Global Pulse

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  • Israel president tells AFP Europe should back efforts to ‘eradicate’ Hezbollah

    Israel president tells AFP Europe should back efforts to ‘eradicate’ Hezbollah

    Israeli President Isaac Herzog has issued a compelling appeal for European nations to endorse Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, characterizing the current conflict as a pivotal historical moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. In an exclusive interview with AFP conducted at his Jerusalem residence, Herzog emphasized that European support is crucial for achieving regional stability.

    The Israeli military confirmed the initiation of limited ground operations in southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure in response to sustained rocket attacks. This escalation follows Hezbollah’s March 2 offensive against Israel, which the group claims was retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes.

    Herzog articulated a clear position: “Europe should support any effort, any effort, to eradicate Hezbollah now. They should understand that if you want to get anywhere, sometimes you need to win war.” The Israeli president simultaneously welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to host direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Paris, acknowledging it as a “very positive development” while stressing that diplomatic engagement must coincide with military action.

    The humanitarian impact has been severe, with Lebanese authorities reporting over one million internally displaced persons within two weeks of intensified hostilities. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah positions throughout southern Lebanon and Beirut, though the Lebanese government contends these operations have caused significant civilian casualties, with the death toll approaching 900 according to their records.

    Herzog expressed skepticism about the Lebanese army’s capacity to disarm Hezbollah, noting “they have their limitations” despite international obligations. The president framed the broader conflict with Iran as a generational struggle, asserting that “we are at a historical juncture” where Tehran’s influence must be curtailed to ensure regional security.

    He further argued that European national security interests align with defeating Iran’s clerical regime, citing concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program potentially threatening European territories. Herzog called for international cooperation rather than criticism, asking “Where is the whole world? Rather than all the time criticizing Israel, let’s help us. Let’s help the Americans bring a real change so that there will be a different future in the region.”

  • European allies refuse US request to help open Strait of Hormuz

    European allies refuse US request to help open Strait of Hormuz

    European powers have delivered a firm rebuke to the United States’ appeal for military assistance in reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with Germany leading the opposition by declaring the escalating conflict with Iran falls outside NATO’s defensive mandate. The diplomatic standoff emerged after Iran sealed the critical waterway last week, retaliating against joint Israeli-American offensive operations that targeted Iranian territory. This strategic chokepoint facilitates the transit of over one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, making its closure a matter of urgent international economic concern.

    Despite President Donald Trump’s weekend appeal for allied support, European nations demonstrated remarkable unity in rejecting military involvement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration established the tone by emphasizing through spokesman Stefan Kornelius that “Nato is an alliance for the defence of territory” and that the current crisis lacks the necessary mandate for NATO deployment. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reinforced Germany’s position by explicitly ruling out military participation while affirming commitment to diplomatic resolution efforts.

    The United Kingdom aligned with Germany’s stance, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer categorically dismissing the possibility of a NATO mission while acknowledging collaborative efforts to develop alternative strategies. “We’re working with all of our allies to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation,” Starmer stated from Downing Street, emphasizing that any solution would not involve NATO deployment. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband revealed potential non-military alternatives, including the deployment of minesweeping drones instead of warships.

    France confirmed it would not dispatch naval vessels to the Strait, maintaining its defensive posture in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spain emerged as the most vocal European critic of the military approach, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles declaring Madrid was “absolutely not” considering military contributions. Poland similarly rejected participation in any naval operation to reopen the shipping corridor.

    This European consensus extended beyond the continent, with Japan and Australia earlier expressing parallel reservations about military involvement. President Trump issued a stark warning that allied refusal to assist could prove “very bad for the future of Nato,” though he provided no specific details regarding potential consequences.

    Some Scandinavian and Baltic nations indicated slightly more flexible positions, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen advocating for maintaining “an open mind” regarding potential contributions despite emphasizing Denmark’s preference for de-escalation. Lithuanian and Estonian officials similarly expressed willingness to discuss the situation with American counterparts while stopping short of endorsing military action.

  • Trump border patrol chief Greg Bovino to retire

    Trump border patrol chief Greg Bovino to retire

    Greg Bovino, the prominent US Border Patrol chief who became the public face of former President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies, has revealed plans to retire from his position. The career immigration official disclosed his intention to step down at the end of March in an interview with Breitbart News, though formal retirement documentation has not yet been submitted according to Department of Homeland Security officials.

    Bovino’s nearly three-decade tenure in immigration enforcement culminated in his leadership of Operation Metro Surge, a controversial initiative targeting Democratic-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. His command drew significant scrutiny following January’s fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during confrontations with federal agents in Minnesota. The incidents sparked bipartisan condemnation and widespread protests, leading to Bovino’s reassignment from his Minnesota role shortly afterward.

    The veteran enforcement official expressed profound admiration for his colleagues in his retirement announcement, stating: ‘The greatest honour of my entire life was to work alongside Border Patrol agents on the border and in the interior of the United States in some of the most challenging conditions the agency has ever faced.’ He further described watching agents perform in ‘the most dangerous of environments’ as ‘humbling.’

    Bovino’s career trajectory included extensive service near the California-Mexico border before joining the Trump administration’s immigration leadership. His departure coincides with broader restructuring within the Department of Homeland Security under Trump, which recently saw the replacement of agency head Kristi Noem as part of efforts to implement mass deportation policies central to Trump’s election promises.

    Additional controversy surrounded Bovino following reports from CBS News that he made disparaging remarks about Jewish federal officials during a January conference call, specifically targeting Minnesota prosecutor Daniel Rosen who was observing Sabbath traditions. As Bovino approaches the mandatory retirement age of 57 for US Customs and Border Protection personnel, public opinion remains divided on Trump’s deportation initiatives, with recent Reuters/Ipsos polling indicating majority support for removing illegal immigrants but significant disapproval of the administration’s handling of the issue.

  • US told Turkey war on Iran would end in just four days, expert says

    US told Turkey war on Iran would end in just four days, expert says

    According to Washington-based Turkey expert Asli Aydintasbas, the United States government communicated to Turkey through official channels that military operations against Iran would conclude within a mere four-day timeframe. The Brookings Institution fellow revealed these details during a recent interview with Serbestiyet news outlet, characterizing the subsequently prolonged conflict as a form of betrayal toward NATO allies and regional partners.

    The disclosure emerges amidst reports of Turkey’s extensive diplomatic efforts to prevent joint Israeli-American strikes against Iran since January. Turkish officials reportedly presented multiple proposals to both Washington and Tehran, including offers to host mediation talks in Istanbul. However, Iranian leadership reportedly declined these overtures, including a proposed trilateral teleconference involving Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and US President Donald Trump.

    Following several rounds of negotiations in Oman focusing specifically on Iran’s nuclear program, Washington and Israel ultimately launched unprovoked strikes against Iran last month. Aydintasbas highlighted the divergent objectives between the two allies, noting that Israel primarily sought regime change or fragmentation of Iran while the Trump administration pursued a quick victory to leverage nuclear negotiations.

    The expert criticized the administration’s approach, noting the conspicuous absence of Iran expertise in planning discussions. Instead, the strategy appeared driven by Israeli encouragement and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s urgings, resulting in what Aydintasbas characterized as a poorly conceived ‘hit-and-run’ operation that has devolved into an open-ended conflict.

    Initial White House assumptions suggested that eliminating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would precipitate regime collapse. However, the emergence of Mojtaba Khamenei as successor—who lost family members in strikes—created a scenario more reminiscent of North Korea’s leadership than the Venezuela-style cooperation the administration anticipated.

    Further complicating matters, reports indicated consideration of employing Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish forces to establish border control—a plan that met with significant backlash from both media outlets and allied nations. Turkey reportedly expressed strong objections through diplomatic channels, joined by concerns from Saudi Arabia regarding the dangers of instigating civil war in Iran.

    Despite initial encouragement from President Trump toward Kurdish involvement, the administration subsequently reversed position, with the president publicly stating he did not want Kurdish forces entering Iran amid the already complex conflict.

  • Bombs explode in northeastern Nigeria, leaving scores killed and injured, authorities say

    Bombs explode in northeastern Nigeria, leaving scores killed and injured, authorities say

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A series of devastating explosions struck multiple locations in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state on Monday night, resulting in significant casualties and widespread panic. The coordinated blasts, suspected to be suicide bombings, targeted high-traffic areas including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two bustling markets known as Post Office and Monday Market.

    Emergency response teams reported scores of fatalities and injuries, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed as rescue operations continue. Sirajo Abdullahi, head of operations at Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri, confirmed the incidents but emphasized that casualty figures were still being assessed.

    The attacks represent a severe escalation in violence for Maiduguri, the regional capital that has been the epicenter of Nigeria’s 17-year conflict with extremist groups. While no organization has immediately claimed responsibility, the bombings bear the hallmark of jihadi extremist factions operating in the region.

    Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the aftermath. Bagoni Alkali, who witnessed the explosions, reported transporting numerous wounded victims to hospitals, noting that emergency departments were overwhelmed with approximately 200 injured patients. Mohammed Hassan, a member of a local volunteer security group, described evacuating 10 bodies from the market areas and emphasized the critical need for blood supplies at medical facilities.

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum issued a strong condemnation of the attacks, describing them as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane” while extending condolences to victims’ families. The governor urged residents to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

    The bombings occur against the backdrop of Nigeria’s complex security crisis, particularly in northern regions where multiple armed groups operate. While military operations had recently reduced attacks within Maiduguri proper, this incident marks one of the deadliest assaults on the city in years.

  • China, US agree stable economic, trade ties benefit both countries, world, says China intl trade representative

    China, US agree stable economic, trade ties benefit both countries, world, says China intl trade representative

    PARIS – In a significant development for global economic stability, Chinese and American officials have reached a consensus that maintaining stable bilateral trade relations serves both nations’ interests while contributing to worldwide economic security. The agreement emerged during the latest round of economic and trade discussions held at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters in Paris on March 15-16, 2026.

    Li Chenggang, China’s International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, articulated China’s consistent opposition to unilateral Section 301 investigations during a post-negotiation briefing. ‘Both nations recognize that predictable economic ties create a foundation for mutual prosperity and global market stability,’ Li stated, emphasizing the constructive nature of the dialogue despite existing trade disagreements.

    The Paris talks represent a continuing effort to navigate complex trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The choice of venue at the OECD headquarters signals both parties’ commitment to multilateral engagement and institutional diplomacy rather than unilateral approaches to trade disputes.

    While specific policy agreements remain undisclosed, the mutual acknowledgment of trade relationship benefits marks a positive step toward de-escalating recent tensions. The discussions occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Section 301 investigations, which China has consistently characterized as detrimental to equitable international trade practices.

    Economic analysts suggest that this diplomatic progress could pave the way for more substantive agreements in subsequent meetings, potentially affecting global supply chains, tariff structures, and international market confidence.

  • Watch: Reunion resident gets close to lava from erupting volcano

    Watch: Reunion resident gets close to lava from erupting volcano

    For the first time in nearly two decades, molten lava from the erupting Piton de la Fournaise volcano on France’s Réunion Island has dramatically flowed into the Indian Ocean. The extraordinary event marks a significant geological milestone for one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which began its current eruptive phase earlier this month. Spectacular footage has emerged showing a local resident cautiously approaching the mesmerizing lava flows as they steam and sizzle upon contact with ocean waters, creating plumes of acidic gas and new land formations in the process. Volcanologists have been closely monitoring this rare convergence of lava and sea, which last occurred in 2002. The phenomenon has drawn both scientific interest and public fascination, though authorities have established safety perimeters and warned about potential toxic gas emissions. The volcanic activity continues to reshape the island’s southeastern coastline while providing researchers with valuable insights into the dynamic geological processes of ocean-island volcanoes.

  • UK was an ‘active participant’ in Israeli war crimes, Corbyn tribunal finds

    UK was an ‘active participant’ in Israeli war crimes, Corbyn tribunal finds

    An independent tribunal co-chaired by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has concluded that Britain served as an active participant in certain Israeli war crimes during the Gaza conflict. The findings, published in a comprehensive report on Monday, emerged from last September’s highly publicized Gaza Tribunal proceedings.

    The tribunal was convened following the Labour government’s blockage of Corbyn’s proposed legislation calling for a Chilcot-style public inquiry into UK-Israel military cooperation. The proceedings gathered testimony from a diverse array of sources including eyewitnesses, United Nations rapporteurs, journalists, medical professionals, and academic experts.

    The final report presents a damning indictment of British policy, asserting that the nation “failed in its fundamental obligation to prevent genocide, has been complicit in atrocity crimes, and in some instances has even been an active participant in these crimes.” Corbyn characterized the findings as documentation of the government’s “legacy as an active participant in one of the greatest crimes of our time.

    Among the specific allegations, the report details that Britain conducted hundreds of surveillance flights over Gaza during the conflict, sharing gathered intelligence with Israeli forces despite government claims that such cooperation was exclusively for “hostage rescue” purposes. The tribunal recommends that the UK immediately provide all collected surveillance footage to both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    The document further criticizes the government’s limited arms embargo as insufficient, advocating instead for a comprehensive prohibition on weapons transfers. It references the ICJ’s January 2024 genocide ruling and subsequent advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation illegal, arguing these decisions created binding legal obligations for states to prevent genocide and cease trade relations concerning occupied territories.

    Notably, the report cites Middle East Eye’s previous reporting that David Cameron, during his tenure as foreign secretary, threatened the ICC’s chief prosecutor with Britain’s withdrawal from the court if it pursued arrest warrants against Israeli officials.

    The tribunal’s recommendations include imposing economic sanctions on Israel, terminating all military cooperation, investigating British citizens potentially involved in war crimes, and establishing a full independent public inquiry with powers to question ministers and officials about UK-Israel cooperation since October 2023.

    Co-chaired by Dr. Shahd Hammouri, an international law lecturer at the University of Kent, and Professor Neve Gordon, a human rights law expert at Queen Mary University of London, the tribunal featured strong condemnations from both legal scholars. Dr. Hammouri accused top UK officials of “lying, manipulating the law, denying reality, and prosecuting truth-tellers,” while Professor Gordon warned that the government’s complicity “has created a very dangerous precedent.”

    In response to the allegations, the Foreign Office noted it has implemented three sets of sanctions addressing settler violence in the West Bank and opposes forced displacement. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer recently stated there “must be accountability and justice for all crimes committed across Palestinian and Israeli territory.”

  • Ancelotti says Brazil will extend his contract to the 2030 World Cup

    Ancelotti says Brazil will extend his contract to the 2030 World Cup

    RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed ongoing discussions with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) regarding a contract extension that would see him lead the Seleção through the 2030 World Cup cycle.

    The 66-year-old Italian tactician, who initially joined the federation in May 2023 with a contract set to expire after the 2026 tournament, expressed mutual interest in continuing the partnership. During a press conference at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti characterized the negotiation process as harmonious, stating, ‘When both parties wish to continue working together, reaching an agreement presents no difficulties.’

    Ancelotti succeeded Dorival Júnior following a period of inconsistent performances, promptly steering the team through the challenging South American World Cup qualifying campaign. His current managerial record stands at 14 victories, 10 draws, and 9 defeats across all competitions.

    The five-time Champions League winning coach, with prestigious tenures at AC Milan and Real Madrid, humorously noted the financial pragmatism of finalizing the extension before the 2026 World Cup. ‘Completing the agreement prior to the tournament would be more economical for the federation—waiting until afterward would inevitably increase the cost,’ Ancelotti quipped, demonstrating his characteristically confident demeanor.

    The press conference was convened primarily to announce Brazil’s upcoming squad for international friendlies against European powerhouses France and Croatia later this month.

  • Spain’s king acknowledges ‘much abuse’ in the conquest of the Americas

    Spain’s king acknowledges ‘much abuse’ in the conquest of the Americas

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, King Felipe VI of Spain has publicly recognized the historical injustices committed during Spain’s conquest of the Americas, marking a potential turning point in years of strained relations with Mexico. The monarch’s remarks came during his visit to a Madrid museum exhibition highlighting the role of women in pre-Columbian Mexico, where he met with Mexican Ambassador Quirino Ordaz.

    Addressing the contentious historical period, King Felipe stated that the Spanish conquest involved ‘much abuse’ and ‘ethical controversies’ that ‘with our current values, they obviously cannot make us feel proud.’ However, he emphasized the importance of contextual understanding, advocating for ‘objective and rigorous analysis’ rather than ‘excessive moral presentism.’

    This symbolic acknowledgment follows nearly five years of diplomatic tension stemming from former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s 2019 demand for Spain to formally apologize for colonial-era atrocities. The dispute intensified in 2024 when current President Claudia Sheinbaum excluded the Spanish king from her inauguration ceremonies due to the palace’s refusal to issue an official apology.

    The recent thaw in relations began last fall when Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares acknowledged the ‘pain and injustice’ suffered by Mexico’s Indigenous population during conquests that decimated pre-Hispanic communities. Sheinbaum had characterized those comments as an unprecedented first step toward reconciliation.

    While not constituting a formal apology from the Spanish monarchy, Felipe’s carefully measured statements represent the highest-level recognition to date of historical grievances from Spain’s colonial empire, which once spanned five continents between the 16th and 18th centuries. President Sheinbaum has indicated she will review the king’s remarks as bilateral relations show signs of gradual improvement.