Global Pulse

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  • Far-right Jewish-American group Betar to wind down operations after investigation

    Far-right Jewish-American group Betar to wind down operations after investigation

    A far-right Jewish-American organization, Betar USA, has been compelled to cease operations in New York State following a comprehensive investigation by Attorney General Letitia James. The probe revealed the group engaged in systematic bias-motivated harassment and violence against targeted communities.

    The investigation, conducted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), determined that Betar USA repeatedly targeted individuals based on their faith and ethnic origin, specifically focusing on Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers. The group’s tactics included physical intimidation, assault, and psychological terror campaigns.

    Attorney General James stated: “New York will not tolerate organizations that use fear, violence, and intimidation to silence free expression or target people because of who they are. My office’s investigation uncovered an alarming and illegal pattern of bias-motivated harassment and violence designed to terrorize communities and shut down lawful protest.”

    The investigation documented multiple incidents where Betar-affiliated individuals targeted people perceived as Muslim or pro-Palestinian, attempting to force “beepers” on them—a reference to an Israeli operation in Lebanon that killed people using exploding pagers. Group members threatened academics with ongoing harassment and warned at least one individual that they would visit their home.

    Evidence showed Betar USA actively promoted and encouraged violence, urging members to bring weapons to protests including knives, pepper spray, and attack dogs. The group celebrated violent incidents online, including sharing footage of a national leadership member physically striking a woman wearing a keffiyeh.

    Under the settlement agreement, Betar USA is permanently barred from instigating or encouraging violence, physically assaulting or threatening individuals, harassing protesters, or damaging property based on protected characteristics. The group agreed to a suspended $50,000 penalty that will be enforced if violations occur, and will dissolve its not-for-profit corporation in New York.

    The investigation also revealed that Betar USA failed to register as a New York charity despite actively soliciting donations through its website and social media platforms.

    Founded in 1929 and revived in June 2023 by Israeli-American entrepreneur Ronn Torossian—a Trump campaign donor—and Congressman Ritchie Torres, Betar USA described itself as “loud, proud, aggressive and unapologically Zionist.” The group recently obtained US tax-exempt nonprofit status in July 2024 and claimed chapters in multiple cities, though actual membership numbers remain unclear.

    Betar USA is part of a century-old international organization that helped shape Israel’s far-right movement. The group originated from the right-wing Zionist ideology of Ze’ev Jabotinsky and later integrated into the Irgun militia, which became part of the Israeli army following Israel’s establishment in 1948—an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe.

  • Only Trump can stop Putin, Polish president tells BBC

    Only Trump can stop Putin, Polish president tells BBC

    Polish President Karol Nawrocki has positioned former U.S. President Donald Trump as the singular global figure capable of countering Russian aggression toward Europe. In a comprehensive interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, President Nawrocki articulated that Vladimir Putin remains an untrustworthy actor, necessitating unified European support for Trump’s initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

    President Nawrocki, a longstanding advocate of Trump, emphasized that Russia’s escalating threats against Poland and broader Eastern Europe require decisive American leadership. He referenced a significant September incident where over 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace from Belarus and Ukraine—marking an unprecedented attack on a NATO member state. This event, described by Nawrocki as ‘an extraordinary situation,’ demonstrated Russia’s intent to test both Polish defenses and NATO’s collective solidarity.

    The Polish leader acknowledged Britain’s strategic support, including the deployment of RAF Typhoon jets to reinforce Poland’s borders. He revealed that Poland has been engaged in a hybrid war with Russia since 2021, combating both aerial incursions and disinformation campaigns. This ‘grey zone’ warfare, according to Nawrocki, underscores the dangerously volatile security environment.

    Addressing concerns over Trump’s controversial statements regarding Greenland’s acquisition, President Nawrocki maintained that the United States remains Europe’s essential security guarantor despite diplomatic friction. He warned against European detachment from American partnership, stressing that such divergence would undermine both economic and military security for EU members.

    President Nawrocki further criticized European leadership for prioritizing ideological policies—such as climate agreements and migration debates—over critical security investments. Noting Poland’s commitment to allocating nearly 5% of GDP to defense, he contrasted this with what he perceives as inadequate preparedness elsewhere in Europe.

    The Polish president concluded with warm remarks toward the United Kingdom, highlighting the significance of bilateral relations and the community of approximately one million Poles residing in Britain. He expressed particular gratitude for British military contributions to NATO’s eastern flank and voiced hope for Poland’s inclusion in the upcoming G20 summit hosted by the UK.

  • Senate readies vote on Venezuela war powers as Trump pressures GOP defectors

    Senate readies vote on Venezuela war powers as Trump pressures GOP defectors

    WASHINGTON — A significant political confrontation is unfolding in the Senate as Republican lawmakers face mounting pressure from President Donald Trump regarding a war powers resolution that would restrict presidential authority to initiate military action against Venezuela. The resolution advanced last week with support from five Republican senators joining Democrats, prompting vehement criticism from the president.

    During a Tuesday speech in Michigan, Trump expressed frustration with the dissenting Republicans, stating, “Here we have one of the most successful attacks ever and they find a way to be against it. It’s pretty amazing. And it’s a shame.” The president specifically targeted Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Susan Collins (R-ME), describing them with derogatory terms that underscore the deepening rift within the party.

    The legislative measure gained momentum following U.S. military operations that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Despite its advancement, the resolution faces insurmountable obstacles as it would ultimately require Trump’s signature to become law, creating a constitutional paradox that highlights the measure’s symbolic importance in testing Republican loyalty to the president.

    Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), one of the Republicans who initially supported advancing the resolution, has indicated he may reconsider his position after discussions with administration officials. Hawley reported receiving assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that no ground troops would be deployed to Venezuela and that the administration would adhere to constitutional requirements for any future military actions.

    The Trump administration has employed multiple legal justifications for its Venezuela operations, including designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations under global war on terror authorities and characterizing Maduro’s capture as a law enforcement operation rather than military action. Senators received a classified briefing on the administration’s legal rationale, though some lawmakers criticized the secrecy surrounding these arguments.

    This political confrontation occurs against the backdrop of Trump’s expanded foreign policy ambitions, including recent statements about U.S. involvement in Venezuela, interest in Greenland, and comments regarding Iran. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who has introduced multiple war powers resolutions, observed that the administration appears “furious at the notion that Congress wants to be Congress.”

  • South Korean court to deliver verdict in ex-president Yoon’s insurrection trial on Feb 19

    South Korean court to deliver verdict in ex-president Yoon’s insurrection trial on Feb 19

    A Seoul court has scheduled February 19, 2026, as the verdict date in the unprecedented insurrection trial of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, marking a critical juncture in the nation’s political and judicial history. The Seoul Central District Court’s announcement comes after prosecutors made the extraordinary request for capital punishment against the former head of state.

    The case centers on Yoon’s controversial declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, 2024, despite the absence of war or equivalent national crises. The National Assembly swiftly revoked the declaration within hours, setting in motion a constitutional crisis that ultimately led to Yoon’s impeachment by the Constitutional Court in April 2025 and his subsequent removal from office.

    Prosecutors allege Yoon masterminded an insurrection plot, coordinating with seven senior military and police officials who face related charges. The court consolidated three separate trials last month, creating a unified proceeding against all eight defendants. Yoon, who was indicted while in detention in January 2025, holds the distinction of being the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and formally charged.

    The upcoming verdict represents a watershed moment for South Korea’s democratic institutions, testing the judiciary’s independence and the principle that all citizens, regardless of position, are subject to the rule of law. The case has drawn intense domestic and international attention, with implications for the nation’s political stability and constitutional order.

  • Man, 50, charged after allegedly performing Nazi salute before assaulting man in Epping road rage attack

    Man, 50, charged after allegedly performing Nazi salute before assaulting man in Epping road rage attack

    A disturbing incident of road rage escalated into a hate crime in a northwest Sydney suburb, resulting in criminal charges against a 50-year-old man. The alleged assault occurred on Carlingford Road in Epping during the early morning commute on Tuesday, approximately at 6 a.m., according to New South Wales Police reports.

    The confrontation began when the suspect, driving a black utility vehicle, abruptly stopped his car in front of another vehicle. Police statements indicate that the man then exited his ute and allegedly performed a Nazi salute—a gesture illegal under NSW laws banning the public display of Nazi symbols without reasonable excuse. Following this offensive gesture, the perpetrator allegedly physically assaulted the 48-year-old driver before fleeing the scene.

    After conducting thorough investigations, officers from the Ryde Police Area Command executed an arrest at a residential address on Cockatoo Road in Erskine Park around 10:30 p.m. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to St Mary’s Police Station for processing.

    The accused faced Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, charged with two criminal offenses: knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol by public act without excuse, and common assault. The case highlights ongoing concerns about hate-motivated violence and the enforcement of new legislation targeting Nazi symbolism in public spaces. NSW authorities have emphasized their commitment to addressing both road safety violations and hate-based incidents within the community.

  • Greenlanders brace for summit that could shape the Arctic’s future – and their own

    Greenlanders brace for summit that could shape the Arctic’s future – and their own

    A high-stakes diplomatic confrontation is unfolding as U.S. Vice President JD Vance prepares to host Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. The extraordinary meeting centers on Donald Trump’s controversial pursuit of Greenland, which he has vowed to acquire through “the easy way or the hard way” following his administration’s aggressive military maneuvers in Venezuela.

    In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, digital news tickers blaze with urgent messages about sovereignty and Trump’s intentions. Local residents express profound concern about their future. “We are not for sale. Our country is not for sale,” asserts Amelie Zeeb, emphasizing her point by removing traditional sealskin mittens. Writer Sivnîssoq Rask echoes this sentiment: “My hope is for our country to be independent and well-managed and not be bought.”

    The geopolitical implications extend far beyond the island itself. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any forced acquisition would effectively terminate NATO, the transatlantic defense alliance that has underpinned European security for decades. This comes at a critical juncture when European leaders seek U.S. support for Ukraine peace negotiations.

    European powers are responding with heightened military proposals. Germany and Britain are leading efforts to bolster NATO’s Arctic presence, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating, “We share the U.S. concerns that this part of Denmark needs better protection.” Concrete suggestions include establishing a maritime NATO “Arctic Sentry” force, mirroring the Baltic Sea security framework implemented after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    Greenland’s strategic significance dates to World War II when the U.S. occupied the island to prevent Nazi advancement. The 1951 defense agreement between Washington and Copenhagen permits American military bases but maintains Danish sovereignty. Today, Greenland’s location on the shortest route between the continental U.S. and Russia makes it crucial for missile defense, while its waters contain critical underwater infrastructure vulnerable to hybrid attacks.

    Analysts question Trump’s stated security rationale. Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund notes that Alaska’s Arctic region represents a more sensitive security zone, suggesting economic motivations drive Trump’s interest. Greenland possesses vast rare earth minerals essential for high-tech industries and defense technologies, alongside emerging shipping routes as Arctic ice recedes.

    Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has declared a geopolitical crisis, stating his nation would choose Denmark over U.S. control if forced. Security expert Sara Olvig warns that coercive acquisition would fundamentally alter America’s global standing: “The United States will no longer be the land of the free. It will be the end of NATO and of the democratic world as we know it.” With Russia and China closely monitoring developments, Wednesday’s meeting could redefine Arctic geopolitics for generations.

  • Scientist wins ‘Environment Nobel’ for shedding light on hidden fungal networks

    Scientist wins ‘Environment Nobel’ for shedding light on hidden fungal networks

    American evolutionary biologist Dr. Toby Kiers has received the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement—frequently dubbed the ‘Nobel Prize for the environment’—for her groundbreaking research illuminating the complex subterranean networks of mycorrhizal fungi. These vast fungal systems, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots across global ecosystems, play a critical role in climate regulation by sequestering approximately 13 billion tons of carbon annually.

    Until recently, these intricate underground systems were largely overlooked and underestimated by the scientific community. Dr. Kiers’ pioneering work has transformed our understanding of these networks from mere plant companions to essential biological infrastructure governing nutrient exchange and carbon cycles. Her research has revealed that these fungi function as sophisticated traders in a biological marketplace, strategically allocating phosphorus and nitrogen to plants in exchange for carbon-rich sugars and fats.

    Through the creation of a global Underground Atlas and the development of advanced robotic imaging technology, Dr. Kiers and her colleagues have made these hidden ecosystems visible for the first time. Their mapping efforts have uncovered a concerning reality: most fungal biodiversity hotspots exist outside currently protected ecological zones.

    In response to this finding, Dr. Kiers co-founded the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), which recently launched an ‘Underground Advocates’ program to equip scientists with legal tools for fungal conservation. The Tyler Prize award of $250,000 will further support these conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding these vital carbon storage systems that have been essential to terrestrial life since plants first colonized land.

  • Vance to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington as locals say Greenland is not for sale

    Vance to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington as locals say Greenland is not for sale

    NUUK, Greenland — Greenland finds itself at the epicenter of an escalating geopolitical confrontation as U.S. President Donald Trump’s persistent campaign to acquire the Arctic territory has triggered international alarm and local resistance. The situation has reached such intensity that Denmark’s Prime Minister has cautioned it could potentially destabilize the NATO alliance.

    Along the snow-covered streets of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, residents express unified opposition to American overtures. Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, conveyed to The Associated Press her hope that U.S. officials would understand the clear message: “back off.”

    The White House has notably declined to rule out forceful measures to obtain control of the strategically vital island, which operates as a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. This stance sets the stage for high-level discussions scheduled for Wednesday between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and diplomatic representatives from both Denmark and Greenland.

    Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen articulated the territory’s firm position during a Copenhagen news conference: “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU.”

    The island’s significance stems from its emerging strategic value as climate change transforms Arctic geography. Melting ice opens potential shorter trade routes to Asia and facilitates access to substantial deposits of critical minerals essential for technology manufacturing.

    While President Trump justifies his pursuit through national security concerns—specifically citing perceived threats from Russian and Chinese vessels—local experts and residents challenge this narrative. Lars Vintner, a heating engineer who frequently navigates Greenlandic waters, stated: “The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market.” His friend Hans Nørgaard dismissed Trump’s claims as “fantasy.”

    Vintner suggested security concerns merely provide “a cover” for economic ambitions, noting the U.S. already maintains military presence and could expand existing bases without ownership transfer.

    The confrontation has prompted extraordinary civilian responses, including Nørgaard filing a police complaint in Nuuk against Trump’s “aggressive” behavior, which he characterized as threatening both Greenlanders and NATO stability.

    Greenland’s Minister for Business and Mineral Resources Naaja Nathanielsen ahead of Wednesday’s meeting called U.S. discussions about taking over a NATO ally “unfathomable” and urged the Trump administration to respect the will of the island’s population.

  • Japan, South Korea leaders drum up viral moment with K-pop jam

    Japan, South Korea leaders drum up viral moment with K-pop jam

    In an unconventional display of diplomatic camaraderie, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung engaged in an impromptu drumming session featuring K-pop hits following their bilateral summit in Nara. The two leaders, adorned in personalized blue athletic tops, created a viral moment that symbolized their commitment to strengthening ties between the historically divided nations.

    The musical interlude came after substantive discussions where both leaders affirmed enhanced cooperation on economic security and regional stability matters. Prime Minister Takaichi, drawing from her background as a former heavy metal band drummer, orchestrated the surprise performance specifically for President Lee, who had previously expressed his aspiration to play drums during last year’s APEC gathering.

    Their repertoire included BTS’s global phenomenon “Dynamite” and “Golden” from the Golden Globe-winning animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters.” Video footage captured Takaichi demonstrating vigorous drumming technique with visible enthusiasm, while Lee acknowledged initial awkwardness that gradually transformed into rhythmic synchronization.

    Beyond the cultural exchange, the leaders addressed pressing geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding China’s regional influence and the ongoing diplomatic tensions following Takaichi’s November remarks about potential military intervention in Taiwan. Both emphasized the critical importance of Japan-South Korea collaboration amidst complex international dynamics.

    The meeting occurred against the historical backdrop of Japan’s 1910-1945 occupation of the Korean peninsula, which has long strained bilateral relations. While Lee’s predecessor had pursued improved ties, the current administration appears to be building upon this foundation through both symbolic gestures and substantive policy alignment, with Lee characterizing the relationship as “neighbors sharing a front yard.”

  • From Minneapolis to Venezuela, Trump piles up the risks as he faces midterm verdict

    From Minneapolis to Venezuela, Trump piles up the risks as he faces midterm verdict

    NEW YORK — Within the initial fortnight of the new year, President Donald Trump has dramatically intensified his governance approach, asserting authority over Venezuela’s political landscape, renewing threats to acquire Greenland, and deploying masked immigration agents across American urban centers. These developments occur alongside an extraordinary criminal investigation targeting the Federal Reserve—a fundamental pillar of the national economy that Trump seeks to influence.

    Even for a presidency characterized by constant disruption, Trump is generating exceptional levels of political turbulence as the nation approaches midterm elections that will determine congressional control. Each presidential decision carries substantial risks, ranging from potential foreign entanglements to destabilizing the financial system, yet Trump continues his aggressive approach with an intensity that has unsettled even some Republican allies.

    Yale University historian Joanne B. Freeman characterized the situation as a “rogue presidency,” noting this represents an unprecedented development in American political history. Despite potential repercussions, Trump appears undeterred, frequently escalating his positions rather than retreating.

    The Federal Reserve investigation has proven particularly contentious. Following Chair Jerome Powell’s disclosure that the central bank faces criminal scrutiny regarding testimony about building renovations, some conservative voices expressed unusual criticism. Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, typically a Trump supporter, noted that Wall Street largely opposes such confrontations with the monetary policy institution.

    Concurrently, Trump has expanded U.S. involvement in complex international matters, seemingly contradicting his promised “America First” foreign policy. The military operation to remove Venezuelan leadership has been reframed from targeting drug trade figures to presenting economic opportunities for the United States, with Trump even declaring himself “acting president of Venezuela” in social media posts.

    Domestically, immigration enforcement operations have sparked violent confrontations, including a fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving federal agents. Administration officials claim self-defense, while local authorities dispute these accounts based on circulating video evidence.

    As November’s midterm elections approach, Democratic campaigns focus primarily on economic concerns, with recent AP-NORC polls showing only 31% approval of Trump’s economic management—his lowest rating yet. Some progressive activists argue their party should emphasize Trump’s unprecedented power consolidation more prominently, with Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin warning that authoritarians typically escalate when cornered rather than conceding power.

    Republican leadership remains largely unified, with RNC spokesperson Kiersten Pels asserting that voters will reward the party for Trump’s America-first policies in the upcoming elections.