Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Kenyan police investigate alleged disappearance of ex-foreign minister

    Kenyan police investigate alleged disappearance of ex-foreign minister

    Kenyan authorities have launched a high-priority investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Raphael Tuju, the nation’s former Foreign Minister, who vanished under circumstances suggesting possible abduction. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when Tuju and his driver were en route to a scheduled radio interview in Nairobi.

    According to official police reports, the former minister’s vehicle was discovered abandoned with its hazard lights activated along a roadway in Karen, an affluent suburb of the capital. Authorities noted that all attempts to contact Tuju proved futile as his mobile phone remained switched off.

    The disappearance unfolds against the backdrop of an intense legal confrontation involving Tuju’s substantial business assets. Court documents reveal a protracted financial dispute with lenders seeking to recover approximately $15 million in outstanding debts linked to properties owned by Dari Limited, a company under Tuju’s ownership. Despite multiple legal petitions, Tuju has been unsuccessful in preventing the auction of these properties.

    In recent developments, Tuju had formally reported to police that he was being followed by an unmarked vehicle prior to his disappearance. He had also publicly alleged that dozens of police officers forcibly took control of his Karen property, ejecting his staff and security personnel. The former minister contended that influential government officials were orchestrating efforts to seize his assets, though these claims remain unaddressed by state authorities.

    Police have established a specialized task force coordinating with multiple government agencies to locate the missing statesman. In an official statement, law enforcement urged public cooperation while simultaneously requesting that Tuju’s family provide unrestricted access to relevant locations and information.

    The case has drawn significant political attention, with prominent opposition figures openly speculating about state involvement in Tuju’s disappearance. Governor James Orengo explicitly characterized the incident as a kidnapping, while Lawmaker Otiende Amollo demanded immediate police action to ensure Tuju’s safety and return.

  • Iranian forces warn of broader retaliation if US targets its power facilities

    Iranian forces warn of broader retaliation if US targets its power facilities

    Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has issued a stark warning that nations hosting US military installations could face retaliatory strikes on their power infrastructure if the United States follows through with threats to target Iranian energy facilities. The statement, delivered through state-controlled Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, represents a significant escalation in regional tensions.

    The military command emphasized that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian “smart control” with regulated maritime transit continuing under specific security protocols. However, officials warned that any American aggression would trigger immediate countermeasures including complete closure of the vital waterway until damaged Iranian facilities are fully restored.

    Beyond maritime implications, Tehran’s retaliation blueprint includes comprehensive strikes against Israeli power, energy and communications networks, targeted operations against regional companies with US capital investments, and direct attacks on energy infrastructure in countries permitting US military presence. The statement underscored Iran’s commitment to take “all necessary measures” to protect national interests while continuing operations against US and allied economic assets throughout the region.

    This development follows recent provocative statements by US President Donald Trump regarding potential strikes against Iranian infrastructure, creating a dangerous escalation cycle that threatens regional stability and global energy security.

  • US Senate advances DHS secretary nomination in procedural vote

    US Senate advances DHS secretary nomination in procedural vote

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate has taken a decisive step toward confirming Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next Secretary of Homeland Security, advancing his nomination through a key procedural vote on Sunday. The chamber approved the motion by a margin of 54 to 37, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote expected within days.

    The nomination marks the first cabinet-level personnel change during President Donald Trump’s second term, following the announced replacement of current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Trump initially revealed his selection through a Truth Social post on March 5, describing Mullin as a ‘Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma’ who would assume the role effective March 31, 2026.

    Mullin, 48, brings extensive legislative experience to the position, having served in the Senate since 2023 after completing a decade in the House of Representatives representing Oklahoma. His nomination emerges against a backdrop of bipartisan dissatisfaction with Secretary Noem’s leadership, particularly regarding her handling of several high-profile issues.

    Noem faced mounting criticism from both sides of the political aisle following controversial incidents under her watch, including the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis. Additionally, her performance during recent congressional hearings reportedly drew particular displeasure from the White House.

    According to previous reporting by The Wall Street Journal, Noem had already strained her relationship with the administration months earlier by allocating $200 million for an advertising campaign featuring herself urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. The self-promotional nature of these advertisements was noted as a persistent source of irritation for the president.

    The Department of Homeland Security now stands at a transition point, with Mullin poised to take leadership of the critical agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and counterterrorism operations across the nation.

  • Japan PM’s US visit criticized

    Japan PM’s US visit criticized

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s diplomatic mission to Washington has ignited fierce domestic criticism, with opposition leaders and media outlets condemning the visit as an exercise in ‘fawning diplomacy’ that yielded minimal concrete results. The Thursday summit with US President Donald Trump concluded without a joint statement, revealing significant divergences on crucial economic and security matters according to political analysts.

    The Prime Minister’s approach throughout the negotiations drew particular scrutiny, characterized by what observers described as excessively deferential behavior. Takaichi attempted to address Trump in English before reluctantly switching to Japanese upon the President’s intervention. In a moment that sparked immediate backlash in Japan, she referred to the US leader familiarly as ‘Donald’ while declaring that ‘only Donald can achieve peace and prosperity across the world’—a statement that drew sharp criticism given ongoing international condemnation of US military actions against Iran.

    The encounter grew more strained when Trump invoked Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor in response to a journalist’s question about advance notification of US strikes, leaving Takaichi visibly startled but offering no rebuttal. US media outlets interpreted this exchange as demonstrating a pattern of diplomatic dominance seeking to expose allies’ vulnerabilities.

    Central to the discussions was the US request for Japanese naval escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz, which faces substantial domestic legal and constitutional challenges in Japan. While Takaichi emphasized explaining what Japan ‘can do’ within its legal framework, Meikai University professor Tetsuo Kotani noted that the US administration appears uninterested in Japan’s limitations and may express displeasure abruptly.

    With security cooperation reaching an impasse, the dialogue pivoted to economic investments. Both leaders confirmed secondary projects under Japan’s previously committed $550-billion investment framework, including approximately $73 billion allocated for next-generation nuclear reactors and natural gas facilities. Takaichi further pledged increased imports of US crude oil and collaboration on critical mineral development.

    These economic commitments have faced substantial domestic opposition, with economists questioning why Japan continues to honor investment pledges tied to tariffs after US Supreme Court rulings invalidated reciprocal tariff measures. Veteran journalist Jun Yamada criticized the approach as ‘selling out national interests’ that would ultimately burden Japanese taxpayers.

    The Prime Minister additionally expressed support for enhanced security alignment, including joint missile development and production, while Trump welcomed Japan’s plans to significantly increase military equipment purchases. This orientation continues Japan’s trend of expanding defense expenditures, with audit reviews revealing 3.55 trillion yen ($22 billion) in US military contracts between fiscal 2018-2023.

    Hours before the summit, over 10,000 protesters gathered in Tokyo opposing military expansion, warning of regional destabilization. Former senior Foreign Ministry official Hitoshi Tanaka criticized the government’s approach as ‘entirely misguided,’ advocating instead for strengthened diplomatic mechanisms with neighboring nations to prevent miscalculation and conflict.

  • Kim Jong-un reelected as president of State Affairs of DPRK — KCNA

    Kim Jong-un reelected as president of State Affairs of DPRK — KCNA

    PYONGYANG – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been formally reelected to the highest position of state power during the inaugural session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), the country’s rubber-stamp parliament. The state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the leadership consolidation on Monday, following Sunday’s parliamentary proceedings.

    The assembly also witnessed significant appointments to key government positions. Jo Yong-won, a prominent figure within the ruling Workers’ Party hierarchy, was designated as Chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, while Pak Thae-song assumed the role of Premier, heading the nation’s Cabinet administration.

    In a parallel development, legislators engaged in deliberations concerning amendments and supplements to the Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. While specific details of the constitutional revisions remain undisclosed, such modifications typically serve to reinforce the country’s governance framework and ideological directives.

    The reelection reaffirms Kim Jong-un’s continued dominance over North Korea’s political apparatus, extending his leadership tenure amid ongoing international tensions surrounding the nation’s nuclear weapons program and isolated diplomatic stance. The assembly’s proceedings represent a ceremonial endorsement of decisions previously determined by the ruling party’s inner circle.

  • Anthony Albanese warns ‘ever-expanding free trade is gone’, calls for ‘patriotism’ amid global supply chaos

    Anthony Albanese warns ‘ever-expanding free trade is gone’, calls for ‘patriotism’ amid global supply chaos

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a sobering assessment of the global economic landscape, declaring that the era of predictable, expanding free trade has conclusively ended. Speaking at the Minerals Industry Dinner on Monday evening, the Prime Minister outlined how escalating Middle East conflicts have fundamentally disrupted international supply chains and energy infrastructure.

    Mr. Albanese emphasized that current challenges extend beyond typical trade barriers or strategic competition sanctions, noting that the physical destruction of oil and gas facilities and threats to shipping routes represent deeper structural damage. Even with immediate conflict resolution, he warned, the economic repercussions would persist for an extended period.

    The Prime Minister specifically addressed the critical role of Australia’s minerals sector in navigating this new reality, highlighting the nation’s vast reserves of critical minerals as strategic assets. His comments came during an appearance with International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol, preceding the Prime Minister’s scheduled meetings with European Union President Ursula von der Leyen.

    Albanese introduced the concept of ‘progressive patriotism,’ calling on both industry leaders and ordinary Australians to prioritize national interests during this period of global instability. While acknowledging past policy disagreements with the mining sector, he stressed the necessity of collaborative action in the national interest.

    The government has implemented practical measures including fuel reserve releases and establishing a national taskforce to address energy security concerns. These efforts align with IEA recommendations for reduced fuel consumption through carpooling, remote work, and limited air travel – measures that Dr. Birol noted would require government enforcement.

  • HK police can now demand phone passwords under new national security rules

    HK police can now demand phone passwords under new national security rules

    Hong Kong authorities have significantly expanded enforcement capabilities under the National Security Law through newly gazetted amendments that empower police to compel password disclosure from electronic devices. The regulatory changes, announced Monday without legislative council review, establish severe penalties for non-compliance: individuals refusing to provide access credentials face imprisonment up to one year and fines reaching HK$100,000 (approximately $12,700), while supplying false information carries a three-year maximum sentence.

    The amendments extend beyond device access provisions, granting customs officials authority to confiscate materials perceived as containing ‘seditious intention.’ Government statements assert these measures enable ‘effective prevention, suppression and punishment of activities endangering national security’ while claiming to protect organizational and individual rights.

    This legislative development occurs against the backdrop of the 2020 National Security Law implementation, which Beijing introduced following mass pro-democracy demonstrations. The law criminalizes broadly defined offenses including secession, subversion, terrorism, and external collusion—provisions that have facilitated hundreds of arrests involving activists, protesters, and former opposition legislators.

    Notably, the security framework permits closed-door trials and has recently demonstrated its expansive application through February cases including the imprisonment of exiled activist’s father for financial transactions and media magnate Jimmy Lai’s 20-year sentence for foreign collusion and sedition charges.

  • Emmanuel Grégoire, a Socialist long involved in local politics, becomes Paris’ new mayor

    Emmanuel Grégoire, a Socialist long involved in local politics, becomes Paris’ new mayor

    PARIS — In a significant political transition, Emmanuel Grégoire of the Socialist Party secured victory in Paris’ mayoral runoff election on Sunday, succeeding fellow Socialist Anne Hidalgo after her decade-long tenure. The 48-year-old politician, previously serving as Hidalgo’s first deputy mayor, defeated prominent conservative rival Rachida Dati, who conceded following the release of partial results.

    Grégoire’s victory ceremony embodied his campaign ethos as he rode a city bicycle through Parisian streets toward City Hall, symbolizing his commitment to environmental urban policies. The election formed part of France’s broader municipal contests that revealed substantial gains for traditional left and right factions, alongside a notable far-right victory in Nice.

    Despite his low national profile, Grégoire brings extensive governmental experience to the mayoral office. He joined the Socialist Party at 24 in 2002, subsequently serving as chief of staff to former Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë and working in the prime minister’s office under Socialist President Francois Hollande. Elected to the Paris City Council in 2014, he managed critical portfolios including budget, urban policies, and public services as first deputy mayor from 2018-2024.

    The newly elected mayor recently disclosed personal trauma from childhood sexual abuse between ages 9-10, a revelation that emerged amid reports of alleged abuse in Paris public schools during the campaign. Grégoire described keeping this suffering hidden for decades, noting how recent cases reopened old wounds.

    Governing will require navigating complex political alliances as Grégoire leads a broad left-ecologist coalition while explicitly rejecting partnership with Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s hard-left France Unbowed party, citing divergent values. His policy priorities center on addressing Paris’ housing crisis through strict regulation of tourist rentals like Airbnb and creating 60,000 new social and affordable housing units.

    Although initially facing opposition from Hidalgo regarding his candidacy, the outgoing mayor ultimately endorsed Grégoire and celebrated his “very, very beautiful victory” with a symbolic rose presentation at City Hall. Grégoire has pledged to continue Hidalgo’s sustainability initiatives, including expanding cycling infrastructure and cleaning the River Seine, while implementing tourist management strategies to alleviate overcrowding at iconic sites like the Louvre and Montmartre.

  • Stark ANU study finds majority of Australians expect imminent foreign conflict

    Stark ANU study finds majority of Australians expect imminent foreign conflict

    A comprehensive national study conducted by the Australian National University’s National Security College has uncovered profound public apprehension regarding Australia’s security landscape. The research, drawing from an extensive dataset of over 20,000 surveys, 480 interviews, 300 meetings, eight focus groups, and 100 public submissions collected between November 2024 and February 2026, reveals a nation increasingly concerned about multiple security challenges.

    The findings indicate that 68% of Australians anticipate their country’s involvement in foreign military conflicts within the next five years, with 45% considering a direct foreign military attack on Australian soil as probable. The study documented a significant escalation in security concerns throughout the research period, particularly among younger demographics. Anxiety among 18- to 24-year-olds surged dramatically from 22% to 55% over the 15-month study duration.

    Beyond conventional military threats, Australians expressed overwhelming concern about emerging risks. An astonishing 85-89% of respondents identified climate change impacts, AI-enabled attacks, disinformation campaigns, foreign interference, economic crises, and supply chain disruptions as likely to affect Australia within the coming half-decade. The research specifically highlighted artificial intelligence-enabled attacks and coordinated disinformation operations as particularly worrisome emerging threats.

    The report further revealed that most Australians believe the nation remains inadequately prepared for these multifaceted challenges and feel the government provides insufficient information about national security issues. Terrorism concerns also saw a sharp increase, rising from 55% in 2024 to 72% in 2026, with researchers noting this spike followed closely after the Bondi Beach attack of December the previous year.

    Researchers concluded that the cumulative data portrays a public that recognizes the reality of security risks, questions national preparedness, and desires greater transparency and information from leadership despite understanding the complexity of these issues.

  • Reza Pahlavi calls for dismantling Iran’s leadership with ‘US and Israel support’

    Reza Pahlavi calls for dismantling Iran’s leadership with ‘US and Israel support’

    Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, has issued a forceful appeal for the complete dismantlement of Tehran’s government while urging American and Israeli leadership to intensify military pressure against the Islamic Republic. The royal descendant specifically called upon President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue targeting regime assets while sparing civilian infrastructure essential for Iran’s postwar reconstruction.

    Pahlavi’s declaration arrives during a critical escalation in the ongoing military confrontation between US-Israeli forces and Iran, now entering its fourth week of sustained operations. According to Iranian Red Crescent reports, the conflict has already inflicted substantial damage to over 81,000 civilian structures nationwide, including medical facilities, educational institutions, and humanitarian aid networks.

    The human cost continues to mount with approximately 1,400 fatalities recorded across more than 200 urban centers since hostilities commenced on February 28. The initial strikes proved particularly devastating, eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several family members. Mojtaba Khamenei has been designated as successor but remains absent from public view.

    Despite previous positioning as an opposition figure during January’s anti-government protests, Pahlavi’s influence appears to be waning among Iranians. Many citizens have expressed diminishing confidence in the exiled prince who continues advocating for domestic uprising despite severe crackdown risks. Notably, no significant street protests have materialized against the government since warfare began.

    Prime Netanyahu has echoed similar calls for insurrection, addressing Iranian citizens directly through social media to characterize the conflict as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for regime change. President Trump’s endorsement remains measured, having described Pahlavi as “very nice” but questioning his capacity to garner substantial internal support.

    The pre-war protest suppression continues to cast a long shadow, with estimated casualties ranging from 5,000 (per Iranian officials) to 22,000 (per HRANA documentation). Current mass demonstrations primarily condemn foreign aggression, particularly referencing the Minab elementary school tragedy that claimed 165 young lives.