.

In a surprising development, students at prestigious technical institutions like Amirkabir and Sharif universities began voicing support for the exiled Pahlavi royal family for the first time in Iranian academic history. This represents a dramatic shift, as universities have traditionally opposed both monarchical and Islamic rule since their establishment eight to nine decades ago.

Iranian higher education has a long history of political activism dating back to the 1970s, when campuses became breeding grounds for leftist revolutionary movements. The student movement gained particular significance after the December 7, 1953 incident known as ’16 Azar,’ when military forces killed three students during protests against US Vice President Richard Nixon’s visit, occurring months after the CIA-supported coup that removed Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.

Following the 1979 revolution, universities initially supported the uprising but gradually distanced themselves from Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership as leftist groups gained influence. Khomeini viewed campuses as opposition strongholds and launched what became known as the ‘Cultural Revolution’ in spring 1980, during which hundreds of leftist students were killed, injured, or imprisoned, particularly members of the communist-affiliated ‘Pishgam’ organization.

After that assault, universities were shuttered and later reopened with strict ideological screening for both students and faculty, resulting in many being permanently barred from academic participation.

Despite mass executions in the 1980s and heavy campus security, student organizations gradually reemerged in the 1990s. A major incident occurred in 1999 when regime forces attacked Tehran University dormitories, sparking days of demonstrations and clashes in Tehran and other major cities.

Universities have remained central to protest movements through subsequent uprisings in 2009 and 2019, as well as the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement in 2022, despite ongoing arrests, suspensions, restrictions, and direct attacks resulting in student casualties.

The Islamic Republic had hoped that reopening universities with delayed semester starts and increased online coursework would normalize conditions, but within three days, campuses again became battlegrounds between regime opponents and Basij forces.

The emergence of pro-Pahlavi slogans, including chants of ‘This is the final battle, Pahlavi returns,’ marks a significant development. Support for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi appears to be gaining momentum among some students, building on widespread pro-Pahlavi demonstrations that occurred on January 8 and 9 following his call for protests.

Mohammad Reza, an electrical engineering student at Amirkabir University who participated in pro-monarchy chants, told The Media Line: ‘In my opinion, and in the view of many students who support Reza Pahlavi, he is the most qualified person under current conditions to lead the transition period with the least damage and with global support. Not everyone who supports him favors a monarchy, but I believe Reza Pahlavi, under whatever title, can play an effective role in Iran’s future economic and social development.’

When asked about anti-leftist slogans that have also emerged in university protests, Mohammad Reza responded: ‘Unfortunately, the left has not had a good record since the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution onward. It seems they focus more on fighting Reza Pahlavi and monarchism than on fighting the regime, and that is why students need to distinguish themselves from them.’

However, Azarmeher, a University of Tehran student representing leftist student groups, offered a different perspective to The Media Line: ‘Up until Monday, people—including students—were fighting together against the Islamic regime regardless of ideology or political orientation. When the enemy was firing barrages of bullets at us, they did not ask us which kind of leftist or which kind of rightist we were.’

Azarmeher continued: ‘But the dangerous game initiated by monarchist supporters has not only deepened divisions abroad and within the anti–Islamic Republic camp; it has also brought those divisions onto university campuses, pitting left-wing opposition students against right-wing opposition students. That is why some people, even without resorting to conspiracy theories, believe the Islamic Republic welcomes the rise of monarchist tendencies, because they serve to divide the public and the opposition.’

Despite these divisions, Azarmeher believes current social, political, and economic conditions, combined with the possibility of war, indicate that protests will intensify. She emphasized: ‘The Islamic Republic will be overthrown by a popular uprising. If revolutionary forces can assume leadership, a democratic Iranian republic led by women inside the country will offer a horizon of political and economic progress with the participation of all forces and groups, including ethnic and national communities, and unconditional freedom of expression.’

Some analysts suggest an ‘attritional revolution’ could paralyze and ultimately destroy the current regime in coming months, while certain student activists in Tehran believe the Islamic Republic may not survive even the next few months. By Monday evening, protests and clashes had spread from Tehran to universities nationwide.

The scale of potential student involvement today far exceeds that of the 1979 revolution. At that time, Iran had 22 universities with approximately 170,000 domestic students and 100,000 studying abroad. Today, the country has nearly 100 times more universities, with domestic student enrollment increased twentyfold.

Students now comprise about 4 percent of Iran’s population, compared to just half a percent during the previous revolution, when the majority of citizens were illiterate, deeply religious, and resided in small towns or rural areas.

Significant changes in urban life and the emergence of a powerful urban middle class, which has sometimes shifted toward conservative and far-right positions in efforts to escape Islamic Republic rule, represent additional factors that could shape Iran’s future. As one art student returning from Monday’s protests told The Media Line: ‘Left or right—what is certain and inevitable is the inevitable destruction of the Islamic Republic.’

LONDON — A prominent British political figure who previously served as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States is facing a criminal investigation over allegations of misconduct connected to his relationship with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Peter Mandelson, a veteran statesman with decades of political experience, has become the subject of scrutiny that now threatens Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. Starmer had named Mandelson to the ambassadorial role despite receiving warnings about the diplomat’s connections to the disgraced financier.

The arrest occurred Monday when authorities detained Mandelson at his residence in an upscale London neighborhood near Regent’s Park. His detention followed by four days the arrest of former Prince Andrew on related charges, marking some of the most significant fallout from over 3 million pages of Epstein-related materials that the U.S. Justice Department made public last month.

Evidence suggests Mandelson may have shared confidential government intelligence with Epstein, whom he called his “best pal,” that could have affected financial markets during his tenure as a senior government minister in 2009.

Among the sensitive information allegedly shared was an internal government analysis exploring the potential sale of state assets to generate revenue for the UK following the 2008 financial crisis. Documents also indicate Mandelson promised to advocate within the government for reducing taxes on banking executive bonuses.

Financial records show Epstein potentially transferred $75,000 to either Mandelson or his spouse, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, during 2003 and 2004. Mandelson has stated he cannot remember receiving such payments, has challenged the legitimacy of the banking documents, and maintains the accusations are unfounded.

After spending more than nine hours in police custody, Mandelson was freed early Tuesday morning. While he has consistently rejected any wrongdoing and faces no formal charges, the investigation remains active.

Legal representatives for Mandelson announced Tuesday that their client had voluntarily committed to additional police interviews next month. They characterized his arrest as stemming from an “baseless suggestion” that he intended to leave the country.

“There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion,” stated the Mishcon De Reya law firm. “Peter Mandelson’s overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.”

For decades, Mandelson has remained a central figure within the center-left Labour Party, earning recognition as a masterful political strategist nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness” due to his calculated and aggressive approach.

He played a crucial role in returning Labour to government in 1997 under the “New Labour” banner led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, holding key positions through 2001. He returned to government service under Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010, serving as the European Union’s trade commissioner during the interim period.

Financial and ethical controversies forced him to step down twice from Blair’s administration. While acknowledging errors in judgment, he maintained his innocence regarding any misconduct.

Starmer selected him for the Washington ambassadorship last year, citing his trade negotiation skills, and Mandelson successfully helped broker an agreement in May that protected Britain from some of President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.

However, Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September after email correspondence revealed he had continued his friendship with Epstein following Epstein’s 2008 conviction on charges involving sexual offenses against a minor.

The most recent document release prompted Mandelson to leave the Labour Party earlier this month to prevent “further embarrassment.” He subsequently resigned his position in the House of Lords days later.

Despite stepping down from the House of Lords, he retains his designation as Lord Mandelson.

Removing his title would require new legislation, an action not taken since World War I when several lords lost their titles for supporting Germany.

Global Counsel, the lobbying company he helped establish, entered a form of bankruptcy proceedings Friday after numerous clients severed relationships due to his Epstein connections.

Critics have demanded Starmer’s resignation over his decision to appoint Mandelson. Starmer barely survived a confidence challenge two weeks ago and has issued an apology, claiming Mandelson misrepresented his relationship with Epstein.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Devastating flooding across southeastern Brazil has claimed the lives of at least 23 people while leaving dozens unaccounted for in Minas Gerais state, authorities announced Tuesday. Weather experts are cautioning that additional rainfall is anticipated across the affected region over the coming days.

Heavy downpours started Monday, impacting the communities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, located approximately 310 kilometers (192 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro. The deluge compelled roughly 440 local residents to abandon their residences.

The firefighters department in Minas Gerais reports they are currently conducting search operations for nearly 45 individuals who have been unaccounted for since Monday evening. Department officials released footage displaying water-logged roadways in both Juiz de Fora and Uba, where flooding caused a local river to change its natural path.

Authorities have issued warnings urging citizens to avoid locations that may be susceptible to mudslides.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced through his social media platforms that security personnel are actively engaged in rescue operations and delivering emergency aid to communities impacted by the rainfall.

The nation’s weather service, Inmet, released a statement indicating additional precipitation is predicted for the area, which is situated near mountainous terrain, valleys and steep inclines.

Officials from Juiz de Fora City Hall reported in a statement that the municipality received twice the typical rainfall amount expected during February. Mayor Margarida Salomão previously confirmed that no fewer than 20 landslides have been documented.

American consular officials will make history this week by providing passport services directly within a West Bank settlement, marking an unprecedented step in U.S. diplomatic outreach to American citizens living in the disputed territory.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced Tuesday that consular staff will offer routine passport assistance in Efrat on Friday, February 27. Efrat is a Jewish settlement located south of Bethlehem in territory that most international observers consider illegally occupied under laws governing military occupation.

“This is the first time we have provided consular services to a settlement in the West Bank,” an embassy representative confirmed. The official noted that comparable services are also being extended to American-Palestinian dual citizens throughout the West Bank.

The embassy stated on social media that as part of initiatives to “reach all Americans abroad,” consular officers would deliver these services in Efrat. Future plans include similar outreach to the Palestinian city of Ramallah, the settlement of Beitar Illit near Bethlehem, and Israeli cities like Haifa.

Tens of thousands of Americans holding dual Israeli citizenship currently reside in West Bank settlements, though the embassy lacks precise population data for Efrat specifically. These communities typically rely on passport services available at the Jerusalem embassy or Tel Aviv branch office.

The timing proves significant as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government recently enacted policies facilitating settler land acquisition in the West Bank. Palestinians have condemned these measures as “de facto annexation” of territory they envision for an independent state alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem.

Israel captured the West Bank during the 1967 Middle East conflict and cites religious and historical connections to the land. Netanyahu’s coalition government, which draws substantial support from settlement communities, includes members advocating for formal West Bank annexation.

President Donald Trump, while expressing strong support for Israel, has stated opposition to West Bank annexation. However, his administration has not implemented policies to restrict settlement construction, which advocacy organizations report has increased since he assumed office.

Currently, more than 500,000 Israeli settlers inhabit the West Bank, which houses 3 million Palestinians. Most settlements function as small, fenced communities with Israeli military protection, while much of the territory remains under Israeli military administration with limited Palestinian self-governance in certain areas managed by the Western-supported Palestinian Authority.

Iran’s top diplomat expressed optimism Tuesday about reaching an agreement with the United States, stating that a deal could be achieved if diplomatic solutions take precedence over other approaches.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the statement ahead of planned discussions between the two nations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, where American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet with Iranian negotiators.

“We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests,” Araqchi wrote on social media platform X.

The Iranian foreign minister indicated his country would approach the upcoming discussions “with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal in the shortest possible time.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi echoed this sentiment, telling state media that Iran was prepared to take necessary measures to secure an agreement with Washington.

“We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We will do whatever it takes to make this happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with complete honesty and good faith,” Takht-Ravanchi stated.

The negotiations resume after talks earlier this month occurred while the United States has been strengthening its military presence in the Middle East region. Iranian officials have warned they would target American military installations in the area if their country faces attack.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded Tuesday that President Trump prefers diplomatic solutions but remains prepared to authorize military action when needed.

According to a senior Iranian source who spoke with Reuters, Tehran is considering several nuclear-related concessions. These include shipping half of its most enriched uranium to other countries, reducing the concentration of remaining stockpiles, and participating in a regional uranium enrichment partnership.

In exchange, Iran seeks American acknowledgment of its rights to “peaceful nuclear enrichment” and the removal of economic penalties currently imposed on the country.

“If there is an attack or aggression against Iran, we will respond according to our defence plans… A U.S. attack on Iran is a real gamble,” Takht-Ravanchi warned.

Previous indirect negotiations between the countries last year failed to produce results, largely because Washington demanded Iran cease all uranium enrichment activities on its territory, viewing such operations as potential weapons development.

Iranian officials have consistently rejected accusations that they seek nuclear weapons capability.

Last June, American and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, significantly reducing the country’s enrichment operations. President Trump later claimed key nuclear sites were “obliterated,” though Iran is believed to retain previously enriched uranium stockpiles that Washington wants eliminated.

PARIS – The French government announced Tuesday it will shut down four extremist political organizations in response to the recent death of a young activist that has highlighted the country’s growing political tensions.

Officials revealed during a presidential meeting that three far-right organizations and one far-left group will be dissolved, though they did not identify which specific groups would be targeted.

The announcement follows the February 14 death of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, a far-right activist who died during a confrontation with suspected hard-left militants in the city of Lyon.

Deranque’s death has sent shockwaves throughout France, exposing the nation’s stark political polarization. Some observers have compared the incident to what they’re calling France’s “Charlie Kirk moment,” referencing the shooting of the American conservative activist last year.

This latest action continues France’s ongoing crackdown on extremist organizations. Government officials report that since 2016, authorities have dissolved 19 far-right groups and five far-left organizations across the country.

French security agencies have documented more than 5,000 individuals with ties to far-right and far-left extremist groups operating within the nation’s borders, according to government sources.

Four people died Tuesday morning when a military helicopter plummeted into a bustling marketplace in Iran’s Isfahan province, with authorities pointing to equipment failure as the cause of the tragic accident.

The aircraft went down at 9:09 a.m. local time, slamming into vendor stalls at a produce market as shoppers were beginning their daily routines, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. Both the pilot and co-pilot perished in the crash, along with two market vendors who were working at their stalls.

Emergency crews responded rapidly to the scene, with Ali Nasiri, who leads the provincial emergency medical services, confirming that four ambulances were sent immediately to help victims and secure the crash site.

Mansour Shishehforoush, who heads Isfahan’s crisis management department, told the state-run IRNA news agency that the helicopter suffered a “technical failure” before going down. Iranian officials have not yet released information about what type of helicopter was involved, what mission it was conducting, or which military facility it may have been operating from.

Military aircraft incidents occur regularly in Iran, where experts point to equipment shortages and maintenance difficulties as ongoing problems. The country’s air fleet includes a mix of older American-made aircraft acquired before the 1979 revolution, Russian-built planes, and domestically manufactured models. Safety concerns have intensified in recent years following multiple crashes involving both helicopters and fixed-wing military aircraft throughout the region.

Crash investigators are now working to analyze the wreckage and flight records to piece together exactly what led to the accident, while local officials work to clean up the market area and return operations to normal.

Sierra Leone’s government announced Tuesday that Guinea’s military has detained multiple members of its security forces, including an officer, after taking them across the international border.

The two West African nations have maintained a contentious border disagreement for over twenty years, dating back to Sierra Leone’s civil conflict from 1991 to 2002. During that war, Sierra Leone requested Guinea’s military assistance to protect its eastern frontier, but Guinean forces never fully departed when hostilities ended.

In the previous year, Guinea’s army moved into a mineral-rich border community within Sierra Leone, raising alarm among regional observers.

According to Sierra Leone’s official statement, Monday’s confrontation took place in Kalieyereh, a border community in the Falaba district. The detained security personnel, consisting of military and police members, were engaged in “making bricks for the construction of a border post and accommodation facility” when the incident occurred.

Guinea’s forces also confiscated weapons and ammunition from the captured security team, though Sierra Leone’s government did not specify the exact number of personnel taken into Guinea.

“The government is actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels to confirm their location and secure their safe and unconditional release,” the official statement declared.

Guinea’s government has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

Sierra Leone emphasized that its national flag flies over the town where Monday’s confrontation happened, and the area is internationally acknowledged as Sierra Leonean territory.

LONDON — Two prominent British figures with ties to deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein now find themselves facing potential charges under an ancient law that legal experts say desperately needs updating.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and Peter Mandelson, who previously served as Britain’s ambassador to the United States, were taken into custody just days apart. Both are being investigated for misconduct in public office related to their connections with Epstein.

While neither man has been formally charged, their high-profile detentions have drawn attention to a centuries-old statute that critics describe as poorly defined and overly expansive.

Authorities haven’t revealed specifics about the questioning of either individual. However, recently declassified U.S. documents indicate both maintained close relationships with Epstein and potentially provided him with classified materials.

The released files indicate that Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly gave Epstein access to confidential trade intelligence and other sensitive documents during his tenure as Britain’s trade representative between 2001 and 2011.

Regarding Mandelson, the documentation suggests the seasoned Labour politician potentially disclosed an internal government analysis to Epstein and promised to advocate for reduced taxation on banking bonuses while serving as Business Secretary approximately 15 years ago.

Both individuals have previously rejected any allegations of wrongdoing and haven’t responded to these latest accusations.

England and Wales’ Crown Prosecution Service describes misconduct in public office as “serious willful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held.” The statute requires establishing a clear connection between the misconduct and abuse of official duties.

Those convicted under this law face potential life imprisonment.

Legal authorities must examine all collected evidence to determine whether sufficient proof exists for misconduct charges in both situations.

Legal scholars note that securing convictions under this medieval-era statute presents significant challenges.

The law lacks a clear definition of “public officer.” Proving Mountbatten-Windsor held public office during his unpaid trade role — which only covered travel expenses — may prove especially challenging.

Prosecutors must then demonstrate that defendants deliberately failed to fulfill their obligations or intentionally engaged in misconduct.

The negligence or misconduct must be severe enough to constitute a breach of public confidence.

Additionally, the prosecution service states that actions must be considered “without reasonable excuse of justification.”

The Law Commission, an independent legal reform organization, criticizes the statute’s unclear language. For years, the commission has urged lawmakers to eliminate this law and create more precise offenses.

“The law is in need of reform, in order to ensure that public officials are appropriately held to account for misconduct committed in connection with their official duties,” the Law Commission states on its website.

The commission also notes that most prosecutions under this statute have targeted lower and mid-level personnel, including police and correctional officers, rather than high-ranking officials or elected leaders.

Both Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson were freed following police interviews.

Marcus Johnstone, managing director at PCD Solicitors — a firm not connected to these cases — believes formal charges against either individual are unlikely in the near future. He also suggests that even if convicted, neither would receive the maximum penalty.

“The threshold is high: conduct must be so far below acceptable standards that it affronts the office’s standing, is worthy of condemnation, and harms the public interest,” Johnstone explained. “Serious mistakes or simple negligence are insufficient.”

“Although an investigation is now taking place,” he continued, “we are still a long way away from a potential prosecution.”

PARIS — The head of Paris’s renowned Louvre Museum has officially stepped down following intense criticism over a brazen theft that saw criminals make off with French Crown jewels worth $102 million, according to an announcement from French President Emmanuel Macron’s office on Tuesday.

Presidential officials confirmed that Macron has accepted the resignation of Laurence des Cars, with the French leader commending her decision as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs calm and a strong new impetus to carry out major projects involving security upgrades, modernization” and other initiatives.

The audacious October robbery saw criminals successfully steal crown jewels valued at 88 million euros in under eight minutes during a weekend break-in at the planet’s most popular museum, sending shockwaves around the globe.

Des Cars had held the director position at the Louvre — considered among the most coveted roles in the museum industry — since 2021.

Following the theft, she immediately attempted to step down but was initially turned away by France’s culture minister.

“I saw a tragic, brutal, violent reality for the Louvre, and as the person in charge, after all the hard work done by the teams that day — it felt right to offer my resignation,” she explained in November.

The president expressed gratitude to des Cars “for her work and commitment” and indicated plans to offer her a different role centered on fostering collaboration between major museums worldwide, though the statement did not specify whether she has agreed to the new position.

Brazil’s highest court opened proceedings Tuesday in the assassination case of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco, whose 2018 murder transformed the human rights advocate into an international icon of resistance.

Five individuals face charges before a panel of Supreme Court justices: former congressman Chiquinho Brazão, his brother Domingos Brazão who served on a Rio oversight body, assistant Robson Calixto Fonseca, police detective Rivaldo Barbosa, and ex-officer Ronald Paulo Alves Pereira.

The 38-year-old Black and bisexual politician died alongside her driver Anderson Gomes when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle. Franco had championed the rights of Brazil’s most vulnerable populations.

Much of the prosecution’s case stems from cooperation agreements with former officers Ronnie Lessa and Élcio Queiroz, who received prison sentences of 78 and 59 years respectively in October 2024 for carrying out the assassination.

Authorities apprehended the Brazão brothers in 2024, alleging they orchestrated the murder plot. Investigators have connected them to paramilitary militia organizations that frequently clashed with Franco’s advocacy work.

Former Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski revealed during the arrests that evidence indicated Chiquinho Brazão harbored particular anger over Franco’s proposed legislation regarding public housing land regulations.

Each defendant has maintained their innocence regarding any involvement in the councilwoman’s death.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes will open proceedings by presenting the case overview. The Attorney General’s office will then make their presentation, followed by defense arguments. The judicial panel expects to reach a verdict sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Crime analyst Chico Otávio, who authored a book examining Franco’s murder, noted the investigation heavily relied on testimony from cooperating witnesses. He observed the verdict comes as Brazil’s Supreme Court faces public criticism over other high-profile cases.

“A conviction will be sold to society as a victory against organized crime, but it is not quite that,” Otávio told The Associated Press.

“The same militia groups that could be behind Marielle’s killing are even more powerful now. They are spreading to more areas of the city. Society will get an answer about her death, but Brazil will continue to be very far from solving its organized crime problem.”

United Nations officials in Geneva issued a statement Monday demanding “justice and remedy for all victims of pervasive systemic racism, structural discrimination and violence in Brazil.”

“As we reach this long awaited stage of the judicial process, it is vital that fairness and transparency are upheld and that full justice prevails,” they said in a statement.

Marielle’s sister Anielle Franco, who serves as Brazil’s racial equality minister, emphasized Tuesday’s proceedings as crucial for the nation’s democratic institutions.

She wrote on social media that the assassination “opened wide a pattern of violence, racism and misogyny in our country.”

“We believe that the judiciary will act for justice and in favor of our people, making our democracy stronger,” she said. “We will never stop fighting for every voice that was knocked out.”

Humanitarian organizations are fighting back against an Israeli directive that threatens to shut down critical aid operations in Gaza within days.

A coalition of 37 international relief groups, including medical organization Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council, has filed an emergency petition with Israel’s Supreme Court. The organizations were given a 60-day ultimatum in late December to cease their work in Gaza and the occupied West Bank unless they comply with new registration requirements, including disclosing employee information.

The humanitarian groups contend that revealing staff details would endanger their workers’ lives. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has already resulted in hundreds of casualties among aid personnel.

Israeli officials have previously stated that the registration process aims to prevent Palestinian militant groups from intercepting humanitarian supplies. However, aid organizations maintain that significant diversion of assistance has not occurred.

Israeli government representatives had not provided a response to requests for comment by press time.

On Sunday, seventeen relief organizations along with the Association of International Development Agencies submitted their joint legal challenge to Israel’s High Court of Justice. The groups warn that suspending their operations would create catastrophic humanitarian impacts, according to their official statement.

Israeli lawyer Yotam Ben-Hillel, who submitted the court filing, explained to media via video conference that the petition seeks elimination of the staff identification requirement and requests permission for deregistered organizations to continue their work while the case proceeds.

Several of the 37 affected organizations provide specialized emergency services, including mobile medical facilities, according to aid coordinators.

A United Nations coordination agency has cautioned that remaining authorized groups would only be able to address a small portion of the massive humanitarian needs in Gaza, where displaced populations and food shortages continue to be widespread problems.

Anne-Claire Yaeesh from the humanitarian group Humanity and Inclusion reported that their international personnel, who were training residents about unexploded bomb dangers, had to evacuate Gaza last week. She noted that replacement staff cannot be deployed because of their organization’s deregistered status.

Senegal’s government has taken steps to strengthen its anti-homosexuality laws, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presenting new legislation to parliament on Tuesday that would significantly increase prison sentences for gay individuals in the West African country.

The proposed bill would raise the minimum prison term from the current one-year sentence to five years behind bars. Additionally, the legislation aims to expand what constitutes illegal behavior under existing laws that have prohibited homosexuality since Senegal gained independence from France in 1960. However, the crimes would remain classified as misdemeanors rather than being upgraded to more serious offenses.

“We can achieve the intended objectives without going so far as to elevate the acts” to the level of more serious crimes, Sonko explained.

According to advocacy organizations operating in Senegal, conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals have worsened significantly since 2018. These groups report that authorities have detained at least twelve people in recent weeks on charges related to homosexuality.

The proposed changes represent the fulfillment of a pledge Sonko made during his political campaign. The bill must now receive approval from the National Assembly, where Sonko’s PASTEF political party holds majority control.

LONDON — During a private tea meeting at Clarence House on Monday, Britain’s Queen Camilla expressed to French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot that her memoir left her completely “speechless.” The symbolic encounter highlighted both women’s commitment to addressing sexual violence.

The 73-year-old Pelicot is wrapping up her British book tour promoting her memoir titled “A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,” which debuted Friday at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The launch event sold out completely, drawing over 2,000 attendees who heard readings from renowned actresses Kate Winslet, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliet Stevenson.

Queen Camilla received Pelicot and her companion Jean-Loup Agopian for approximately half an hour, communicating through a translator. The queen began their conversation in French, making a lighthearted comment about studying the language six decades earlier but having lost much of it since then.

Having devoted years to advocating against domestic violence and sexual assault, Camilla revealed she finished reading Pelicot’s book within just two days.

“I couldn’t put it down,” Camilla stated.

“I’ve met so many survivors of rape and sexual abuse I never thought I could be shocked by anything any more, but I was shocked at your case. It left me speechless,” she continued.

The timing of this meeting carries particular weight for the royal family, which continues facing examination regarding the Andrew-Epstein controversy — a situation that has reignited discussions about responsibility, privilege, and institutional responses to sexual abuse.

Given this context, royal watchers noted that Camilla’s public support of Pelicot sends a powerful message from a monarchy seeking to demonstrate clear moral leadership on violence against women.

Pelicot gained worldwide recognition as a symbol of strength after choosing to abandon her legal anonymity and proclaiming that shame should rest with perpetrators, not victims.

Her former husband Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year prison sentence for drugging and assaulting her, while also facilitating other men’s attacks on her unconscious body across nearly ten years.

Following a trial in Avignon that concluded in December 2024, fifty men received convictions for rape or related sexual crimes.

Throughout Monday’s conversation, Pelicot discussed drawing “incredible strength” from her supporters.

Camilla responded: “you have so much support.”

The queen had previously sent Pelicot a letter last year commending her “extraordinary dignity and courage” — correspondence that Pelicot now displays in a frame within her office.

Military forces from Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in a border firefight on Tuesday, with officials from both nations pointing fingers at each other for sparking the confrontation that followed weekend airstrikes which have worsened diplomatic relations.

The armed clash represents the most recent escalation along the lengthy 2,600-kilometer border separating the two countries, where hostilities have intensified following Pakistan’s military strikes conducted over the weekend, putting at risk a delicate truce established after fatal confrontations in October.

According to Mosharraf Zaidi, who speaks for Pakistan’s prime minister, the ruling Afghan Taliban initiated what he called “unprovoked firing” in the Torkham and Tirah areas along the international boundary.

“Pakistan’s security forces responded immediately and effectively, silencing the Taliban aggression,” Zaidi stated, adding that any additional hostile actions would face “immediate and severe” consequences.

However, Afghan authorities presented a contradictory version of events, claiming Pakistani troops fired first and Afghan soldiers merely returned fire in response.

Zabihullah Noorani, who heads information and culture for Nangarhar province, reported the confrontation occurred in Shahkot area within Nazyan district, noting the battle has ceased without Afghan military losses.

Additionally, Mawlawi Wahidullah, speaking for an Afghan army unit overseeing eastern regional security, explained that border patrol troops near the Durand Line in Achin and Durbaba districts received incoming fire, emphasizing their response was defensive rather than aggressive.

Pakistan’s government stated its weekend aerial bombardments focused on facilities belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province located in eastern Afghanistan, with intelligence officials estimating 70 militant fatalities.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported receiving “credible reports” indicating no fewer than 13 civilians died with seven wounded in Nangarhar province. Taliban leadership claims higher casualty numbers, though Reuters was unable to confirm these statistics independently.

Pakistani officials maintain that TTP commanders conduct operations from Afghan soil, an allegation that Kabul continues to reject.

PARIS – France’s foreign minister has lifted restrictions on US Ambassador Charles Kushner after the diplomat reached out Tuesday to clarify his embassy’s controversial statements about French domestic politics, according to a ministerial source.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had prohibited Kushner from conducting meetings with French government officials on Monday evening following the embassy’s public commentary on the death of Quentin Deranque, a far-right activist killed in clashes with alleged radical left-wing protesters earlier this month.

The violent incident has sparked heated political tensions across France’s political landscape, occurring just over one year before the country’s presidential election.

The American Embassy in France, along with the State Department’s counterterrorism division, announced they were tracking the case and posted on social media platform X that “violent radical leftism was on the rise” and posed a threat to public safety.

French officials viewed the American statements as unwelcome meddling in France’s internal political matters. The diplomatic friction comes at a time when relationships between Washington and several European partners remain tense.

During his phone conversation with Barrot, Kushner clarified his position, according to the ministerial source. “The ambassador acknowledged this, expressed his intention not to interfere in our public debate, and reaffirmed the friendship between France and the United States,” the source reported.

The two diplomats have arranged to meet face-to-face in the near future to strengthen bilateral cooperation as both nations mark the 250th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship this year, the source added.

Officials did not specify whether Kushner, who is the father of former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, would immediately regain full access to other French government ministers.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A catastrophic drought has pushed nearly 6.5 million Somalis to the brink of starvation, with the crisis worsening due to ongoing violence and reduced international funding, according to Tuesday announcements from Somalia’s federal government and United Nations agencies.

According to fresh findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report, approximately 6.5 million individuals are expected to experience crisis-level or emergency food shortages through the end of March.

The assessment also predicts that 1.84 million children younger than 5 years old will experience acute malnutrition throughout 2026, with close to 500,000 facing severe malnourishment.

Authorities attribute the declining food security conditions to water scarcity, violence, armed conflict, and unprecedented reductions in humanitarian aid tied to worldwide funding decreases.

The severe drought conditions, caused by below-normal precipitation levels, have resulted in extensive food shortages, failed harvests, dead livestock, rising food costs, and mass population displacement.

“The drought emergency in Somalia has deepened alarmingly, with soaring water prices, limited food supplies, dying livestock and very little humanitarian funding,” said George Conway, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Somalia.

Conway emphasized that immediate life-saving aid is crucial in the upcoming months, noting that no precipitation is anticipated before the primary rainy period from April through June.

Officials warn that even with normal rainfall during the coming wet season, approximately 5.5 million people will likely continue experiencing crisis-level conditions or worse through late 2026. They note that bouncing back from such extreme drought conditions requires considerable time.

Water scarcity continues to worsen across southern and central regions of Somalia, with little expectation for meaningful improvement even if future rainfall reaches typical amounts.

Between July and December, drought and armed conflict forced approximately 278,000 individuals from their homes, hampering farming activities, marketplace operations, and humanitarian aid distribution, based on United Nations figures.

“The severity of this drought is undeniable and deeply alarming,” said Mohamud Moallim Abdulle, commissioner of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency. He urged international allies, Somali communities abroad, private sector entities, and civil organizations to increase immediate assistance.

The United Nations and Somalia’s government have cautioned that major funding reductions have compelled humanitarian organizations to reduce or halt essential life-saving initiatives, including programs focused on food security, medical care, nutrition support, and clean water and sanitation services.