Global Pulse

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  • ‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’: Adam Doueihi commits to Wests Tigers long term after signing contract extension

    ‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’: Adam Doueihi commits to Wests Tigers long term after signing contract extension

    In a significant move signaling long-term stability, the Wests Tigers have solidified their playmaking future by securing halfback Adam Doueihi on a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the conclusion of the 2029 NRL season. The announcement arrives on the eve of the Tigers’ season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, providing a substantial morale boost for the team and its supporters.

    Doueihi, whose existing contract ran through 2027, has committed to an additional two years, effectively eliminating any possibility of a move to the league’s forthcoming expansion franchises. The 27-year-old Lebanese international, who debuted with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2018, has persevered through a career punctuated by multiple severe knee injuries during his six seasons with the Tigers.

    This new agreement cements Doueihi’s role as the cornerstone of the Tigers’ rebuilding phase under head coach Benji Marshall. He is poised to further develop his pivotal halves partnership with five-eighth Jarome Luai, a combination central to the club’s strategic ambitions. Having previously been utilized in various backline positions and even at lock forward, Doueihi now finds a settled home in the crucial No. 7 jersey, providing the team with much-needed consistency.

    Expressing his commitment, Doueihi stated, ‘I’m really excited to be locked in with the Tigers for the next four seasons. It’s a special place for me and my family. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. We’re building something special here amongst this group and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith shown in me by Benji and the club on the field.’

    Coach Benji Marshall praised the re-signing, highlighting both Doueihi’s on-field value and off-field leadership. ‘It’s a credit to Adam’s character and work ethic to bounce back from injuries and put himself in this position. Not only do we value what Adam brings us on the field, his leadership and influence off it are just as important,’ Marshall remarked, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of retaining the resilient playmaker as the Tigers continue their journey toward finals contention.

  • Carney announces billions for defense and infrastructure in Canada’s North

    Carney announces billions for defense and infrastructure in Canada’s North

    YELLOWKNIFE, Northwest Territories – In a significant move to reinforce Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a comprehensive $32 billion Canadian (US$24 billion) military and infrastructure package on Thursday. The strategic investment targets enhanced defense capabilities and economic development in the increasingly contested northern regions.

    The funding allocation includes substantial resources for forward operating military locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay, with an additional $2.7 billion Canadian (US$1.9 billion) designated for establishing four new remote operational hubs across the Arctic territory. These facilities will enable rapid deployment capabilities in response to emerging security challenges.

    Prime Minister Carney emphasized the geopolitical necessity of these measures during his announcement in Yellowknife, stating, ‘In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity.’ The declaration comes amid heightened regional tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark and his controversial remarks about potentially incorporating Canada as ‘the 51st state.’

    Beyond military enhancements, the comprehensive package includes significant infrastructure development funding for northern road and port projects. Notably, the investment will support the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway, creating a vital transportation corridor connecting Yellowknife and Inuvik.

    The Arctic has emerged as a critical geopolitical flashpoint due to multiple converging factors: escalating international tensions, the transformative effects of climate change on navigable waterways, and shifting global economic dynamics. These developments have positioned the region at the center of worldwide security and trade discussions.

    Carney’s announcement precedes his scheduled diplomatic visit to Norway, where he will observe NATO military exercises, underscoring Canada’s commitment to international defense partnerships while asserting its autonomous capabilities in the Arctic sphere.

  • Venezuela and Colombia abruptly cancel planned presidents’ meeting, citing ‘force majeure’

    Venezuela and Colombia abruptly cancel planned presidents’ meeting, citing ‘force majeure’

    In a surprising diplomatic development, Venezuela and Colombia jointly announced on Thursday the postponement of a high-stakes presidential meeting scheduled to occur at their shared border the following day. The summit was poised to mark Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s inaugural engagement with a Latin American head of state since assuming office in January, following the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro.

    The anticipated dialogue between Rodríguez and Colombian President Gustavo Petro was strategically designed to address critical bilateral concerns, with a primary focus on enhancing border security mechanisms. This agenda was particularly urgent given the persistent operations of illegal armed groups involved in narcotics trafficking along the frontier. A secondary key topic involved negotiations for Colombia’s potential importation of Venezuelan natural gas, a move that would signify deeper economic cooperation.

    Officials from both nations issued a concise joint communiqué through Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, citing unspecified ‘force majeure’ circumstances as the reason for the abrupt cancellation. The statement assured that the meeting would be rescheduled for a later, undisclosed date and emphasized that President Petro’s invitation to Acting President Rodríguez remains formally extended. Furthermore, it reiterated both governments’ unwavering commitment to ‘fortifying mutual trust, cooperative initiatives, and the broader bilateral relationship’.

    The announcement followed closely on the heels of a revelation from President Petro’s office detailing a telephone conversation between the Colombian leader and U.S. President Donald Trump. During this exchange, President Trump reportedly extended wishes for ‘success’ concerning the now-postponed meeting with the Venezuelan leadership, introducing a complex layer of international diplomacy to the situation.

  • One dead and two injured in Virginia university shooting

    One dead and two injured in Virginia university shooting

    NORFOLK, Va. – A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University’s business school building Thursday has been officially designated as an act of terrorism by the FBI, culminating in the death of the assailant at the hands of quick-acting ROTC students. The incident resulted in one fatality and two injuries before the armed suspect was neutralized.

    The FBI identified the gunman as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 31, a former Virginia National Guard member with established extremist ties. Special Agent Dominique Evans confirmed Jalloh had previously served prison time after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. He was released from federal custody in 2024.

    According to law enforcement sources, Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall and specifically inquired whether it was an ROTC class before opening fire. Multiple students from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program immediately intervened, physically subduing the attacker and ultimately causing his death. FBI officials confirmed Jalloh was not shot but declined to specify the exact manner of his demise, citing the ongoing investigation.

    FBI Director Kash Patel praised the students’ bravery, stating their actions ‘undoubtedly saved lives’ alongside the rapid response of campus police. The three shooting victims included two Army personnel, with one succumbing to injuries at a local hospital. CBS News identified the deceased victim as the class instructor, a retired military officer.

    Agent Evans revealed the terrorism classification stems from Jalloh’s established extremist background and reports that he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ – Arabic for ‘God is greater’ – prior to the attack. Evidence indicates Jalloh had previously planned an attack mirroring the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that killed 13 people. Authorities confirmed no connection to current geopolitical events involving Iran.

    The Virginia incident occurred hours before an unrelated vehicle attack targeting a Michigan synagogue, where one security guard was injured but all children and staff evacuated safely.

  • UK base in Iraq hit by Iranian drones

    UK base in Iraq hit by Iranian drones

    A British military installation in Erbil, northern Iraq, was successfully targeted by Iranian drone assaults on Wednesday night, resulting in injuries to several American personnel stationed at the base. This incident represents the third successful offensive against British forces in the ongoing regional conflict that commenced nearly two weeks ago.

    According to defense officials, British air-defense units successfully intercepted and destroyed two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but multiple one-way attack drones penetrated defensive systems and struck the air base. The attack caused minor injuries to an undetermined number of US troops stationed at the facility.

    Brigadier Guy Foden, assistant chief of staff for operations at Permanent Joint Headquarters, confirmed the coordinated nature of the assault: “Erbil and Baghdad were both struck a number of times last night with increasing coordination. Our personnel in Erbil shot down two UAVs coming at the camp, but a number did impact on the camp.”

    This latest attack follows previous incidents targeting British interests in the region. On March 1, the same Erbil base was hit, with British personnel located within 400 meters of the impact site. The following day, a drone struck RAF Akrotiri, the UK’s air base in Cyprus, though Cypriot authorities reported no casualties and “minimal damage.”

    The escalating situation has sparked political controversy in Britain. Jeremy Corbyn, British MP and leader of Your Party, criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach: “Keir Starmer has dragged Britain into yet another illegal war. In doing so, he has jeopardised the safety of us all. The government must end its complicity in this illegal war and rescind permission for the foreign use of British bases.”

    Tensions are further complicated by the United States’ utilization of British military installations. Numerous US B-1 Lancer bombers have recently operated from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to conduct strikes against Iranian missile sites. Three such bombers returned to the base on Thursday following a mission.

    Prime Minister Starmer has thus far resisted calls from opposition politicians for direct RAF participation in strikes against Iran, while simultaneously refusing to condemn US-Israeli military actions. Diplomatic relations with the United States have been strained due to Britain’s initial refusal to permit US utilization of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia for launching strikes against Iran.

    Starmer’s Sunday phone conversation with US President Donald Trump addressed “the latest situation in the Middle East and military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region,” according to Downing Street. The discussion occurred despite Trump’s previous criticisms of Starmer, whom he characterized as “unhelpful” and “no Winston Churchill,” while accusing the British leader of seeking to “join wars after we’ve already won.”

    This remains a developing situation with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.

  • Oil tanker ‘armada’ moves to Red Sea with closure of Strait of Hormuz

    Oil tanker ‘armada’ moves to Red Sea with closure of Strait of Hormuz

    A significant redirection of global oil transport is underway as a fleet of up to 30 large crude carriers converges on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu. This massive logistical shift comes in response to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for Gulf energy exports that typically handles approximately 22 million barrels of oil and refined products daily.

    The strategic East-West Pipeline, stretching 1,200 kilometers from Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil field to Yanbu, has emerged as the primary alternative route for Gulf oil exports. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser confirmed the kingdom has substantially increased crude flows through this pipeline infrastructure. According to International Energy Agency data, exports through Saudi western ports surged to 5.9 million barrels per day by March 9th—a dramatic increase from the 1.7 million barrels per day recorded in 2025.

    This emergency rerouting follows escalating tensions in the region, including attacks on at least six vessels in the Gulf this week, with two fuel tankers set ablaze in Iraqi waters. Despite U.S. President Trump’s assertions that Iran’s naval capabilities had been ‘destroyed,’ Tehran has demonstrated its serious intent to block the strategic waterway.

    Energy experts note that the East-West Pipeline was specifically designed for this contingency. ‘This is exactly what it was designed to do—bypass the strategic chokepoint of Hormuz if Iran shut it down and make Saudi Arabia the producer of last resort,’ stated Jim Krane of Rice University’s Baker Institute.

    However, the Red Sea alternative introduces its own geopolitical complexities. Approximately 75% of Saudi crude exports destined for Asian markets must now navigate the Bab el-Mandeb Strait twice—once to collect oil and again to deliver it—placing them within potential reach of Houthi forces. These Iranian-backed militants previously turned the Red Sea into a ‘no-go zone’ for vessels following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

    Even with both Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s bypass pipelines operating at maximum capacity—the latter exporting through Fujairah at 2.4 million barrels per day—a substantial gap of approximately 12 million barrels per day remains, leaving countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq effectively blocked from exporting their oil.

  • ‘Spewing that I missed out’: Tom Jenkins reveals uncomfortable lie he had to tell after being dropped in finals

    ‘Spewing that I missed out’: Tom Jenkins reveals uncomfortable lie he had to tell after being dropped in finals

    In the high-stakes arena of the NRL, Penrith Panthers winger Tom Jenkins has revealed the profound personal challenge of maintaining team loyalty amidst profound professional disappointment. The emerging star recently detailed the emotional turmoil of being dropped from the finals squad last season, a decision he was forced to conceal during media engagements just days before a critical playoff match.

    The narrative of Jenkins’ career resurgence with the Panthers last season, marked by an impressive 13 tries in 21 appearances, made his subsequent omission from the finals lineup a particularly bitter pill to swallow. The pivotal moment occurred on September 8th, when coach Ivan Cleary delivered the crushing news that Jenkins would be replaced by Paul Alamoti for their upcoming finals clash against the New Zealand Warriors. This revelation came immediately before Jenkins faced journalists, requiring him to enthusiastically discuss the prospect of his first finals experience while knowing he wouldn’t participate.

    Despite the personal devastation, Jenkins emphasized his commitment to team ethics. ‘I like to be an honest person so it was hard to be misleading,’ Jenkins confessed to NewsWire, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation while accepting the strategic decision. He expressed particular appreciation for Cleary’s direct and timely communication, which allowed him to process the disappointment while remaining prepared as a potential replacement should injuries occur.

    The coaching decision proved strategically sound as Alamoti delivered exceptional performances during the finals series, including a dominant display against the Bulldogs with three tries and 15 tackle busts. This validation prompted Jenkins to dedicate his preseason to comprehensive physical development, focusing on strength conditioning and tactical improvements under the guidance of the team’s performance staff.

    Jenkins’ perseverance yielded dividends in the current season when he earned a starting position against the Brisbane Broncos, responding with a decisive double-try performance. His continued selection over Izack Tago for the upcoming match against Cronulla underscores his renewed standing within the squad. Jenkins and the Panthers approach this fixture determined to avoid a recurrence of last year’s disappointing loss to the Knights in Bathurst—a defeat that ultimately catalyzed their season turnaround but remains a memory the team is eager to supersede with current successes.

  • UFC fighters to train FBI agents at Quantico

    UFC fighters to train FBI agents at Quantico

    In an unprecedented collaboration between professional sports and federal law enforcement, Ultimate Fighting Championship athletes are set to conduct specialized training sessions for FBI agents this week. The initiative brings together current and former UFC fighters with senior FBI staff and trainees at the Bureau’s prestigious Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

    FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the partnership as “a tremendous opportunity” for agents to “learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth.” He emphasized that the unique training seminar would enhance the agency’s preparedness to ensure public safety and protect American citizens.

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the organization’s participation, stating that UFC is “proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.” According to official statements, the mixed martial arts specialists will provide valuable insight into professional training methodologies while demonstrating specific combat techniques and tactical approaches.

    The distinguished roster of participating athletes includes interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, inaugural BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top flyweight contender Manel Kape, and renowned martial artist Renzo Gracie. UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard will also attend the sessions.

    This collaboration occurs alongside preparations for an unprecedented UFC event scheduled at the White House in June, which will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. While full details remain unconfirmed, preliminary plans indicate approximately 5,000 spectators may attend the South Lawn event, with an additional 80,000 fans potentially watching from a nearby Washington park.

    The partnership continues a longstanding relationship between the UFC leadership and political figures, with CEO Dana White’s association with former President Donald Trump dating back to the early 2000s when Trump hosted initial UFC events at his commercial properties.

  • Peter Thiel’s lecture series on the Antichrist comes to Rome, and Catholic institutions back away

    Peter Thiel’s lecture series on the Antichrist comes to Rome, and Catholic institutions back away

    ROME — Silicon Valley mogul Peter Thiel has generated intense controversy with his private lecture series on the Antichrist, hosted near Vatican City this week. The four-part conference, running from Sunday to Wednesday, became so contentious that multiple Catholic institutions have publicly distanced themselves from the event.

    Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and data analytics firm Palantir, has long demonstrated fascination with apocalyptic themes. The billionaire, an early supporter of Vice President JD Vance’s political career, previously explored these concepts in a November essay for Catholic magazine First Things, where he pondered: ‘Christians debated these prophecies for millennia. Who was the Antichrist? When would he arrive? What would he preach?’

    Initial reports suggested the lectures would occur at Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum), Pope Leo XIV’s alma mater. However, the institution issued a formal denial: ‘We would like to clarify that this event is not organized by the University, will not take place at the Angelicum, and is not part of any of our institutional initiatives.’

    Organizational responsibility now appears divided between Italy’s Vincenzo Gioberti Cultural Association and Washington’s Cluny Institute at Catholic University of America. While the Gioberti group confirmed participation, CUA representatives emphasized that the Cluny Project operates as ‘an independent initiative incubated at the university.’

    Thiel’s lectures mirror a similar series delivered in San Francisco last September, examining the Antichrist through interdisciplinary lenses including technology, theology, and political philosophy. The tech billionaire approaches the concept as a framework for understanding humanity’s existential challenges, drawing from thinkers including René Girard and Carl Schmitt.

    The controversy extends beyond theological circles given Thiel’s political connections. His company Palantir maintains contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while his protege JD Vance recently faced theological criticism from Pope Francis regarding immigration policies. Months before his papacy, Pope Leo XIV shared an article criticizing Vance’s interpretation of Christian love hierarchies, creating ongoing tension between Vatican doctrine and Thiel’s intellectual circle.

  • Iran’s new supreme leader says US bases in Gulf must close or will be attacked

    Iran’s new supreme leader says US bases in Gulf must close or will be attacked

    In his inaugural address as Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has delivered a stark warning to regional powers, demanding the immediate closure of all US military installations throughout the Middle East. The statement, broadcast through Iran’s state-controlled IRIB network, marked the first public communication from the successor to the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    The reclusive leader, who had remained unseen since the outbreak of recent hostilities, articulated a dual-track approach to regional relations. While expressing Tehran’s commitment to ‘unity and warm relations with its neighbors,’ Khamenei simultaneously issued an unambiguous threat: ‘The countries of the region must close down the US military bases; otherwise, we will be forced to attack them again.’

    Strategic waterways emerged as a central component of Iran’s declared defense strategy. Khamenei explicitly reaffirmed Iran’s continued utilization of the ‘lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz’ – the critical maritime passage through which approximately 20% of global oil output and one-third of liquefied natural gas shipments transit. This declaration follows over a week of effective closure, with Iranian forces threatening to attack any vessel attempting navigation through the strategic chokepoint.

    The new Supreme Leader outlined an expanded conception of military engagement, referencing ‘other fronts’ where Iran possesses strategic advantages. He specifically acknowledged potential coordination with Ansar Allah (Houthi) forces in Yemen and armed factions in Iraq, though concrete intervention from these groups remains unconfirmed.

    Khamenei announced comprehensive support measures for conflict casualties, promising free medical treatment and financial compensation funded through war reparations. In a significant escalation of financial rhetoric, he declared: ‘We will take war reparations from the enemy for the war it imposed on us. If the enemy refuses, we will seize as much of its assets as we deem appropriate; and if that is not possible, we will destroy an equivalent amount of its property.’

    The leadership transition follows the February 28th airstrike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several family members, including the new leader’s wife Zahra Adel, his mother Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, and other relatives. Born in 1969 in the religious center of Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei represents both dynastic continuity and theological legitimacy as the grandson of Shia scholar Sayyed Javad Khamenei.

    His background reflects deep integration within Iran’s power structures. Educated in Qom’s prestigious seminaries under prominent Islamic scholars, Khamenei built his reputation through theological teaching rather than governmental service. His marriage to Zahra Haddad-Adel, daughter of influential conservative politician Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, further solidified his position within Iran’s ruling elite, despite his avoidance of elected office.