Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Carney says old world order ‘is not coming back’

    Carney says old world order ‘is not coming back’

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a forceful address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, declaring that the “old order is not coming back” and calling for middle power nations to collectively resist economic coercion by global superpowers.

    In his Tuesday speech, Carney warned that “middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” directly criticizing what he characterized as powerful nations weaponizing economic integration and using tariffs as leverage. While not mentioning Donald Trump by name, several remarks appeared directed at the U.S. president’s recent threats to impose tariffs on allies unless Greenland was surrendered to American control.

    The prime minister explicitly affirmed Canada’s support for Greenland, Denmark, and the NATO alliance, drawing applause from attendees. He emphasized Canada’s “unwavering” commitment to Article Five, the NATO clause stating that an attack on one member constitutes an attack on all.

    Carney described the current global situation as “a rupture, not a transition,” noting that great powers—typically defined as permanent UN Security Council members China, France, Russia, the UK, and US—are increasingly using “financial infrastructure as coercion” and exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities.

    The speech came amid reports that Canada is considering sending troops to Greenland for joint military exercises with Danish and European forces. When questioned about potential deployments, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated that participation in NATO exercises is routine, with decisions made by defense officials.

    Carney outlined Canada’s strategy of building “different coalitions for different issues based on common values and interests,” positioning the country as a “stable and reliable” partner. He highlighted recent trade agreements with China and Qatar, plus a defense procurement pact with the EU, as evidence of Canada’s adaptive approach to shifting geopolitics.

    The prime minister’s appearance preceded Trump’s scheduled Wednesday address at the same forum, setting the stage for contrasting visions of international relations.

  • Turkey challenges Netanyahu on Gaza force role

    Turkey challenges Netanyahu on Gaza force role

    A significant diplomatic divergence has emerged between Turkey and Israel regarding post-war governance in Gaza, with Ankara directly contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertions about Turkish exclusion from security arrangements.

    On Tuesday, a high-ranking Turkish official disclosed that no definitive decision had been reached concerning Turkey’s potential involvement in the Gaza international stabilization force. This statement directly challenges Netanyahu’s parliamentary declaration on Monday that Turkish and Qatari forces would play no role in the Palestinian territory’s administration.

    The Turkish official, speaking to Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Turkey remains actively engaged in discussions about contributing troops to the proposed international force outlined in October’s US-brokered peace initiative. “We are working on it,” the official stated, adding sarcastically: “Netanyahu also said Turkey wouldn’t be part of the Board of Peace, what happened there?”

    This reference concerns the recent invitation extended by US President Donald Trump to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join the newly formed Board of Peace. This high-level governance body, which will be chaired by Trump himself, is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s administration and reconstruction following the ceasefire agreement negotiated alongside mediator nations including Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.

    Despite Israeli objections to Erdogan’s inclusion, diplomatic sources indicate that all parties involved in the Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations will maintain representation on the Board of Peace. Additionally, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been appointed to the Gaza Executive Board, which will support the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza in addressing daily operational challenges.

    President Erdogan has previously emphasized Turkey’s indispensable role, stating that any governance mechanism excluding Turkey would struggle to gain trust among Palestinians. “The countries party to the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, including Turkey, are the most legitimate actors in this process,” Erdogan asserted earlier this month, highlighting Turkey’s unique positioning through its historical ties with Palestinians, maintained security channels with Israel, and regional influence as a NATO member nation.

    The emerging governance structure—comprising the NCAG, Board of Peace, and Gaza Executive Board—appears to ensure Turkish and Qatari involvement in reconstruction efforts despite Netanyahu’s attempts to minimize their roles, revealing ongoing disagreements between Israel and the United States regarding Gaza’s post-conflict management.

  • Israel’s Ben Gvir leads demolition of Unrwa headquarters in Jerusalem

    Israel’s Ben Gvir leads demolition of Unrwa headquarters in Jerusalem

    Israeli security forces conducted a controversial demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, marking an unprecedented escalation in tensions between Israel and the international organization. The operation, personally overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, commenced at approximately 7:00 AM local time with armed personnel raising Israeli flags over the main administrative building.

    UNRWA officials condemned the action as a severe breach of international protocols. Spokesperson Jonathan Fowler characterized the demolition as “an unprecedented attack” that violates both international law and the United Nations’ privileges and immunities. Arabic language spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna emphasized the historical significance of the event, noting that no nation had previously removed the UN flag from agency offices in such manner.

    The Israeli government justified its actions by alleging institutional connections between UNRWA and Hamas. Israel’s Foreign Ministry asserted that the compound no longer enjoyed diplomatic immunity since the agency had allegedly ceased operations at the location. Minister Ben Gvir celebrated the demolition as “a historic day for sovereignty in Jerusalem,” vowing similar treatment for what he termed “terror supporters.”

    This confrontation follows Israel’s parliamentary passage of legislation in 2024 that revoked the 1967 agreement permitting UNRWA operations within Israeli-controlled territories. Humanitarian experts warn that the agency’s exclusion could severely impact approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon who depend on UNRWA for essential services including food distribution, healthcare, education, and shelter infrastructure.

    The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate denounced the demolition as a dangerous escalation and direct assault on internationally protected UN operations. Critics argue that Israel’s systematic dismantling of UNRWA represents both a violation of the UN Charter and a potential precursor to revoking Palestinian refugee status entirely, with profound implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.

  • India and UAE agree to deepen nuclear cooperation in mega defence pact

    India and UAE agree to deepen nuclear cooperation in mega defence pact

    In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates and India have solidified a comprehensive partnership aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and energy security. The landmark agreement, finalized during UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s three-hour visit to New Delhi, includes a substantial $3 billion liquefied natural gas deal that establishes India as Abu Dhabi’s largest LNG customer.

    The bilateral pact extends beyond energy to encompass nuclear cooperation, featuring joint development and deployment of large nuclear reactors alongside enhanced nuclear safety protocols. Both nations have established an ambitious target of doubling their bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, signaling a substantial deepening of economic ties.

    The leadership discussions addressed multiple regional security concerns, including the situations in Yemen, Gaza, and recent protests in Iran. These talks occurred against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical alignments in the Middle East, particularly as Turkey seeks to join a defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan—a development that could potentially establish a new military bloc in the region.

    The India-UAE agreement emerges amid growing regional tensions following Pakistan’s expanding defense exports, including a $4 billion arms deal with Libya and potential weapons sales to Sudan. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are concurrently negotiating the conversion of $2 billion in Saudi loans into a fighter jet procurement agreement, highlighting the complex realignment of Middle Eastern alliances.

    Indian right-wing media has characterized the UAE-India partnership as a strategic counter to Pakistan’s defense outreach, with Network18—owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, who maintains close ties to Modi’s government—describing it as ‘India’s counter through strategic depth.’

    The joint statement issued by both nations emphasized regular security chief exchanges and joint military exercises, while explicitly condemning ‘terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism’—a clear reference to India’s longstanding allegations against Pakistan.

    Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri characterized the defense partnership as a ‘natural evolution’ of existing cooperation rather than a direct response to specific regional events, though the agreement undoubtedly signals India’s growing strategic engagement with Gulf states amid regional realignments.

  • Yale professors: Trump’s assault on international law is dangerous

    Yale professors: Trump’s assault on international law is dangerous

    Two distinguished Yale Law School professors have issued a stark warning about the current US administration’s systematic assault on international legal norms, characterizing it as a dangerous departure from eight decades of established global order. In a comprehensive Foreign Affairs commentary published January 13, Professors Oona A. Hathaway and Scott J. Shapiro presented a compelling analysis of how the administration’s actions transcend mere violations of specific laws and represent a fundamental rejection of the United Nations Charter-based system that has governed international relations since World War II.

    The legal experts articulated that the post-WWII international framework rests on the foundational principle that unilateral force between states is prohibited unless exercised in self-defense or under collective UN Security Council authorization. They documented a pattern of behavior that demonstrates the administration’s wholesale abandonment of this principle, citing specific examples including attempted interventions in Venezuela and Iran, along with controversial statements regarding the Panama Canal, Canadian sovereignty, Greenland’s status, and control over Gaza.

    What particularly alarms the Yale scholars is not simply the legal breaches themselves, but the administration’s overt dismissal of the very concept of legal constraints in international affairs. They emphasized that the absence of any legitimate legal justification for these actions, coupled with the rejection of diplomatic persuasion, represents a form of nihilism that threatens to unravel the entire international rules-based system. The professors concluded that this approach—replacing multilateral cooperation with unilateral coercion—risks returning the world to an era where might alone determines right, fundamentally undermining global stability and security.

  • UK defends Chagos deal after Trump calls it ‘act of great stupidity’

    UK defends Chagos deal after Trump calls it ‘act of great stupidity’

    The UK government has firmly defended its sovereignty agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago, following unexpectedly harsh criticism from former US President Donald Trump. The £3.4 billion arrangement, finalized in May, transfers administrative control of the islands to Mauritius while maintaining UK authority over the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base through a 99-year leaseback agreement.

    In a Tuesday morning social media post on Truth Social, Trump condemned the arrangement as an ‘act of great stupidity’ and ‘total weakness,’ claiming it would be noticed by geopolitical rivals China and Russia. These remarks directly contradict his administration’s previous endorsement of the deal during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Oval Office visit last February.

    UK officials responded by emphasizing unwavering commitment to national security interests. A government spokesperson stated that the agreement emerged from legal necessity, as court decisions had threatened the base’s operational continuity. The arrangement reportedly includes robust provisions to safeguard the joint UK-US facility’s unique capabilities while excluding adversarial influence.

    The Foreign Office confirmed plans to engage with Trump’s representatives to reaffirm the agreement’s strategic merits, noting that the deal enjoys support from Five Eyes intelligence partners—Canada, Australia, and New Zealand alongside the UK and US.

    Mauritius’ Attorney General Gavin Glover emphasized the bilateral nature of the sovereignty arrangement, noting international law already recognizes Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago. Meanwhile, British opposition leaders seized on Trump’s comments to criticize the government’s approach, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling the arrangement ‘complete self sabotage.’

    The controversy unfolds as Chagossian natives express concerns about exclusion from negotiations, with community members advocating for their right to determine the islands’ future.

  • Ex-president accused of murder plot expelled from Togo to Burkina Faso

    Ex-president accused of murder plot expelled from Togo to Burkina Faso

    In a significant development for West African politics, Togolese authorities have arrested and extradited former Burkina Faso president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to face serious charges in his home country. The ousted leader, who held power for less than a year after seizing control in a January 2022 coup, now confronts allegations of orchestrating an assassination plot against his successor, current military ruler Ibrahim Traoré.

    According to an official statement from Togo’s justice ministry, Damiba was transferred to Burkinabè authorities on Saturday following extensive diplomatic negotiations. The extradition agreement includes specific safeguards requiring Burkina Faso to guarantee Damiba’s “physical integrity, dignity and fair-trial rights” while excluding the possibility of capital punishment in his case.

    The charges against the former president extend beyond the assassination conspiracy to include substantial financial crimes. Burkina Faso’s military government has accused Damiba of “criminal embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, aggravated receiving of stolen goods and money laundering.” These allegations emerge amid ongoing political instability in the country.

    The most severe accusations involve a recently foiled assassination scheme. Earlier this month, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced on state television that security forces had prevented targeted killings designed to destabilize the nation, including the “neutralization” of Traoré. Officials have consistently identified Damiba as the mastermind behind such plots from exile, labeling him as head of the “military wing” of a broader conspiracy in late 2024.

    Damiba’s political trajectory reflects Burkina Faso’s turbulent recent history. He initially seized power citing frustration with the elected government’s inability to contain Islamist violence, only to be overthrown eight months later by Traoré, then a 34-year-old artillery officer who similarly criticized Damiba’s security performance.

    The current junta under Traoré has pursued increasingly assertive policies, including expelling French forces, adopting nationalist positions, and controversially reinstating the death penalty for crimes of high treason. Despite these measures, the country continues to grapple with one of the world’s most severe security crises as jihadist attacks persist across large regions.

    Political analysts suggest Damiba’s extradition and impending trial may exacerbate existing tensions within Burkina Faso’s military and political establishment. The situation highlights the fragile stability of a government simultaneously combating internal rivalries and a brutal insurgency, raising questions about the nation’s political future.

  • Sheikh Mohammed announces UAE tops global government trust index

    Sheikh Mohammed announces UAE tops global government trust index

    In a significant development for global governance metrics, the United Arab Emirates has achieved the premier position in the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, marking a notable ascent of three positions from the previous year. The announcement was formally made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who emphasized that institutional trust represents a cumulative achievement built through consistent performance rather than momentary accomplishment.

    The comprehensive trust assessment, conducted annually by the New York-based Edelman organization, places India in the second position globally, followed by other nations in the closely watched ranking of public confidence in governmental institutions. Sheikh Mohammed articulated that the foundation of this trust rests upon three critical pillars: consistent promise fulfillment, integrity within legal frameworks, and genuine respect for citizenry.

    Beyond governmental trust, the UAE demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple metrics within the comprehensive study. The nation leads globally in public confidence that future generations will experience improved quality of life, reflecting optimistic national sentiment. Additionally, the Emirates tops international rankings for trust in employers’ ethical conduct and corporate decision-making processes.

    Media trustworthiness represents another area of notable achievement for the UAE, with the country ranking among the top five nations globally and registering a substantial 15-point increase in public confidence. The broader global context reveals education and technology sectors maintain the highest trust levels across industries, with social media platforms showing improved trust metrics despite previous challenges.

    The Trust Barometer results emerge during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, where governance and institutional trust feature prominently in global leadership discussions. The UAE’s achievement signals a broader shift in global trust patterns, with emerging economies demonstrating strong performance in public confidence metrics.

  • Australia’s lower house passes tougher gun control laws in response to Bondi mass shooting

    Australia’s lower house passes tougher gun control laws in response to Bondi mass shooting

    In a decisive legislative response to the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in decades, Australia’s House of Representatives has approved sweeping gun control measures. The legislation, passed on Tuesday with a 96-45 vote, establishes a national firearm buyback program and enhances background verification processes for gun licenses.

    The bipartisan effort faced opposition from conservative lawmakers who criticized the government’s approach to addressing rising antisemitism. The new framework empowers federal authorities to utilize intelligence data from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation during license screenings and creates mechanisms for purchasing surplus and newly restricted weapons.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the urgency of these measures following the December 14 Bondi Beach attack that claimed 15 lives. “The tragic events at Bondi demand a comprehensive response from government,” Burke stated during parliamentary proceedings. “We must counter both the motivation and the method.”

    The legislative action coincides with concerning statistics revealing a record 4.1 million firearms currently in circulation across Australia, with New South Wales—the site of the recent tragedy—accounting for over 1.1 million weapons. This development follows New South Wales’ own recent reforms limiting individual gun ownership to four firearms (ten for agricultural purposes) and shortening license renewal cycles from five to two years.

    The proposed legislation now advances to the Senate for consideration, while Parliament concurrently debates additional measures that would lower prosecution thresholds for hate speech offenses.

  • In their words: Trump’s threats over Greenland draw warnings and profanities at global forum

    In their words: Trump’s threats over Greenland draw warnings and profanities at global forum

    DAVOS, Switzerland — The World Economic Forum became an arena of diplomatic confrontation on Tuesday as international leaders delivered stark warnings against U.S. President Donald Trump’s pursuit of Greenland and escalating trade measures. The annual gathering of global elites witnessed unusually blunt language and grave concerns about the erosion of international norms.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, unleashed a profanity-laden critique of global leadership, accusing world diplomats of excessive compliance with Trump’s policies. “I can’t take this complicity. People rolling over,” Newsom declared. “I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the world stage. At least from an American perspective, it’s embarrassing.” The governor employed visceral metaphors, comparing diplomacy with Trump to interacting with a Tyrannosaurus Rex: “You mate with him or he devours you.”

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the trade tensions with measured diplomacy but firm resolution. She characterized the proposed additional tariffs as “a mistake, especially between long-standing allies” and emphasized that “in politics, as in business, a deal is a deal.” Von der Leyen warned against a diplomatic “downward spiral” that would ultimately benefit adversaries of Western nations, while signaling Europe’s readiness to pursue greater independence in response to persistent international pressure.

    French President Emmanuel Macron, appearing with aviator sunglasses due to an eye infection, delivered a sophisticated critique of what he termed a “new colonial approach” in international relations. The president cautioned against a emerging global framework where “international law is trampled underfoot and where the only law that seems to matter is that of the strongest.” Macron specifically condemned American trade practices that “undermine our export interests, demand maximum concessions, and openly aim to weaken and subordinate Europe,” particularly when combined with “an endless accumulation of new tariffs that are fundamentally unacceptable.”

    The collective responses from European leadership and American state governance revealed deepening transatlantic tensions and growing resistance to Trump’s unconventional diplomatic methods. The Davos discussions highlighted a critical juncture in international relations, with traditional alliances being tested and global power dynamics undergoing significant transformation.