Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • ‘I just want him home’, says wife of Irish man detained by ICE

    ‘I just want him home’, says wife of Irish man detained by ICE

    An Irish citizen’s extended detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has drawn significant attention to immigration enforcement practices and consular protection efforts. Seamus Culleton, who entered the United States in 2009 through the visa waiver program, was apprehended by immigration authorities in September 2025 while finalizing his green card application process.

    Culleton’s spouse, Tiffany Smith, emotionally recounted the profound distress caused by her husband’s detention during a recent press conference. “The experience has been completely overwhelming,” Smith stated, emphasizing her desire to have her husband “home where he belongs.” She reported concerning deterioration in Culleton’s health during her visit two weeks prior, describing significant weight loss and apparent jaundice.

    The detained individual, originally from County Kilkenny’s Glenmore area, has established substantial ties to the United States over his 18-year residence. Culleton operates a plastering business in the Boston region and is married to an American citizen. His legal representative, Ogor Winnie Okoye, has formally requested immediate release to enable completion of the green card application process.

    From the El Paso detention facility, Culleton provided disturbing accounts of living conditions, characterizing them as squalid and inadequate. He described confinement with 71 other detainees in cramped quarters, insufficient nutrition, and severely limited access to outdoor recreation. “The uncertainty is terrifying—you never know what each day might bring,” Culleton conveyed during an interview with RTÉ’s Liveline.

    The case has escalated to diplomatic levels, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledging multiple instances of Irish citizens in ICE custody. The Irish government has adopted a cautious approach, with Martin emphasizing the necessity of effective assistance that doesn’t inadvertently worsen the situation. Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee confirmed consular assistance through the Austin Consulate General and diplomatic engagement with Homeland Security officials in Washington.

    ICE officials presented a contrasting narrative through Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who characterized Culleton as an “illegal alien” who received full due process and was issued a removal order. McLaughlin asserted that Culleton elected to remain in custody despite being offered voluntary departure to Ireland. The administration’s stance maintains that detention represents a choice for individuals with pending applications, and highlighted a program offering financial incentives for self-deportation.

    The case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and humanitarian considerations, with significant implications for bilateral relations and consular protection protocols.

  • India’s Ashwin defends Pakistan’s Usman Tariq after bowling controversy

    India’s Ashwin defends Pakistan’s Usman Tariq after bowling controversy

    In a notable display of sportsmanship transcending cricket’s fiercest rivalry, Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has vocally defended Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq against mounting criticism over his unconventional bowling action. The controversy ignited following Pakistan’s 32-run victory over the USA on Tuesday, a match where Tariq’s three-wicket haul (3/27) proved instrumental.

  • Cross-Strait affairs should be settled ‘like family’, official says

    Cross-Strait affairs should be settled ‘like family’, official says

    A senior Chinese official has framed cross-Strait relations as internal family matters that should be resolved through mutual consultation, during a special Lunar New Year gathering with approximately 200 Taiwanese compatriots in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

    Song Tao, who leads both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed business representatives and residents from Jinmen and Matsu islands at Wednesday’s symposium. He emphasized that matters between the mainland and Taiwan constitute domestic affairs that must be settled “like family” without external interference.

    The official pledged enhanced economic opportunities for Taiwanese enterprises during China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), promising expanded market access and deeper reform initiatives to help Taiwan businesses establish stronger roots on the mainland.

    Striking a firm tone on national sovereignty, Song underscored the imperative of protecting what he termed the “common home” and preserving its assets. He explicitly called for opposition to what he characterized as separatist “Taiwan independence” activities, urging compatriots on both sides of the Strait to uphold national interests and work collectively toward the goal of reunification.

    The festive gathering, which brought together Taiwanese compatriots to celebrate the approaching Lunar New Year, served as both a symbolic gesture of cross-Strait kinship and a platform for reinforcing Beijing’s consistent position on Taiwan relations.

  • Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly exposed a sophisticated begging syndicate operating within the country, revealing how organized networks generate substantial illicit revenues through professionalized panhandling operations. The minister shared compelling video evidence demonstrating how begging has evolved into a highly profitable criminal enterprise.

    The footage, disseminated via social media platforms, captures a revealing interaction between an interviewer and a child beggar. During the exchange, the minor discloses astonishing financial details: he and his three siblings collectively generate approximately PKR 12,000 daily through coordinated begging activities. Most notably, the child admits his brother’s physical disability is entirely performative—a carefully crafted deception to elicit sympathy and increase donations.

    Minister Asif characterized this operation as a fully organized profession managed by formal contractors who systematically recruit children, women, and individuals pretending to be disabled. These criminal networks allegedly generate billions in revenue while exporting beggars to Gulf nations by the thousands. The minister further alleged complicity among airport staff and law enforcement agencies, suggesting the operation thrives through institutional patronage.

    The consequences have been severe at the international level. Gulf countries, frustrated by the systematic exploitation of their visa systems, have begun restricting entry for Pakistani citizens. Official data from Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development substantiates these concerns, documenting over 7,800 deportations between 2019 and 2025 specifically related to begging charges.

    In response to this crisis, Pakistani authorities implemented stringent countermeasures in 2025, including the cancellation of passports for deportees involved in begging-related offenses. The interviewer featured in the viral video urged citizens to reconsider charitable giving practices, particularly during Ramadan, suggesting direct support to known individuals facing genuine medical or financial hardships rather than funding criminal begging operations.

  • UAE leads Mena M&A boom as regional dealmaking surges 26% in 2025

    UAE leads Mena M&A boom as regional dealmaking surges 26% in 2025

    The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as the epicenter of Middle Eastern and North African merger and acquisition activity, catalyzing a remarkable 26% surge in regional transactions during 2025. According to EY’s comprehensive Mena M&A Insights report, the region witnessed 884 deals valued at $106.1 billion, marking a substantial increase from the previous year’s 701 transactions.

    The UAE’s dominance was particularly striking, accounting for nearly half of all inbound investment volume and an extraordinary 92% of total inbound value. The nation led domestic dealmaking with 131 local transactions—more than any other Mena country—while simultaneously attracting the region’s most substantial acquisitions. This dual strength demonstrates the Emirates’ unique position as both an originator and destination for strategic investments.

    Cross-border transactions continued to shape the Mena landscape, representing 54% of deal count and 61% of total value. Sovereign wealth funds including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Mubadala, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund emerged as pivotal players, deploying substantial capital for acquisitions within and beyond the region.

    The year’s landmark transactions underscored the UAE’s sectoral diversity. The monumental $16.5 billion acquisition of a 64% stake in petrochemicals company Borouge by Austrian energy group OMV and subsidiary Borelis ranked as the largest deal. This was followed by L’IMAD Holding Company’s $13.8 billion purchase of an 84.76% stake in Modon Holding, and Multiply Group’s $7.7 billion acquisition of 42.2% of 2PointZero.

    Inbound investment surged dramatically, with volume increasing 37% to 223 deals and value more than doubling to $25.4 billion. Austria emerged as the standout international investor, responsible for 65% of inbound value through just three chemical-sector transactions. Outbound activity similarly strengthened, climbing 29% to 256 deals worth $39.2 billion, with government-related entities from the UAE and Saudi Arabia accounting for 64% of this value.

    Technology and diversified industrial products served as the region’s primary growth engines, contributing 38% of overall deal volume. Real estate—including hospitality and leisure—and asset management represented more than half of disclosed domestic deal value, signaling robust investor appetite for long-term assets.

    Despite global political uncertainties and transformative technological shifts, the Mena M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience. The UAE’s stable regulatory environment, expanding trade volumes, and economic diversification have positioned it as the region’s preeminent investment destination, cementing its status as an emerging global FDI powerhouse.

  • Milei takes on Argentina’s unions, drawing protests as senators debate his labor overhaul

    Milei takes on Argentina’s unions, drawing protests as senators debate his labor overhaul

    BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s capital witnessed intense confrontations on Wednesday as thousands of unionized workers mobilized against President Javier Milei’s proposed labor reforms, creating a volatile atmosphere outside the National Congress where senators engaged in heated debates over the controversial legislation.

    The massive demonstration, organized by the country’s most influential trade unions, resulted in significant traffic disruptions and violent clashes with security forces. Police deployed water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who responded with petrol bombs, stones, and other projectiles. According to Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, two individuals were apprehended for assaulting police officers during the confrontations.

    This dramatic showdown highlights the profound sensitivity surrounding workers’ rights in Argentina, a nation where Peronism—a populist movement that has consistently positioned itself as the defender of labor interests—has dominated political discourse since the 1940s.

    Proponents of Milei’s labor modernization initiative attribute Argentina’s stagnant private sector job creation over the past two decades to excessively high payroll taxes, an overly complex severance payment system, and national wage agreements that restrict company-level negotiations. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce greater flexibility by limiting strike rights, extending employee trial periods, diminishing the influence of national trade federations in collective bargaining, and reducing severance compensation.

    Business organizations contend these changes would stimulate critically needed foreign investment and promote formal employment in a country where approximately half of all workers operate in the informal economy without legal protections.

    However, the reforms face vehement opposition from labor unions and their political allies, who argue the measures would dismantle essential worker protections developed over decades. The General Confederation of Labour, the nation’s largest trade union grouping that coordinated Wednesday’s protests, condemned the legislation as ‘austerity for the workers’ rather than genuine modernization.

    The Senate deliberation was anticipated to continue through the night, with the legislation scheduled to advance to the lower house of Congress for further debate next month if approved.

  • Real Madrid, Bayern Munich to play in Dubai Intercontinental U13 Cup

    Real Madrid, Bayern Munich to play in Dubai Intercontinental U13 Cup

    Dubai elevates its status as a premier destination for youth sports development with the commencement of the ninth Dubai Intercontinental Cup for Under-13 Football on Thursday. The tournament, backed by the Dubai Sports Council, showcases an unprecedented gathering of 32 international and domestic teams competing across eight groups from February 12-15.

    European football giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich headline a stellar participant list that includes Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, Ajax, and Brazil’s Flamengo, alongside leading Emirati clubs. The competition format mirrors a ‘mini World Cup,’ providing young athletes with elite competitive exposure.

    At the official press conference held at Emirates Towers, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasized the event’s strategic importance: ‘This tournament embodies our leadership’s directive to invest in youth development. It serves as a technical laboratory where Emirati talent can benchmark against global football academies, essential for measuring progress and refining development pathways.’

    The tournament has evolved into a recognized brand that extends beyond football, offering participants valuable life experiences through cultural exchange and discipline, as noted by former Spanish international Michel Salgado. Real Madrid’s sporting director Santiago Solari highlighted the critical importance of tactical education at this formative age level.

    Complementing the competition, organizers conducted a specialized workshop focusing on talent recruitment methodologies, selection criteria, and sustainable development frameworks, reinforcing the event’s institutional commitment to structured youth development.

    Group stage analysis reveals compelling matchups: Ajax heads Group A with UAE’s Al Nasr, Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia, and Dribbles SC. Group B features Spain’s Celta Vigo alongside Iris Sports, Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia, and Fursan Hispania (B). Flamengo anchors Group C with Inglesia FC, Mondial FA, and Italy’s Levante Azzurro. Bayern Munich leads Group D with Latvia’s Riga FC, Elite SS, and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.

    Chelsea commands Group E with Italy’s Lombardero, Netherlands’ VV Baronie, and UAE’s Al Wasl. Real Madrid tops Group F alongside Russia’s Rodina Moscow, Al Wahda, and the specially assembled Dubai TC under-12 selection team. AC Milan dominates Group G with United FC, Romania’s Universitatea Craiova, and Sharjah. Group H showcases Argentina’s Racing Club, Spain’s Fursan Hispania, Ajman, and Ultimate Integral FC.

  • Fertiglobe earnings top $1b in 2025, reflecting 57 per cent y-o-y growth

    Fertiglobe earnings top $1b in 2025, reflecting 57 per cent y-o-y growth

    Fertiglobe, recognized as the world’s premier seaborne exporter of urea and ammonia products, has announced exceptional financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025. The company, which serves as the exclusive ammonia platform for Adnoc and XRG, demonstrated remarkable growth with Q4 revenues surging 73% year-over-year to $808 million.

    The full-year performance proved even more impressive, with annual revenues climbing 41% to $2.8 billion. Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.02 billion, representing a substantial 57% increase compared to 2024 figures. Net profit attributable to shareholders saw extraordinary growth, escalating by 87% to $325 million for the year.

    Reflecting this robust financial performance, Fertiglobe’s Board has recommended second-half 2025 dividends of $135 million (6.1 fils per share), bringing total dividends for the year to $260 million. Combined with $74 million in share buybacks executed to date, the company has returned $334 million to shareholders in 2025 alone. This capital return strategy demonstrates Fertiglobe’s commitment to delivering competitive shareholder yields exceeding 5%.

    Since its initial public offering, Fertiglobe has paid or committed to pay $2.9 billion in capital returns to shareholders. The company’s ongoing share repurchase program, targeting 2.5% of outstanding shares, has already resulted in the buyback of 111 million shares worth $74 million as of February 10, 2026.

    The company’s financial position remains strong with a net debt of $1,006 million as of December 31, 2025, representing a conservative net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.0x. This solid balance sheet provides Fertiglobe with ample flexibility to pursue strategic growth investments while maintaining attractive shareholder distributions.

    CEO Ahmed El-Hoshy attributed this success to disciplined execution of the Grow 2030 strategy, noting that ‘we have already activated more than 40% of our 2030 growth target.’ The strategy has focused on operational efficiency improvements, record production levels at facilities in Algeria and EFC-2, significant cost reductions, and strategic portfolio expansion.

    Under Adnoc’s majority ownership, Fertiglobe has strengthened both its industrial and financial foundations, implementing 99% of cost optimization targets and advancing manufacturing improvement plans that have delivered 46% of planned reliability and energy efficiency gains. Strategic acquisitions, including Wengfu Australia, have expanded Fertiglobe’s global footprint while production scale-up of Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Automotive Grade Urea in Egypt and the UAE has created more resilient, higher-margin revenue streams.

    The company remains well-positioned to capitalize on tight urea and ammonia markets, with current prices exceeding $500/t for Egypt FOB urea and $670/t for NW Europe ammonia. Fertiglobe’s outstanding safety performance in 2025 further underscores the comprehensive transformation underway across all operational aspects as the company progresses toward its zero-incident safety目标.

  • Oman announces Ramadan start date as per astronomical calculations

    Oman announces Ramadan start date as per astronomical calculations

    The Sultanate of Oman has officially determined the commencement date for Ramadan 1447 through advanced astronomical calculations, establishing February 19, 2026, as the first day of the holy month. This announcement comes several days before the traditional global moon sighting event scheduled for February 17.

    The nation’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting provided scientific justification for their decision, explaining that on February 17 (corresponding to Shaban 29, 1447), the moon will set before or simultaneously with sunset across all Omani governorates. This celestial alignment makes visual detection of the crescent moon astronomically impossible throughout the Sultanate.

    Citing established principles that prioritize scientific certainty over contradictory reports, the Committee confirmed Wednesday, February 18 will mark the final day of Shaban, with Ramadan commencing the following day. This methodology aligns with neighboring UAE findings, where Sharjah’s Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology similarly concluded that crescent sighting on February 17 would be impossible even using advanced telescopic equipment across most Islamic regions.

    The coordinated scientific approach between Gulf nations demonstrates a growing trend toward harmonizing religious observance with astronomical precision, ensuring unified regional observance of Islam’s holiest month while maintaining respect for traditional moon sighting practices elsewhere in the Muslim world.

  • Deyaar profit before tax rises 26% in 2025 on positive investor sentiment and ambitious pipeline

    Deyaar profit before tax rises 26% in 2025 on positive investor sentiment and ambitious pipeline

    Dubai’s prominent real estate developer Deyaar Development PJSC has announced exceptional financial results for the full year 2025, demonstrating significant growth across key performance indicators. The company reported a substantial 26% increase in pre-tax profits, reaching Dh637.9 million compared to Dh505.4 million in the previous year. Revenue performance was equally impressive, climbing 30% to Dh1,972.1 million from Dh1,512.8 million in 2024.

    The company’s financial strength is further evidenced by a 17% expansion in total assets, which grew to Dh8,027.6 million as of December 31, 2025, up from Dh6,832.9 million a year earlier. This asset growth reflects Deyaar’s strategic investments and ongoing enhancements to its property portfolio quality.

    Deyaar maintains a robust development pipeline valued at approximately Dh7 billion, positioning the company for sustained future revenue generation and the continued delivery of high-quality real estate projects. In recognition of this strong financial performance, the Board of Directors has proposed a 5% dividend distribution, subject to approval at the upcoming General Assembly.

    Board Chairman Abdulla Ali Obaid Al Hamli attributed the company’s success to favorable market fundamentals within the UAE’s real estate sector, supported by long-term national strategies that have cultivated one of the world’s most resilient property markets. He highlighted sustained demand, rising population growth, and exceptional market liquidity across both off-plan and ready property segments as key drivers of the sector’s strength.

    CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami emphasized Deyaar’s strategic alignment with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, initiatives that are driving population growth, infrastructure expansion, and sustained housing demand. He noted that Dubai’s record-breaking Dh917 billion in real estate transactions during 2025 demonstrates the emirate’s unwavering commitment to excellence in property development.

    The company is advancing several landmark projects, including Downtown Residences, launched in June 2025 as one of the UAE’s tallest vertical residential communities, representing Deyaar’s strategic entry into the high-rise ultra-luxury segment. Additionally, the final phase of the Park Five community at Dubai Production City was launched in September 2025, with completion targeted for December 2027.