Global Pulse

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  • US presidents gather to honour Jesse Jackson at memorial service

    US presidents gather to honour Jesse Jackson at memorial service

    Chicago witnessed a historic convergence of political power and cultural influence as the nation bid farewell to Reverend Jesse Jackson, the tenacious civil rights leader who passed away last month. The memorial service transformed into both a celebration of Jackson’s monumental legacy and an implicit commentary on contemporary political tensions.

    Three former U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton—joined Vice President Kamala Harris in delivering heartfelt tributes that underscored Jackson’s enduring impact on American democracy. Obama’s eulogy took on particular significance as he addressed current challenges to democratic institutions without directly naming former President Donald Trump, stating, ‘Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions.’

    Harris received a standing ovation for her remarks, which similarly contained pointed observations about the current political landscape. ‘I predicted a lot of what is happening right now,’ she noted, adding that navigating these times without Jackson’s guidance presented particular challenges.

    The service highlighted Jackson’s multifaceted legacy: his work alongside Martin Luther King Jr., his groundbreaking presidential campaigns that broke barriers for Black politicians, and his founding of the Rainbow PUSH coalition that continues advocacy work for social justice. Bill Clinton shared personal recollections of Jackson’s support during his impeachment proceedings, illustrating the reverend’s commitment to standing by allies during difficult times.

    Cultural tributes featured performances by Jennifer Hudson and Opal Staples, while prominent figures from entertainment (filmmaker Tyler Perry) and sports (NBA legend Isiah Thomas) joined thousands of Chicago residents in honoring the activist. Reverend Al Sharpton, Jackson’s longtime colleague in the civil rights movement, also delivered remarks celebrating his friend’s uncompromising commitment to justice.

    The celebration emphasized Jackson’s characteristic impatience with injustice—a quality Harris highlighted when noting that Jackson ‘did not waste time waiting, even when the doors in front of him were barred and bolted.’ This public memorial precedes a private family service scheduled for the weekend, marking the final chapter in commemorating a figure who shaped decades of American civil rights advancement.

  • Iran has ability to prolong war on US and Israel, says military expert

    Iran has ability to prolong war on US and Israel, says military expert

    According to military analyst Arman Mahmoudian from the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute, Iran possesses the capability to maintain its military response against the United States and Israel for several weeks through strategic adjustments to its missile deployment tactics.

    In an exclusive interview with Middle East Eye, Mahmoudian revealed that Iran’s substantial missile stockpile could support a prolonged engagement in the ongoing conflict initiated by US and Israeli forces on February 28th. The expert specializing in Iran’s military doctrine emphasized that the critical factor would be reducing the volume of missiles launched in individual attacks.

    “By limiting each barrage to under fifty missiles, Iran could potentially extend this confrontation for multiple weeks,” Mahmoudian stated. “The nation maintains a considerable inventory of projectiles, particularly short-range systems, especially advantageous given the expanded battlefield across the Middle Eastern theater.”

    However, the military strategist acknowledged a significant tactical trade-off: scaled-down attacks would correspondingly diminish their destructive impact. “Reducing missile quantities per strike inevitably decreases the operational costs for adversaries, particularly for Israel given its geographical distance from Iranian launch sites,” he explained.

    Mahmoudian identified two primary operational challenges hindering Iran’s missile deployment capabilities—issues that previously emerged during the June 2025 twelve-day bombing campaign by Israeli and US forces. “Iran confronts twin obstacles: the systematic destruction of launch platforms by US and Israeli strikes, and the frequently overlooked difficulty of accessing missiles stored in subterranean facilities,” he elaborated.

    The Israeli military reported disabling over 300 ballistic missile launchers as of Thursday. Iran’s underground arsenal is housed in heavily fortified “missile cities” and deep storage facilities. During the previous conflict, Israeli precision strikes targeted entrance points to these bases, significantly impeding Iran’s ability to retrieve and deploy its missiles.

    “Israeli operations effectively sealed access points to these underground facilities,” Mahmoudian described. “Iran’s retrieval capabilities were substantially compromised, creating an ongoing cycle where Iranian forces attempt to reopen access routes while US and Israeli forces systematically reclose them.”

    Should the conflict persist and launcher destruction continue, Mahmoudian suggested Iran might employ improvised solutions, including converting commercial trucks into mobile missile platforms. “This concept has been previously proposed and occasionally implemented,” he noted, “though such adaptations require time and specialized facilities vulnerable to allied targeting.”

    Regarding US involvement, recent developments indicate the conflict may prove more costly than initially anticipated. Mahmoudian referenced reports that the White House is seeking an additional $50 billion in wartime funding, while simultaneously Arab nations are requesting ammunition replenishment for their defense systems.

    “The substantial budget request, coupled with regional ammunition needs, demonstrates the significant economic impact of Iran’s offensive capabilities,” the analyst stated. He also observed intensified US strikes over recent days, suggesting Washington aims to cripple Iran’s offensive military infrastructure.

    Mahmoudian dismissed the possibility of direct Russian intervention, citing multiple strategic considerations. “Russia benefits economically from this conflict through elevated oil prices and disrupted East Asian markets,” he explained. “Additionally, prolonged hostilities might force European nations to redirect ammunition and defense systems originally destined for Ukraine to Arab allies.”

    The expert further noted Moscow’s desire to secure favorable terms from Washington regarding Ukraine negotiations, making direct confrontation over Iran undesirable. Russia maintains extensive relationships with both Israel and Persian Gulf nations, with significant cultural and historical ties to Israel including a substantial Russian-speaking population and previous military technology cooperation.

    “Israel has consistently avoided crossing Russian red lines,” Mahmoudian emphasized, “whether by withholding Iron Dome technology from Ukraine or carefully avoiding Russian facilities during Syrian operations.”

  • Inside the secret US-led talks to solve the Western Sahara conflict

    Inside the secret US-led talks to solve the Western Sahara conflict

    The United States has embarked on an intensified diplomatic initiative to resolve the decades-long Western Sahara conflict, convening three clandestine meetings between Morocco and Polisario Front representatives since autumn 2023. This marks the first direct engagement between the primary antagonists in years, though Middle East Eye’s diplomatic sources indicate the process has proven more challenging than anticipated.

    President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to position itself as a peacemaker in Africa, mirroring its approach to other global conflicts. Washington aims to broker a solution that satisfies Moroccan territorial claims without alienating Algeria, the key supporter of the Sahrawi independence movement.

    The negotiations have occurred at the foreign minister level, with minimal progress reported. The core disagreements center on the degree of autonomy for the region and the involvement of the Sahrawi people in determining their political future.

    Historical context reveals a conflict originating from Spain’s 1975 withdrawal from its last African colony. The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, with Morocco controlling 80% of the land since a 1991 ceasefire. The sparsely populated 266,000 sqkm desert region hosts approximately 600,000 inhabitants, predominantly Moroccan soldiers, with indigenous Sahrawis numbering fewer than 50,000. An additional 165,000 Sahrawis live as refugees in Algerian camps.

    Trump’s December 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara—in exchange for Morocco joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel—marked a significant policy shift. This position was reinforced in October 2024 through UN Resolution 2797, which endorsed autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a feasible solution. Russia and China abstained from voting.

    Morocco’s expanded autonomy proposal, developed by royal advisers and extending to 38 pages in January 2024, forms the basis of current negotiations. US envoy Massad Boulos facilitated meetings in Washington and Madrid, attended by diplomatic representatives from Morocco, Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania.

    The negotiations face fundamental divisions: Morocco seeks to maintain sovereignty with limited autonomy, while the Polisario Front demands self-determination through referendum and associated state status similar to Puerto Rico’s relationship with the US. The Sahrawi delegation insists any agreement must be ratified exclusively by the Sahrawi people, while Morocco proposes constitutional reform approved by all Moroccan citizens.

    Underlying tensions include concerns that successful autonomy in Western Sahara could inspire similar demands in other Moroccan regions, and Algeria’s strategic interest in maintaining influence through the Polisario Front. The US ultimately aims to reconcile Algeria and Morocco to counter Chinese influence in Africa, though no breakthrough appears imminent. No fourth meeting has been scheduled, indicating the diplomatic process remains stalled.

  • Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding

    Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding

    Israeli authorities have implemented an unprecedented closure of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, prohibiting Friday prayers while permitting Jewish Purim celebrations to proceed elsewhere in the city. The move, justified as a security precaution amid ongoing conflict with Iran, has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian communities and religious officials who view it as an intentional effort to empty the Islamic holy site of worshippers.

    Aouni Bazbaz, director of international affairs at the Islamic Waqf which administers the mosque, warned Middle East Eye that prolonged closure risks serious consequences. “The continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for a prolonged period, particularly when normalcy returns elsewhere, could carry risks and future consequences that cannot be ignored,” Bazbaz stated. He expressed concern that extended restrictions might heighten regional tensions and establish a dangerous precedent for future worship access.

    The closure implemented shortly after Israel launched military operations against Iran has limited access to only a small number of mosque staff. Israeli forces have deployed at the Old City gates, preventing non-residents from entering while allowing shopkeepers and residents restricted access. This contrasts sharply with typical Ramadan periods when thousands of Palestinian worshippers crowd the mosque complex.

    Jerusalem-based activist Fakhri Abu Diab challenged the official security justification, telling MEE: “The police and government do not care about protecting us—there are no bomb shelters for Palestinians in Jerusalem.” He characterized the closure as attempting to create a new reality where Israel controls access to the Islamic holy site, pushing Palestinians away from their right to worship.

    The situation highlights the ongoing erosion of the international arrangement governing Al-Aqsa Mosque as an exclusively Islamic site. Since Israel’s 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem, Palestinians have witnessed gradual restrictions on Muslim access while Israeli control has expanded. Researchers specializing in Jerusalem affairs suggest the closure represents part of a broader effort to marginalize the Islamic role at the site and potentially isolate the mosque from its worshippers permanently.

    International law considerations further complicate the situation, as Israel’s control over East Jerusalem violates principles stipulating that occupying powers cannot exercise sovereignty or make permanent changes in occupied territories. The Islamic Waqf has not yet issued an official statement, but concerns grow that temporary measures may evolve into permanent arrangements altering access patterns to one of Islam’s most significant religious sites.

  • Xinjiang to use geographical advantage to expand opening-up

    Xinjiang to use geographical advantage to expand opening-up

    Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is strategically positioning itself as a pivotal hub in global trade networks by capitalizing on its unique geographical advantages, according to Zheng Jun, a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress and secretary of the Party Leadership Group of Xinjiang’s Department of Finance. Speaking during the ongoing two sessions in Beijing, Zheng outlined how the region’s transformation from a peripheral territory to a central trade corridor is driving unprecedented growth in foreign commerce.

    The region’s foreign trade has demonstrated remarkable acceleration, surging from 156.9 billion yuan ($22.72 billion) in 2020 to break successive thresholds of 200, 300, 400, and 500 billion yuan between 2022 and 2025. The year 2025 alone witnessed a record 520.37 billion yuan in total trade volume, representing a 19.9 percent year-on-year increase that positioned Xinjiang as China’s fastest-growing regional trade economy.

    This explosive growth stems from multiple synergistic factors: strategic location along the Asia-Europe transport corridor, enhanced logistical efficiency, robust industrial support, and favorable policy frameworks. Xinjiang has established commercial relationships with 228 countries and territories, continuously expanding its global economic partnerships.

    A significant structural transformation is underway in the region’s export composition. Where previously dominated by energy and raw materials, Xinjiang now increasingly exports high-value manufactured goods featuring advanced technology and deep processing capabilities. Mechanical and electrical product exports reached 186.5 billion yuan in 2025, surging 40.7 percent annually, while electric vehicle exports grew 99.9 percent and solar cell exports expanded 187.4 percent.

    The region has developed a comprehensive international logistics network integrating rail, road, and air transportation, consolidating its status as a cross-border logistics hub. This infrastructure enables accelerated domestic logistics and facilitates rapid connection between Xinjiang-manufactured products and global markets.

    Looking toward the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Xinjiang plans to accelerate institutional opening-up and deepen integration between trade and investment sectors. The region aims to achieve high-quality development in foreign trade through steady expansion in scale, diversification of market participants, and continuous optimization of trade structures.

  • Trump says only ‘unconditional surrender’ will end war on Iran

    Trump says only ‘unconditional surrender’ will end war on Iran

    Former President Donald Trump has declared that only Iran’s “unconditional surrender” would halt his proposed offensive against the nation. Through his Truth Social platform, Trump explicitly ruled out any diplomatic negotiations, stating there would be “no deal” without complete capitulation.

    Following surrender, Trump outlined his vision for Iran’s reconstruction under new leadership selected with his direct involvement. He promised to work with allied nations to restore Iran economically, making it “bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”

    This rhetoric coincides with emerging operational plans within the U.S. security apparatus. Politico reported that U.S. Central Command has formally requested additional military intelligence officers from the Pentagon to bolster its Tampa headquarters. These reinforcements would support Iran-focused operations for at least 100 days, potentially extending through September, indicating preparations for a prolonged campaign far beyond initial public projections.

    This intelligence personnel surge represents the Trump administration’s first documented move to expand military resources specifically for potential conflict with Iran. The request suggests Washington anticipates an extended engagement contrary to earlier communications.

    Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to directly influence Iran’s political future, citing Venezuela as a model for his preferred approach to foreign intervention. He praised Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez’s cooperation regarding oil exports, noting “the Oil is beginning to flow” through their collaborative arrangement.

    Analysts observe that Trump appears to seek a similar understanding with Iran, though they caution against direct comparisons between Venezuela and the complex geopolitical landscape of Iran. The Islamic Republic’s entrenched governance structure, maintained since the 1979 revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah, presents fundamentally different challenges than Venezuela’s situation.

  • AI set to transform high-speed rail, adviser says

    AI set to transform high-speed rail, adviser says

    China is positioning artificial intelligence as the transformative force behind the next evolution of its massive high-speed railway network, according to senior advisor Zhao Hongwei. As the country shifts from rapid infrastructure expansion to quality-focused development, AI technologies are emerging as critical drivers for operational excellence in the world’s largest high-speed rail system.

    Zhao, who serves as chief researcher at the China Academy of Railway Sciences and member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, revealed that railway authorities have implemented an “AI Plus Railways” action plan to accelerate technological integration. This strategic initiative includes the deployment of a railway-specific large AI model currently in pilot testing phase.

    The practical applications already demonstrate significant advancements. Sophisticated imaging systems installed along tracks capture detailed photographs of passing trains, with AI algorithms analyzing these images to identify potential component failures before they escalate into serious issues. This predictive maintenance capability allows engineers to address abnormalities proactively, substantially reducing downtime and improving safety margins.

    Beyond equipment monitoring, AI systems provide comprehensive situational awareness along railway corridors. Advanced detection algorithms can identify obstacles near tracks and even detect wildlife intrusions into operational areas, enabling controllers to mitigate risks before they impact train movements. These capabilities are particularly valuable given the network’s enormous scale, with approximately 4,000 high-speed trains operating nearly 10,000 daily services across more than 50,000 kilometers of dedicated high-speed lines.

    Looking toward future innovations, China has successfully tested autonomous train operations at speeds reaching 350 kilometers per hour. The next generation of trains, including the CR450 prototype currently undergoing testing, will incorporate increasingly sophisticated intelligent functions. These systems will assist human operators in identifying technical problems, optimizing energy consumption, and supporting complex operational decisions.

    Concurrent research initiatives are advancing key infrastructure technologies capable of supporting 400 km/h operations, while new 200 km/h power-concentrated trains have entered operational testing phases. With China’s overall railway network expanding to approximately 165,000 kilometers by the end of 2025 and handling 4.26 billion passenger trips annually, intelligent technologies are becoming indispensable for maintaining both efficiency and safety across this vast transportation ecosystem.

  • Shanxi strengthens Yellow River basin governance

    Shanxi strengthens Yellow River basin governance

    Shanxi Province has announced ambitious new measures to intensify ecological governance throughout the Yellow River basin, balancing environmental security with sustainable economic development. The initiative emerged from high-level discussions during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, where provincial leadership outlined their comprehensive vision for regional transformation.

    Tang Dengjie, NPC Deputy and Provincial Party Secretary, emphasized the critical importance of basin-wide ecological conservation, advocating for continued carbon reduction initiatives and a sweeping green transition across industrial sectors. Governor Lu Dongliang concurrently highlighted energy transition as a cornerstone of the province’s five-year development strategy, stressing the dual objectives of maintaining energy security while advancing environmental protection.

    The province’s environmental record during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) demonstrates significant progress, with ecological indicators reaching historic highs. Official data reveals a remarkable 28% reduction in the comprehensive air quality index, while days with good air quality reached 81.4% – unprecedented levels since monitoring began.

    Linfen City, situated entirely within the Yellow River basin, exemplifies this transformation. Municipal Party Secretary Li Yunfeng characterized Linfen as a microcosm of provincial environmental efforts, detailing the city’s journey from severe pollution to emerging ecological leadership. “Previously, residents routinely wore masks during autumn and winter and avoided light-colored clothing outdoors due to pollution,” Li recalled, noting how environmental degradation once negatively impacted both public health and economic performance.

    The city’s turnaround strategy involved shuttering high-energy-consuming enterprises, including the phase-out of 9.15 million tons of coking capacity and 220,000 tons of crude steel production over five years. These measures eliminated heavy pollution enterprises within the city and surrounding areas. Additionally, Linfen has initiated 95 Yellow River purification projects – the highest number in the province – including water conservancy hubs and pumped storage power stations.

    Looking toward the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Shanxi plans to intensify its green development model. Linfen specifically aims to transform into a demonstration city for ecological conservation through accelerated energy transition, economic diversification, and advanced digital upgrades for traditional industries. The city has already completed intelligent transformations for most steel, coking, and foundry enterprises, with over 86% of bulk goods in traditional industries now transported via clean methods. Concurrently, the province is developing modern agriculture and cultural tourism projects along the Yellow River to create sustainable economic alternatives.

  • Inside Venezuela’s political transition two months after Maduro’s ousting

    Inside Venezuela’s political transition two months after Maduro’s ousting

    Two months following the departure of President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela stands at a critical juncture in its political evolution. BBC correspondent Ione Wells provides exclusive ground reporting from Caracas, capturing the nation’s complex transition phase. The political landscape has been markedly altered by the release of numerous opposition figures previously detained under Maduro’s administration. These newly freed leaders are now actively engaging in dialogues concerning the nation’s governance framework and its future trajectory. A central focus of these discussions involves redefining Venezuela’s international stance, particularly its diplomatic and economic relations with the United States. Wells’ reporting indicates significant shifts in power dynamics as various political factions negotiate their roles within emerging governance structures. The transition period has revealed both challenges and opportunities for institutional reform, with observers closely monitoring how historical grievances balance against pragmatic governance needs. The evolving relationship between Caracas and Washington appears to be a decisive factor influencing Venezuela’s economic recovery prospects and potential reintegration into global financial systems. This political recalibration follows years of intense international pressure and internal unrest that characterized the latter Maduro years.

  • Could Azerbaijan be dragged into the US-Israeli war on Iran?

    Could Azerbaijan be dragged into the US-Israeli war on Iran?

    Azerbaijan has become the latest nation embroiled in the escalating US-Israeli military campaign against Iran following a drone attack on its Nakhchivan exclave. Four unmanned aerial vehicles struck the region on Thursday, causing infrastructure damage and injuring two civilians according to officials in Baku.

    Initial reports indicate one drone targeted the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, approximately 10 kilometers from the Iranian border, while another landed near a village school. Azerbaijani forces successfully intercepted a third drone, though a fourth impacted civilian infrastructure sites.

    Iranian officials have categorically denied involvement in the incident. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated through Tasnim News Agency that ‘Iran did not carry out strikes against Azerbaijan,’ emphasizing Tehran’s policy exclusively targets military bases of enemies operating in the region that have been used for attacks against Iran.

    The incident has exposed underlying regional tensions, with some Iranian analysts suggesting possible Israeli covert operations aimed at exacerbating Tehran-Baku relations. Seyed Emamian of Tehran Polytechnic University noted the possibility that ‘some Israeli agents are involved to make the Iran-Azerbaijan relationship very challenging’ during the current conflict.

    This development occurs within the broader context of Iran’s asymmetric response strategy to the US-Israeli military campaign, which has included strikes against facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Regional analysts suggest these operations aim to demonstrate that conflict consequences will extend beyond Iran’s borders, potentially undermining Gulf states’ perceived stability and challenging US security guarantees.

    The attack has prompted significant responses from Azerbaijan, including closure of southern airspace for 12 hours and suspension of cargo transit through Iranian border crossings. President Ilham Aliyev has characterized the incident as ‘unprovoked act of terror and aggression’ and instructed armed forces to prepare retaliatory measures, though no military response has yet been implemented.

    Underlying the tension is Azerbaijan’s substantial relationship with Israel, which includes energy cooperation, defense partnerships, and cybersecurity collaboration. Israel reportedly imports 40-50% of its oil from Azerbaijan through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, while security cooperation remains largely opaque despite Aliyev’s acknowledgment of its significance.

    The situation places Azerbaijan in a delicate geopolitical position, balancing its relationships with regional powers while managing the potential for escalated conflict. With over 15 million ethnic Azeris living in Iran, instability could create significant refugee challenges for Baku, potentially drawing Turkey into the conflict given Ankara’s strong support for Azerbaijan demonstrated during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.