Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • South Korea’s former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption

    South Korea’s former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption

    In a landmark judicial decision that has captured national attention, the Seoul Central District Court has imposed a 20-month prison term on Kim Keon Hee, former first lady of South Korea. The sentencing on Wednesday concludes a significant chapter in a corruption case that has dominated the country’s political landscape.

    The court found Kim guilty of accepting illicit gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for providing business advantages. This conviction represents a substantial reduction from the 15-year sentence that independent prosecutors had aggressively pursued. The prosecution’s case had encompassed multiple serious charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and campaign finance violations.

    In a notable judicial determination, the court exonerated Kim on allegations of stock price manipulation and political funding law infractions, citing insufficient evidentiary support. This partial acquittal introduces complex dimensions to the case’s legal narrative.

    Kim’s legal representatives issued a measured response to the verdict, expressing appreciation for the court’s deliberation while indicating they would carefully consider potential appellate options.

    The timing of this sentencing carries particular significance as it precedes by approximately three weeks another anticipated verdict involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon faces grave rebellion charges related to his controversial imposition of martial law in December 2024, for which prosecutors have astonishingly sought capital punishment. These parallel proceedings represent one of the most consequential judicial moments in recent South Korean political history, with potential implications for the nation’s democratic institutions and governance standards.

  • Maharashtra deputy chief minister dies in plane crash

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister dies in plane crash

    In a devastating aviation incident that has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar perished alongside four others when his aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport on Monday. The prominent politician was returning to his constituency when the tragedy occurred.

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the aircraft departed Mumbai and encountered fatal complications during its approach to Baramati, located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of the state capital. While official investigation into the precise cause remains ongoing, distressing visuals from the crash site depicted smoldering wreckage consumed by flames and thick smoke.

    Among the deceased were two members of Pawar’s personal staff and both crew members, all of whom perished instantly upon impact. The aviation regulator has initiated a comprehensive probe to determine the technical and operational factors that led to this catastrophic failure.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the incident, posting on social media platform X: ‘I am deeply saddened by the tragic news from Baramati. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.’ In a separate tribute, the Prime Minister honored Pawar’s significant contributions to public service.

    Ajit Pawar, nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar who founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was one of Maharashtra’s most influential figures. His political career spanned several decades, during which he held the deputy chief minister position multiple times. In a notable political maneuver several years ago, he fractured his uncle’s party by leading a splinter group of lawmakers to form a new faction that eventually gained official recognition as the NCP from India’s Election Commission. His party maintained an alliance with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party within Maharashtra’s governing coalition.

    The sudden demise of this powerful political operator has created immediate uncertainty in Maharashtra’s political equilibrium, with analysts anticipating significant realignments within the state’s power structure.

  • Rubio set to warn of future military action if Venezuela’s new leaders stray from US goals

    Rubio set to warn of future military action if Venezuela’s new leaders stray from US goals

    WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio is poised to deliver a stark warning to Venezuela’s interim leadership during Wednesday’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing: continued U.S. military intervention remains on the table if cooperation wavers. While emphasizing that America is “not at war with Venezuela,” Rubio’s prepared testimony clarifies that the Trump administration would not hesitate to deploy additional force should diplomatic efforts fail, following the recent raid that captured former President Nicolás Maduro.

    According to advance remarks released by the State Department, Rubio will state: “We are prepared to use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other methods fail. It is our hope that this will not prove necessary, but we will never shy away from our duty to the American people and our mission in this hemisphere.”

    The hearing occurs amid growing congressional tension over executive authority, with Democrats condemning Trump’s Venezuela actions as constitutional overreach while most Republicans defend them as legitimate presidential power. Although the House recently defeated a war powers resolution seeking to withdraw U.S. forces, the administration maintains no troops are stationed in Venezuela despite significant regional military buildup.

    Simultaneously, the administration is pursuing normalized relations with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, though Rubio’s testimony makes clear her compliance with U.S. demands is expected. These demands include opening Venezuela’s energy sector to U.S. companies, redirecting oil revenue toward American goods, and ending subsidized oil exports to Cuba.

    Rodríguez acknowledged “respectful and courteous channels of communication” with the Trump administration and reported collaboration on a “working agenda.” Her government has already released 266 political prisoners—a move Trump praised as a “powerful humanitarian gesture.”

    In a significant diplomatic step, the State Department notified Congress of plans to deploy additional personnel to Caracas, preparing for potential embassy reopening. Full normalization, however, would require rescinding U.S. recognition of Venezuela’s 2015 parliament as the legitimate government.

    Rubio’s appearance also serves to address broader foreign policy concerns within his party, including Trump’s controversial Greenland annexation proposal, as the administration’s attention shifts between hemispheric, European, and Middle Eastern priorities.

  • US ouster of Maduro nightmare scenario for Kim: N. Korean ex-diplomat

    US ouster of Maduro nightmare scenario for Kim: N. Korean ex-diplomat

    The recent US-led operation that unseated Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has created profound security anxieties within North Korea’s highest echelons, according to Lee Il-kyu, a former senior Pyongyang diplomat who defected to South Korea. In an exclusive interview with AFP, Lee revealed that Kim Jong Un likely perceives himself as vulnerable to similar ‘decapitation’ tactics following the dramatic events in Caracas.

    Lee, who served as North Korea’s political counselor in Cuba from 2019 until his defection in November 2023, described the Venezuelan operation as Kim’s ‘worst-case scenario’ becoming reality. ‘Kim must have felt that a so-called decapitation operation is actually possible,’ stated Lee, who now works for a Seoul-based think tank. This development is expected to trigger comprehensive security overhauls within North Korea’s paranoid leadership structure.

    The former diplomat possesses unique insights into Pyongyang’s international operations, having played instrumental roles in high-stakes negotiations including the release of a North Korean vessel detained in Panama in 2013—an achievement that earned him personal commendation from Kim Jong Un. His final assignment involved attempting to prevent Cuba from establishing diplomatic relations with South Korea, a mission that ultimately failed.

    Lee’s defection story reads like a geopolitical thriller. His breaking point came after being denied professional opportunities for refusing to bribe a superior. ‘I was fed up,’ he confessed to AFP. The actual escape nearly ended in tragedy when Lee and his family found themselves trapped at a Central American airport, facing forced repatriation to Venezuela—a certain death sentence. Their salvation came only through the dramatic intervention of South Korean diplomats who secured their protection.

    Now settled in South Korea, the 53-year-old defector has become an outspoken commentator on North Korean affairs, publishing a memoir titled ‘The Kim Jong Un I Witnessed’ with an English version forthcoming. He has also emerged as a vocal advocate for two North Korean prisoners of war currently held in Ukraine, part of Pyongyang’s contingent supporting Russian forces. Lee urgently appeals for their transfer to South Korea, warning that repatriation would mean certain torture and execution.

    Lee’s perspective on South Korea’s recent political turbulence—including President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and the subsequent election of progressive leader Lee Jae Myung—has deepened his appreciation for democratic resilience. ‘South Korea went months without a president following impeachment, yet the system worked very well,’ he observed, contrasting this with North Korea’s deified leadership structure where such popular accountability remains unimaginable.

  • Will the EU ban social media for children in 2026?

    Will the EU ban social media for children in 2026?

    The European Union is actively contemplating the implementation of a bloc-wide prohibition on social media access for minors, inspired by recent regulatory movements in Australia and individual member states. This consideration gains momentum as France advances legislation to ban social media for children under 15, following approval from its lower parliamentary house. The bill now awaits Senate ratification to become national law.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has championed the establishment of a minimum age requirement for social media platforms. However, the Commission intends to await recommendations from a specialized consultative panel, scheduled for formation early this year, before determining the Union’s collective approach. The panel’s mandate is to provide expert guidance on enhancing online protection for children, with all policy options remaining under evaluation.

    Several EU nations have demonstrated impatience with the bloc’s deliberative pace. Denmark has already instituted its own ban on social media access for minors under 15, joining France in pioneering national-level restrictions. These countries are concurrently participating in a pilot program for an age-verification application, designed to shield young users from harmful digital content. This technological solution is anticipated to facilitate enforcement of forthcoming regulations across member states.

    Existing EU framework, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA), already empowers regulators to mandate platform modifications for improved child safety, including prohibitions on targeted advertising to minors. Current investigations into TikTok and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook are examining potential failures to mitigate adverse impacts on youth, with preliminary findings expected in the first half of the year. These probes specifically address concerns regarding algorithmic amplification of extreme content through the ‘rabbit hole’ effect.

    The international landscape shows growing consensus on age restrictions, with Malaysia, Norway, and New Zealand developing similar prohibitions. The European Parliament has previously advocated for banning social media for users under 16, indicating legislative support for stringent measures. As the EU monitors legal challenges to Australia’s under-16 ban, the bloc prepares to potentially enact the most comprehensive youth protection standards in the digital realm.

  • Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar attacked with ‘unknown liquid’ during town hall

    Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar attacked with ‘unknown liquid’ during town hall

    U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) demonstrated remarkable resilience Tuesday when an assailant targeted her with an unknown chemical substance during a public town hall event in north Minneapolis. The incident occurred shortly after the congresswoman delivered forceful remarks calling for structural immigration reform.

    According to Minneapolis Police Department reports, an audience member deployed a syringe to spray liquid toward Representative Omar during the gathering attended by approximately 100 constituents. Security personnel immediately subdued the individual while shouting ‘make a hole’ to clear a path during the apprehension. Forensic teams subsequently conducted analysis at the scene to identify the composition of the deployed substance, which witnesses described as emitting a pungent, chemical-like odor.

    Despite the alarming interruption, Representative Omar refused to conclude the event prematurely. ‘I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work,’ she stated in a social media post following the incident. From the podium, she reassured attendees: ‘We will continue… we are Minnesota strong,’ earning praise from constituents for her composure under duress.

    The context of the town hall discussion notably focused on recent immigration enforcement actions, including two fatal shootings of American citizens by immigration officials within the month. Representative Omar had just called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanded the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when the attack occurred.

    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the act unequivocally, stating: ‘Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis. We can disagree without putting people at risk… This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city.’

    The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions, with many local residents interpreting increased immigration enforcement as retaliation for President Trump’s characterization of Representative Omar as a ‘radical left lunatic.’ Earlier Tuesday, the administration had signaled potential de-escalation in Minnesota following the recent shootings.

    Representative Omar, who made history in 2019 as the first Somali-American, first African-born American, and among the first Muslim American women elected to Congress, has previously faced numerous threats related to her political positions and public profile.

  • Exclusive: Blair meeting with Gaza committee stresses no role in politics, disarmament

    Exclusive: Blair meeting with Gaza committee stresses no role in politics, disarmament

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) on Monday, delivering a clear mandate for the technocratic body to concentrate exclusively on service provision while explicitly avoiding political and security matters.

    Blair, serving on the executive board of the U.S.-appointed ‘Board of Peace,’ emphasized during the meeting that the NCAG’s role is strictly humanitarian and administrative. According to Palestinian sources briefed on the discussions, Blair acknowledged the committee’s challenging task but stressed that international support exists for its success, provided it remains focused on civilian services rather than political issues or the disarmament of armed groups.

    The NCAG, comprising 15 Palestinians and led by former Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Ali Shaath, represents a cornerstone of the ceasefire agreement ending the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Blair and Shaath reportedly agreed that the committee would have no involvement in weapons-related matters, with Shaath explicitly stating: ‘Don’t involve us in the issue of weapons.’

    Despite high-level discussions, concrete operational details remain unresolved. Committee members raised pressing concerns about funding mechanisms and border crossing operations, to which Blair could not provide specific answers. He suggested the committee could utilize existing civil servants in Gaza while acknowledging many might not remain in their positions due to the wartime conditions.

    The meeting also addressed coordination with international bodies, with Blair announcing that U.S.-appointed Gaza representative Nickolay Mladenov would meet with the committee in Cairo on Wednesday. Mladenov will serve as the crucial liaison between the Board of Peace and the NCAG.

    Parallel diplomatic efforts are underway, with Turkish and Moroccan officials offering support including field hospitals and medical supplies. However, European Union representatives similarly failed to provide specific commitments during separate meetings with Shaath, particularly regarding funding through World Bank mechanisms or police training programs.

    According to assessments from U.S. sources, NCAG members could potentially enter Gaza as early as next week, though security arrangements through the Al-Shurafa Company are still being organized without a permanent headquarters yet established.

  • Iran-aligned militias threaten retaliatory strikes, but will they follow through?

    Iran-aligned militias threaten retaliatory strikes, but will they follow through?

    Iran-aligned paramilitary forces across the Middle East have issued stark warnings of potential retaliation against any American military action targeting the Islamic Republic. The escalating tensions emerge as the Trump administration deliberates possible precision strikes against Iranian officials deemed responsible for protester casualties.

    In Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi declared readiness for “total war” in a Sunday statement, threatening that enemies “will taste every form of deadly suffering” and promising to eliminate all US presence from the region. Simultaneously, Yemen’s Houthi movement released a provocative video暗示 the resumption of maritime attacks in the Red Sea, captioned simply “Soon.”

    The geopolitical landscape reflects heightened vulnerability for US forces, with approximately 40,000 American troops stationed throughout the Middle East. Critical bases in Iraq, Syria, and particularly Gulf states like Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia represent potential flashpoints. Several Arab governments have actively lobbied against US military action, fearing regional escalation.

    Military preparedness indicators show significant US mobilization, including the redeployment of the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the Middle East, accompanied by F-35 and F/A-18 fighter squadrons. Open-source intelligence also reveals F-15 warplane reinforcements at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.

    The current tensions recall earlier confrontations in 2025, when direct conflict occurred between the US, Israel, and Iran, including US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities. The January 2024 drone strike in Jordan that killed three US soldiers remains a recent precedent for militia capabilities.

    Regional dynamics have shifted substantially since the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and subsequent Gaza conflict. Iranian proxy networks have experienced significant transformations, with Lebanese Hezbollah particularly degraded following the assassination of leader Hassan Nasrallah and subsequent disarmament agreements. This has elevated the strategic importance of Iraqi militias like Kataib Hezbollah within Iran’s regional strategy.

    The so-called “axis of resistance” exhibits varying degrees of independence from Tehran, with Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces integrated into state structures, Hezbollah maintaining political influence in Lebanon, and the Houthis operating with considerable autonomy in Yemen. The Houthis have emerged particularly strengthened from recent conflicts, having maintained missile capabilities against Israel despite a May 2025 truce with the US.

    Current administration discussions have been characterized as “chaotic” amid concerns about potential escalation consequences, reflecting the complex calculations surrounding any military action against Iran and its regional network.

  • Republicans criticise immigration force but steer clear of Trump attacks

    Republicans criticise immigration force but steer clear of Trump attacks

    A significant fracture is emerging within the Republican Party as lawmakers grapple with the political fallout from a controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens. While maintaining support for President Trump’s broader immigration agenda, prominent Republican senators are increasingly expressing criticism toward the implementation tactics and leadership of Department of Homeland Security agencies.

    The tension highlights the party’s delicate balancing act heading into midterm elections: supporting popular immigration policies while responding to public outrage over specific enforcement actions. Several Republican senators have called for increased oversight and accountability, with North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis demanding the resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, stating she has proven ‘way out of her depth.’

    Despite these criticisms, most Republicans have avoided direct condemnation of President Trump himself. Instead, lawmakers have focused their concerns on operational execution rather than policy fundamentals. The party remains largely supportive of the administration’s immigration objectives, having approved approximately $45 billion for border security and interior enforcement last year.

    The situation has created unusual alliances, with both moderate Republicans and some Trump allies expressing concerns about the shootings. Senators including Rand Paul (KY) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) have called for congressional hearings, while Representative Andrew Garbarino (NY) supports a full investigation into the incidents.

    In response to growing pressure, the administration has moderated its rhetoric and taken steps to de-escalate tensions. President Trump dispatched border tsar Tom Homan to assume control of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, replacing top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino. The president has also engaged in discussions with Minnesota Democratic leaders Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, acknowledging the unsustainable nature of the current situation.

    The political implications continue to evolve as Senate Democrats threaten to block spending packages containing additional DHS funding, potentially triggering a government shutdown. This development may force Republicans to more vigorously defend the administration’s immigration policies, potentially overshadowing calls for investigation into the Minneapolis shootings.

  • Israel President Isaac Herzog to meet with Jewish, federal leaders in Australia visit

    Israel President Isaac Herzog to meet with Jewish, federal leaders in Australia visit

    Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s upcoming official visit to Australia has generated both diplomatic anticipation and significant controversy, with pro-Palestinian groups organizing nationwide protests against the high-profile trip. The presidential office confirmed on Wednesday that Herzog will embark on a five-day diplomatic mission beginning February 8, 2026, featuring high-level meetings with Australian political leadership and Jewish community representatives.

    The visit, extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that claimed fifteen lives, will include solemn meetings with victims’ families and survivors of the December 14 tragedy. Herzog’s itinerary encompasses discussions with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Albanese, and cross-party political leaders, alongside engagements with Australian Jewish communities to express international solidarity.

    Accompanying the President will be a delegation comprising World Zionist Organization chairman Yaakov Hagoel and Jewish Agency for Israel chairman Major-General Doron Almog, underscoring the visit’s significance for Israeli-Australian relations.

    However, the diplomatic mission faces substantial opposition from pro-Palestinian organizations alleging Herzog’s involvement in inciting genocide in Gaza, where casualties have exceeded 70,000 since Hamas’s October 2023 offensive. These allegations reference a United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner investigation that identified both Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as having potentially incited genocidal actions—claims Herzog has denied as taken out of context.

    The Sydney-based Palestine Action Group has announced coordination meetings to plan a “massive national day of protest,” demanding Herzog’s arrest upon arrival for alleged war crimes. Concurrently, the left-wing Jewish Council of Australia has urged rescinding the invitation, accusing the government of exploiting Jewish trauma for political purposes.

    Despite the controversy, Australian Jewish organizations including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and Zionist Federation of Australia have welcomed the visit, anticipating it will provide meaningful comfort to attack victims’ families while strengthening bilateral ties between the nations.