Global Pulse

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  • Egypt and Saudi Arabia pressure Libya’s Haftar to stop UAE supplies to Sudan’s RSF

    Egypt and Saudi Arabia pressure Libya’s Haftar to stop UAE supplies to Sudan’s RSF

    Egypt and Saudi Arabia have escalated diplomatic pressure on eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar concerning his alleged facilitation of Emirati military support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Security sources indicate this assistance could fundamentally reshape Cairo’s relationship with Haftar’s administration.

    This development forms part of a coordinated Egyptian-Saudi initiative to intercept arms, fuel, and combatant flows to the RSF, counter UAE regional influence, and stabilize the volatile border region connecting Egypt, Libya, and Sudan.

    Earlier this month, Saddam Haftar, the commander’s son and deputy leader of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), was urgently summoned to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Meguid Saker and senior security officials. While publicly framed as routine military cooperation, intelligence sources confirm the discussions centered on compelling evidence of Haftar’s complicity in weapons transfers.

    According to a high-ranking Egyptian military official, surveillance confirmed weapons shipments originating from Abu Dhabi transiting through Haftar-controlled territories before reaching RSF positions in Sudan. Additionally, monitoring revealed Libyan fuel tankers supplying paramilitary forces in Darfur and documented mercenary movements from South America through Libya to Sudan.

    Despite historical Egyptian support for Haftar’s eastern Libyan administration, his parallel backing by the UAE—the RSF’s primary patron—has created strategic complications. Recent reports indicate supply lines established through Libyan border areas directly enabled RSF military advances, including the capture of el-Fasher where thousands reportedly faced massacre.

    Cairo and Riyadh presented Saddam Haftar with offers of alternative financial and military support to replace Emirati backing. These discussions coincided with a substantial $4 billion Saudi arms agreement with Pakistan, with portions reportedly earmarked for Haftar’s forces and the Sudanese military led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

    Egyptian officials shared intelligence revealing alleged Emirati plans to fragment Haftar’s territory following RSF consolidation in western Sudan. The strategy purportedly involved dividing Libya into multiple zones, potentially diminishing Haftar’s control.

    The geopolitical realignment follows public friction between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, previously close allies. Riyadh has grown increasingly assertive against Emirati regional policies, particularly regarding Yemen where UAE-backed separatists recently faced setbacks against Saudi-supported government forces.

    Egypt demonstrated its resolve through a targeted air strike against a military convoy transiting from Libya to RSF-controlled territory in Sudan. The operation destroyed dozens of vehicles carrying weapons and fuel near the al-Uwaynat border triangle. Subsequent air patrols continue monitoring the region, with authorities warning any further support convoys will face similar consequences.

    Analysts interpret these developments as emerging Egyptian-Saudi coordination to counter expanding Emirati influence across multiple conflict zones, though underlying differences regarding regional leadership persist between Cairo and Riyadh.

  • Trump launches his Board of Peace, says it will work ‘in conjunction’ with UN

    Trump launches his Board of Peace, says it will work ‘in conjunction’ with UN

    In a significant geopolitical move at the World Economic Forum in Davos, former U.S. President Donald Trump officially inaugurated his controversial “Board of Peace” initiative on Thursday. The ceremonial signing event featured leaders and senior officials from 19 nations, including prominent Trump allies such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who collectively endorsed the organization’s founding charter.

    The newly established board, chaired by Trump himself, carries a substantial $1 billion membership fee and has sparked international debate regarding its purpose and composition. While initially conceived to oversee post-conflict peace in Gaza following the Hamas-Israel war, the board’s charter now envisions a broader mandate in resolving international disputes, raising concerns among traditional diplomatic circles about its potential to challenge the United Nations’ authority.

    Trump addressed these concerns during the launch, asserting that the organization would operate “in conjunction” with the UN rather than as a competitor. However, the membership roster has generated controversy, particularly regarding the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Trump confirmed Putin’s agreement to join, though the Kremlin leader stated he remains undecided.

    The initiative faced immediate diplomatic setbacks as key U.S. allies including the United Kingdom and France declined participation, expressing skepticism about the board’s legitimacy and objectives. Other signatories included representatives from Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the board’s primary focus would be “ensuring that the Gaza peace deal becomes enduring.” Trump delivered a stern warning to Hamas, stating they must disarm in the next phase of the ceasefire agreement or face consequences.

    The launch occurs against the backdrop of Trump’s previously expressed frustration at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended multiple conflicts. Concurrently, Trump prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss potential ceasefire negotiations regarding the ongoing Russian invasion, while his special envoy Steve Witkoff indicated substantial progress in peace talks, noting they had been narrowed to “one solvable issue.”

  • Hebei’s ‘ancient pressure cooker’ setting internet ablaze

    Hebei’s ‘ancient pressure cooker’ setting internet ablaze

    A remarkable archaeological artifact from China’s Hebei Province has unexpectedly become an internet sensation, drawing worldwide attention to ancient Chinese technological innovation. The Tripod with Bear-shaped Feet, housed at Hebei Museum in Shijiazhuang, has been affectionately dubbed the ‘ancient pressure cooker’ by fascinated netizens who have discovered its ingenious design principles.

    Discovered in 1968 during excavations of a Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) prince’s tomb, this bronze culinary vessel stands merely 18.1 centimeters in height but represents extraordinary engineering sophistication. The tripod features three delightfully crafted squatting bears serving as sturdy feet, while its true innovation lies in the sealing mechanism. The lid incorporates an advanced flip-and-twist locking system with animal-shaped latches that creates an exceptionally tight seal when engaged.

    Archaeological experts confirm this sophisticated design enabled the trapping of steam within the vessel, creating higher internal pressure that significantly reduced cooking times—a fundamental principle that modern pressure cookers still utilize today. The precision engineering demonstrates that Han Dynasty craftsmen understood and applied principles of pressure cooking over two millennia before contemporary kitchen technology emerged.

    Cultural heritage specialists have celebrated this discovery as evidence of China’s longstanding tradition of technological innovation and sophisticated metalworking capabilities. The artifact’s viral popularity has sparked renewed interest in ancient Chinese technological achievements, with museums worldwide noting increased public engagement with historical collections that demonstrate early scientific principles.

  • With ‘Board of Peace,’ Trump tries hand at institution-making, to wide doubt

    With ‘Board of Peace,’ Trump tries hand at institution-making, to wide doubt

    In a striking pivot from his longstanding pattern of dismantling international frameworks, President Donald Trump has unveiled his visionary ‘Board of Peace’ during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The initiative, however, has been met with profound skepticism from major global powers and foreign policy experts alike.

    Unlike traditional multilateral bodies such as the United Nations, this newly proposed board would operate under Trump’s direct personal authority, granting him ultimate decision-making power even beyond his presidential term. The concept originally emerged as a mechanism for Gaza conflict resolution following the October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Yet its scope rapidly expanded with invitations extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin—despite ongoing Ukraine tensions—and numerous nations outside conventional Middle East diplomacy circles.

    During the Davos announcement, Trump asserted the board’s potential to evolve beyond Gaza, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio touting ‘endless possibilities.’ The President repeatedly referenced his contested claim of ending eight conflicts during his current term while criticizing UN inefficiencies, noting he ‘never spoke to the United Nations about any of them.’

    Financial transparency concerns immediately surfaced as the charter revealed permanent executive board positions carrying a $1 billion membership fee. Although US officials clarified temporary members wouldn’t face this financial barrier and promised rigorous oversight, destination specifics for these funds remain undefined.

    European responses proved notably cool. Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed reservations regarding Putin’s inclusion, while France’s outright refusal prompted Trump to threaten 200% tariffs on French wine unless President Macron participates. Several Muslim-majority nations including Saudi Arabia and Turkey offered cautious support but emphasized the board should function as a transitional administration for Gaza rather than permanent structure.

    Foreign policy veterans expressed deep reservations. Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment noted the initiative lacks ‘guiding principles that would enable serious countries to join,’ while International Crisis Group’s Richard Gowan observed the board reflects Trump’s preference for ’boutique organizations that he can control completely.’ Many experts warn that the board’s credibility hinges entirely on its success in Gaza—where ceasefire fragility and reconstruction challenges present immediate practical obstacles to its ambitious mandate.

  • Failed Afghan asylum seekers need to go back home, Sweden’s migration minister urges

    Failed Afghan asylum seekers need to go back home, Sweden’s migration minister urges

    NICOSIA, Cyprus — Sweden’s Migration Minister Johan Forssell has called for urgent European Union action to address the growing challenge of deporting Afghan nationals whose asylum claims have been rejected or who have committed crimes within EU territories. Speaking during an informal gathering of EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers in Cyprus, Forssell highlighted a critical administrative impasse: the inability to remove individuals lacking proper identification or travel documentation.

    The minister articulated a pressing concern that without functional documentation procedures, EU nations face ‘more or less impossible’ deportation scenarios. Forssell emphasized that while the EU maintains no interest in formal political engagements that might legitimize Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership, technical-level agreements remain both feasible and necessary.

    This position stems from Sweden’s direct experience with criminal cases involving Afghan nationals who cannot be expelled due to documentation gaps. ‘If you come to Europe and commit crimes, you have chosen yourself not to be part of our society,’ Forssell stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring expulsion of such individuals.

    The documentation crisis arises because most Afghan embassies in Europe operate without recognition from Taliban authorities, leaving migrants in legal limbo. Forssell revealed that the European Commission has initiated preliminary contacts with Kabul, describing these efforts as a ‘very positive first step.’ He also noted emerging consensus among multiple EU states facing parallel challenges.

    With over half of Afghan asylum seekers expected to receive rejections, Forssell warned that public support for legitimate asylum processes could erode without efficient return mechanisms. He proposed practical solutions including charter flights consolidating deportees from multiple countries.

    European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner confirmed that member states are engaging with Afghanistan’s ‘effective authorities’ on technical levels to facilitate repatriations.

    The Swedish minister contextualized these efforts within his nation’s broader migration policy shift. Sweden’s historically generous asylum approach has transformed significantly in recent years, with public concern over migration-related problems contributing to the current government’s formation—a coalition that includes the hard-right, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Forssell reported that asylum applications have now reached their lowest level since 1985, aligning with current policy objectives.

  • Farms stays to desert camps: How UAE residents spend weekends as temperatures near 0ºC

    Farms stays to desert camps: How UAE residents spend weekends as temperatures near 0ºC

    As the UAE experiences its coldest winter evenings with temperatures approaching zero degrees Celsius in high-altitude regions, residents are transforming their weekend routines to capitalize on the unusual weather phenomenon. The National Centre of Meteorology confirms that this cold spell will persist through coming days, characterized by fluctuating winds that intensify the chill particularly after sunset.

    Emirati families are migrating from urban centers to rural retreats, with farmhouses in Sweihan and Hatta becoming preferred destinations. Abdulrahman Al Shizawi, who plans to spend nights at his family’s Abu Dhabi farmhouse, describes the conditions as “perfect for outdoor gatherings around fire pits with family—the very weather we anticipate throughout the year.”

    The meteorological shift has inspired diverse outdoor activities across demographic groups. While local families favor mountain farm stays, expatriate communities are organizing desert camping expeditions. George Kalathil, an events specialist from Al Quoz, reports that his desert driving group spontaneously arranged an overnight camping trip upon noticing the temperature drop after work hours.

    Adventure enthusiasts are particularly benefiting from the conditions. Multimedia professional Tom Reyes notes that the cool, non-humid atmosphere creates ideal hiking and camping conditions near Jabel Yibir, where morning fog blankets the mountain ranges in spectacular fashion. This weather window has generated widespread social media engagement, with residents sharing photographs of temperature readings and winter attire preparations under captions like ‘its time to take out winter jackets’.

    The collective adaptation to these conditions demonstrates how climate variations can positively influence social behavior and leisure patterns in the region.

  • Major urban renovation restores Xi’an’s ancient moat

    Major urban renovation restores Xi’an’s ancient moat

    The ancient city of Xi’an has achieved a remarkable urban conservation milestone with the successful completion of its comprehensive moat restoration initiative. The recently concluded Phase II renovation project witnessed the historic rehydration of the railway station section, marking the final piece in reconnecting the entire 14.6-kilometer ancient waterway system.

    This engineering triumph represents the first complete restoration of the moat since its initial construction during the late Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). The recently revitalized 859-meter segment now flows seamlessly between two nationally protected cultural heritage sites: the iconic Xi’an City Wall and the historic Daming Palace ruins.

    Prior to restoration, this critical section suffered from severe silt accumulation averaging 1.2 meters in depth, with some areas exceeding 1.5 meters of sediment. The degraded condition caused annual flooding during rainy seasons, creating problematic mixtures of stormwater, river overflow, and sewage throughout the channel.

    The comprehensive renovation addressed multiple challenges simultaneously—historical preservation, urban infrastructure modernization, and environmental management. By restoring the original hydraulic connectivity, the project has not only revived an important historical landmark but also implemented contemporary water management solutions to prevent future flooding and contamination issues.

    This achievement represents a sophisticated blend of archaeological conservation and urban planning, demonstrating how modern cities can successfully integrate historical preservation with functional infrastructure development. The restored moat now stands as both a testament to ancient Chinese engineering and a model for sustainable urban renewal practices.

  • Venezuela looks to petrodollars to bring down prices

    Venezuela looks to petrodollars to bring down prices

    In a strategic economic maneuver, Venezuela’s interim government is deploying petrodollar revenues to combat hyperinflation and stabilize its crippled currency. The administration under Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed receiving $300 million from U.S. sales of Venezuelan crude, funds immediately channeled into bolstering the struggling bolivar.

    This dollar injection aims to narrow the widening gap between official and parallel exchange rates—a primary driver of Venezuela’s rampant inflation. Market analysts observed immediate positive effects, with currency speculation diminishing upon anticipation of the dollar influx. Alejandro Grisanti of Ecoanalitica noted that while such interventions provide temporary relief, sustainable economic recovery requires consistent dollar availability and responsible fiscal policies beyond exchange rate manipulations.

    The current economic strategy marks a continuation of policies initiated during Nicolas Maduro’s administration, when Rodriguez served as vice president. Following Maduro’s military ouster on January 3, the United States asserted control over Venezuelan oil assets, with former President Donald Trump declaring Washington ‘in charge’ of the nation’s oil revenues.

    Parliament has begun debating Rodriguez’s proposal to open Venezuela’s nationalized oil sector to private investment—a significant policy shift for the traditionally socialist nation. Meanwhile, ordinary Venezuelans face unbearable hardships with monthly minimum wages and pensions equivalent to merely 40 US cents, forcing pensioners to choose between hunger and untreated illness according to union leader Josefina Guerra.

  • Exclusive: UK confirms phone call between Cameron and ICC’s Karim Khan

    Exclusive: UK confirms phone call between Cameron and ICC’s Karim Khan

    The British government has officially acknowledged a contentious April 2024 telephone conversation between then-Foreign Secretary David Cameron and International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, marking the first formal confirmation of the exchange that allegedly involved threats over the ICC’s Gaza investigation.

    The disclosure emerged through a Freedom of Information request filed by Unredacted, a national security research unit at the University of Westminster. In a January 2026 response letter, the Foreign Office’s Information Rights Unit stated: “The then Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, was the only person present on the call on 23 April 2024 with Karim Khan.”

    This confirmation follows Prosecutor Khan’s recent statement to the ICC alleging that a “senior British official” threatened to withdraw UK funding from the court during the April 23rd conversation. The call occurred during a critical period—one month before Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and coincided with intensifying international pressure regarding the Gaza war crimes investigation.

    According to Middle East Eye’s previous reporting, which cited sources including former staff in Khan’s office who had seen meeting minutes, Cameron allegedly characterized the potential warrants as “like dropping a hydrogen bomb.” The former prime minister reportedly argued that while prosecuting Russia for Ukrainian aggression was justified, targeting Israel during its “self-defense” against October 7th attacks was fundamentally different. Cameron purportedly warned that the warrants would have “profound implications” in Britain and within his Conservative Party, threatening defunding and withdrawal from the Rome Statute if proceedings moved forward.

    Professor Sam Raphael, International Relations and Human Rights expert at the University of Westminster, stated: “This raises serious questions about the role of a senior minister in threatening the impartiality of the ICC, especially given the myriad forms of military, intelligence and diplomatic support provided by the UK to Israel at the time.”

    Legal experts consulted by MEE suggest Cameron’s alleged conduct may constitute an attack on judicial independence and potentially violate both the Rome Statute and British law regarding obstruction of justice. Two British MPs have subsequently called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to initiate an independent investigation into the allegations, noting that any attempted coercion of the ICC could breach Article 70 of the Rome Statute prohibiting interference with justice administration.

    The ICC continues to face significant external pressure, particularly from Israel and the United States, since Khan’s decision to pursue warrants. The Trump administration has imposed financial and visa sanctions against Khan, his deputies, six judges, and Palestinian entities connected to the investigation, while threatening further measures against the court itself.

    ICC judges are currently reviewing an Israeli challenge to the court’s jurisdiction over Palestine and a separate complaint questioning the prosecutor’s impartiality. Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 pending a UN investigation into unrelated sexual misconduct allegations, which he vigorously denies.

  • China launches nationwide employment assistance program

    China launches nationwide employment assistance program

    China has mobilized nine central government departments in a sweeping nationwide initiative to strengthen employment support and increase incomes for vulnerable worker groups during the first quarter of 2026. The coordinated program, operating from January through March, represents a significant governmental effort to address workforce challenges during the winter months.

    The multi-ministry collaboration brings together the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, among other key agencies. This interdepartmental approach underscores the comprehensive nature of the employment assistance campaign.

    Implementation strategies include organizing targeted job fairs across diverse locations including residential communities, rural areas, industrial zones, supermarkets, and transportation hubs such as railway stations. The program also emphasizes skills development, actively encouraging participants to obtain professional certifications that enhance their employment prospects.

    Special attention will be directed toward marginalized groups including people with disabilities, urban workers experiencing economic hardship, and graduates facing employment difficulties. These populations will receive customized assistance based on their specific circumstances and needs.

    The initiative builds on recent employment activities across the country, including a major five-province joint employment service event held in Guizhou province on January 16th that attracted numerous job seekers. The program’s implementation will be managed by local authorities who will tailor the employment services to regional needs while maintaining the national framework.