Global Pulse

博客

  • US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations

    US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations

    The United States military is actively preparing for potentially prolonged military operations against Iran that could span several weeks, should President Donald Trump authorize such action. According to two anonymous officials familiar with the sensitive planning, this preparation signals a potential escalation beyond previous confrontations between the two nations.

    The Pentagon has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, deploying an additional aircraft carrier alongside thousands of troops, fighter aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers. This substantial force accumulation represents both offensive strike capabilities and defensive measures against potential retaliation.

    While diplomatic channels remain active with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner scheduled to negotiate with Iranian representatives in Geneva on Tuesday—with Omani mediators facilitating discussions—Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the challenges in reaching a diplomatic resolution. “Trump’s preference is to reach a deal with Tehran, but that’s very hard to do,” Rubio stated on Saturday.

    President Trump has openly contemplated regime change in Iran, commenting after a military event at Fort Bragg that replacing the Iranian government “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” When pressed about potential successors, Trump cryptically noted “there are people” without providing specifics.

    The current military planning differs significantly from last year’s “Midnight Hammer” operation, which involved a single strike on Iranian nuclear facilities using stealth bombers. Officials indicate that any sustained campaign would likely target a broader range of Iranian state and security infrastructure beyond nuclear sites.

    Military experts warn that operations against Iran carry substantially higher risks due to the country’s formidable missile arsenal and capacity for retaliation. Such actions could potentially trigger a broader regional conflict, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces already warning they would target US military bases in response to any strikes on Iranian territory.

    The complex situation is further complicated by regional dynamics, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent meeting with Trump, where he emphasized that any agreement with Iran “must include the elements that are vital to Israel.”

    Meanwhile, exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has advocated for US military intervention, suggesting it could accelerate the collapse of Tehran’s government. “We are hoping that this attack will expedite the process and the people can be finally back in the streets and take it all the way to the ultimate regime’s downfall,” said the son of Iran’s deposed shah.

  • Thousands of western nationals serve in Israel’s army amid Gaza genocide: Report

    Thousands of western nationals serve in Israel’s army amid Gaza genocide: Report

    For the first time, the Israeli military has officially disclosed comprehensive data revealing the significant presence of dual-nationality personnel within its ranks. According to information obtained through a Freedom of Information request by NGO Hatzlacha, a total of 50,632 active soldiers hold citizenship in at least one additional country alongside their Israeli nationality.

    The breakdown shows soldiers from Western nations constitute the majority of foreign passport holders. United States citizens form the largest contingent with 12,135 soldiers, followed by France (over 6,100) and Russia (approximately 5,000). The United Kingdom contributes 2,069 soldiers, a figure that substantially revises previous estimates that focused only on approximately 54 ‘lone soldiers’ without Israeli citizenship.

    Additional significant representation comes from Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Canada and several Latin American countries. The data also identifies a smaller number of personnel holding citizenship from Arab states including Yemen, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria and Algeria.

    Notably, the documentation reveals 4,440 soldiers maintain two foreign citizenships in addition to Israeli nationality, while 162 personnel possess three or more foreign passports.

    This disclosure comes amid increasing international legal scrutiny as these dual-national soldiers have participated in military operations in Gaza since October 2023. The scale of foreign participation has triggered examinations under universal jurisdiction principles, which enable national courts to prosecute individuals for alleged war crimes regardless of where violations occurred.

    Major human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for independent investigations and urged governments to examine the conduct of their nationals serving in the Israeli military. Legal initiatives have already commenced in several countries, with Canadian authorities opening probes into suspected war crimes potentially involving dual-national reservists. Rights groups in Belgium and the United Kingdom have similarly filed complaints targeting hundreds of individuals holding European citizenship.

    Legal experts note that some foreign nationals, including Britons, could face exposure under domestic legislation that restricts participation in foreign military forces under certain circumstances. The International Court of Justice’s January 2024 warning of a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza has intensified calls for states to investigate whether their citizens participated in violations of international law.

    The conflict, which has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian fatalities and 171,000 injuries according to the report, has destroyed approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure across Gaza.

  • Indigo gets second bomb scare in a day, finds threat written in lipstick

    Indigo gets second bomb scare in a day, finds threat written in lipstick

    Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport became the center of security operations on Saturday as IndiGo Airlines confronted two separate bomb threats targeting its aircraft within a single day. The most recent incident involved flight 6E6894, an A-320 aircraft traveling from Dibrugarh Airport in Assam to Kolkata, which executed an emergency landing protocol after crew members discovered a threatening message inscribed in lipstick inside one of the aircraft’s lavatories.

    According to official statements, the aircraft touched down safely at 7:37 PM local time and was immediately redirected to an isolated security bay following established safety protocols. All passengers were evacuated from the aircraft without incident as security teams commenced comprehensive sweeps of the cabin and cargo areas.

    This event marked the second security scare for the airline within hours. Earlier that morning, another IndiGo flight (6E3074) scheduled to depart for Shillong at 9:15 AM was similarly diverted to isolation after ground staff discovered a handwritten bomb threat note within the aircraft’s toilet compartment. That incident also resulted in the complete evacuation of passengers and thorough security inspections.

    Airport authorities have launched investigations into both occurrences, examining security footage and passenger manifests to identify potential perpetrators. Aviation security experts note that such hoaxes, while ultimately false, trigger massive operational disruptions and incur significant financial losses for airlines. The repeated targeting of a single carrier within hours has raised questions about potential coordinated efforts to undermine aviation security.

    IndiGo officials have reiterated their commitment to passenger safety while acknowledging the disruptive impact of such security threats on flight operations. The airline is cooperating fully with investigative agencies to determine the origin of both threats.

  • Son of last Shah tells giant rally he is ready to lead Iran ‘transition’

    Son of last Shah tells giant rally he is ready to lead Iran ‘transition’

    In a historic demonstration of dissent, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed Shah, addressed an estimated 200,000 supporters at a Munich rally on Saturday, February 14, 2026, declaring his readiness to spearhead Iran’s transition to secular democracy. The massive gathering, one of the largest organized by the Iranian diaspora, served as a powerful show of opposition to Tehran’s current Islamic regime.

    Pahlavi’s address outlined a clear vision for political transformation, emphasizing his commitment to facilitating a democratic process rather than imposing leadership. “I am here to guarantee a transition to a secular democratic future,” he proclaimed to the enthusiastic crowd. “I am committed to being the leader of transition for you so we can one day have the final opportunity to decide the fate of our country through a democratic, transparent process at the ballot box.”

    The event coincided with the Munich Security Conference, where Pahlavi separately appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for support. In his press conference remarks, the exiled prince directly referenced Trump’s previous statements, saying: “To President Trump… The Iranian people heard you say help is on the way, and they have faith in you. Help them.” He further emphasized that it was “time to end the Islamic republic,” signaling a coordinated effort between the opposition movement and potential international allies.

    The demonstration represents a significant mobilization of Iran’s diaspora community and reflects growing organized resistance against Tehran’s government. Police estimates of attendance numbers indicate the substantial scale of support for regime change initiatives among exiled Iranians and their supporters.

  • ‘Repay debt to martyrs’: Bangladesh embraces change but fears return to past excesses

    ‘Repay debt to martyrs’: Bangladesh embraces change but fears return to past excesses

    Bangladesh has witnessed a profound political transformation with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) achieving a decisive victory in the nation’s 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12, 2026. This electoral outcome, widely regarded as the first genuinely competitive and broadly accepted national vote in nearly two decades, marks a significant departure from the country’s recent political history.

    The BNP and its allied parties secured an overwhelming 212 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, comfortably surpassing the 151-seat threshold required to form government. This resounding mandate positions BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to assume the role of prime minister following his return from a 17-year exile in the United Kingdom.

    The electoral process unfolded against the backdrop of the 2024 student-led uprising that precipitated the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and established an interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Awami League, Hasina’s political party, was constitutionally barred from contesting the election following investigations into allegations of electoral manipulation, abuse of state power, and human rights violations during its final years in governance.

    In a remarkable political development, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emerged as the second-largest parliamentary bloc with its allies securing 77 seats—the strongest showing in the Islamist party’s history. This significant gain reflects the shifting political landscape and the increased influence of religious-conservative elements in Bangladeshi politics.

    The election also featured a constitutional referendum package comprising 84 proposed reforms, which received approval from 48 million voters against 22.5 million rejections. This outcome provides the incoming government with a substantial mandate for structural changes, though concerns remain regarding the bundled nature of the proposals that limited detailed public deliberation.

    Critical challenges confront the new administration, including addressing women’s severe underrepresentation in parliament—with only seven female members elected—and navigating the complex expectations of reform-minded constituents who participated in the 2024 uprising. Political economist Anu Muhammad cautioned that while a parliamentary supermajority creates reform opportunities, it also presents temptations toward power centralization and marginalization of dissent.

    The election represents both a restoration of competitive politics and the institutionalization of a rightward political current that has gained momentum since the 2024 upheaval. As Bangladesh enters this new political chapter, the electorate awaits whether the victorious party will honor its democratic mandate through inclusive governance and substantive reform.

  • Ajman Ruler inaugurates ‘Masfout Gate’ project under UAE villages development initiative

    Ajman Ruler inaugurates ‘Masfout Gate’ project under UAE villages development initiative

    AJMAN – In a significant ceremony marking a new chapter for regional development, His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, officially inaugurated the landmark ‘Masfout Gate’ project on Saturday. This architectural marvel emerges as a centerpiece of the UAE’s comprehensive village development initiative, strategically designed to bolster sustainable growth while preserving cultural heritage.

    The inauguration follows Masfout Village’s prestigious recognition by UN Tourism, which awarded it the World’s Best Tourism Village 2025 title. This accolade underscores the area’s transformation into an integrated tourism destination that authentically embodies Emirati cultural identity.

    Spanning approximately 500 square meters and soaring to a height of 16 meters, the Masfout Gate features a 40-meter architectural walkway that creates a cohesive urban monument. The structure represents a sophisticated fusion of traditional Emirati heritage with contemporary design elements, positioning itself as an iconic landmark on the nation’s mountain and cultural tourism map.

    Implemented through a collaborative effort between the Emirates Council for Balanced Development and the Municipality and Planning Department of Ajman (MPDA), the project exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to achieving balanced regional development. Sheikh Humaid emphasized that the gateway symbolizes more than architectural achievement—it serves as a tangible connection between historical authenticity and future aspirations, reflecting the nation’s dedication to enhancing quality of life while preserving authentic heritage.

    The project forms part of a broader strategic vision championed by His Highness Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs. Sheikh Theyab highlighted that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s directives provide the foundational framework for nationwide balanced development, ensuring progress benefits all regions equally while placing citizens at the center of developmental priorities.

    Officials project that Masfout Gate will significantly elevate the region’s status as both a tourism and investment destination, strengthening the competitive positioning of both Ajman and the wider UAE. The development model integrates urban advancement with cultural preservation, supporting economic activity while creating new opportunities for local communities and reinforcing Masfout’s status as a premier mountain destination.

  • China-US relations enjoy bright prospects: Chinese FM

    China-US relations enjoy bright prospects: Chinese FM

    During the prestigious Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi articulated a forward-looking perspective on Sino-American relations, emphasizing their promising trajectory despite historical complexities. The high-ranking diplomat, who also serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered these observations following his keynote address at the conference’s “China in the World” symposium on Saturday.

    Minister Wang characterized international diplomacy as progressing through inevitable fluctuations and challenges, yet maintained that bilateral relations between the world’s two largest economies possess substantial potential for positive development. His commentary emerged during an interactive session where he fielded questions specifically addressing the current state and future outlook of China-U.S. relations.

    The Munich Security Conference, renowned as a premier gathering for international security policy discourse, provided the backdrop for these significant diplomatic statements. Minister Wang’s participation underscores China’s ongoing engagement with global governance frameworks and multilateral diplomatic channels.

    While acknowledging the intricate nature of major power dynamics, the Foreign Minister’s remarks projected confidence in the resilience and mutual benefits inherent in the China-U.S. relationship. His address highlighted China’s commitment to constructive international engagement and stable great power relations, positioning bilateral cooperation as crucial for addressing contemporary global challenges.

  • Why this blogger’s ‘Best of Hainan 2025’ list is going viral

    Why this blogger’s ‘Best of Hainan 2025’ list is going viral

    A digital content creator’s visionary guide to Hainan’s future has sparked widespread enthusiasm across social media platforms. The ‘Best of Hainan 2025’ compilation presents the tropical island province as an emerging paradigm of luxury living and economic opportunity, transforming conventional travel narratives into a compelling lifestyle proposition.

    The viral content reimagines Hainan’s development through creative metaphors, characterizing sun protection as ‘Speed Pass Freedom’ and duty-free shopping as a financial ‘anti-aging serum.’ This innovative framing resonates with audiences seeking both experiential travel and practical benefits within China’s southernmost province.

    Beyond superficial attractions, the guide highlights substantive policy advantages under Hainan’s Free Trade Port initiative, positioning the island as a seamless blend of natural beauty and economic innovation. The creator juxtaposes stunning coastal vistas and aromatic rainforest experiences with the region’s evolving commercial landscape, suggesting that Hainan represents not merely a vacation destination but a viable lifestyle alternative.

    The content’s popularity reflects growing international interest in Hainan’s transformation from tropical retreat to integrated economic zone, offering viewers both aspirational imagery and tangible reasons to engage with China’s ambitious southern development project.

  • Egyptian students make Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings in Tianjin

    Egyptian students make Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings in Tianjin

    In a vibrant cultural exchange during the lead-up to the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, two Egyptian students immersed themselves in Tianjin’s ancient artistic traditions. Ahmed Mohamed Saleh and Hassan Sameh Hassan Elsayed journeyed to Yangliuqing Ancient Town to participate in the time-honored practice of creating traditional woodblock New Year paintings—a cherished local custom for welcoming the Chinese New Year.

    Yangliuqing woodblock printing, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item since 2006, represents one of northern China’s most significant Spring Festival folk arts. Originating in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and flourishing throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), these distinctive artworks are celebrated for their vibrant coloration, dynamic figures, and propitious themes that have become integral to Tianjin’s New Year celebrations.

    Under the expert guidance of Huo Qingyou—the sixth-generation inheritor of this traditional craft—the students embarked on their artistic journey in a authentic workshop. To align with the approaching Year of the Horse in China’s zodiac cycle, Huo prepared a specially carved woodblock featuring the bold Chinese character for “horse.”

    The Egyptian visitors carefully handled small brushes known locally as “tangzi,” applying ink to the intricately carved woodblock following precise techniques. “Brush in circles,” Huo instructed patiently, emphasizing the importance of complete coverage. “Ensure the ink reaches every corner of the block.” The process demanded both careful attention and rhythmic motion as they repeatedly moved their brushes across the surface to achieve even ink distribution.

    After confirming full coverage, they firmly pressed paper onto the inked surface, smoothing it meticulously from top to bottom. When the sheet was finally lifted, a powerful and confident “horse” character emerged—a successful creation that delighted both students.

    “2026 marks my zodiac year since I was born in the Year of the Horse,” revealed Hassan Sameh Hassan Elsayed. “I plan to bring this print back to Egypt to share with my friends, allowing them to experience the spirit of Chinese New Year through this beautiful tradition.”

  • Nvidia CEO Huang won’t attend India AI summit next week, company says

    Nvidia CEO Huang won’t attend India AI summit next week, company says

    In a significant development for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit, Nvidia Corporation announced on Saturday that its high-profile CEO Jensen Huang will not be attending the prestigious technology gathering scheduled for next week. The summit, which will be formally inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, was expected to feature Huang as one of its most anticipated participants.

    According to communications from MSL, Nvidia’s media representation agency in India, unforeseen circumstances have compelled Huang to cancel his planned appearance. The technology executive was scheduled to address media representatives in New Delhi on Wednesday prior to the main summit events.

    The absence of the Nvidia chief executive represents a notable change for the landmark artificial intelligence conference, which anticipates attendance from numerous global technology industry leaders and political figures. Huang’s participation had been widely anticipated given Nvidia’s dominant position in the artificial intelligence hardware sector and India’s growing significance as a technology market.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of increasing global competition in artificial intelligence development and India’s concerted efforts to establish itself as a major player in the AI ecosystem. The summit remains positioned as a crucial platform for discussing India’s artificial intelligence strategy and fostering international collaboration in technological innovation.