Global Pulse

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  • Rivalries and rumours: How the new order of the Murdoch dynasty is playing out

    Rivalries and rumours: How the new order of the Murdoch dynasty is playing out

    The Murdoch media dynasty, long considered one of the world’s most powerful family empires, has reached a watershed moment in its corporate history. Following a contentious closed-court battle in Nevada, three of Rupert Murdoch’s children—Elisabeth, James, and Prudence Murdoch—have been permanently excluded from the family business, receiving substantial financial settlements in exchange for relinquishing their stakes in Fox Corp and News Corp.

    The settlement, which emerged from a legal challenge to a 1999 trust agreement established during Rupert’s divorce from second wife Anna Murdoch, represents a dramatic restructuring of the media conglomerate’s leadership future. Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert’s eldest son from his second marriage, now stands as the unequivocal successor to the 94-year-old media magnate’s empire.

    This familial schism reflects deeper ideological divisions within the family. James Murdoch, who publicly characterized his father as a ‘misogynist’ during the proceedings, expressed feeling betrayed by Rupert’s decision to force the separation. The move was reportedly motivated by Rupert’s concerns that his more liberal-leaning children might steer the companies in a different political direction after his death.

    Despite Lachlan’s successful tenure as CEO of Fox Corp—during which the company’s share price doubled and streaming service Tubi reached profitability—the resolution came at significant financial cost. The company’s improved performance under Lachlan’s leadership increased the valuation of the siblings’ shares, resulting in a substantially larger payout requirement.

    Media analysts characterize this development as potentially permanent, with biographer Claire Atkinson describing it as ‘a sad ending’ for children who had grown up within the business. The Murdoch saga continues to draw comparisons to the acclaimed television drama ‘Succession,’ though reality has proven more complex and enduring than fiction.

    While Elisabeth and Prudence are said to be focusing on moving forward and potentially reconciling with their aging father, James’s relationship with both Rupert and Lachlan appears irreparably damaged. The settlement includes provisions preventing the excluded siblings from purchasing equity in the family companies in perpetuity.

    As Lachlan Murdoch consolidates control, industry observers note his distinct leadership style—more focused on business fundamentals and digital expansion than political kingmaking. However, the substantial debt incurred through the settlement may pressure the company to maintain profitable but politically divisive programming strategies that have characterized Fox News’s success.

  • Brazil’s Supreme Court allows Bolsonaro to leave prison for surgery

    Brazil’s Supreme Court allows Bolsonaro to leave prison for surgery

    Brazil’s Supreme Court has authorized the temporary release of former President Jair Bolsonaro from prison to undergo hernia surgery on Christmas Day. Justice Alexandre de Moraes approved the medical transfer on Tuesday, permitting the 70-year-old to be moved from federal custody to a medical facility on December 24th for the procedure scheduled December 25th.

    The incarcerated former leader is currently serving a 27-year sentence for orchestrating a coup plot following his electoral defeat to left-wing rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022. Bolsonaro’s health complications stem from a 2018 abdominal stabbing during his presidential campaign, requiring multiple surgical interventions including intestinal surgery earlier this year.

    This medical development occurs amid significant political tensions regarding Bolsonaro’s imprisonment. Brazil’s Congress recently passed legislation that could substantially reduce his sentence from 27 years to under three years, sparking mass protests across major Brazilian cities. President Lula has vowed to veto the bill, though acknowledges his conservative-dominated Congress could override this decision.

    The international dimension of this case intensified as the United States lifted sanctions previously imposed on Justice Moraes in July. President Donald Trump, who previously characterized the investigation into Bolsonaro as a ‘witch hunt,’ expressed support for the sentence-reducing legislation.

  • ‘Retract or resign’: Cair slams US intelligence chief for talk of Muslim threat

    ‘Retract or resign’: Cair slams US intelligence chief for talk of Muslim threat

    America’s foremost Muslim civil rights organization has demanded the resignation of National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard following her controversial characterization of Sharia law as the nation’s paramount security threat. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Gabbard’s weekend remarks as “delusional and disqualifying” for an intelligence official tasked with objective analysis.

    Speaking at the conservative Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest summit, Gabbard asserted that “Islamist ideology” represents the most significant near and long-term danger to American freedoms and security. She claimed this ideology fundamentally contradicts constitutional principles and seeks to establish a global caliphate that would govern Americans. Her comments received enthusiastic applause from thousands of attendees despite growing concerns within conservative circles about anti-Muslim rhetoric.

    The controversy intersects with broader geopolitical dynamics. Earlier this year, an Israeli government-commissioned study suggested rehabilitating Israel’s image by emphasizing fears of “radical Islam” and “jihadism” following Gaza conflict criticisms. CAIR’s Monday statement emphasized that Gabbard’s role requires factual, apolitical intelligence assessment rather than spreading what they termed “bigoted conspiracy theories.”

    Gabbard specifically singled out Muslim-majority communities in Dearborn, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Paterson, New Jersey, alleging Islamist clerics were actively radicalizing youth. She further accused CAIR of advocating for Sharia law implementation through American legal systems—a claim immediately denied by the organization’s Washington headquarters.

    Local Muslim leaders expressed frustration with what they perceive as systematic vilification. Selaedin Maksut, executive director of CAIR’s Paterson office, described community numbness to ongoing harassment and noted the irony of being characterized as threatening while engaging in standard civil rights advocacy.

    The remarks drew sharp rebukes from New Jersey’s Democratic leadership. Senator Cory Booker, despite his pro-Israel stance, condemned Gabbard’s comments as “dishonest, cruel and un-American” on social media platform X, warning they endangered entire communities. Senator Andy Kim similarly criticized the divisive rhetoric, asserting Muslim Americans’ integral role in society.

  • Israel extends authority to ban foreign media considered ‘harmful to security’ for two more years

    Israel extends authority to ban foreign media considered ‘harmful to security’ for two more years

    Israel’s parliament has enacted a significant legislative amendment permitting the continued restriction of foreign media outlets deemed threatening to national security, extending this authority for an additional two years despite terminating the official state of emergency. The Knesset approved the measure overnight, ensuring that powers initially linked to the Hamas conflict emergency declaration will remain effective until December 31, 2027.

    Originally implemented in April 2024 during heightened hostilities, this legislation notably targeted Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, which Israeli officials have consistently characterized as a propaganda vehicle for Palestinian militants. The new provision operates independently of emergency statutes, creating a permanent framework for media regulation based on security concerns.

    Under the amended law, the Prime Minister retains authority to identify foreign media entities perceived as endangering national security. Following this determination, the Communications Minister may execute comprehensive restrictions including broadcast termination, office closures, equipment confiscation, and website blocking. The legislation mandates consultation with security agencies prior to implementation, though only a single favorable security assessment is required to authorize actions without judicial oversight.

    Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi emphasized the legislation’s significance, stating: ‘Terrorist channels are out of bounds, in normal times as well as under a state of emergency. After voting for this law several times during the war to stop Al Jazeera’s broadcasts in Israel, we have now finalized it independently of the emergency status.’

    This development occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedoms in Israel. Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 global index documented an 11-position drop in Israel’s press freedom ranking, descending from 101st to 112th place among 180 evaluated nations since the Gaza conflict’s inception.

  • Egypt’s grand museum begins live restoration of ancient boat

    Egypt’s grand museum begins live restoration of ancient boat

    In an unprecedented archaeological undertaking, Egypt has launched a publicly visible restoration of Pharaoh Khufu’s 4,600-year-old solar boat at the Grand Egyptian Museum. The ceremonial vessel, dating back to the Old Kingdom ruler who commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza, represents one of history’s most significant maritime artifacts.

    Conservation specialists commenced work Tuesday by delicately elevating a deteriorated wooden plank using precision crane technology—the initial component among 1,650 fragile pieces requiring meticulous reassembly. Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy characterized the project as “among the most vital restoration initiatives of the 21st century,” emphasizing its global cultural significance.

    The four-year conservation process, funded through a $3.5 million grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), features collaborative expertise between Egyptian and Japanese archaeologists. Project lead Eissa Zidan explained that previous archaeological teams had avoided the undertaking due to the wood’s advanced thermal degradation and fragile state.

    Advanced organic compounds including nano-cellulose and Klucel E are being employed in accordance with international preservation standards to stabilize the ancient materials. The museum simultaneously exhibits a second solar boat from the same period, discovered in superior condition near the Giza pyramids.

    Since its November inauguration, the Grand Egyptian Museum has attracted between 15,000-27,000 daily visitors. Egyptian authorities anticipate this cultural landmark will significantly boost tourism—a sector comprising 9% of national GDP and employing approximately two million citizens. Following pandemic-related challenges and political instability, the government projects a 7% tourism increase for 2026, targeting expansion from 19 million annual visitors.

  • Trump trips, a fake video and 10 possible co-conspirators – Takeaways from new Epstein files

    Trump trips, a fake video and 10 possible co-conspirators – Takeaways from new Epstein files

    The U.S. Department of Justice has unveiled its most substantial batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents to date, releasing over 11,000 pages that reveal previously concealed details about the investigation into the deceased financier’s sex trafficking network. This disclosure, mandated by recent legislation, represents the largest single release in an ongoing transparency initiative that began last Friday.

    The newly public files contain heavily redacted FBI communications identifying ten potential Epstein co-conspirators, with six individuals already served subpoenas across Florida, Boston, New York City, and Connecticut. Among the unredacted names appear Ghislaine Maxwell—already serving a 20-year sentence—and former Victoria’s Secret CEO Les Wexner, though Wexner’s legal representatives maintain he was never considered a target or co-conspirator by prosecutors.

    Perhaps the most intriguing revelation involves communications from an individual identified only as ‘A’ using the email address abx17@dial.pipex.com—listed in Epstein’s records under the contact ‘Duke of York.’ In a 2001 email exchange, ‘A’ writing from ‘Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family’ asked Maxwell to ‘find me some new inappropriate friends,’ to which Maxwell responded apologetically that she could only locate ‘appropriate friends.’ This correspondence resurfaces amid ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s associations with Epstein, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

    The document release also sheds new light on Donald Trump’s connections to Epstein, revealing previously unreported travel arrangements. According to a federal prosecutor’s email from January 2020, flight records indicate Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet ‘many more times than previously reported’—at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, sometimes accompanied by family members including then-wife Marla Maples and children Tiffany and Eric. The Justice Department separately emphasized that many claims about Trump in the files are ‘untrue and sensationalist.’

    Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over the extent of redactions in the released documents, arguing that the legislation specifically prohibits withholding names merely to prevent ‘reputational harm.’ Democrat Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, noted the significance of learning about ’10 co-conspirators potentially that we knew nothing about,’ suggesting congressional scrutiny may intensify.

    The document trove also included bizarre elements such as a fabricated letter purportedly from Epstein to convicted sex offender Larry Nassar, which forensic analysis determined to be inauthentic, and a computer-generated video falsely depicting Epstein in his prison cell. These inclusions demonstrate the challenge authorities face in separating credible evidence from public speculation regarding Epstein’s network and death.

  • US denies visas to ex-EU commissioner and others over social media rules

    US denies visas to ex-EU commissioner and others over social media rules

    The United States State Department has announced visa restrictions against five individuals, including former European Union commissioner Thierry Breton, accusing them of attempting to coerce American social media platforms into suppressing viewpoints they oppose. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the targets as “radical activists and weaponized NGOs” advancing foreign censorship campaigns against American companies and speakers.

    Thierry Breton, previously the EU’s top technology regulator and architect of the Digital Services Act (DSA), denounced the move as a “witch hunt.” The DSA legislation, which mandates content moderation requirements for social media firms, has drawn criticism from U.S. conservatives who view it as targeting right-wing opinions—a claim Brussels denies.

    The announcement escalates ongoing tensions between U.S. tech platforms and European regulators. Breton has previously clashed with Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), regarding compliance with EU regulations. Recently, the European Commission fined X €120 million for deceptive practices related to its verification system, prompting the platform to block Commission advertising.

    Other individuals targeted include Clare Melford of the Global Disinformation Index, accused of using U.S. taxpayer funds to suppress American speech, and Imran Ahmed of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, described as a “key collaborator” in government weaponization efforts. German organization HateAid representatives Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon were also sanctioned.

    Reactions from those targeted were uniformly critical, with statements characterizing the visa bans as “authoritarian attacks on free speech” and acts of government repression. The State Department maintained that the measures protect American sovereignty from extraterritorial overreach by foreign censors, aligning with the Trump administration’s America First foreign policy.

  • Australia to deport British man charged with displaying Nazi symbols

    Australia to deport British man charged with displaying Nazi symbols

    Australian authorities have taken decisive action against a British national residing in Queensland, canceling his visa and initiating deportation proceedings following allegations of promoting Nazi ideology and inciting violence against Jewish communities. The 43-year-old man, whose identity remains protected under Australian law, was arrested earlier this month after federal police uncovered his social media activities involving the display of prohibited Nazi symbols and explicit calls for violence.

    The case emerged when the Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation in October after detecting offensive content on platform X (formerly Twitter). Despite the social media company blocking his initial account, the individual reportedly created a new profile with similar identification to continue disseminating hate material. During a late November raid on his Caboolture residence near Brisbane, authorities confiscated multiple weapons including knives, axes, and several swords adorned with swastika symbols.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke delivered a strong statement regarding the case, emphasizing: ‘He came here to hate – he doesn’t get to stay.’ The minister further clarified Australia’s stance on visa holders during an ABC interview, stating, ‘If you come to Australia on a visa, you are here as a guest.’

    The accused currently remains in immigration detention in Brisbane while awaiting court proceedings scheduled for January. He faces three charges of displaying banned Nazi symbols and one count of using internet services to cause offense. Police authorities are evaluating whether to postpone deportation to ensure his appearance in court.

    This case represents the second high-profile visa cancellation under Australia’s strengthened hate crime legislation. Last month, authorities revoked the visa of South African national Matthew Gruter after his participation in a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales parliament. Both individuals retain the right to appeal their visa cancellations and may either depart voluntarily or face forced deportation to their home countries.

    AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt affirmed the government’s commitment to social cohesion, stating: ‘We want to ensure these symbols are not being used to fracture social cohesion. If we identify instances where this is happening, we will act swiftly to disrupt the behaviour, prosecute those involved and protect the dignity, safety and cohesion of our diverse community.’

    Australia recently implemented stricter hate crime laws introducing mandatory prison sentences for displaying hate symbols or performing Nazi salutes, reflecting increased governmental efforts to combat rising antisemitism and right-wing extremism.

  • Pakistani firm wins auction with $482 million bid for state airline PIA

    Pakistani firm wins auction with $482 million bid for state airline PIA

    In a landmark transaction for Pakistan’s privatization efforts, the Arif Habib investment consortium has prevailed in a competitive auction to acquire a controlling 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with a bid of 135 billion rupees ($482 million). The high-stakes bidding process, broadcast live on state television on Tuesday, featured three domestic contenders vying for the national carrier.

    The transparent auction procedure saw the Arif Habib group outperform rival bids from a Lucky Cement-led consortium offering 134 billion rupees and private carrier Air Blue’s substantially lower 26.5 billion rupee proposal. The successful bidder retains an option to purchase the remaining 25% government stake within coming months.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized the event as historically significant, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency in what represents Pakistan’s largest corporate transaction to date. The acquisition marks a critical turning point for the financially troubled airline, which reported a $437 million net loss on $854 million revenue in 2022 before being delisted from the stock exchange.

    This successful divestiture follows last year’s failed privatization attempt when a solitary $36 million bid fell dramatically short of the government’s $300 million valuation expectations. PIA’s operational challenges have included substantial financial losses, safety concerns that resulted in extended flight bans to Western destinations, and ongoing management issues that required repeated government bailouts.

    The transaction serves as a crucial test case for Pakistan’s broader commitment to privatizing dozens of state-owned enterprises across multiple sectors by 2029, a key condition of the nation’s $7 billion International Monetary Fund loan program. Founded in 1955 as a symbol of national prestige with designer uniforms by Pierre Cardin, PIA’s decline exemplifies the challenges facing many government-owned entities struggling with inefficiency and financial sustainability.

  • Have the American Pope and the American administration fallen out?

    Have the American Pope and the American administration fallen out?

    A significant ideological schism has emerged between the Vatican and the Trump administration over immigration policy, creating unprecedented tension within America’s Catholic community. Pope Leo XIV, the American-born pontiff, has repeatedly criticized the administration’s mass deportation approach, calling for “deep reflection” on migrant treatment and invoking the Gospel of Matthew to emphasize Christian duty toward foreigners.

    The confrontation escalated in November when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a rare “Special Message”—their first such communiqué in twelve years—expressing profound disturbance at what they termed “a climate of fear and anxiety.” The bishops explicitly opposed “indiscriminate mass deportation” and condemned dehumanizing rhetoric, with the Pope endorsing their statement as “very important” and urging all Catholics to heed its message.

    This ecclesiastical stance has provoked strong reactions from conservative Catholics. Jesse Romero, a prominent Catholic podcaster and Trump supporter, argued that church leadership should focus on spiritual matters rather than governance, stating: “The Pope should tell us how to get to heaven. He has no authority over the government.”

    The political dimension is particularly complex given Catholicism’s substantial influence in American politics. With one in five Americans identifying as Catholic, and prominent figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio representing the faith, the Church’s internal divisions mirror broader national debates. While nearly 60% of white Catholics approve of Trump’s immigration handling according to the Public Religion Research Institute, Hispanic Catholics—comprising 37% of the U.S. Catholic population—show significantly lower support at around 30%.

    David Gibson, director of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture, observes that the administration calculates “there are enough American Catholics who support Donald Trump that it’s politically beneficial to pick a fight with the Pope.” This calculation manifests in direct rebuttals from administration officials, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejecting the Pope’s characterization of U.S. immigration policies as “inhuman.”

    At the grassroots level, the conflict takes tangible form. In Chicago, parishioner Jeanne Rattenbury participated in a 2,000-strong “People’s Mass” outside an ICE detention center, part of efforts by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership to provide religious ministry to detainees—a service they claim is being systematically blocked, leading to federal litigation.

    Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima, Washington, one of 216 bishops supporting the USCCB statement, emphasizes that current deportation practices are “not surgical” and disproportionately affect parish communities. With many priests themselves immigrants on temporary visas, the Church faces practical vulnerabilities alongside theological concerns. “Anybody can have their paperwork revoked,” Bishop Tyson notes, revealing that seminarians now carry immigration documents at all times due to enforcement anxieties.

    The ideological fault lines extend to symbolic protests, including a Boston-area church’s Christmas nativity scene replacing baby Jesus with a sign reading “ICE was here”—a display the Archdiocese ordered removed for being divisive, though the parish has thus far refused.

    This confrontation represents a fundamental clash of values between institutional Catholic teaching emphasizing immigrant dignity and political implementation of border enforcement, creating a profound identity crisis for American Catholics navigating competing loyalties to faith and political affiliation.