Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Underground party scene: Israelis celebrate Purim in air raid shelters

    Underground party scene: Israelis celebrate Purim in air raid shelters

    Amidst the wail of air raid sirens signaling incoming Iranian missiles, an extraordinary scene unfolded deep beneath Tel Aviv’s streets on Monday evening. As the Jewish holiday of Purim commenced, hundreds of young Israelis descended four floors underground into a converted parking garage shelter, defying both the military ban on public gatherings and the ongoing regional tensions through determined celebration.

    The coastal city’s residents, who had been forced to seek protection just as the festive period began, transformed a mall’s basement parking facility into an impromptu celebration space. Participants arrived in full Purim costume—a traditional aspect of the holiday that commemorates the Jewish people’s deliverance from Persian persecution centuries ago. The gathering featured an eclectic mix of characters, from cowboys and Peter Pan to a Pikachu and a flight attendant whose sign read “Tel Aviv-Tehran, status: boarding.”

    At the heart of the celebration stood a rabbi reciting the Megillah, the biblical passage from the Book of Esther traditionally read during Purim. Each mention of the story’s villain, Haman, prompted the customary booing and noise-making from attendees, who then transitioned to drinking and dancing to pop music despite the highly unusual setting.

    The underground location, officially designated as a shelter during projectile attacks, had been emptied of vehicles and instead contained numerous tents where some residents had chosen to take up semi-permanent residence to avoid repeated nighttime dashes to safety during sirens.

    For 28-year-old Maxim Green, who learned about the gathering through his synagogue’s WhatsApp group, the parallel between the ancient Purim narrative and current events was striking. “It’s really crazy that it’s happening at this time, this war,” he observed. “Because it really does have some similarities with the Purim story. You have an evil regime who wants to topple the Jewish people.”

    The celebration represented a complex intersection of tradition, current events, and human resilience. While some rabbis opted for online Megillah readings to comply with military restrictions, others found ways to maintain both religious observance and community spirit in adapted formats.

    Anna Shilanski, 32, who had established a tea station for fellow shelter residents, expressed appreciation for the gathering despite initial surprise at the crowd size. “I’m really happy that people have a place to do this,” she remarked, noting that feeding people during stressful times comes naturally to many.

    The event demonstrated the community’s adaptation to ongoing security challenges, with attendees like 26-year-old tech worker Ethan Cohen participating after spending part of his day volunteering to clean debris from missile impact sites. For older residents like 70-year-old Anat Shamir, sleeping on the opposite side of the parking lot, the discomfort was a necessary price for security, expressing confidence in Israel’s leadership and military response capabilities.

    As the evening progressed, some revelers eventually sought fresh air above ground, emerging from the basement shelter into Tel Aviv’s quiet streets, carrying with them the dual reality of celebration and conflict that has come to characterize daily life during this period.

  • ‘Thank you, madam president’: Melania Trump leads UN Security Council as Iran war rages

    ‘Thank you, madam president’: Melania Trump leads UN Security Council as Iran war rages

    In an unprecedented diplomatic moment, First Lady Melania Trump assumed the gavel to chair a United Nations Security Council session on Monday, marking the United States’ assumption of the body’s rotating monthly presidency. The high-level meeting focused on protecting children in conflict zones, convening as military operations continued between US-Israeli forces and Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East.

    Representatives from all Security Council member nations, including geopolitical rivals China and Russia, assembled for the ceremonial transition of leadership. Mrs. Trump commenced proceedings with a strike of the presidential gavel, acknowledging Britain’s preceding leadership before addressing the chamber.

    ‘To the families who have lost their heroes who sacrifice their lives for freedom, their bravery and dedication will always be remembered,’ stated the First Lady during her remarks. She further articulated that ‘enduring peace will be achieved when knowledge and understanding are fully valued within all our societies,’ emphasizing that educated societies demonstrate greater tendencies toward peaceful coexistence.

    The diplomatic gathering occurred amidst pointed criticism from Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, who characterized the meeting as ‘deeply shameful and hypocritical’ given concurrent military operations. Mrs. Trump responded by affirming that ‘the US stands with all of the children throughout the world,’ expressing hope for future peace without directly addressing regional hostilities.

    Despite underlying tensions, council members extended courteous receptions to the First Lady. Greek Ambassador Aglaia Balta addressed her as ‘madam president,’ while France’s representative drew favorable comparisons to historic first lady and humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt. Even Russian diplomats participated in diplomatic pleasantries, avoiding mention of Iran during their remarks.

    UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the historic nature of the event, noting this marked the first instance of a presidential spouse presiding over Security Council proceedings. The appearance built upon Mrs. Trump’s previous diplomatic engagements, particularly her advocacy for Ukrainian children displaced during conflict with Russia, which received recognition from UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo.

    The council session unfolded against deteriorating financial relations between the United States and United Nations. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the organization’s effectiveness while withholding significant portions of assessed contributions. Recent months have seen Washington withdraw support from major UN agencies including the World Health Organization while establishing alternative diplomatic frameworks like the ‘Board of Peace’ initiative.

    Although the United States recently allocated $160 million toward the UN’s regular budget after a payment hiatus, outstanding arrears exceeding $4 billion for regular and peacekeeping operations continue to threaten the organization’s financial stability, according to warnings from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

  • Flowers, music, and soldiers at funeral of drug lord

    Flowers, music, and soldiers at funeral of drug lord

    Under unprecedented security measures, the notorious Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ was laid to rest Monday in a modest grave despite his former status as one of the world’s most wanted criminals. The leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who was fatally wounded during a military raid on February 22nd, received a burial that blended traditional Mexican funeral customs with intense security protocols.

    The funeral procession, observed by AFP through multiple layers of federal security forces, featured a gold-colored coffin presumably containing Oseguera’s remains. In a striking contrast to the opulent mausoleums typically associated with cartel leaders, Oseguera was interred in a plain plot at a cemetery adjacent to a military installation outside Guadalajara—a location strategically chosen for its security advantages.

    The ceremony unfolded with surreal elements: five trucks overflowing with elaborate floral arrangements, including one designed with angel wings crafted from red roses and another shaped like a rooster honoring Oseguera’s known passion for cockfighting. Most tributes arrived anonymously, reflecting the clandestine nature of the cartel’s operations.

    Security forces maintained a relentless vigil since authorities transferred Oseguera’s body to his family on Saturday. Dozens of soldiers, national guardsmen, and police officers established concentric security perimeters around the funeral home and cemetery, interrogating all approaching vehicles and individuals while permitting the floral tributes to continue uninterrupted.

    The burial ceremony included traditional ‘narcocorridos’—folk songs glorifying drug traffickers—performed by a band awaiting mourners at a chapel service. Following an hour-long ceremony, the procession moved to the gravesite accompanied by lyrics stating: ‘Now that I’m dead I’m going to go away, no more than a handful of dirt.’

    The event occurred against the backdrop of recent cartel violence that erupted following Oseguera’s death. Retaliation attacks across 20 Mexican states resulted in 70 fatalities, with cartel gunmen blocking highways, burning businesses, and engaging security forces. The burial location, approximately five kilometers from a stadium scheduled to host World Cup matches this summer, adds another layer of security concern for upcoming international events.

  • US Congress to debate Trump’s war powers

    US Congress to debate Trump’s war powers

    A pivotal constitutional confrontation is unfolding in Washington as Congress prepares to vote on measures challenging President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran. The legislative body, which possesses exclusive war-declaring authority under the U.S. Constitution, is moving to reassert its institutional power following what critics describe as Trump’s dramatic expansion of executive authority since his 2025 return to the White House.

    Senator Tim Kaine has emerged as a leading voice of opposition, characterizing the conflict as “an unnecessary, idiotic, and illegal war against Iran” in social media statements following the initiation of hostilities during the overnight period from Friday to Saturday. In late January, anticipating potential escalation, Kaine introduced legislation mandating congressional authorization for any military engagement with Iran. He has now urgently called for Congress to reconvene from recess to address his resolution, with a vote anticipated this week.

    The administration defended its actions through high-level briefings, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth meeting with congressional officials on Monday. However, Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed serious reservations after the briefing, noting: “There was no imminent threat to the United States of America by the Iranians. There was a threat to Israel. If we equate a threat to Israel as the equivalent of an imminent threat to the United States, then we are in uncharted territory.”

    The legal foundation of the conflict hinges on the 1973 War Powers Act, which permits limited presidential military intervention in response to emergency situations involving attacks on U.S. interests. Notably, Hegseth himself referred to the situation as “war” rather than limited intervention during Monday’s press conference, while Trump asserted in his late-night video announcement that Iran posed an “imminent” threat—a claim that Atlantic Council analyst Daniel Shapiro criticized as inadequately explained.

    The administration provided formal notification to eight congressional leaders just before hostilities commenced, triggering the 60-day clock under the War Powers Act. Beyond this period, Trump would require explicit congressional authorization to continue military operations. In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie and Democratic colleague Ro Khanna are preparing legislation to force a congressional vote on the Iran conflict, potentially as early as this week.

    Despite these challenges, the Republican majority is expected to protect Trump’s position, and even if opposition measures pass, they would likely fail to overcome a presidential veto, which requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override.

  • Energy infrastructure emerges as war target, lifting prices

    Energy infrastructure emerges as war target, lifting prices

    Global energy markets experienced significant turbulence Monday as military escalation in the Middle East directly targeted critical energy infrastructure, triggering substantial price increases and supply disruptions. The conflict’s expansion into energy production facilities has created immediate impacts on worldwide energy flows and pricing structures.

    QatarEnergy, the state-controlled energy corporation, confirmed suspension of liquefied natural gas production following Iranian strikes targeting two major gas processing facilities. This development occurred alongside operational disruptions at Saudi Arabia’s massive Ras Tanura refinery, where drone attacks caused fires and partial shutdowns. Simultaneously, Abu Dhabi reported drone assaults on its energy terminal infrastructure.

    The supply disruptions produced immediate market reactions, with European natural gas prices closing 39% higher after briefly exceeding 50% gains during trading sessions. Brent crude futures surged beyond $82 per barrel during early trading, representing a 13% increase, before settling at $77.74 with a 7.3% daily gain. The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate concluded at $71.23 per barrel, marking a 6.3% increase.

    Parallel to production facility attacks, the strategic Strait of Hormuz experienced a de facto closure as major shipping corporations including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Cosco suspended transit operations. Although not officially closed, soaring insurance costs and security concerns have effectively halted maritime traffic through this critical waterway that typically handles approximately 20% of global oil and LNG supplies.

    Rystad Energy analysis indicates the maritime exodus prevents approximately 15 million barrels daily from reaching international markets. Senior Vice President Jorge Leon noted that whether through forced closure or risk avoidance, the impact on energy flows remains substantially identical. The situation has prompted discussions about potential strategic petroleum reserve releases if disruptions persist.

    Asian nations face particular vulnerability as primary recipients of approximately 80% of Hormuz-transited petroleum, according to International Energy Agency data. Europe likewise confronts significant energy security concerns as a major destination for Qatari LNG exports, with markets already strained following severe winter demand.

    Analysts from Eurasia Group projected potential Brent crude prices approaching $100 per barrel under worst-case scenarios involving permanent damage to Iranian export infrastructure and prolonged Hormuz disruptions. While current projections suggest a more probable $75-$85 range, market observers note that sustained elevated prices could influence broader economic and political dynamics, including potential impacts on US midterm elections.

    Financial markets demonstrated mixed reactions, with Wall Street closing unevenly as investors weighed conflict duration expectations. Oxford Economics anticipates Iran will struggle to maintain prolonged Strait disruptions, projecting oil prices peaking near $80 per barrel in second quarter before declining toward $60, contingent upon conflict resolution and regional stability restoration.

  • Israel strikes near Beirut city center, first such attack since 2024 ceasefire

    Israel strikes near Beirut city center, first such attack since 2024 ceasefire

    Israeli military forces conducted targeted airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday evening, marking the first significant breach of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement. The attacks focused on the Jnah and Bir Hassan districts, areas situated in close proximity to the Lebanese capital’s city center.

    According to local broadcaster al-Jadeed, the strikes represent the closest Israeli military action to central Beirut since the implementation of the ceasefire over fifteen months ago. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it had targeted a Hezbollah official, though no specific details regarding the target or potential casualties were immediately provided.

    The escalation occurs amid heightened regional tensions involving multiple Middle Eastern actors. Visual documentation from the scene showed substantial smoke rising from the impact sites following the explosions, indicating significant structural damage to the targeted locations.

    This military action demonstrates the fragile nature of the ceasefire that has largely maintained relative calm along the Israel-Lebanon border since late 2024. The strike underscores ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have persisted despite the formal ceasefire arrangement.

    The development comes within the broader context of continued regional instability and the complex web of alliances and conflicts involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and various regional militant groups. Security analysts are monitoring the situation closely for potential retaliatory measures and further escalation.

  • Jammu and Kashmir’s long road to India cricketing glory

    Jammu and Kashmir’s long road to India cricketing glory

    In a landmark achievement for Indian domestic cricket, the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has secured its maiden Ranji Trophy title by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka in a thrilling final showdown. This victory represents far more than a sporting accomplishment—it stands as a testament to resilience and determination emerging from a region historically marginalized within India’s cricketing landscape.

    The Ranji Trophy, among the world’s oldest first-class cricket competitions, serves as the foundational bedrock of Indian cricket. Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph against Karnataka—a team featuring four current international players including KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal—marks a dramatic underdog story that captivated the nation during a season otherwise dominated by T20 World Cup coverage.

    Cricket’s roots in the region extend back to the colonial era, when Kashmir willow gained renown for producing high-quality bats that powered the sport across India. Despite this historical connection, Jammu and Kashmir faced decades of institutional neglect, political turmoil, and inadequate infrastructure that hampered cricketing development. The team didn’t secure its first Ranji match victory until 1982-83—more than twenty years after gaining state association status.

    The transformation began approximately fifteen years ago as political volatility eased and systematic development initiatives took hold. Three critical inflection points catalyzed the team’s remarkable ascent:

    Between 2011-2013, former Indian captain Bishen Singh Bedi instilled crucial self-belief in players traditionally overawed by more established teams. His mentorship proved instrumental for Pervez Rasool, who became the first cricketer from the region to represent India.

    In 2018-2019, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan joined as player-mentor, emphasizing unity beyond regional divisions and helping identify emerging talents like batsman Abdul Samad and fast bowler Umran Malik.

    Approximately five years ago, administrative restructuring established an Apex Council led by Mithun Manhas—a former Delhi stalwart with Jammu roots—who professionalized the setup with modern coaching methods, scientific fitness programs, and national-standard infrastructure.

    Seasoned domestic batsman Paras Dogra, drafted as captain at age 41, provided leadership that elevated the entire team. The squad’s spearhead proved to be fast bowler Aquib Nabi, who claimed 60 wickets this season following 44 last year, earning IPL recognition and endorsement from former captain Sourav Ganguly for national team consideration.

    This victory symbolizes cricket’s expanding footprint across India’s diverse regions and offers Jammu and Kashmir meaningful integration into the national mainstream through shared sporting pride—an achievement reminiscent of Afghanistan’s improbable cricketing ascent on the global stage.

  • US-Israeli war on Iran expands and shuts down Gulf oil and gas production

    US-Israeli war on Iran expands and shuts down Gulf oil and gas production

    The Middle East descended deeper into a large-scale military confrontation on Monday as hostilities between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran escalated dramatically, triggering severe consequences across the region. The conflict, now in its third day, has expanded beyond direct engagements to significantly impact global energy infrastructure and regional stability.

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it had executed coordinated strikes on over 500 US and Israeli targets utilizing an arsenal of 700 drones and hundreds of missiles. This offensive came in response to what Iranian officials characterize as unprovoked aggression, following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint operation on Saturday.

    The energy sector experienced immediate disruption as Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Aramco initiated precautionary shutdowns at its critical Ras Tanura refinery complex following drone strikes. Simultaneously, Qatar—the world’s largest LNG producer—halted production at facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed after similar attacks, though Qatar’s defense ministry reported successfully intercepting two SU24 fighter jets originating from Iranian airspace.

    These developments precipitated a 13% surge in global oil prices, pushing benchmarks above $82 per barrel—the highest valuation since January 2025. The price spike intensified as commercial shipping operations either suspended transit or diverted course from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a maritime channel accounting for approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments.

    The conflict’s geographical expansion continued as Lebanon became increasingly embroiled in hostilities. Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut’s suburbs, southern regions, and the Beqaa Valley, resulting in 31 fatalities and 249 injuries. These operations prompted mass displacements and Israeli expulsion orders affecting dozens of communities. Hezbollah claimed its rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel constituted retaliation for Khamenei’s death.

    In a significant political development, the Lebanese government imposed an immediate and comprehensive ban on Hezbollah’s military operations, demanding the transfer of all “illegal” weapons to state authority. The decision received endorsement from influential parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, traditionally a Hezbollah ally, signaling shifting political dynamics within the Lebanese establishment.

    Additional theaters of conflict emerged as three US F-15 aircraft crashed in Kuwait under disputed circumstances. While US military officials attributed the incident to “apparent friendly fire,” Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for intercepting the jets near the Kuwaiti border. Meanwhile, rockets targeted a British military installation in Cyprus, with preliminary assessments suggesting Lebanese militant groups orchestrated the attack.

    The conflict’s repercussions extended to digital infrastructure, where Amazon Web Services reported service disruptions at Emirati data centers struck by “objects” that ignited fires. In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities maintained the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for the third consecutive day during Ramadan, drawing condemnation from Palestinian religious authorities who perceive the action as exploiting security concerns to alter the holy site’s status quo.

    Humanitarian organizations reported escalating casualties, with the Iranian Red Crescent Society documenting 555 fatalities from US-Israeli operations. American officials confirmed four military personnel killed during missions, while Iranian strikes in Israel resulted in at least 11 deaths.

    Top Iranian official Ali Larijani emphasized Tehran’s preparedness for prolonged conflict, stating “Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war”—a declaration underscoring the potential for continued regional destabilization.

  • Trump says he will not rule out sending ground troops to Iran

    Trump says he will not rule out sending ground troops to Iran

    In a significant escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has declined to exclude the possibility of deploying American ground forces to Iran during an interview with the New York Post on Monday. This statement marks a stark departure from previous presidential approaches to military engagements.

    Trump explicitly contrasted his position with predecessors who typically preemptively ruled out boots-on-ground scenarios. ‘I don’t have the yips with respect to boots on the ground—like every president says, ‘There will be no boots on the ground,’ I don’t say it,’ Trump stated, adding that he would authorize such deployment ‘if they were necessary.’

    The comments come amid ongoing military operations that began Saturday morning, which Trump characterized as ‘way ahead of schedule’ in targeting senior Iranian officials. The President projected the conflict would conclude within four to five weeks during separate remarks to The New York Times.

    Domestically, the military action faces substantial public skepticism. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over the weekend revealed only 27% of Americans approve of the strikes, while 43% disapprove and 29% remain uncertain. Trump dismissed these findings, asserting ‘I don’t care about polling.’

    Meanwhile, Iranian officials signaled preparation for prolonged hostilities. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, declared on social media platform X that ‘Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war.’ Larijani emphasized Iran’s defensive posture throughout the conflict and vowed to ‘fiercely defend ourselves and our six thousand years old civilization regardless of the costs.’

    The geopolitical tensions unfold against the backdrop of national mourning in Iran following the recent death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adding complexity to an already volatile situation.

  • AFL 2026: Carlton will unveil new era against Sydney in Opening Round

    AFL 2026: Carlton will unveil new era against Sydney in Opening Round

    Carlton Blues head coach Michael Voss has officially announced the inclusion of two debutants, Jagga Smith and Harry Dean, for Thursday night’s highly anticipated AFL matchup against the Sydney Swans. The confirmation came during a press briefing where Voss expressed enthusiasm for the new talents joining the team’s lineup.

    Voss highlighted Smith’s exceptional pre-season performance, particularly his dominant display against Geelong, which solidified his selection. Meanwhile, Dean is poised to commence what the coach described as a “very long partnership” with key defender Jacob Weitering on Carlton’s defensive line.

    While Voss remained noncommittal regarding other potential starters including Wade Derksen, Will Hayward, Ben Ainsworth, and Ollie Florent, all participated in Tuesday’s training session. The coach’s comments suggested cautious optimism about Weitering’s availability despite the defender sustaining a fractured rib during last month’s State of Origin match.

    Voss indicated that Weitering’s final selection hinges on his performance during Tuesday’s critical contact session, though he noted “there’s nothing to suggest” the defender wouldn’t be fit to play against his former teammate Charlie Curnow.

    The Blues have demonstrated evolved ball movement strategies during pre-season, with Smith and rejuvenated midfielder Sam Walsh showing particular dynamism. Voss acknowledged that the season opener would likely feature a high-error first quarter as teams adjust to the pace, emphasizing the importance of settling into an effective rhythm.

    The coach concluded by outlining Carlton’s strategic approach: “Everyone has got to be good at one thing, so we hope we bring that to the table but also have enough in the other phases of the game where we can do some damage.”