Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • ‘Fire came from the sky and burned them’ – life on the brink of civil war in South Sudan

    ‘Fire came from the sky and burned them’ – life on the brink of civil war in South Sudan

    South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, faces a catastrophic return to full-scale civil war as intensified military operations in Jonglei state trigger mass displacement and civilian casualties. The conflict between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition factions aligned with suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar has created a devastating humanitarian crisis.

    Recent fighting has displaced over 280,000 people, including Nyawan Koang, a 30-year-old mother of five who endured a two-day trek to reach the relative safety of Duk village after losing both parents in an airstrike. ‘Fire came from the sky and burned them,’ she recounted, describing how her family became trapped between warring factions.

    The current violence stems from the collapse of a fragile 2018 peace agreement that ended a civil war claiming nearly 400,000 lives. The situation deteriorated dramatically when President Kiir suspended Machar—who now faces charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity—and dismissed several senior government figures, including Machar’s wife, Interior Minister Angelina Teny.

    Military operations have intensified as government forces attempt to reclaim territory from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), which has been bolstered by White Army militants. Both sides stand accused of committing atrocities against civilians, with the UN documenting 189 civilian deaths in January alone from indiscriminate attacks, aerial bombardments, and targeted killings.

    Despite government claims of responsible conduct, evidence suggests deliberate targeting of non-combatants. In one admitted incident, government soldiers executed more than 20 civilians at close range in Ayod county during late February. Army spokesman Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang confirmed soldiers and commanders involved have been detained and face court-martial proceedings.

    The conflict exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation. According to the World Food Programme, 60% of Jonglei’s two million residents face acute hunger, while nationwide, 10 million South Sudanese require food assistance. Relief efforts face monumental challenges due to insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and seasonal flooding that renders 80% of the country inaccessible during extended rainy periods.

    With peace agreements crumbling and regional instability spilling across borders—over one million refugees have fled from Sudan’s civil war—observers fear South Sudan’s fragile stability may completely collapse, dashing hopes for lasting peace in the war-weary nation.

  • Reza Pahlavi’s supporters in Iran are turning against him

    Reza Pahlavi’s supporters in Iran are turning against him

    Amidst the ongoing military engagement between the United States, Israel, and Iran, a significant shift in sentiment is emerging among segments of the Iranian populace. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, once viewed by many as a potential unifying figure for the fragmented opposition, is now facing growing disillusionment and criticism from his former supporters.

    The catalyst for this erosion of trust varies. For some, the turning point occurred prior to the outbreak of open conflict, when Pahlavi persistently called for public uprisings against the Islamic Republic—a move many saw as dangerously irresponsible given the regime’s history of brutal crackdowns. For others, his recent encouragement of public demonstrations during the traditional Persian festival of Chaharshanbe Suri, while major cities are under constant aerial bombardment, has been perceived as profoundly out of touch with the grim realities of daily life.

    Interviews conducted with Iranians, who are identified by pseudonyms for their security, reveal a deep sense of betrayal. Dina, a 39-year-old from Tehran, once held hope that Pahlavi could channel the widespread discontent into a coherent movement. Now, she laments his apparent lack of political acumen, stating, ‘I wish he had even a fraction of his father’s political judgment… he would know how to use the enormous energy among people.’ Her sentiment is echoed by Majid, a 21-year-old student who witnessed a friend killed by security forces during earlier protests. He questions the call for celebration while citizens live in fear of airstrikes, asking, ‘Does he even know what life is like here?’

    The criticism extends to Pahlavi’s perceived alignment with foreign powers. His communications, particularly on social media platform X, have drawn controversy for offering condolences for fallen American soldiers while remaining conspicuously silent on the deaths of hundreds of Iranian civilians, including children, in coalition strikes. This disparity has led many to question his priorities and his claim to represent the Iranian people.

    Furthermore, his political consistency is under scrutiny. Analysts and critics like Amir, 40, from northern Iran, point to Pahlavi’s fluctuating rhetoric—at times pleading for U.S. support and at other times insisting on its irrelevance—as a sign of strategic uncertainty and an attempt to align with the perceived whims of international players like former U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The atmosphere within Iran is increasingly tense. Iranian authorities, represented by national police commander Ahmad Reza Radan, have issued explicit threats, warning that security forces are ‘ready to pull the trigger’ on anyone protesting at the ‘enemy’s request.’ This has rendered the prospect of public demonstrations even more perilous.

    While Pahlavi retains a base of support among those who still see him as a viable figure for a potential transitional government, the opposition landscape is now markedly divided. The emerging trends indicate a growing cohort of the disillusioned who feel misled by unmet promises of support and a coherent plan, while those who were always skeptical now feel empowered to voice their criticisms openly. The overarching sentiment is one of being trapped—caught between a repressive regime and an opposition leadership that many believe has failed its people.

  • Mbappe set for Real Madrid return against Man City

    Mbappe set for Real Madrid return against Man City

    A pivotal Champions League clash is set to unfold at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday as Real Madrid, holding a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead, prepares to face Manchester City in the second leg of their last-16 tie. The Spanish giants have received a significant boost with the return of star forward Kylian Mbappe from a knee injury that sidelined him during last week’s first-leg victory.

    Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed the French international’s availability during Monday’s press conference, stating, “Mbappe is ready to play. I cannot wait to see him back on the pitch, to enjoy watching him play, to score the goals he scores. Of course he’ll be important.” The 25-year-old has been in spectacular form this season, netting 38 goals across 33 appearances.

    While Mbappe returns to action, English midfielder Jude Bellingham continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. Though he traveled with the squad, Arbeloa indicated he isn’t yet match-fit. “Bellingham wanted to come with his team-mates,” the manager noted. “I’m very happy to see him getting closer to the team. It is important to be around his team-mates, during the team-talk and at half-time he’ll be one of the leaders as he always is.”

    The match features intriguing individual duels, particularly the anticipated confrontation between Real defender Antonio Rudiger and City striker Erling Haaland. Rudiger expressed enthusiasm for the physical challenge, acknowledging, “Players like Haaland, it’s a huge pleasure to play against this type of player. I like the physical battle, I want it and need it, the same as him. I’m looking forward to it. He’s a world-class striker, very strong, and I like these type of duels.”

    Rudiger also addressed recent controversy surrounding his playing style after Getafe defender Diego Rico described a challenge as an “assault.” The German international defended his approach while maintaining he operates within boundaries. “In slow motion it looks terrible but in the action itself and also what the player said, it was like I almost killed him,” Rudiger commented. “He doesn’t need to exaggerate because if I’d had the intention to do that he wouldn’t have stood up. I don’t justify it but the way he spoke after the game was like I killed him, but he was running afterwards. We all know I like to be tough on the pitch but I still have boundaries. I am a human being.”

    Real Madrid aims to eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League for the third consecutive season, building on their substantial first-leg advantage in what promises to be a thrilling European encounter.

  • China, US hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues

    China, US hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues

    PARIS — In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese and American officials concluded two days of intensive economic discussions on Monday, marking a renewed effort to address longstanding trade disputes between the world’s two largest economies.

    The high-level negotiations, led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent alongside US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, produced what both sides characterized as “candid, in-depth and constructive” dialogues. The talks focused on critical issues including tariff arrangements, bilateral trade enhancement, investment facilitation, and maintaining previously established consultation agreements.

    This latest round of economic diplomacy builds upon five previous rounds of talks conducted throughout last year, operating under the strategic guidance of mutual understandings reached between the Chinese and American heads of state. Vice Premier He emphasized that these ongoing discussions have already generated substantial outcomes that contribute significantly to stabilizing bilateral economic relations and reinforcing global economic predictability.

    The negotiations occurred against a complex backdrop of recent trade policy developments. He specifically referenced the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling declaring tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act unlawful. Subsequently, the US administration implemented a comprehensive 10% import surcharge on all trading partners utilizing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, while simultaneously initiating multiple restrictive measures targeting China, including Section 301 investigations, corporate sanctions, and market access limitations.

    China’s delegation reiterated its firm opposition to unilateral American tariffs, urging complete elimination of these trade barriers and other restrictive policies. Vice Premier He stated unequivocally that China would undertake necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests while expressing hope that both nations would move cooperatively toward implementing leadership consensus, expanding collaborative domains, and minimizing contentious issues.

    American representatives acknowledged the critical importance of stable Sino-American economic relations for both nations and the global community, particularly regarding worldwide economic growth, supply chain security, and financial stability. Both parties committed to reducing trade frictions, preventing escalation of tensions, and resolving differences through continued consultation.

    The delegations agreed to explore establishing a formal cooperation mechanism dedicated to promoting bilateral trade and investment, while continuing to utilize existing economic consultation frameworks. This includes enhancing dialogue channels, appropriately managing disagreements, expanding practical cooperation, and fostering sustained, stable development of economic and trade relations between the two economic superpowers.

  • Migrant workers bear brunt of Iran attacks in Gulf

    Migrant workers bear brunt of Iran attacks in Gulf

    The escalating military conflict between Iran and Gulf states has disproportionately impacted migrant worker communities, revealing a stark vulnerability within the region’s socio-economic structure. Since late February, Tehran has launched successive missile and drone attacks against Gulf countries in retaliation for US-Israeli operations, creating a dangerous environment for the area’s substantial foreign labor force.

    Among the civilian casualties documented by international agencies, a significant majority represent migrant workers from South Asian nations. These individuals typically fill essential but low-wage positions in Gulf economies, often lacking the resources or flexibility to evacuate during security crises. The human toll includes figures like Bangladeshi delivery driver Ahmad Ali, whose three-decade tenure in the UAE ended abruptly when missile debris struck his vehicle during routine water deliveries.

    The financial realities binding migrant workers to these danger zones are particularly cruel. Many have incurred substantial debt to secure their positions through recruitment agents, while simultaneously supporting entire families through remittances. This economic dependency creates an impossible choice between personal safety and financial survival.

    Current conditions in affected areas continue to generate psychological distress among resident workers. Frequent air defense interceptions and explosion sounds have become normalized background events, with workers developing various coping mechanisms. As Indian engineer Binoy noted from Mohammed Bin Zayed City, ‘We know they are interceptions, but it is still worrying.’ Similarly, healthcare workers like Filipino nurse Jane describe employing emotional detachment strategies while maintaining professional responsibilities amid the violence.

    The situation highlights concerning disparities in crisis response capabilities, with wealthier residents able to relocate while migrant communities remain exposed. This developing humanitarian aspect of the geopolitical conflict underscores the need for enhanced protective measures for vulnerable populations caught in cross-border military exchanges.

  • Multiple suicide bombers hit Nigeria’s Maiduguri city after years of calm

    Multiple suicide bombers hit Nigeria’s Maiduguri city after years of calm

    The northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri faced a devastating return to violence on Monday evening as multiple suspected suicide bombings ruptured years of relative calm. The coordinated assaults targeted key civilian locations including the city’s main market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and areas near the post office, marking a significant escalation in the region’s security situation.

    Emergency services scrambled to respond as hospitals received dozens of wounded victims following the explosions. An AFP correspondent at a city medical facility observed multiple bodies covered with sheets on hospital sidewalks, though official casualty figures remained unconfirmed as authorities worked to assess the full impact.

    The attacks occurred against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, coming just hours after jihadist militants launched separate assaults on a military post in the Ajilari Cross district and in the Damboa local government area south of the city. According to police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso, security forces successfully repelled these earlier incursions, with no civilian or military casualties reported from those engagements.

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the bombings as ‘barbaric,’ suggesting the surge in violence connects directly to intensified military operations in the Sambisa forest—a known jihadist stronghold. The simultaneous attacks demonstrate the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), whose 16-year insurgency has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people.

    The timing appears particularly significant as residents prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Media aide Dauda Iliya emphasized the need for ‘increased vigilance’ during this period of heightened vulnerability.

    This devastating breach of security represents the most serious attack on Maiduguri since 2021, when mortar fire killed ten people. The city had experienced a period of relative stability in recent years as the conflict had largely shifted to rural areas, making Monday’s events particularly shocking to residents who had grown accustomed to peace.

    The violence occurs amidst increased international engagement, with the United States recently deploying technical and training support to Nigerian forces. However, the persistent security challenges underscore the complex nature of counterinsurgency operations in the region.

  • The Gulf’s expat El Dorado faces a costly recovery after the war

    The Gulf’s expat El Dorado faces a costly recovery after the war

    The gleaming metropolises of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have long represented humanity’s closest approximation to extraterrestrial colonization—self-contained ecosystems sustained through imported labor, materials, and residents. Now, these Gulf artificialities face their most severe survival test as the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict transforms their perceived invulnerability into profound vulnerability.

    While the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait possess distinct national identities, their demographic realities reveal extraordinary dependency on transient populations. In the UAE, Emirati citizens constitute barely 10% of the 11-million population, with expatriates and migrant workers comprising the overwhelming majority. This structural fragility becomes critical during security crises, as mobile populations can rapidly repatriate to India, Bangladesh, Philippines, or Western nations, potentially triggering economic collapse.

    The immediate casualties of this geopolitical turmoil are tourism and aviation sectors—industries built on perceptions of safety and luxury. Travelers possess abundant alternatives and will likely avoid war zones indefinitely. Historical parallels suggest prolonged recovery periods: Egypt required nearly a decade to restore tourism numbers after the 2011-14 revolutions, further delayed by pandemic complications.

    Beyond tourism, the conflict jeopardizes emerging economic diversification initiatives. Data centers designed to attract AI companies and financial services dependent on expatriate wealth now face existential threats. While hydrocarbon industries may benefit from elevated oil prices, security and insurance costs for critical infrastructure—including desalination plants and energy facilities—will skyrocket amid missile and drone attack risks.

    The region’s fundamental advantages—strategic East-West positioning, tax benefits, and discreet financial environments—retain long-term value. Dubai has historically succeeded as an offshore haven for global wealth, transitioning from European criminal hideouts to legitimate international business hub. Yet post-conflict reputation rehabilitation will demand massive investment and time, with the allure of sun-drenched security likely diminished for years.

    Ultimately, the Gulf’s artificial economies face not extinction but transformation. Their recovery trajectory will depend on conflict duration, security restoration effectiveness, and their ability to reinvent themselves amidst fundamentally altered global perceptions of regional stability.

  • Exclusive: Judges clear ICC’s Karim Khan over sexual misconduct claims

    Exclusive: Judges clear ICC’s Karim Khan over sexual misconduct claims

    In a decisive legal ruling, International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been exonerated of all misconduct allegations by a special judicial panel reviewing United Nations investigation findings. Middle East Eye has exclusively obtained details of the confidential report submitted to the ICC’s executive oversight body on March 9th, which concludes the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services’ findings “do not establish any misconduct or breach of duty” by the prosecutor.

    The three-judge panel, appointed by the Assembly of States Parties, conducted a comprehensive three-month review of the 150-page OIOS report and over 5,000 pages of supporting evidence. Applying the criminal law standard of “beyond reasonable doubt,” the judges unanimously determined that the factual findings failed to substantiate allegations of either serious or less serious misconduct against Khan, who has vigorously denied all accusations.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding Khan’s office’s pursuit of war crimes investigations against Israeli officials regarding the Gaza conflict. The prosecutor has faced intense international pressure, including financial and visa sanctions from the Trump administration targeting Khan, his deputies, and several ICC judges. The United Kingdom has additionally threatened defunding and withdrawal from the court over the Israel-Palestine investigation.

    The misconduct allegations initially emerged in May 2024, coinciding with Khan’s preparations to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. According to documentation filed by Khan, he was informed of the sexual misconduct claims on May 2, 2024—the same day he planned to announce the warrants—though Israel has alleged the timing suggests procedural rushing rather than misconduct.

    The ICC’s Bureau now faces a 30-day deadline to issue its preliminary assessment, after which Khan will have 30 days to respond before a final determination is made. Meanwhile, the court continues to examine both Israel’s challenge to ICC jurisdiction over Palestine and a separate complaint seeking Khan’s disqualification for alleged lack of impartiality.

  • War on Iran: Who are the Kurds and what does Trump want from them?

    War on Iran: Who are the Kurds and what does Trump want from them?

    Amid escalating tensions in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, President Donald Trump’s administration has sent mixed signals regarding Kurdish involvement in the conflict. Initially encouraging Iranian Kurdish forces to cross from Iraq into Iran on March 5th—calling such action “wonderful”—Trump subsequently reversed his position days later, stating he had “ruled that out” to avoid further complicating the war.

    This diplomatic maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of historical Kurdish mistrust toward US alliances. Many Kurdish factions remember previous betrayals, particularly during the 1991 uprising against Saddam Hussein when US support failed to materialize, leading to devastating consequences. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has actively discouraged armed Iranian Kurds from engaging in the conflict, while Tehran has already targeted Kurdish bases in Iraq, prompting US missile defenses to protect Erbil, the regional capital.

    The Kurdish people, numbering 30-40 million across the Middle East, represent the fourth-largest ethnic group in the region. Their historical pursuit of autonomy has been met with persistent resistance from regional governments. In Iran specifically, Kurdish opposition groups recently formed the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (CPFIK), advocating for decentralized governance within Iran rather than full independence.

    Regional dynamics further complicate potential Kurdish involvement. The Iraqi government has explicitly warned the KRG against allowing Kurdish groups to be drawn into the conflict, threatening to secure the border if necessary. Iranian military official Ali Akbar Ahmadia warned on March 6th that the Kurdistan Region in Iraq would be “widely targeted” should Kurdish forces cross into Iran, with Tehran withdrawing support previously provided during the ISIS conflict.

    Despite some exiled Kurdish groups expressing openness to intervention, leadership remains cautious. Abdullah Mohtadi of the Iranian Kurdish Komala party stated they would only intervene if the Iranian government was significantly weakened, noting “We will not send our forces to the slaughterhouse.” Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the KRG, unequivocally stated: “Our forces would not get involved under any circumstances. This is not our war, and we’ve made that very clear.”

  • War on Iran: These are the heritage sites devastated by US and Israeli attacks

    War on Iran: These are the heritage sites devastated by US and Israeli attacks

    Iran’s cultural landscape, bearing witness to millennia of civilization through conquests, artistic renewal, and master craftsmanship, now faces unprecedented threats as its World Heritage Sites become casualties of military strikes. Over the past two and a half weeks, Israeli and American operations have targeted numerous historical landmarks across multiple Iranian provinces, damaging structures that represent both pre-Islamic and Islamic architectural traditions.

    The assault on Iran’s cultural patrimony began dramatically on March 1st when Golestan Palace, Tehran’s sole UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered significant damage from nearby missile strikes. Iranian media documented shattered windows, compromised mirror and glasswork installations, and historically significant Orsi doors damaged by blast effects. This 14th-century Safavid-era complex, later expanded during the Qajar dynasty, serves as a museum complex representing Persia’s royal heritage.

    In Isfahan, the devastation extended to multiple protected sites within the Naqsh-e Jahan Square UNESCO designation. Chehel Sotoun Palace, commissioned by Shah Abbas I in the 17th century, sustained severe interior damage with photographs showing demolished doors, fractured windows, and debris throughout its celebrated halls. Most tragically, a 17th-century fresco depicting Safavid Shah Tahmasp welcoming Mughal ruler Humayun developed a massive crack through its center.

    The adjacent Ali Qapu palace, part of the same UNESCO designation dating to 1597, suffered similar destruction with its doors and windows shattered. Meanwhile, the historic Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, with architectural elements dating to the 8th-century Abbasid era, lost numerous turquoise tiles in a March 9th blast, with photographic evidence showing smoke plumes rising behind the structure.

    Further west, the ancient Falak ol-Aflak citadel in Khorramabad, dating to the Sassanian period (3rd-7th centuries), was struck on March 8th when Israeli air strikes targeted the adjacent cultural heritage department building. While the main castle structure survived intact, the explosion damaged archaeology and anthropology museums, barracks, and regimental buildings within the complex.

    Iranian officials have characterized these attacks as a ‘declaration of war on civilization,’ noting that the targeted sites represent not just national heritage but human history. With 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the tenth highest concentration globally—Iran’s cultural treasures face ongoing risks as conflicts persist. The international community, particularly UNESCO, faces mounting pressure to respond to what heritage experts describe as an unprecedented assault on global cultural patrimony.