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  • Trump administration ends temporary protected status for Yemen

    Trump administration ends temporary protected status for Yemen

    The Trump administration has officially terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemeni nationals residing in the United States, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Friday, February 13, 2026. This decision marks the latest in a series of immigration policy shifts by the current administration.

    Secretary Noem stated that the determination to revoke humanitarian protections for approximately 1,380 Yemeni immigrants followed extensive review and interagency consultation. The administration concluded that maintaining TPS designation for Yemen conflicted with U.S. national interests, despite ongoing concerns about the country’s stability.

    The TPS program, established to provide temporary refuge for individuals whose home countries experience natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary circumstances, has faced systematic reduction under Trump’s presidency. Administration officials have consistently argued that the program’s expansion contradicts American immigration priorities.

    According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data, Yemen’s TPS designation was last extended in 2024 and scheduled to expire on March 3, 2026. The termination means affected Yemeni nationals will lose protection from deportation and work authorization privileges unless they secure alternative immigration status.

    The decision comes amid ongoing humanitarian concerns in Yemen, where conflict and economic instability have persisted for years. Immigration advocates have criticized the move, arguing that returning individuals to Yemen could expose them to dangerous conditions, while administration officials maintain that the program was never intended as a permanent immigration solution.

  • Appeal rejected: Ex-Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to stand trial on Feb 23

    Appeal rejected: Ex-Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to stand trial on Feb 23

    The International Criminal Court has definitively rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal to avoid trial proceedings, setting the stage for a landmark hearing on February 23rd. This decisive ruling marks a significant development in the long-running investigation into Duterte’s controversial anti-narcotics campaign that resulted in thousands of fatalities.

    ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, comprising judges Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and María del Socorro Flores Liera, issued a comprehensive dismissal of all defense arguments on Friday. The judicial panel determined that Duterte’s legal team had ‘misrepresented relevant findings’ from the court’s January 26th decision that initially declared the former leader fit for trial.

    The court’s assessment relied heavily on evaluations from three independent medical experts who thoroughly examined Duterte’s health condition and capacity to participate in legal proceedings. These specialists, chosen for their expertise in international tribunal fitness assessments, incorporated defense-submitted medical reports into their analysis before reaching their conclusive determination.

    The judicial chamber specifically addressed defense concerns about potential health deterioration during trial, characterizing such arguments as ‘speculative in nature.’ The ruling emphasized that the fitness determination remains subject to reassessment should circumstances change, ensuring procedural fairness throughout the judicial process.

    The upcoming confirmation of charges hearing, scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM Hague local time on February 23rd, will feature oral submissions from prosecution, defense, and victim representation teams across four days of proceedings. Following these hearings, the Chamber will deliver its decision within 60 days regarding whether the case will advance to trial phase.

    Duterte faces allegations of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, connected to his administration’s aggressive narcotics crackdown. While official Philippine National Police records acknowledge approximately 6,000 deaths during the campaign, independent human rights organizations estimate the actual death toll may reach 30,000.

  • UAE influencers defend Emiratis mentioned in Epstein files

    UAE influencers defend Emiratis mentioned in Epstein files

    Prominent voices within the United Arab Emirates have mounted a vigorous defense of two state-affiliated individuals referenced in the recently unsealed Jeffrey Epstein court documents. The case involves Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, former chairman and CEO of DP World, and Hind al-Owais, a government official and former diplomat, both of whom faced scrutiny following the disclosure of their email communications with the convicted sex offender.

    Bin Sulayem’s abrupt departure from his leadership role at DP World—the UAE-owned global logistics giant handling approximately 10% of worldwide container trade—came after sustained criticism regarding his association with Epstein. The 71-year-old executive, who hailed from an influential Dubai family with close ties to the ruling Al Maktoum dynasty, had maintained email correspondence with Epstein from 2007 until weeks before the financier’s death in August 2019.

    Despite thousands of email exchanges covering topics ranging from business and politics to discussions about women using sexist and degrading language, authorities have not alleged any criminal wrongdoing by bin Sulayem. Following his exit, senior Emirati figures publicly praised his legacy. Prominent academic Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, often viewed as reflecting official establishment positions, celebrated bin Sulayem as “a source of appreciation and respect from all” in social media tributes.

    Simultaneously, Emirati social media influencers launched a coordinated defense of Hind al-Owais, whose hundreds of messages with Epstein included personal invitations for him to meet her sister. The communications continued after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, though no evidence suggests al-Owais participated in criminal activities.

    Influencer Ahmed Sharif al-Ameri argued that al-Owais’ communications represented normal professional interaction within New York’s investment circles, stating that “professional contact is not criminal participation” and that lighthearted remarks should be understood as ice-breaking tactics in business environments. Another influencer account produced extensive video content attempting to contextualize the exchanges and counter what they described as misinformation spread by “electronic trolls.

    The unified response from UAE commentators highlights the complex intersection of global business networking, reputational management, and cultural interpretation of professional relationships in the wake of the Epstein document disclosures.

  • Arundhati Roy pulls out of Berlinale over ‘jaw-dropping’ stance on Gaza

    Arundhati Roy pulls out of Berlinale over ‘jaw-dropping’ stance on Gaza

    Nobel laureate author Arundhati Roy has dramatically withdrawn from the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), condemning the event’s official stance on Gaza as “jaw-dropping” in its avoidance of political engagement.

    The controversy erupted during a press conference featuring festival jury president Wim Wenders, the renowned German filmmaker who emerged from the explicitly political New German Cinema movement. Wenders asserted that filmmakers must “stay out of politics” and position themselves as “the counterweight of politics.” His comments represented a stark departure from his 2024 characterization of Berlinale as “traditionally always the most political of the major festivals.”

    Further intensifying the dispute, jury member Ewa Puszczynska dismissed questions about Germany’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza as “unfair,” suggesting genocide occurs in “many other wars” that receive less attention.

    Roy’s withdrawal statement, initially published by Indian media, expressed profound disappointment: “To hear them say that art should not be political is jaw-dropping. It is a way of shutting down a conversation about a crime against humanity even as it unfolds before us in real time.”

    This incident continues a pattern of controversy for the festival regarding Gaza. The 2024 Berlinale previously faced criticism when award-winning Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham used his acceptance speech for the documentary ‘No Other Land’ to highlight the unequal rights between Israelis and Palestinians under occupation. The subsequent backlash included German officials labeling the festival “one-sided” and “antisemitic,” while Culture Minister Claudia Roth faced scrutiny for allegedly only applauding Abraham’s speech but not that of his Palestinian co-director.

    The festival, which receives German government funding, continues amid these tensions, featuring over 200 films with 22 competing for the top Golden Bear award.

  • Dubai authority contains major fire in an hour; arrives at scene in minutes

    Dubai authority contains major fire in an hour; arrives at scene in minutes

    Dubai Civil Defence demonstrated exceptional emergency response capabilities on Friday, February 13, 2026, when they successfully contained a significant warehouse fire in Ras Al Khor within approximately one hour of notification. The incident, which began at approximately 1:23 PM, was met with a rapid deployment of both human firefighters and advanced robotic firefighting systems from Nad Al Sheba Fire Station.

    Emergency crews achieved a remarkable response time of just four minutes, arriving on the scene at 1:26 PM to confront what was initially classified as a moderate-intensity blaze. The integrated firefighting team, combining traditional methods with robotic assistance, worked efficiently to bring the situation under control by 2:28 PM.

    According to official statements provided to Khaleej Times, the operation proceeded without any reported injuries. Cooling procedures were immediately initiated following containment, with authorities prepared to transfer control of the site to relevant investigative bodies once these safety measures are completed in accordance with established protocols.

    Eyewitness accounts described dramatic scenes of dark smoke plumes visible from Al Manama Street, with one motorist en route to Mirdif City Center reporting both visible smoke and audible emergency vehicle responses around 2:00 PM. The successful containment highlights Dubai’s continued investment in advanced emergency response technologies and protocols, particularly the integration of robotic systems that complement human firefighting efforts.

    The incident marks another demonstration of Dubai’s commitment to public safety infrastructure, showcasing how technological innovation combined with well-trained personnel can effectively manage urban emergency situations with minimal disruption and risk to human life.

  • UK Home Office graph reveals shocking scale of Palestine Action arrests

    UK Home Office graph reveals shocking scale of Palestine Action arrests

    A dramatic escalation in UK counterterrorism operations has emerged following the government’s controversial proscription of Palestine Action in July 2025, with Home Office statistics revealing an unprecedented 660% year-on-year increase in terrorism-related arrests. The data shows 1,886 individuals were detained for alleged terrorism offenses between January and September 2025, with approximately 1,630 arrests directly linked to activities associated with the banned protest organization.

    The statistical surge gained legal context on Friday when the High Court delivered a landmark ruling declaring the government’s ban on the direct action group ‘discriminatory and unlawful.’ Despite this judicial finding, the prohibition remains temporarily in effect pending the government’s appeal, which Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed would be pursued through the Court of Appeal.

    Analysis of arrest patterns reveals a significant demographic shift in UK terrorism enforcement. Unlike previous years where arrestees were predominantly male, nearly half of those detained in connection with Palestine Action activities were female. Most arrests occurred during demonstrations in London and other urban centers, where participants displayed placards stating ‘I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.’

    Legal documents indicate the majority faced charges under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits displaying symbols supporting proscribed organizations. The 237 Section 13 charges brought in the first nine months of 2025 nearly equal the total number of such charges (271) brought since the legislation’s inception following the September 2001 attacks.

    Human rights organizations celebrated the High Court’s decision, which resulted from a judicial review initiated by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori. In a statement outside the courthouse, Ammori characterized the ruling as ‘a monumental victory both for our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people.’

    The advocacy group Defend our Juries estimates that approximately 2,787 arrests may now be considered unlawful following the court’s determination. A spokesperson for the organization stated: ‘Thousands of people of conscience saw that branding protest as terrorism was a move straight out of the dictator’s playbook. Together we took action at great personal risk.’

    Of those arrested in connection with Palestine Action activities, 1,362 individuals were released on bail while remaining under investigation. The cases continue to develop as the government prepares its appeal against the High Court’s ruling.

  • Philippines moves to abolish 50-year-old travel tax and cut cost for Filipino travellers

    Philippines moves to abolish 50-year-old travel tax and cut cost for Filipino travellers

    In a significant policy shift, the Philippine administration under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has formally proposed the abolition of the nation’s long-standing travel tax. This landmark initiative, included among 21 priority legislative measures endorsed by the government this week, aims to alleviate financial pressures on citizens traveling abroad for diverse purposes including employment, leisure, and urgent family matters.

    Palace press officer Claire Castro emphasized the administration’s recognition that contemporary travel patterns extend beyond tourism, with many Filipinos requiring international mobility for work and emergency situations. The current tax structure imposes a levy of ₱1,620 (approximately Dh102.50) for economy class passengers and ₱2,700 (Dh170) for business and first-class travelers, creating substantial financial barriers for families. A family of four, for instance, currently faces combined travel tax and terminal fee expenses exceeding ₱10,280 (Dh650) before departure.

    Historically implemented in 1977 during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the tax originally functioned as an economic mechanism to regulate foreign currency outflow and finance tourism infrastructure. Initially conceived as a ‘luxury tax’ during an era when international travel was predominantly accessible to affluent segments of society, the levy currently allocates 50% of revenues to tourism projects through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), with 40% supporting educational assistance programs and 10% dedicated to cultural preservation.

    The proposed abolition acknowledges fundamental changes in global mobility patterns and economic conditions since the tax’s inception nearly five decades ago. Should the measure pass into law, the government has committed to securing alternative funding through the national budget to maintain support for previously tax-funded initiatives, with detailed revenue impact assessments to be conducted during legislative deliberations.

  • Pentagon to move world’s largest carrier to Middle East, US officials say

    Pentagon to move world’s largest carrier to Middle East, US officials say

    In a significant military repositioning, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford—the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier—from the Caribbean to the Middle East, according to two U.S. officials speaking anonymously to Reuters on Friday. This strategic movement will place two American carrier strike groups in the region simultaneously as diplomatic tensions with Iran intensify.

    The nuclear-powered Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by its escort vessels, has been operating in Caribbean waters where it participated in operations near Venezuela earlier this year. The carrier’s transition to Middle Eastern waters is expected to require at least one week of transit time.

    This deployment represents a substantial commitment of military resources, particularly given that the U.S. Navy maintains only eleven aircraft carriers total, with schedules typically planned far in advance. The Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, which recently arrived in the region alongside multiple guided-missile destroyers, fighter aircraft, and surveillance platforms.

    The decision follows statements from President Donald Trump, who indicated earlier this week that he was considering deploying additional carrier support to the Middle East if diplomatic progress with Iran stalled. However, on Thursday, Trump suggested a potential breakthrough, noting that an agreement with Iran might be achievable within the coming month. ‘We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic,’ the president told reporters.

    The Ford’s extended deployment—continuously at sea since June 2025—highlights the operational strain on naval assets. Originally slated for European operations, the carrier was unexpectedly redirected to the Caribbean in November. While standard carrier deployments typically span nine months, extensions during periods of heightened military activity are not uncommon, though Navy officials have repeatedly warned that prolonged sea duty can adversely affect crew morale.

    Administration officials reportedly considered deploying the USS Bush instead, but certification requirements would have delayed its arrival by over a month. The Ford’s advanced capabilities include capacity for more than 75 military aircraft, sophisticated radar systems for air traffic control and navigation, and the escort support of cruisers and destroyers equipped with comprehensive surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare systems.

  • Xi’an workshop lets tourists hand-make their own Terracotta Warriors

    Xi’an workshop lets tourists hand-make their own Terracotta Warriors

    A unique cultural workshop in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, has emerged as a major tourist attraction, particularly during the recent Spring Festival period. Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Army, this specialized facility enables visitors to create their own miniature terracotta figurines through hands-on pottery sessions.

    The workshop provides an immersive historical experience where tourists learn ancient pottery techniques to craft personalized replicas reminiscent of the original Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) warriors. Participants engage in the entire creative process, from molding the clay to applying finishing touches, under the guidance of skilled artisans.

    This innovative approach to cultural tourism has gained significant popularity among both domestic and international visitors seeking more interactive experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. The workshop’s timing during Spring Festival proved particularly strategic, as many travelers look for meaningful activities during the holiday season.

    The experience not only offers entertainment but also serves as an educational opportunity, providing insights into China’s rich historical heritage and ancient craftsmanship techniques. Visitors leave with not just photographs but tangible, self-created souvenirs that represent a deeper connection to Chinese history.

    Tourism experts note that such interactive experiences represent a growing trend in cultural tourism, where visitors seek active participation rather than passive observation. The workshop’s success demonstrates how historical sites can develop complementary attractions that enhance visitor engagement while promoting traditional arts.

  • BNP wins majority in first free and fair Bangladesh election for two decades

    BNP wins majority in first free and fair Bangladesh election for two decades

    Bangladesh has witnessed a historic political transformation with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) achieving a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, marking the nation’s first genuinely free and fair electoral process in nearly two decades. According to official results released by the election commission on Friday, the BNP secured a commanding majority with at least 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats.

    The opposition coalition, spearheaded by Jamaat-e-Islami, obtained 77 seats in the newly constituted parliament. This electoral outcome positions BNP leader Tarique Rahman to assume national leadership, continuing a powerful political dynasty as the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated former President Ziaur Rahman.

    In a remarkable demonstration of restraint, the victorious BNP explicitly prohibited celebratory processions or rallies despite their substantial margin of victory, instead encouraging supporters to offer prayers in acknowledgment of their success.

    This political shift concludes a period of significant turbulence that began with the ousting of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following widespread student-led protests. Hasina, currently residing in exile in India, presided over an administration widely criticized for suppressing political opposition, silencing dissent, and committing human rights violations during her tenure from 2009 until her removal. In November, an absentia court verdict sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity related to lethal crackdowns on student protesters, resulting in her Awami League party’s exclusion from the electoral process.

    Since Hasina’s departure, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration under Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Although Jamaat-e-Islami’s coalition, which included youth activists from the National Citizen Party, anticipated stronger performance, the party acknowledged defeat while expressing dissatisfaction with vote counting procedures in certain constituencies. Despite this setback, Jamaat achieved its highest parliamentary representation with 70 seats, marking its return to electoral politics after being banned by Hasina’s government in 2013.

    Rahman’s impending leadership represents a significant milestone as Bangladesh prepares to welcome its first non-interim male prime minister in over 35 years. His return from a 17-year exile in London last December preceded a campaign focused on job creation, protection for low-income households, and ensuring fair pricing structures for agricultural producers. For many observers, Rahman’s ascendancy perpetuates the dynastic political tradition that has characterized Bangladeshi governance since the nation’s independence in 1971.

    International responses have begun emerging with India, Pakistan, and the United States extending congratulations to the BNP. The relationship between Bangladesh and India, traditionally close allies, has experienced recent strain primarily due to New Delhi’s refusal to extradite the exiled Hasina.

    Voter participation was reported at approximately 60 percent during the elections, which coincided with a constitutional referendum advocating significant political reforms. Championed by interim leader Yunus, these proposed amendments include implementing two-term limits for prime ministers, enhancing judicial independence, increasing female representation in government, establishing neutral interim administrations during election periods, and creating a new second parliamentary chamber. Although official results remained pending by Friday afternoon, media projections indicated comfortable passage with over 65 percent approval for these measures designed to prevent future autocratic leadership and government overreach.