Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Assassination attempted on Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, his condition unclear — media

    Assassination attempted on Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, his condition unclear — media

    Iranian media outlets are reporting an apparent assassination attempt targeting Ali Larijani, one of Iran’s most prominent security officials and former parliamentary speaker. The incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances, has raised immediate concerns about Larijani’s current condition and potential implications for regional stability.

    Initial reports indicate the attack specifically targeted Larijani, who serves as a key advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on strategic affairs. The former speaker of Iran’s parliament has long been considered among the nation’s most influential political figures, having previously held critical positions including head of state broadcasting and chief nuclear negotiator.

    Details regarding the methodology of the attack, precise location, and potential perpetrators remain undisclosed as Iranian authorities maintain tight control over information flow. The lack of immediate official statements has created an information vacuum, with international observers closely monitoring developments.

    This security breach against such a high-ranking official underscores the escalating tensions within Iran’s political landscape and the broader Middle Eastern region. Larijani’s extensive background in both security and diplomatic capacities makes this incident particularly significant, potentially representing either internal power struggles or external targeting of Iranian leadership.

    The attempted assassination occurs against a backdrop of increased regional hostilities and follows previous incidents targeting Iranian nuclear scientists and military figures. Security analysts are assessing potential connections to existing geopolitical conflicts while awaiting official confirmation from Iranian government sources.

  • Trump delays China trip until next month to focus on the war in Iran

    Trump delays China trip until next month to focus on the war in Iran

    President Donald Trump has announced a significant postponement of his scheduled diplomatic mission to China, a high-stakes visit that had been in planning for several months. The decision, revealed during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the Oval Office on Tuesday, comes amid escalating tensions over international security strategy in the Middle East.

    The President indicated his trip would be delayed by approximately five to six weeks rather than proceeding as originally planned for late this month. Trump characterized the postponement as a strategic ‘resetting’ of his diplomatic engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though he provided no specific details about what this recalibration would entail.

    This diplomatic shift occurs against the backdrop of the administration’s intensified campaign urging Beijing and other global powers to contribute military resources to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. The narrowing timeline for the China visit had increasingly conflicted with the administration’s pressing demands for international military cooperation in the volatile region.

    The postponement represents the latest development in the complex geopolitical relationship between Washington and Beijing, which has been navigating simultaneous cooperation and competition across trade, security, and technological fronts. The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a focal point of international concern following heightened tensions and attacks on oil tankers in the area, prompting the U.S. to seek broader international participation in securing the vital waterway.

  • Chile’s president begins building border barrier less than week into term

    Chile’s president begins building border barrier less than week into term

    In a decisive move just five days after assuming office, Chilean President José Antonio Kast has initiated construction on a contentious border barrier along the nation’s northern frontier with Peru. The president personally visited the construction site near the border town of Arica on Monday to inspect preliminary trench-digging operations and engage with workers, characterizing the project as fulfillment of his campaign pledge to combat illegal immigration.

    The initial phase of the ambitious project consists of a modest trench measuring several feet in width and depth, carved into the arid landscape of the Atacama Desert. This excavation represents merely a fraction of what is envisioned to become an extensive border control system comprising trenches, physical barriers, and advanced surveillance technology patrolled by military personnel.

    President Kast’s immigration approach bears striking resemblance to policies championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly in rhetoric and methodology. During his site inspection, Kast asserted that Chile had been ‘violated by illegal immigration, drug trafficking and organised crime,’ framing the barrier as essential to ‘build a sovereign Chile.’ He celebrated the undertaking as a ‘milestone’ for national security.

    The project implementation follows Kast’s December electoral victory, where he secured 58% of the vote by promising a ‘border shield’ against undocumented migration. This policy initiative aligns with the president’s broader narrative portraying Chile as a nation besieged by chaos and insecurity, despite the country’s longstanding reputation as one of South America’s most stable and secure nations.

    Statistical data reveals a substantial demographic shift underlying the immigration debate: Chile’s foreign population has more than doubled in the past decade, escalating from under 600,000 in 2015 to exceeding 1.5 million by 2024 according to World Bank figures. Government estimates indicate approximately 336,000 of these migrants lack proper documentation, with many originating from Venezuela.

    The border barrier project will eventually cover roughly half of Chile’s combined 1,080-kilometer northern frontier with Peru and Bolivia. Kast’s presidency marks Chile’s most significant political shift rightward since the conclusion of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship in 1990, a regime which the new president has openly praised. His alignment with Trump’s ideology extends beyond policy to symbolic gestures, with supporters adopting modified versions of the ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan.

  • Ecuador’s president rejects allegations that his government is bombing targets inside Colombia

    Ecuador’s president rejects allegations that his government is bombing targets inside Colombia

    A diplomatic rift between South American neighbors Ecuador and Colombia has intensified following allegations of cross-border military operations. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa firmly rejected claims made by Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro that Ecuadorian forces had bombed targets within Colombian territory.

    President Noboa utilized social media platform X to articulate his government’s position, stating Ecuador is ‘combating narco-terrorism in all its forms’ and conducting bombings exclusively within its sovereign territory. ‘We are targeting locations serving as hideouts for these groups, many of which are Colombian,’ Noboa asserted, emphasizing the operations’ domestic nature.

    The controversy emerged after President Petro presented allegations during a televised cabinet meeting, claiming Colombian officials had discovered evidence of Ecuadorian bombings on Colombian soil. Without providing substantiating evidence, Petro declared, ‘We are being bombed from Ecuador, and it’s not rebel groups who are doing it.’ The Colombian leader further revealed he had solicited intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump to persuade Noboa to cease alleged operations in Colombian territory.

    This diplomatic confrontation unfolds against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between the formerly close commercial and security partners. The tension escalated significantly in January when Ecuador imposed substantial tariffs on Colombian imports, initially setting them at 30% before increasing to 50%. President Noboa characterized these measures as a ‘security tax,’ maintaining they would remain until Colombia demonstrates more robust action against drug traffickers and rebel groups crossing into Ecuador.

    President Petro has countered accusations of inadequate anti-trafficking efforts, highlighting his government’s actions against cocaine shipments through Ecuadorean ports. In retaliation, Colombia has implemented its own tariffs on Ecuadorean goods.

    The dispute occurs amid Colombia’s preparation for presidential elections in May and reflects contrasting approaches to regional security. Noboa’s conservative administration struggles with escalating drug violence that has quintupled Ecuador’s homicide rate over five years, prompting nightly curfews in four provinces. Recently, Ecuador conducted joint anti-narcotics operations with U.S. forces near the Colombian border utilizing drones, helicopters, and river patrols.

    Meanwhile, Petro’s leftist government pursues a ‘total peace’ strategy involving negotiations with remaining rebel groups—a approach critics argue has allowed these organizations to strengthen their control over territories previously dominated by FARC guerrillas who demobilized in 2016.

  • Belgian court clears way for trial over 1961 killing of Congo PM Lumumba

    Belgian court clears way for trial over 1961 killing of Congo PM Lumumba

    In a landmark judicial development, a Brussels court has authorized the prosecution of former European Commission vice-president Étienne Davignon for alleged involvement in the 1961 killing of Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first prime minister. The 93-year-old diplomat, who served as a junior official at the time of Lumumba’s death, now faces charges related to the unlawful detention, transfer, and degrading treatment of the iconic independence leader.

    This unprecedented legal action represents the culmination of a twelve-year judicial process initiated by Lumumba’s descendants in 2011. Davignon stands as the sole surviving defendant among ten Belgian nationals originally implicated in the case concerning the assassination of Africa’s prominent anti-colonial figure.

    The historical context reveals a complex tapestry of Cold War politics and colonial backlash. Lumumba, who assumed leadership upon Congo’s independence in June 1960, directly challenged Belgian interests during his famous independence day address where he condemned colonial oppression before King Baudouin and other dignitaries. His progressive vision and determination to assert Congolese sovereignty made him a target for multiple Western powers, despite his denial of communist affiliations.

    Evidence indicates that Lumumba’s removal from power through a September 1960 coup was followed by his capture and eventual execution by firing squad in January 1961. His body was subsequently dissolved in acid to prevent memorialization—a brutal act that symbolized the extreme measures taken to eliminate his political influence.

    International investigations, including a 1975 U.S. Senate inquiry, confirmed that both Belgian authorities and American intelligence agencies had developed plans to neutralize Lumumba, though ultimately Belgian-backed Congolese forces carried out the killing.

    The current judicial proceeding follows Belgium’s formal acknowledgment of institutional responsibility for Lumumba’s death, with official apologies extended to both his family and the Congolese government. Mehdi Lumumba, the leader’s grandson, characterized the court’s decision as a moment of historical reckoning, expressing collective relief that Belgium is finally confronting its colonial past. The ruling remains subject to potential appeal, maintaining legal uncertainty around whether the trial will ultimately proceed.

  • Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to ‘reverse course’

    Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to ‘reverse course’

    In a significant development within the Trump administration, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent has tendered his resignation, citing fundamental disagreements with U.S. military engagement in Iran. The decorated veteran publicly announced his departure through a letter posted on his social media account Tuesday.

    Kent, a 45-year-old special forces and CIA veteran with 11 overseas deployments, asserted that Iran presents ‘no imminent threat’ to American interests. He attributed the current conflict to pressure from ‘Israeli officials and its powerful American lobby,’ claiming the administration had been misled by a coordinated ‘echo chamber’ spreading misinformation about Iranian capabilities.

    ‘The wars in the Middle East have robbed America of precious lives and depleted our national wealth,’ wrote Kent, referencing the 2019 death of his wife, Navy cryptologic technician Shannon Kent, in a Syria suicide bombing. ‘I cannot support sending the next generation to fight in a war that serves no benefit to the American people.’

    Kent’s resignation marks the most high-profile departure from the Trump administration to publicly criticize the U.S.-Israeli operation. His nomination had previously faced scrutiny during confirmation hearings, where Democrats questioned his associations with extremist groups including the Proud Boys. Kent had also maintained controversial positions regarding the January 6 Capitol riots and the 2020 election results.

    Despite reporting to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and overseeing global threat analysis, Kent ultimately concluded that the Iran conflict contradicted Trump’s ‘America First’ platform. His departure follows other resignations including SEC enforcement director Margaret Ryan and Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, though administration turnover remains lower than during Trump’s first term.

    The White House has not yet commented on Kent’s resignation or his allegations regarding Israeli influence on U.S. foreign policy.

  • Senior US counterterrorism official resigns to protest Iran war

    Senior US counterterrorism official resigns to protest Iran war

    In a significant demonstration of dissent within the national security establishment, Joseph Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned from his position in protest against United States military operations targeting Iran. Kent submitted his formal resignation letter to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, explicitly stating his refusal to support continued warfare that he asserts lacks legitimate justification.

    The departing official, a decorated former Green Beret with eleven combat deployments, challenged the fundamental premise behind the military campaign. In his resignation document, which he subsequently made public via social media platform X, Kent contended that Iran did not represent an immediate threat to American national security interests. He attributed the push for conflict primarily to external pressure from Israel and its influential advocacy network within the United States.

    Kent’s personal history adds profound weight to his protest. His late wife, Shannon Kent, a fellow service member, was killed during a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria—a conflict he describes as ‘manufactured.’ Identifying as a Gold Star husband, Kent expressed his profound reluctance to endorse another generation being sent into a war he perceives as offering no tangible benefit to American citizens and unjustifiable human cost.

    As NCTC director operating under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Kent held one of the most critical counterterrorism roles in the nation. His responsibilities included analyzing emerging threats and serving as the principal advisor to the president on terrorism-related matters. His resignation marks the first instance of a senior-level departure from the Trump administration directly linked to opposition against the Iran military campaign.

    In his letter, Kent alleged that a coordinated ‘misinformation campaign’ was orchestrated by high-ranking Israeli officials and pro-war media personalities in the U.S. He argued this effort systematically undermined the administration’s ‘America First’ agenda and artificially cultivated public support for military engagement. Kent drew parallels to the lead-up to the Iraq War, suggesting similar tactics were employed to manipulate intelligence assessments and political decision-making.

    Prior to leading NCTC, Kent’s career included service as a paramilitary officer within the Central Intelligence Agency following his Army tenure. He also mounted two unsuccessful congressional bids in Washington state as a Republican candidate endorsed by President Trump, in both 2022 and 2024.

  • Former Hubei Party chief charged with bribery

    Former Hubei Party chief charged with bribery

    In a significant development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, former Hubei Provincial Party Secretary Jiang Chaoliang has been formally indicted on bribery charges. The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced on Tuesday that the case has been transferred to judicial authorities in Nanjing for prosecution, marking the latest high-profile corruption case to reach China’s courts.

    The 69-year-old former official, who previously held numerous influential positions in both the financial sector and provincial governance, stands accused of exploiting his authority to illicitly obtain substantial monetary benefits and valuable assets for others. According to prosecution documents, Jiang allegedly leveraged his successive leadership roles—including chairman of Bank of Communications, president of China Development Bank, chairman of Agricultural Bank of China, governor of Jilin Province, and ultimately Party chief of Hubei Province—to provide unlawful advantages to third parties in exchange for improper compensation.

    The judicial process has advanced through proper legal channels, with the National Commission of Supervision completing its initial investigation before transferring the case to prosecutorial authorities. During the review phase, judicial officials ensured procedural compliance by informing Jiang of his legal rights, conducting formal questioning, and soliciting input from his defense counsel.

    Jiang’s career trajectory reflects a pattern of rising through China’s financial and political hierarchies. Beginning work in 1974 and joining the Communist Party in 1981, he spent decades ascending through China’s banking system before transitioning to provincial leadership in 2014. His political career culminated with his tenure as Hubei’s top official from 2016 until March 2020, followed by his appointment to the National People’s Congress Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

    The investigation into Jiang’s activities commenced in February 2025, culminating in his expulsion from the Communist Party and dismissal from public office eight months later. His case now proceeds to the Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court, where he will face trial for allegedly violating anti-corruption laws through the acceptance of ‘extremely large sums’ of bribes during his extensive career in public service.

  • Israel says killed Iran’s security chief Larijani

    Israel says killed Iran’s security chief Larijani

    In a dramatic escalation of Middle East hostilities, Israel has declared the successful targeting and elimination of Ali Larijani, Iran’s powerful National Security Chief and a pivotal figure within the Islamic Republic’s power structure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address on Tuesday, characterized Larijani as the leader of “the gang of gangsters” operating Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

    The reported assassination, which Tehran has yet to independently confirm, represents a potentially catastrophic blow to Iran’s leadership apparatus. This event occurs against the backdrop of a regional war ignited by the U.S.-Israeli strike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026—a conflict now radiating severe global economic and geopolitical repercussions.

    Larijani, 68, was widely regarded as a cornerstone of Iran’s strategic operations, overseeing nuclear policy and international diplomacy for decades. His death follows the brutal suppression of a widespread popular uprising against the regime, during which human rights groups documented thousands of civilian casualties.

    Concurrently, Israel announced the elimination of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force, and targeted Akram al-Ajouri, leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s military wing, underscoring its intensified ‘decapitation’ strategy against enemy leadership.

    The regional violence has triggered massive displacement and infrastructure collapse. Lebanon reports over 886 fatalities and one million displaced persons since March 2, with IDF ground operations now extending into northern territories. Humanitarian crises are deepening, with overwhelmed aid organizations in cities like Sidon unable to accommodate fleeing civilians.

    Global energy markets have been thrown into turmoil as Iran retaliates against U.S. interests and regional energy infrastructure. The strategic Strait of Hormuz—a conduit for 20% of global oil shipments—has become functionally impassable due to Iranian threats and attacks on commercial tankers, causing oil prices to surge approximately 3% following geopolitical uncertainties.

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeals for NATO and allied nations to secure the vital waterway have met with resistance. Key European leaders, including British PM Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have explicitly rejected military involvement, emphasizing the conflict falls outside NATO’s purview and advocating for diplomatic solutions instead.

  • Aspiring female Zambian politicians asked for sexual favours, official says

    Aspiring female Zambian politicians asked for sexual favours, official says

    A senior Zambian gender official has exposed disturbing allegations that female political aspirants are being pressured to provide sexual favors in exchange for party nominations ahead of the August general elections. Mainga Kabika, who heads the gender office within Zambia’s presidency, publicly urged aspiring female candidates to document all instances of such misconduct during a conference with state prosecutors on Monday.

    While Kabika refrained from identifying specific political parties involved, she confirmed receiving numerous messages from women reporting these exploitative practices. “I can verify that I am presently receiving extensive documentation regarding these demands for sexual favors in exchange for candidate adoption,” Kabika stated, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of these transactions.

    This revelation highlights Zambia’s profound gender imbalance in political representation, where women constitute merely 15% of parliamentary seats. Presidential office statements have previously acknowledged that this underrepresentation stems from “deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers.”

    Beauty Katebe, Chairperson of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, characterized these practices as “sextortion” and noted their chilling effect on women’s political participation. “This situation severely discourages women from engaging in politics, particularly as candidates,” Katebe told the BBC.

    Despite some high-profile appointments including Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, gender disparities remain stark across Zambian leadership. Only 28% of civil service directors and five out of 36 state-owned enterprise CEOs are women.

    Katebe advocated for legal reforms and specialized courts to expedite handling of harassment cases, noting cultural biases and victim embarrassment complicate reporting. “If perpetrators were exposed, these practices would certainly cease,” she asserted, blaming patriarchal tendencies within political structures for suppressing female participation.

    The August 13 elections will determine Zambia’s presidency, parliamentary representatives, and local government officials amid these ongoing challenges to gender equity in politics.