Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Iranian president’s son says new supreme leader ‘safe and sound’

    Iranian president’s son says new supreme leader ‘safe and sound’

    Amid escalating regional tensions, the son of Iran’s President has publicly affirmed the safety and well-being of the nation’s newly appointed Supreme Leader. Yousef Pezeshkian, son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, utilized his Telegram channel on Wednesday to disseminate reassurances regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition.

    The presidential son revealed that informed contacts with direct connections had provided him with definitive confirmation that the Supreme Leader remains “safe and sound.” This statement emerges against a backdrop of earlier media speculation suggesting Khamenei might have sustained injuries during recent military operations conducted jointly by United States and Israeli forces against Iranian targets.

    The timing of this disclosure carries significant political weight, coming during a period of heightened geopolitical friction in the Middle East. Mojtaba Khamenei, who previously served as a senior advisor to his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, assumed the role of Supreme Leader following a complex transition of power. His leadership commencement coincides with increased international scrutiny toward Iran’s political stability and security apparatus.

    This development represents the first official communication regarding the Supreme Leader’s status since rumors of potential harm began circulating in international media outlets. The method of communication—through a family member of the presidency rather than through formal government channels—adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative of internal Iranian politics during this volatile period.

  • South Africa summons new US ambassador over criticism as rift deepens

    South Africa summons new US ambassador over criticism as rift deepens

    JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa’s Foreign Ministry has formally summoned U.S. Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III to account for his undiplomatic remarks, signaling a severe deterioration in bilateral relations between the former allies. The diplomatic confrontation represents the most strained period in U.S.-South African relations since the end of apartheid in 1994.

    Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed Wednesday that Ambassador Bozell, appointed by the Trump administration, was called to explain his controversial statements made during a business leaders’ meeting in Pretoria. The ambassador had openly criticized South Africa’s affirmative action policies designed to address historical racial inequalities, comparing them to apartheid-era race laws. He additionally questioned South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with Iran and advocated for changes to land expropriation laws.

    “While South Africa welcomes active public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties,” Lamola stated at a press conference, “we emphasize that such engagements must remain consistent with established diplomatic etiquette and international protocols.”

    According to Foreign Ministry director-general Zane Dangor, Ambassador Bozell met with South African officials on Tuesday and subsequently “apologized and expressed regret” for his comments. The ambassador later walked back one particularly contentious statement regarding a South African court ruling on an apartheid-era chant, clarifying on social media that his personal views didn’t represent official U.S. government policy.

    The current diplomatic rift follows years of escalating tensions since President Trump’s return to office. The Trump administration has repeatedly characterized South Africa’s foreign policy as anti-American and its domestic policies as anti-white, including baseless claims about targeted violence against white farmers that even conservative Afrikaner groups have disputed.

    The administration has taken unprecedented measures against its largest African trading partner, including expelling South Africa’s ambassador to Washington last year and excluding the nation from Group of 20 meetings hosted in the U.S. this year. This confrontation highlights the profound ideological divide between the Trump administration and South Africa’s Black-led government regarding racial justice, international alliances, and judicial sovereignty.

  • Escalating conflict would produce no winners, only push the Middle East into a ‘dangerous abyss’: China’s Defense Ministry

    Escalating conflict would produce no winners, only push the Middle East into a ‘dangerous abyss’: China’s Defense Ministry

    China’s Defense Ministry has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East, asserting that intensified conflict would yield no victorious parties while potentially plunging the region into what it describes as a ‘dangerous abyss.’ The statement emerged as part of China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote stability in conflict zones.

    The ministry emphasized that military escalation fundamentally undermines regional security and threatens global economic stability. Chinese officials highlighted their nation’s consistent position advocating for peaceful resolution mechanisms through diplomatic channels and multilateral engagement.

    This declaration aligns with China’s broader foreign policy approach emphasizing non-interference, conflict de-escalation, and sustainable political solutions. The Defense Ministry’s statement specifically cautioned against the proliferation of advanced weapon systems and emerging technologies in conflict areas without proper safeguards.

    Analysts interpret this positioning as reflecting China’s growing role as a strategic stakeholder in Middle Eastern stability, particularly given its significant energy imports and Belt and Road Initiative investments throughout the region. The statement stopped short of prescribing specific solutions but reiterated China’s commitment to supporting United Nations-led peace initiatives.

    The warning comes amid increasing global concerns about potential regional escalation patterns and their implications for international security architectures. China’s defense establishment appears to be positioning itself as a voice for restraint amid complex geopolitical maneuvering by various international actors in the Middle East.

  • Military use of AI should remain human-led to prevent it from spiraling out of control: China’s Defense Ministry

    Military use of AI should remain human-led to prevent it from spiraling out of control: China’s Defense Ministry

    China’s Defense Ministry has articulated a firm position on the military application of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that human oversight must remain paramount in combat systems. This stance was formally communicated during a recent press briefing, where defense officials warned against the potential dangers of autonomous weapons operating without human control.

    The ministry’s statement represents a significant contribution to the ongoing global dialogue regarding ethical frameworks for AI in warfare. Chinese defense authorities contend that maintaining human command authority is essential for preventing catastrophic escalations and ensuring international security stability. This perspective aligns with growing international concerns about autonomous weapons systems potentially making life-or-death decisions without meaningful human intervention.

    China’s position emerges amid rapid technological advancements in military applications of artificial intelligence worldwide. The defense ministry’s statement suggests Beijing seeks to position itself as a responsible stakeholder in the development of international norms governing lethal autonomous weapons systems. This approach contrasts with some nations’ more aggressive pursuit of fully autonomous combat capabilities.

    The Chinese perspective emphasizes that while AI can enhance military efficiency and decision-making processes, ultimate authority must remain with human operators. This balanced approach acknowledges AI’s potential benefits while advocating for safeguards against uncontrolled escalation in conflict scenarios. The statement comes as United Nations discussions continue regarding potential regulatory frameworks for autonomous weapons systems.

  • US had blueprint to cut civilian war casualties – Trump killed it

    US had blueprint to cut civilian war casualties – Trump killed it

    A devastating missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, has become the tragic focal point of a major policy reversal in US military operations. Horrific images from the February 28 attack show grieving parents, blood-stained backpacks, and rows of small coffins – with Iranian health officials reporting over 165 fatalities, predominantly children under 12, and nearly 100 wounded.

    The tragedy coincides with the systematic dismantling of the Pentagon’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) program, an initiative established during the Biden administration to reduce noncombatant casualties. According to defense analysts, the Trump administration has reorganized national security around principles of increased aggression and reduced accountability, gutting the fledgling protection framework.

    Wes Bryant, a former special operations targeting specialist and senior CHMR adviser, witnessed the program’s abrupt termination after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prioritized ‘lethality’ over civilian safeguards. ‘We’re departing from the rules and norms that we’ve tried to establish as a global community since at least World War II,’ Bryant stated. ‘There’s zero accountability.’

    Open-source investigations by Bellingcat have authenticated video evidence showing a US-made Tomahawk missile striking adjacent to the school, with fragments recovered from the site. As the sole conflict party possessing Tomahawks, the United States faces mounting international scrutiny, with UN human rights experts calling for an investigation into potential violations of international law.

    The CHMR program, developed through painful lessons from past conflicts including the Kunduz hospital bombing and Mosul civilian casualties, employed approximately 200 personnel with a $7 million budget. It established standardized protocols for pre-strike civilian mapping, no-strike list maintenance, and post-operation investigations to incorporate lessons learned.

    Despite initial support from Trump-appointed defense officials during confirmation hearings, the program suffered approximately 90% reduction in staffing. Current operations in Iran have reportedly resulted in over 1,200 civilian casualties according to Human Rights Activists News Agency, echoing the very ‘forever war’ scenarios that originally prompted reforms.

    Military professionals warn that the administration’s approach risks creating what retired General Stanley McChrystal termed ‘insurgent math’ – where every innocent killed generates at least ten new enemies. With harm-reduction capabilities largely eliminated, analysts fear the Minab tragedy may represent just the beginning of a dangerous new chapter in US military operations.

  • Trump’s ‘racist hate speech’ fuelling rights abuses: UN watchdog

    Trump’s ‘racist hate speech’ fuelling rights abuses: UN watchdog

    A United Nations human rights monitoring body has issued a stark warning regarding escalating racial discrimination and rights violations within the United States, directly linking the crisis to rhetoric from the highest levels of government. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) published an urgent report on Wednesday, asserting that racist hate speech from President Donald Trump and other political figures, combined with intensified immigration enforcement, is instigating serious human rights abuses.

    The committee’s analysis highlighted a disturbing rise in derogatory and dehumanizing language targeting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It noted that influential public figures, including the president, have persistently portrayed these groups as criminals or societal burdens. This narrative, CERD warned, fosters widespread intolerance and has the potential to incite both racial discrimination and hate crimes.

    Beyond rhetoric, the report expressed grave concern over the systematic application of racial profiling by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. These practices, which disproportionately target individuals of Hispanic/Latino, African, or Asian origin through arbitrary identity checks, have resulted in the widespread detention of refugees, asylum seekers, and even persons merely perceived to be migrants. The committee cited a staggering figure of at least 675,000 deportations since President Trump resumed office in January 2025.

    The findings were precipitated by an urgent submission from the American Civil Liberties Union in February, requesting an investigation into rights violations during extensive immigration crackdowns, notably in Minnesota. These operations, involving thousands of federal agents, were characterized by the administration as targeted missions against criminals but culminated in public outrage following the deaths of two US citizens and the arrest of a young child.

    CERD’s report also condemned the excessive use of force during enforcement operations, noting at least eight fatalities occurring during ICE activities or while in agency custody since January. A drastic surge in detainee populations was highlighted, with immigration detention facilities seeing numbers balloon from 40,000 in late 2024 to approximately 73,000 at the start of this year. The committee raised alarms over ensuing ‘inhuman conditions and inadequate medical care,’ citing the deaths of at least 29 migrants in detention during 2025, with six occurring in January of this year alone.

    Further criticism was directed at the rescission of longstanding policies that limited immigration enforcement operations near sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. In its concluding recommendations, the committee of 18 independent experts urged the US government to immediately suspend such operations, conduct a comprehensive rights-based review of all legislative measures enacted since January 2025, and publicly condemn racial discrimination and racist hate speech to ensure accountability.

  • Thailand to open new parliament on Saturday

    Thailand to open new parliament on Saturday

    BANGKOK – Thailand’s political landscape enters a new chapter as the nation prepares to convene its freshly elected parliament this Saturday, March 14, following last month’s decisive general election. The official proclamation, published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday and bearing the endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s countersignature, marks a significant constitutional milestone.

    The February 8th electoral contest resulted in a substantial victory for the Bhumjaithai Party under Prime Minister Anutin’s leadership, which secured a commanding 191 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. The People’s Party emerged as the second-largest faction with 120 seats, while the Pheu Thai Party captured 74 seats, completing the tripartite political structure that will shape the upcoming parliamentary session.

    This convening adheres to Section 121 of Thailand’s constitution, which mandates parliament must assemble within 15 days following the formal certification of election outcomes, thereby initiating the first annual ordinary session. The legislative agenda will commence with the newly constituted House of Representatives convening on March 15 to elect critical leadership positions, including the speaker and deputy speaker positions that will oversee parliamentary proceedings.

    The political process will further advance on March 19 when the assembly is expected to conduct a decisive vote to determine Thailand’s next prime ministerial candidate, setting the course for the nation’s governance in the coming legislative period.

  • Iran war on same disastrous path as Iraq war

    Iran war on same disastrous path as Iraq war

    Two decades after the United States launched its invasion of Iraq, the strategic outcome stands as a stark lesson in the limitations of military power. While American forces achieved their immediate tactical objectives with remarkable efficiency—decapitating Saddam Hussein’s regime within 21 days and establishing total air dominance—the political aftermath reveals a profound strategic failure.

    Despite expending $2 trillion and 4,488 American lives, the United States ultimately transformed Iraq into an authoritarian state firmly within Iran’s sphere of influence. Iranian-backed militias now operate openly on Iraqi soil, with many holding official positions within the government structure. This paradoxical outcome stems from a critical misunderstanding that has plagued American foreign policy: the conflation of military destruction with effective governance.

    The critical turning point came in April 2003 when L. Paul Bremer, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, issued two fateful orders: Order 1 dissolved the ruling Baath Party and purged all senior members from government positions, while Order 2 disbanded the Iraqi army without disarming it. These decisions effectively eliminated Iraq’s administrative class and created a pool of 400,000 armed, unemployed soldiers who would fuel the insurgency.

    Meanwhile, Iran had spent the previous two decades cultivating Shia political networks, exile parties, and militia groups. When the U.S. dismantled Iraq’s existing institutions, Tehran’s well-established networks were positioned to fill the vacuum. The U.S.-backed opposition figures like Ahmed Chalabi and the Iraqi National Congress enjoyed Washington’s favor but lacked domestic legitimacy and governing experience.

    This pattern repeats across American military interventions. In Libya, the Obama administration’s 2011 regime change brought enduring political instability rather than democratic transformation. The fundamental error remains the assumption that destroying existing orders creates space for improvement, when in reality it creates opportunities for the best-organized, best-armed, and most-willing actors to seize control.

    The contemporary implications for Iran are equally sobering. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—controlling 30-40% of Iran’s economy and maintaining parallel state infrastructure—represents the organization most likely to fill any power vacuum. External attacks typically produce rally-around-the-flag effects, fusing regime and nation even when citizens despise their leaders.

    With 92 million people, active proxy networks, and an unverified stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Iran presents exponentially greater challenges than Iraq did in 2003. The fundamental question remains unanswered: who would govern 92 million Iranians after regime collapse? Military destruction without a coherent theory of governance represents not strategy but strategic bankruptcy.

  • A Putin peace gambit to end two wars at once

    A Putin peace gambit to end two wars at once

    In a strategically significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their inaugural telephone discussion this year on Monday. The comprehensive dialogue addressed multiple pressing global issues, with particular emphasis on the ongoing Iran conflict and energy market dynamics.

    Kremlin senior aide Yury Ushakov characterized the exchange as “highly substantive” and “productive,” noting that conversations extended to matters concerning Ukraine, Venezuela, and the global energy landscape. This diplomatic engagement occurred alongside President Putin’s energy market consultations, where he reiterated Russia’s conditional willingness to maintain energy exports to European Union nations.

    President Putin articulated a nuanced position: “Should European entities demonstrate commitment to enduring, apolitical cooperation frameworks, Russia remains prepared to accommodate such partnerships.” This statement signals Moscow’s strategic pivot toward Asian markets while maintaining European export possibilities contingent upon sanction relief.

    The geopolitical calculus suggests potential collaboration between the powers. President Trump indicated openness to sanction modifications, stating post-conversation that imposed restrictions might be temporarily lifted during conflict resolution processes. Notably, the American leader acknowledged Putin’s potential constructive role in mediating the Iran confrontation, despite previously demanding Tehran’s unconditional surrender.

    This diplomatic movement coincides with internal White House deliberations regarding exit strategies from the Iranian engagement. With escalating oil prices and diminishing domestic support for military operations, administration advisors reportedly advocate for conflict de-escalation mechanisms.

    A potential resolution framework involves Russian custody of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles—a critical non-proliferation measure—in exchange for sanctions relief and peace negotiations in Ukraine. Such arrangement could simultaneously address nuclear concerns while facilitating global energy market stabilization through resumed Russian and Gulf energy exports.

    The proposed settlement would enable conflict resolution before U.S. midterm elections while advancing American strategic interests regarding Iranian energy resources, potentially creating future leverage scenarios in great power competition.

  • Young people expect little change as the Republic of Congo heads to a presidential election

    Young people expect little change as the Republic of Congo heads to a presidential election

    BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo — As the Republic of Congo prepares for its presidential election this weekend, political analysts anticipate a predetermined outcome with incumbent President Denis Sassou N’Guesso poised to secure another term against a fragmented opposition. The 82-year-old leader, who has governed this Central African nation for a cumulative 42 years, faces minimal challenge from six opposition candidates in an electoral process characterized by widespread public disillusionment.

    Sassou N’Guesso’s political dominance stems from a complex history: initially taking power in 1979, he briefly lost office after finishing third in the 1992 election before reclaiming control through militia leadership following the 1997 civil war. Constitutional amendments in 2015 eliminated presidential age and term limits, effectively cementing his eligibility for perpetual reelection. He currently ranks as Africa’s third-longest serving ruler, trailing only Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

    The election unfolds against a backdrop of severe economic challenges. Despite the country’s oil wealth, the World Bank reports youth unemployment (ages 15-24) at 41%—nearly double the national average—while the debt-to-GDP ratio has reached 95.4%. This economic distress has fueled electoral apathy, particularly among young citizens who perceive the voting process as meaningless.

    Macaire Epoha, a 38-year-old mathematician working odd jobs in Brazzaville, expressed the prevailing sentiment: “N’Guesso will be re-elected with his usual scores, which are close to 80%. The elections have no bearing on young people.” Similarly, geography graduate Cyprien Massamba, who has driven a taxi for a decade, plans to boycott the election to draw international attention to the nation’s economic crisis.

    Remadji Hoinathy, senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, notes that the election primarily serves to “legitimize power without competition.” Opposition candidates face systematic marginalization through intimidation tactics and alleged electoral manipulation, with two major opposition figures already boycotting the process.

    Looking beyond the imminent election, political observers highlight the looming succession question. Given Sassou N’Guesso’s advanced age, this term may represent his final tenure. Attention increasingly focuses on his 51-year-old son, Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso, currently serving as Minister of International Cooperation, who appears positioned as the political heir.

    Despite campaign promises to accelerate development and agricultural modernization, the government’s message fails to resonate with a population where 47% are under 18. As 28-year-old job seeker Coretta Imongui noted: “The system is locked down by the old guard. However, they will not live forever. I still have hope for my children and grandchildren.”