Global Pulse

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  • ICC prosecution opposes ex Philippine president Duterte’s bid to skip hearing

    ICC prosecution opposes ex Philippine president Duterte’s bid to skip hearing

    The International Criminal Court’s prosecution team has formally contested former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s attempt to waive his right to appear at his upcoming confirmation of charges hearing. In a comprehensive six-page legal submission dated February 19, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang asserted that Duterte’s request fails to meet the necessary legal standards for proceeding without his physical presence in court.

    The prosecution’s filing systematically dismantles Duterte’s justification for non-attendance, noting that his primary argument stems from his refusal to ‘recognize the jurisdiction’ of the court rather than legitimate health concerns. The document characterizes Duterte’s claims of being ‘kidnapped’ and describing the charges as ‘an outrageous lie’ invented by political opponents as continued rejection of the proceedings’ legitimacy.

    Contrary to Duterte’s portrayal of himself as ‘old, tired, and frail,’ the prosecution emphasized that independent medical evaluations have confirmed his physical and mental fitness to participate in the hearings. The court has implemented appropriate measures to ensure his comfort throughout the proceedings, further undermining health-related excuses.

    The filing concludes that Duterte’s unwillingness to attend—including his refusal to participate via video link—demonstrates ‘lack of respect for the Court’ rather than genuine medical limitations. Prosecutors have consequently requested the chamber to reject Duterte’s waiver petition and mandate his attendance at the hearing scheduled from February 23-27.

    Following the confirmation hearing, ICC judges will have sixty days to determine whether to confirm some, all, or none of the charges against the former president. Should at least one charge be confirmed, Duterte would formally become an accused individual, advancing the case to trial before a Trial Chamber. The charges involve crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder allegedly committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign between November 2011 and March 2019.

  • Watch: Trump claims threat of 200% tariffs pressured India and Pakistan into ceasefire

    Watch: Trump claims threat of 200% tariffs pressured India and Pakistan into ceasefire

    Former President Donald Trump has asserted that the threat of imposing crippling 200% tariffs compelled India and Pakistan to accept a ceasefire during their intense military confrontation in May 2025. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his newly established Board of Peace on February 19, Trump recounted his personal intervention in the conflict that had escalated dangerously between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

    According to Trump’s account, the situation deteriorated rapidly with both nations engaging in intense aerial combat and artillery exchanges. ‘They were really going at it,’ Trump stated. ‘Then it got worse and worse; many planes were shot down. It was all out.’

    The former president described how he leveraged economic pressure to force de-escalation: ‘I called them, ‘Listen, I’m not doing trade deals with you two guys if you don’t settle this up.” Trump claimed both countries initially resisted but eventually softened their stance when confronted with the prospect of devastating economic consequences. ‘I told them I’m going to put 200% tariffs on each of their countries. It essentially doesn’t allow them to do any business,’ he revealed.

    The confrontation Trump referenced began in May 2025 when India launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ striking nine locations in Pakistan that New Delhi claimed housed terrorist infrastructure. This operation came in response to a militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed 26 people. Pakistan retaliated by targeting multiple Indian military installations, including a missile storage facility.

    After four days of intense conflict that represented the worst military engagement between the two nations since 1999, Trump brokered what became known as the ‘full and immediate ceasefire.’ Both countries subsequently claimed to have achieved their military objectives without acknowledging significant losses.

    The Board of Peace, Trump’s new diplomatic initiative, primarily focuses on progress in Gaza but aims to address conflicts worldwide. During the same meeting, Trump announced that countries had pledged $7 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund, contingent on Hamas disarming—a condition that remains unmet. The board faces significant challenges including Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza’s affected population.

    The Washington gathering also occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Washington threatening military action if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program.

  • French soldier dies after being shot in head during ‘game’ with other soldiers

    French soldier dies after being shot in head during ‘game’ with other soldiers

    A somber cloud hangs over the French military community following the tragic death of 20-year-old Brigadier Alexandre Lanckbeen, who succumbed to injuries sustained from an accidental shooting during what was described as a military game. The fatal incident occurred last Saturday during an alcohol-involved gathering at the Percy Military Teaching Hospital in Clamart, west of Paris.

    According to judicial authorities, the tragedy unfolded when four soldiers stationed at the hospital engaged in a military training exercise repurposed as recreational activity. The game typically involves participants attempting to disarm colleagues and neutralize their weapons, conventionally performed with unloaded firearms. However, in this devastating instance, the handgun used was loaded, resulting in a single shot striking Brigadier Lanckbeen in the head.

    Paris Military Governor Loïc Mizon expressed profound sorrow upon confirming the young soldier’s passing last Friday, extending deepest condolences to Lanckbeen’s family and affirming the armed forces’ full support. The brigadier had been serving with the distinguished 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment based in Tarbes and was actively deployed as part of Operation Sentinelle, France’s enduring domestic security initiative.

    Three fellow soldiers now face serious legal consequences following judicial proceedings. One has been charged with ‘violence with a weapon resulting in permanent disability and breaching orders by consuming alcohol,’ while two others confront charges of ‘involuntary bodily harm resulting in work incapacity exceeding three months through deliberate violation of safety protocols.’ Additional charges include tampering with a crime scene to obstruct justice. With Lanckbeen’s tragic death, these charges are expected to be elevated in severity.

    The criminal investigation service of Hauts-de-Seine has assumed control of the inquiry as the military community grapples with this preventable tragedy that highlights critical concerns regarding weapon safety protocols and alcohol consumption during informal military gatherings.

  • Drone strike hits aid convoy, killing 3 in Sudan’s Kordofan region

    Drone strike hits aid convoy, killing 3 in Sudan’s Kordofan region

    A humanitarian convoy transporting vital supplies to conflict-ravaged regions in central Sudan became the target of lethal drone strikes on Thursday, resulting in three fatalities and four injured aid workers. According to the Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors violence nationwide, the attack occurred in the Kartala area as trucks carried food and essential provisions toward the cities of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan.

    The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were identified as responsible for the drone assault, though the specific aid organization operating the convoy remains undisclosed. This incident marks the second attack on humanitarian transport in under a month, following a previous strike on a World Food Program convoy in North Kordofan earlier in June.

    These developments unfold against the backdrop of Sudan’s devastating internal conflict, which escalated into full-scale war in April 2023 between the national army and RSF fighters. The World Health Organization estimates the conflict has claimed at least 40,000 lives while displacing 12 million people, with actual casualty figures potentially significantly higher due to inaccessible conflict zones.

    Despite military claims of having broken the siege on Kadugli and Dilling, Kordofan region has experienced intensified drone warfare that severely impedes aid operations and endangers civilians. February alone witnessed 77 fatalities from various aerial attacks in the region.

    In a related development, a UN-backed fact-finding mission released a report Thursday detailing evidence of RSF crimes committed in North Darfur’s capital el-Fasher in late October, indicating ‘hallmarks of genocide.’ In response, the United States Treasury Department sanctioned three RSF commanders and renewed calls for immediate ceasefire implementation.

    The strategic timing of these events highlights the deteriorating security situation, even as UN agencies successfully delivered aid to over 130,000 people in Dilling and Kadugli this week—the first major humanitarian shipment to reach these areas in three months.

  • Star power sells: Dubai developers turn to Bollywood

    Star power sells: Dubai developers turn to Bollywood

    Dubai’s property developers are increasingly leveraging the star power of Bollywood celebrities to distinguish their projects in an intensely competitive market. With billions of dirhams worth of real estate launches each quarter, prominent Indian actors have become central to marketing strategies targeting the emirate’s substantial Indian investor community.

    The trend has evolved from conventional endorsements to deep brand integrations. Danube Properties made a significant move in November 2025 by naming a premium 55-story commercial tower on Sheikh Zayed Road ‘Shahrukhz by Danube’ in association with Shah Rukh Khan. According to Danube Group founder Rizwan Sajan, this represents the company’s first integration of a global celebrity’s name directly into a commercial development, signaling how branding has become central to project positioning.

    This celebrity-driven approach has been adopted across the market. Damac Properties featured Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor in campaigns for Damac Islands 2, while Hrithik Roshan partnered with Imtiaz Developments for design-led residential projects. HRE Development recently appointed Salman Khan to promote its premium portfolio, further strengthening connections with Indian investors.

    The strategy has advanced beyond traditional ambassador roles. Actor Vivek Oberoi now serves as co-founder and managing director of BNW Developments, which has over Dh30 billion in assets under development. His involvement is operational rather than symbolic, representing a new level of celebrity engagement in real estate.

    Market analysts note that while celebrity associations accelerate visibility during crowded launch cycles, fundamental factors remain decisive. Property consultant Rashmi Thakur emphasized that buyers ultimately evaluate location, construction progress, and developer history before committing. According to Rishika Mihani, CEO of Wolves International Real Estate, ‘Celebrity endorsement can open the door, but the deal closes on fundamentals.’

    The evolution continues with innovative approaches such as Fakhruddin Properties appointing John Abraham as Wellness Ambassador for their wellbeing-focused residential concept, and Pantheon Development hosting large-scale concerts as part of community engagement strategies. As competition intensifies, Dubai’s real estate market demonstrates how cultural connections and lifestyle positioning are becoming increasingly vital to marketing success.

  • Bagpipers play at Olympic curling in homage to sport’s Scottish heritage — but they’re Italian

    Bagpipers play at Olympic curling in homage to sport’s Scottish heritage — but they’re Italian

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Amid heavy snowfall at the Winter Olympics, spectators arriving at the curling venue received an unexpected cultural treat: the resonant sounds of Scottish bagpipes performed not by Scots, but by a dedicated group of Italian musicians. The Cateaters Pipe Band, hailing from Italy’s northeastern Veneto region, has brought authentic Scottish musical tradition to the Olympic medal ceremonies—a homage to curling’s Scottish origins despite being over 2,000 miles from Scotland.

    This marks a significant milestone for the band, whose performances were previously limited to local concerts, ballet accompaniments, and regional ceremonies. Their Olympic appearance represents their most prestigious engagement to date. Band members maintain strict adherence to traditional Scottish musical arrangements, consciously avoiding Italian modifications to preserve authenticity.

    Marianna Spadarotto, the ensemble’s sole female member who plays bass drum, described the experience as profoundly emotional yet nerve-wracking. The musicians faced challenging conditions with ungloved hands enduring freezing temperatures, their dedication visible as snowflakes accumulated on instruments and traditional glengarry caps.

    Interestingly, several band members discovered Scottish music through unconventional paths. Luca Eze transitioned from playing the zampogna (a traditional Italian bagpipe) to Scottish bagpipes, while Mauro Fortuna shifted from electric guitar to Scottish music in 2008. Snare drummer Cristian Negro noted that specializing in Scottish music has provided unique performance opportunities due to its rarity in Italy.

    The musical tribute holds historical significance as curling traces its origins to 16th century Scotland, where the first documented evidence of the sport was recorded in Latin by a Paisley notary. The tradition of stones being slid across frozen lochs evolved into the modern Olympic sport now celebrated with appropriate musical homage.

    Spectators responded enthusiastically to the performances, with Scottish flags waving proudly among crowds supporting Britain’s Scottish-curling representatives. Italian tourists particularly enjoyed understanding the band’s between-song conversations, adding an unexpected layer of cultural connection to the international event.

  • Rare prison sentences handed to Cameroon soldiers after killing of 21 civilians

    Rare prison sentences handed to Cameroon soldiers after killing of 21 civilians

    In an unprecedented judicial ruling, three Cameroonian military personnel have received prison sentences ranging from five to ten years for their involvement in the 2020 Ngarbuh village massacre that claimed 21 civilian lives. The conviction marks a rare instance of accountability for security forces in Cameroon’s protracted Anglophone conflict.

    The military tribunal found the soldiers guilty on multiple charges including murder, arson, and property destruction during a February 2020 operation in the Northwest region. According to Human Rights Watch documentation, the victims included thirteen children among those killed when government forces and ethnic Fulani militia members raided the settlement.

    This judicial outcome represents a significant departure from customary impunity for military personnel in civilian atrocities. The case gained international prominence after initial government denials collapsed under evidentiary pressure, prompting President Paul Biya to authorize an official investigation.

    Legal representatives for the victims expressed profound dissatisfaction with the sentencing severity. Attorney Sother Menkem characterized the penalties as “insignificant” and “friendly” given that Cameroonian law mandates minimum ten-year sentences for such felonies. The court additionally rejected victim compensation claims and declined to prosecute higher-ranking officials allegedly responsible for ordering the operation.

    The Ngarbuh case endured six years of procedural delays before concluding, highlighting systemic challenges in addressing human rights violations within Cameroon’s ongoing separatist conflict. Since 2017, English-speaking regions have witnessed violent clashes between government forces and separatists advocating for an independent state.

    United Nations data indicates the broader conflict has resulted in approximately 6,000 fatalities and displaced over 500,000 civilians, with both government and rebel forces facing allegations of widespread human rights abuses. The sentencing, while historic, underscores continuing tensions between judicial accountability and conflict resolution in Central Africa.

  • Lobbying firm co-founded by former UK ambassador Mandelson stops trading over Epstein fallout

    Lobbying firm co-founded by former UK ambassador Mandelson stops trading over Epstein fallout

    LONDON — Global Counsel, the prominent lobbying consultancy co-established by former UK Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, has entered administration—a form of bankruptcy protection—following a massive client exodus triggered by revelations about Mandelson’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    The firm announced it ceased operations on Friday, resulting in approximately 80 UK staff redundancies. Global Counsel, which employed around 130 people globally, suffered what administrators described as a ‘monumental’ loss of business after clients severed ties en masse. The collapse follows disclosures in recently unsealed US Justice Department documents showing extensive connections between Mandelson and Epstein.

    Mandelson, who founded the consultancy in 2010 after leaving government, resigned from Global Counsel’s board in 2024 and divested his shares earlier this month in an apparent effort to shield the company from the escalating scandal. Consulting firm Interpath has been appointed to assess options for the business and evaluate its remaining assets.

    Will Wright, UK chief executive of Interpath and joint administrator, stated: ‘While Global Counsel had grown over the past 15 years to become one of the UK’s leading public affairs consultancies, the rapid and sudden loss of clients over recent weeks has had a monumental impact on the business.’

    The crisis emerged from documents revealing that Mandelson, during his tenure as a senior member of the Labour government in 2009, transmitted sensitive government information—potentially capable of moving markets—to Epstein, whom he described as his ‘best pal.’ Additional records indicated payments totaling $75,000 in 2003-2004 from Epstein to accounts associated with Mandelson or his husband, though Mandelson has questioned their authenticity.

    UK police have conducted searches at Mandelson’s London residence and another property connected to him as part of an investigation into potential misconduct in public office. Notably, Mandelson faces no allegations of sexual offenses. The probe follows a similar arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday regarding his conduct during his tenure as UK trade envoy.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson to the ambassadorial role nearly cost him his leadership position amid scrutiny of his judgment. Starmer ultimately dismissed Mandelson in September after earlier email releases demonstrated Mandelson maintained ties with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving a minor. The government intends to release vetting documentation that it believes will exonerate Starmer and demonstrate Mandelson provided false information.

  • 5 European nations pledge millions to use Ukrainian know-how to make cheap drone defenses

    5 European nations pledge millions to use Ukrainian know-how to make cheap drone defenses

    In a significant move to strengthen continental security, five major European powers—France, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy—have established a collaborative defense program leveraging Ukraine’s battle-tested expertise in drone warfare and air defense systems. The initiative, announced Friday in Warsaw, represents a strategic response to evolving security threats along Europe’s eastern flank.

    The newly formed E5 coalition will focus on developing cost-effective air defense solutions and autonomous drone technologies through the Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms (LEAP) program. This partnership builds upon existing military cooperation between Poland and Ukraine, which already includes joint training exercises and manufacturing projects focused on drone technology.

    British Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard emphasized the economic imperative behind the initiative: “We possess some of the world’s most advanced systems for neutralizing aerial threats. However, we must ensure our defensive capabilities are economically proportionate to the relatively inexpensive missiles and drones we face.”

    The program directly addresses recent security challenges, including multiple incidents where European borders and airports experienced unauthorized drone incursions. While Russia has been frequently implicated in these violations, Moscow consistently denies intentional involvement.

    Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the rapid evolution of combat technologies, stating: “We’ve committed to jointly developing drone-based strike capabilities and cost-effective production of AI-enhanced combat payloads. The changing battlefield demands swift and appropriate responses.”

    The urgency was underscored by a September 2025 incident where Russian drones penetrated Polish airspace, requiring NATO allies to deploy multimillion-dollar fighter jets against drones costing mere thousands. The new program aims to develop kinetic or electronic countermeasures that can detect and eliminate drones at a fraction of current costs.

    This European defense mobilization occurs against the backdrop of heightened security concerns following critical remarks about NATO from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The EU has subsequently increased military spending while reevaluating deeper defense integration projects.

    EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas noted: “European security faces greater uncertainty than in decades, necess strengthened hard power capabilities. Our record defense investments demonstrate Europe’s commitment to enhancing security within NATO, ultimately strengthening the entire alliance.”

    Despite temporary easing of tensions over Trump’s controversial remarks regarding Greenland and NATO allies’ military contributions, the internal disagreements have significantly undermined the alliance’s deterrent capabilities against potential adversaries.

  • Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state

    Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Hundreds of Buddhist monks organized a peaceful demonstration in Sri Lanka’s capital on Friday, voicing concerns over perceived governmental disregard for their religious authority and the erosion of traditional consultation practices in state affairs.

    The protest proceeded without incident or violence, highlighting the ongoing tension between religious institutions and political leadership in the predominantly Buddhist nation. Sri Lanka’s constitution explicitly recognizes Buddhism as the state religion while simultaneously guaranteeing freedom of religion for all citizens. The charter further mandates that the government must actively protect and nurture Buddhist traditions.

    With Buddhism representing over 70% of the island’s 22 million inhabitants, the clergy maintains substantial influence across social, cultural, and political domains. The nation also hosts significant minority populations including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.

    During the Colombo gathering, religious leaders publicly recited a formal appeal intended for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The document emphasized the government’s constitutional responsibility to ground national values in Buddhist principles, which originated in ancient India during the 5th century B.C. It specifically asserted the clergy’s traditional right to provide counsel on matters of governance.

    The monks’ demands included excluding non-Buddhists from holding highest governmental offices, integrating Buddhist values throughout educational curricula, and enhancing protection for archaeological sites connected to their religious heritage. This demonstration appears to represent a strategic effort by the Buddhist community to reinforce their influence on national policy direction.