Global Pulse

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  • Exclusive: How Hezbollah rebuilt while its enemies declared it dead

    Exclusive: How Hezbollah rebuilt while its enemies declared it dead

    Contrary to widespread assertions from Israeli, American, and Lebanese government officials that Hezbollah had been permanently crippled, the Lebanese militant organization has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic recovery. Emerging from a devastating 15-month conflict that concluded with a November 2024 ceasefire, Hezbollah has not only reconstituted its military capabilities but has returned to active warfare against Israel with renewed intensity.

    Multiple sources familiar with Hezbollah’s internal recovery process reveal that the organization interpreted the ceasefire not as a permanent resolution but as a critical operational pause to rebuild for inevitable future conflicts. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims that the campaign had set Hezbollah back “decades” and eliminated its leadership, the organization immediately began comprehensive reconstruction efforts beginning November 28, 2024—just one day after the ceasefire took effect.

    The rebuilding operation was both extensive and methodical, focusing on restoring pre-October 2023 capabilities through a combination of Iranian support, local manufacturing, and strategic resource allocation. By mid-December 2025, military commanders reportedly informed leadership that reconstruction of recoverable assets was complete, though some advanced systems—particularly air defense capabilities—sustained irreversible damage.

    Hezbollah’s recovery was particularly impressive given the organization’s devastating losses during the conflict. Israel’s September 2024 pager bombings that wounded dozens of members, followed by targeted airstrikes that eliminated top leadership including Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, had left the organization “blinded, scattered and broken” according to one source. The steadfastness of frontline fighters provided surviving leadership the critical breathing space needed to regroup and reorganize.

    The organization implemented significant tactical adaptations in response to intelligence vulnerabilities, abandoning compromised communication networks for more secure “basic and primitive” methods including human couriers and handwritten notes. Structurally, Hezbollah moved away from its conventional army model toward a more decentralized “Mughniyeh spirit” doctrine featuring semi-autonomous units operating with broader scenario-based guidance rather than constant direct command.

    Despite public claims of Lebanese army control south of the Litani River and government assertions of achieving a “state monopoly on arms,” Hezbollah gradually reestablished its presence through smaller cells and individual cadres operating with patience and concealment. The ceasefire period, which saw approximately 400 Lebanese killed in ongoing Israeli strikes, represented not genuine peace but an actively contested phase where both sides positioned for the next confrontation.

    Hezbollah’s renewed military capabilities became unmistakably evident in early March 2026, when the organization launched approximately 60 drones and rockets followed by similar volleys in subsequent days, with missiles reaching as far as southern Israel’s Ashkelon region. The organization that many had written off as defeated has demonstrated它不仅恢复了持续火力能力，还在黎巴嫩和以色列领土上重新部署了战斗人员，对以色列施加压力。

  • Zev Serebryanski avoids further jail over child sexual abuse of Manny Waks in a Melbourne synagogue almost four decades ago

    Zev Serebryanski avoids further jail over child sexual abuse of Manny Waks in a Melbourne synagogue almost four decades ago

    In a landmark ruling that has ignited intense public debate, a convicted child abuser has been released from court despite a jury’s guilty verdict on four serious charges. Zev Serebryanski, 62, received a 22-month prison sentence in Victoria’s County Court, but 19 months were suspended for three years. With credit for three months already served in a New York prison during extradition proceedings, Serebryanski departed the courthouse a free man.

    The case stems from sexual assaults committed nearly four decades ago against Manny Waks, who was between 10 and 12 years old at the time, at Melbourne’s Yeshivah Centre—an institution serving the city’s ultra-orthodox Jewish community. Now a prominent advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse, Waks testified that Serebryanski followed him to an upstairs area during a religious festival in the late 1980s and assaulted him in a women’s bathroom.

    Critical evidence emerged from a 2017 documentary investigation where Serebryanski was secretly recorded outside his New York apartment making what Judge John Kelly described as “damning admissions” and “stock pedophilic justifications” for his actions. In the footage, Serebryanski claimed he was “infatuated” with the young victim and merely followed his lead.

    Judge Kelly acknowledged the profound damage caused by child sexual abuse, calling it “an attack on innocence,” while recognizing the lifelong impact on Waks. The court heard multiple character references portraying Serebryanski as a respected community member, and the judge cited the defendant’s restrictive upbringing as contributing to his emotional immaturity at the time of the offenses.

    Despite the conviction, Serebryanski’s lawyer shielded him from media questions as they exited the courtroom. Waks, who has become an internationally recognized advocate for abuse survivors, stated that his primary goals of justice and accountability had been achieved through the conviction itself, regardless of the final sentence.

  • Displacement, bombs and air raid sirens weigh on Mideast Eid celebrations

    Displacement, bombs and air raid sirens weigh on Mideast Eid celebrations

    Across the Middle East, the joyous festival of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, has been profoundly subdued by the ongoing regional conflict and severe economic pressures. For millions of Muslims from Lebanon to the Gulf states, celebrations are replaced by anxiety, displacement, and financial strain, casting a long shadow over what is traditionally a time of feasting, family gatherings, and religious observance.

    In Lebanon, the convergence of a pre-existing economic collapse and the spillover effects of the war has extinguished any semblance of festivity for many families. Aziza Ahmad, a 49-year-old resident, exemplifies this reality. Her small apartment, now also sheltering displaced relatives, is a world away from celebration. With her husband’s income as a car washer insufficient, she has resorted to selling pastries, none of which her own family will eat, to make ends meet. ‘There’s nothing to celebrate,’ she stated, highlighting the absence of joy where financial survival is the paramount concern.

    The climate of fear extends beyond Lebanon’s borders. Wealthier Gulf nations, traditionally perceived as stable havens, are now on high alert. These states have become targets in a cycle of retaliatory strikes, prompting significant security measures. Kuwait has instituted a temporary ban on public gatherings, including concerts and weddings. The United Arab Emirates has mandated that Eid prayers be held indoors for security, a stark deviation from normal practice. In Bahrain, the daily routine is punctuated by air raid sirens warning of potential drone and missile threats. This pervasive sense of insecurity has led residents like Juhi Yasmeen Khan in Dubai to opt for subdued, intimate family gatherings instead of grand celebrations.

    For Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, the spiritual core of Ramadan has been severed. The Israeli closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third holiest site, has left a deep void. The familiar vibrant decorations and bustling crowds in the Old City are absent, replaced by quiet, empty streets. Despite these overwhelming challenges, a spirit of resilience persists. Some families, like that of Maryam Abdullah in Bahrain, are determined to maintain tradition, however modestly, as an act of defiance and normalcy, believing that the current turmoil will eventually pass.

  • FIFA planning for World Cup to ‘go ahead as scheduled’ amid Iran uncertainty

    FIFA planning for World Cup to ‘go ahead as scheduled’ amid Iran uncertainty

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to staging the 2026 World Cup according to its original timetable, despite mounting uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Speaking during a virtual FIFA Council meeting from Zurich on Thursday, Infantino emphasized that preparations continue for all 48 qualified teams to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    The confirmation comes amid geopolitical tensions affecting Iran’s planned involvement. The Iranian football federation, led by president Mehdi Taj, has formally requested to relocate its group stage matches from United States venues following recent military actions involving U.S. and Israeli forces against Iranian interests. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle during the group phase.

    Taj clarified that while Iran intends to boycott playing in the United States, the team remains committed to World Cup participation if matches are moved to either Canadian or Mexican venues. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has already expressed willingness to host Iran’s matches if necessary, demonstrating flexibility among host nations.

    Infantino acknowledged FIFA’s limitations in resolving international conflicts but stressed the organization’s dedication to leveraging football’s unifying power. “Our thoughts are with those suffering from ongoing wars,” he stated, “and we remain committed to using the World Cup as a platform for building bridges and promoting peace.” The federation has initiated formal discussions with FIFA regarding potential venue changes, though no decisions have been announced regarding the relocation request.

  • New FIFA ruling boosts prospects for women coaches

    New FIFA ruling boosts prospects for women coaches

    In a historic decision aimed at reshaping the technical landscape of women’s football, FIFA has enacted revolutionary regulations requiring all teams in its organized tournaments to employ female head coaches or assistant coaches. The groundbreaking mandate, approved during Thursday’s council meeting, represents the most significant structural intervention to address gender disparity in coaching roles within the sport.

    The sweeping reform applies across all youth and senior tournaments, national team competitions, and club championships under FIFA’s jurisdiction. The policy will make its competitive debut at September’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, followed by implementation in the Women’s Champions Cup, the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2026.

    FIFA’s strategic initiative directly confronts the persistent gender imbalance that has seen coaching positions remain predominantly male-dominated despite the sport’s exponential growth. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, a mere 12 of the 32 head coaches were female—a statistic that highlighted the urgent need for systemic intervention.

    Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Chief Football Officer and former World Cup-winning coach of the United States national team, emphasized the critical nature of this development. “The current representation of women in coaching remains insufficient despite the game’s progress. These regulations, complemented by targeted development programs, constitute vital investments in both present and future generations of female coaches,” Ellis stated.

    The comprehensive framework extends beyond head coaching requirements, mandating at least two female staff members on the bench—including the compulsory coach—and requiring the inclusion of at least one woman within each team’s medical staff. This multifaceted approach aims to create sustainable pathways for female technical leadership while ensuring women’s visibility in decision-making roles throughout the sport’s ecosystem.

  • Japan PM placates Trump on Iran, but faces Pearl Harbor surprise

    Japan PM placates Trump on Iran, but faces Pearl Harbor surprise

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi navigated delicate diplomatic waters during her White House meeting with President Donald Trump on Thursday, successfully averting confrontation over Middle Eastern security concerns while weathering an unexpected historical reference to Pearl Harbor.

    The Oval Office meeting began positively as Trump, who had recently criticized allied nations for insufficient support in securing the Strait of Hormuz, praised Japan’s evolving contributions to Middle East stability. “Based on statements given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate,” Trump announced alongside the Japanese leader, conspicuously adding “unlike NATO” in continuation of his criticism toward European allies.

    Just prior to the bilateral meeting, Japan joined five nations including Britain and France in declaring readiness “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”—a crucial waterway transporting approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies. Trump noted the particular significance for Japan, which imports nearly 90 percent of its oil through the strait.

    The diplomatic atmosphere shifted dramatically when Trump responded to a Japanese reporter’s question about allied consultation prior to U.S. strikes against Iran. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” the president remarked, referencing Japan’s December 7, 1941 attack that propelled American entry into World War II. Prime Minister Takaichi visibly reacted with widened eyes and slight recoil at the unexpected historical analogy.

    Despite this moment of tension, the meeting concluded with significant economic announcements, including a $40 billion project to construct nuclear reactors in Tennessee and Alabama, plus a $33 billion investment in natural gas power generation facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas. These developments follow Tokyo’s commitment last year to invest $550 billion in the United States through 2029 in exchange for reduced tariff threats.

    The relationship remains critically important for Japan, which hosts approximately 60,000 U.S. troops and relies on American security guarantees amid growing regional assertiveness from China. However, domestic challenges loom for Takaichi as rising oil and gas prices resulting from Middle Eastern conflicts threaten to increase living costs for Japanese families and businesses.

  • BTS to drop new album ahead of comeback mega-gig

    BTS to drop new album ahead of comeback mega-gig

    Global K-pop phenomenon BTS marks a monumental return to the music scene with the release of their fifth studio album “ARIRANG” on Friday, followed by a massive comeback concert in Seoul’s historic Gwanghwamun Square. This release ends a nearly four-year creative hiatus during which all seven members completed mandatory military service—a requirement for South Korean men—with some stationed near the tense inter-Korean border.

    The 14-track album derives its title from Korea’s cherished folk anthem, symbolizing themes of longing and separation that resonate with the group’s journey. An enigmatic animated trailer accompanying the release draws inspiration from a little-known 19th-century historical episode involving Korean youth capturing the first audio recordings in Washington D.C., creatively intertwined with scenes of BTS at Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace.

    RM, the group’s 31-year-old leader, characterized the album as an exploration of “what makes us BTS,” describing it as both a reflection on their origins and a statement of evolved identity. While featuring collaborations with Western producers, the album consciously emphasizes the group’s Korean heritage through its thematic core and traditional musical elements.

    Netflix will globally livestream Saturday’s concert to approximately 190 countries, anticipating 260,000 live attendees and millions online. The event precedes an extensive world tour spanning 34 cities with 82 scheduled performances. Industry experts including Billboard’s K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin describe the album as “a love letter to their home country,” noting the symbolic significance of launching their comeback in Korea’s historical center rather than international venues.

    Yale sociology professor Grace Kao observes that despite their global reach, BTS strategically reinforces their Korean identity through this release. The group’s return has generated comparisons to music legends like The Beatles and Michael Jackson, signaling their enduring impact on both the music industry and global culture.

  • Colombia’s budding tech scene needs a cash boost

    Colombia’s budding tech scene needs a cash boost

    Bogota’s streets serve as a dynamic showcase of Colombia’s technological transformation, where Rappi’s distinctive orange-bagged delivery bikes have become ubiquitous symbols of innovation. Hailed as the nation’s most triumphant tech startup, this delivery platform has achieved unicorn status with a valuation surpassing $5 billion while attracting more than 35 million active monthly users.

    Rappi’s extraordinary growth signals Colombia’s remarkable economic evolution, particularly following the landmark 2016 Peace Accord that helped transform the country’s international standing. Beyond attracting global tourists, Colombia has emerged as a magnet for immigrants from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with cities like Medellín and Bogotá becoming preferred destinations.

    The nation has established itself as a significant business hub with a rapidly expanding startup landscape. According to a recent KPMG analysis, Colombia now hosts approximately 2,100 startups, representing a 24% year-over-year increase. Maria Peñaranda, KPMG Colombia’s manager of emerging giants and innovation, confirms that “the country now occupies the second position among Latin America’s most promising startup ecosystems, trailing only Brazil.”

    Approximately 80% of Colombian startups remain in early developmental stages, demonstrating remarkable dynamism in new enterprise creation. Peñaranda emphasizes that “long-term success stories like Rappi continue influencing the ecosystem as catalysts for talent recycling and investor confidence.” She cites additional examples including global payments processor Yuno and renewable energy firm Erco Energy, both of which have evolved into established companies generating over $10 million in revenues while expanding across international markets.

    Among Colombia’s emerging success stories is Foodology, a virtual restaurant enterprise operating through strategically located dark kitchens. Since its 2019 Bogota founding, the company has secured over $60 million in funding, employs more than 800 staff members, and maintains full profitability. Co-founder and CEO Daniela Izquierdo explains her vision: “I sought to develop methods for Colombia to access exceptional cuisine through faster, more innovative channels.”

    The company operates thousands of digital storefronts managed by sophisticated software systems that coordinate inventory and maintain consistent menu offerings across approximately 400 different locations. Foodology has begun licensing this proprietary technology while expanding operations into Mexico and Peru, reflecting a common pattern among Colombian startups that quickly seek international growth due to domestic market limitations.

    Despite these success stories, Colombia’s startup landscape faces substantial investment challenges. The initial enthusiasm generated by SoftBank’s 2019 Latin America innovation fund has diminished, according to Daniel Vásquez, managing partner at US-based Actions Capital. He notes that “the majority of those investments haven’t produced successful outcomes for various reasons,” causing many investors to withdraw from the region.

    Izquierdo confirms this trend: “Latin America experienced tremendous growth between 2021 and 2022, but recent years have proven difficult. The US stock market decline triggered a global venture capital slowdown, and emerging markets typically suffer first during such contractions.”

    With limited domestic investment options, Colombian entrepreneurs must seek international funding sources. Vásquez observes that promising companies sometimes fail because “they exhaust resources before securing subsequent funding rounds necessary for achieving profitability.” He emphasizes that sustainable growth requires increased local institutional and family investments in technology, noting that “when venture capitalists observe limited local technology investment, they interpret this as indicating restricted opportunities.”

    Some companies have nonetheless thrived despite these challenges. Habi, a Bogotá-based property technology company co-founded by Brynne McNulty Rojas and Sebastián Noguera, achieved unicorn status following a $200 million funding round. The platform specializes in used home transactions while offering complementary services including financing, property listings, and mortgage brokerage.

    McNulty Rojas acknowledges benefiting from improved regional investment conditions compared to previous decades, though she expresses desire for greater local investor participation. Despite financial obstacles, she strongly recommends Colombia for entrepreneurship, citing abundant talent and market potential that have made her business journey exceptionally rewarding.

  • Desperate for food drought-stricken Kenyans turn to the gingerbread tree

    Desperate for food drought-stricken Kenyans turn to the gingerbread tree

    In the arid landscapes of Turkana, northwestern Kenya, Lotkoy Ebey’s once-thriving herd of 50 goats has dwindled to merely five emaciated animals. This devastating loss represents more than economic hardship—it signifies a cultural catastrophe in a community where livestock embodies life itself. A prolonged drought has transformed grazing fields into barren wastelands and riverbeds into dusty trenches across East Africa.

    Despite recent rainfall in some regions, officials from Kenya’s National Drought Management Authority caution that Turkana has received uneven precipitation, with many areas remaining parched. The sporadic showers prove insufficient to counteract two consecutive failed rainy seasons, leaving approximately 26 million people across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia facing extreme hunger according to Oxfam.

    For Ebey’s household, two daily meals have become an unattainable luxury. Most days, they survive on one meager meal—sometimes enduring five days without proper nourishment. When food disappears, their only recourse is scavenging the scrublands for sustenance. This desperate reality echoes throughout Kakwanyang village, where women now pound wild doum palm fruits known locally as ‘mikwamo’—a food source traditionally consumed as snacks but now serving as primary nutrition.

    Regina Ewute Lokopuu, one of the women processing these fruits, explains their dangerous dilemma: ‘We eat these because of hunger.’ The gingerbread-tasting fruits cause drowsiness and severe stomach upset when consumed in quantity. Families occasionally supplement them with maize flour purchased through broom sales made from doum leaves.

    The crisis has triggered mass migration, with men departing homes to seek greener pastures across borders for remaining livestock. Turkana county’s drought management coordinator Jacob Letosiro confirms over 320,000 people require ‘urgent food assistance,’ noting that recent rains may be temporary and insufficient for immediate recovery.

    Humanitarian response remains overwhelmed. At a Red Cross facility outside Lodwar, workers load food trucks for distribution to the most vulnerable households. Yet Kenya Red Cross coordinator Rukia Abubakar acknowledges ‘we have only little food, which cannot reach all people in need.’ While organizations like World Vision Kenya and the UN’s World Food Programme provide assistance, officials emphasize the crisis’ scale far exceeds available resources.

  • North Korean leader Kim and his daughter rides a tank together during army training

    North Korean leader Kim and his daughter rides a tank together during army training

    North Korean state media has released unprecedented imagery showing leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter participating in joint tank exercises, marking their latest high-profile military appearance together. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday that Kim personally supervised combat drills involving armored units and infantry troops on Thursday, demanding enhanced war readiness capabilities.

    Photographs disseminated by state media depict both Kim and his daughter, believed to be approximately 13-year-old Kim Ju Ae, clad in matching black leather jackets while riding inside an olive-green military tank alongside uniformed soldiers. The images capture the young girl peering through the tank’s hatch opening while her father smiles from his position atop the armored vehicle.

    This military demonstration occurs against the backdrop of ongoing joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which Pyongyang consistently characterizes as invasion rehearsals. The annual drills concluded their computer-simulated phase on Thursday but continue with field training operations.

    The teenage daughter’s frequent appearances at significant military events since late 2022 have generated intense international speculation regarding her political future. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service previously suggested Kim might be preparing to designate her as his successor, though some analysts remain skeptical given North Korea’s traditionally male-dominated power structure and Kim’s relatively young age of approximately 40.

    Last week, the father-daughter duo conducted pistol firing exercises during an inspection of a light weapons facility and observed live-fire tests of multiple rocket launch systems. Their relationship has been prominently showcased in state media, which regularly describes her as Kim’s “most beloved” child and has published numerous images demonstrating their close bond, including footage of her kissing his cheek during New Year celebrations.