Global Pulse

分类： world

  • World Economic Forum boss quits after review of Epstein links

    World Economic Forum boss quits after review of Epstein links

    In a significant leadership shakeup, World Economic Forum President and CEO Borge Brende has announced his resignation following an independent investigation into his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes after months of scrutiny surrounding high-profile connections to the disgraced financier.

    The WEF initiated a comprehensive review of Brende’s ties to Epstein following the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of extensive court documents related to Epstein’s criminal activities. While the investigation confirmed Brende had three dinner meetings with Epstein between 2018-2019 and maintained electronic communication, it found no evidence of wrongdoing or additional concerning interactions beyond what Brende had voluntarily disclosed.

    The former Norwegian foreign minister acknowledged his professional encounters with Epstein but maintained he was ‘completely unaware’ of Epstein’s criminal history during their interactions. In his resignation statement, Brende expressed regret for not conducting more thorough due diligence regarding Epstein’s background, stating his departure would allow the organization to continue its critical work ‘without distractions.’

    Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had cultivated connections with numerous global elites. The recent document releases have triggered international repercussions, implicating various public figures across political, business, and royal circles worldwide.

    The scandal has particularly impacted Norwegian society, where several prominent figures including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland have faced scrutiny over their Epstein connections. Jagland was recently charged with ‘gross corruption’ in relation to his Epstein associations.

    WEF leadership has appointed Alois Zwinggi, previously a managing director within the organization’s executive body, as interim president and CEO while the board of trustees conducts a search for a permanent successor. Co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink acknowledged Brende’s ‘significant contributions’ during his eight-year tenure and respected his decision to step down.

  • World Economic Forum head Børge Brende steps down following pressure over Epstein links

    World Economic Forum head Børge Brende steps down following pressure over Epstein links

    GENEVA — Børge Brende has announced his resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum following mounting pressure regarding his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former Norwegian foreign minister disclosed his decision after what he described as “careful consideration” of the circumstances.

    In an official statement released by the WEF, Brende expressed gratitude for his collaborative experiences with colleagues and partners while emphasizing his belief that this departure would allow the organization to continue its critical work “without distractions.” The forum, renowned for its annual Davos summit gathering global leaders, now faces leadership transition during a period of heightened scrutiny.

    This development follows the WEF’s initiation of an internal review earlier this month after disclosed documents indicated multiple dinner meetings and electronic communications between Brende and Epstein. The Norwegian executive previously maintained to national broadcaster NRK that these interactions occurred strictly in professional contexts, asserting he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal history at the time of their engagements.

    WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink confirmed the completion of an independent external investigation, stating the findings revealed “no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.” The organization has appointed Alois Zwinggi as interim President and CEO during this transitional phase. Brende becomes one of several prominent Norwegian figures facing examination following recent Epstein document releases.

  • Russia says it has handed over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies

    Russia says it has handed over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies

    Amidst a backdrop of renewed hostilities and diplomatic stagnation, Russia and Ukraine have conducted a significant exchange of soldiers’ remains. Vladimir Medinsky, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced via Telegram that Russia has transferred the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers and received 35 in return, though Ukraine has not officially confirmed the operation. This grim transaction occurs as another round of peace talks, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys, is set to commence in Geneva.

    The negotiations, which have previously included figures like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have yet to yield a breakthrough in the five-year conflict. The latest diplomatic effort was immediately preceded by a severe escalation, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting that Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles across six Ukrainian regions, injuring dozens.

    The body exchange is executed under the framework of the Istanbul Agreement from June 2025, a pact wherein both nations committed to returning up to 6,000 remains each, alongside all severely wounded, ill, and POWs under the age of 25. While such exchanges have occurred periodically throughout the war, this latest event highlights a persistent and unexplained discrepancy: Russia has consistently repatriated fewer bodies to Ukraine than it has received. Both sides have traded accusations over violating the agreement’s terms, with Moscow alleging Ukrainian non-compliance and Kyiv criticizing Russia’s irregular and sometimes inaccurate returns.

    This asymmetry may be partly tactical; Russian forces, often on the offensive, potentially have greater access to recover remains from the battlefield. The human cost of the war remains staggering and heavily disputed. President Zelensky recently acknowledged 55,000 Ukrainian military fatalities—a figure Western analysts consider a significant underestimate. Conversely, the BBC has confirmed nearly 186,000 Russian military deaths from public sources, with the actual toll believed to be substantially higher.

    On the diplomatic front, President Zelensky expressed cautious optimism following a phone call with Donald Trump, stating that the Geneva talks could pave the way for high-level trilateral negotiations in March. Zelensky emphasized that this top-down approach, which Trump reportedly supports, is ‘the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues.’ However, a major obstacle remains, as Putin continues to refuse direct engagement with Zelensky, whom he deems illegitimate due to the suspension of Ukrainian presidential elections under the martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion.

  • Ukraine says Russia launched a major aerial attack ahead of Geneva talks with US

    Ukraine says Russia launched a major aerial attack ahead of Geneva talks with US

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported Thursday that Russia unleashed a devastating overnight assault comprising 420 drones and 39 missiles, including 11 ballistic weapons systems. The coordinated bombardment targeted critical infrastructure installations and residential districts across eight Ukrainian regions, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties including children, though official injury counts remain pending.

    The aerial offensive occurred as American and Ukrainian diplomats prepared for renewed negotiations in Geneva aimed at resolving the protracted conflict now entering its fifth year. President Zelenskyy confirmed conducting a telephone discussion with former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing gratitude for his continued engagement in peacebuilding efforts.

    Washington-mediated discussions between Moscow and Kyiv remain gridlocked primarily over the status of Ukrainian territories currently claimed by Russia. Trump’s representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, previously engaged in nuclear negotiations with Iranian officials in Geneva, were scheduled to meet with Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. Both advisors participated in Trump’s diplomatic call with Zelenskyy.

    U.S. officials seek to maintain diplomatic momentum in their yearlong initiative to cease hostilities and bridge the profound animosity between the combatant nations. Ukrainian and European authorities have concurrently accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of simulating interest in peace dialogues to evade additional American sanctions while continuing military operations.

    The Geneva negotiations were expected to address post-conflict reconstruction frameworks for Ukraine and prepare for an anticipated trilateral meeting with Russian delegates potentially occurring next week. Zelenskyy additionally authorized Umerov to explore potential prisoner exchange mechanisms.

    In a separate development, Vladimir Medinsky, head of Russia’s negotiation delegation, disclosed that Moscow had repatriated 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ remains in exchange for 35 Russian casualties, though he omitted specific timing details.

    Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted numerous incoming projectiles, with Zelenskyy acknowledging Western allies for supplying critical interceptor technology. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urgently appealed for enhanced military assistance from partner nations, condemning Putin’s escalation strategy as “bets on more terror, attacks and aggression” amid global demands for cessation.

  • China’s zero-tariff policy welcomed in Africa

    China’s zero-tariff policy welcomed in Africa

    International policymakers and trade experts have widely applauded China’s groundbreaking decision to implement comprehensive zero-tariff treatment for exports originating from 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing. The policy, set to take effect on May 1, represents a substantial enhancement of Africa’s trade accessibility to the world’s second-largest economy.

    Announced during the 39th African Union Summit in mid-February, this strategic measure is anticipated to dramatically expand market penetration for African goods within China while simultaneously fortifying economic bonds between the Asian economic powerhouse and the African continent.

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emerged as a prominent advocate of the initiative, urging other major economies to emulate China’s approach in dismantling trade barriers that disproportionately affect developing nations. Speaking from the sidelines of the AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Guterres emphasized the critical timing of this policy given the recent proliferation of protective tariffs globally.

    “I would appeal to all developed countries and to all countries with large economic potential to take exactly the same measures and to help Africa with its need for its goods,” Guterres stated, reinforcing his steadfast support for free trade principles and reduced tariff levels as catalysts for global prosperity.

    The Nigerian government has similarly welcomed the announcement, recognizing its potential to amplify trade cooperation between West Africa and China. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, characterized the decision as a positive step that could transcend traditional infrastructure partnerships and stimulate industrial development within African economies.

    Analysts interpret the policy as strategically significant within evolving global trade dynamics. Paul-Simon Handy, Regional Director for East Africa and representative to the African Union, described the announcement as “quite bold” and noted its potential to substantially improve Africa’s export prospects precisely when tariffs are escalating in other markets.

    Beyond immediate trade implications, observers highlight China’s expanding influence across multiple sectors including infrastructure and water development. Pablo Bereciartua, Chairman of the Global Water Partnership, pointed to China’s emergent role as a major global investor, noting that such investments present significant opportunities provided they translate into sustainable, long-term outcomes for African nations.

  • Afghanistan, Pakistan trade fire at border

    Afghanistan, Pakistan trade fire at border

    Tensions along the volatile Afghanistan-Pakistan border escalated dramatically on Tuesday evening as military forces from both nations engaged in sustained cross-border artillery exchanges across multiple frontier locations. The skirmishes marked a significant deterioration in bilateral relations between the neighboring countries.

    According to Pakistani security officials who spoke with Xinhua News Agency, the confrontations occurred simultaneously in several strategic border areas including Bazar Zakhakhel, Waragha, Maro Sar, and Shako. Both sides deployed heavy weaponry in the exchanges, though initial reports indicated no immediate casualties resulting from the direct clashes.

    The incident sparked a diplomatic blame game between the two nations. Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for the Pakistani prime minister’s office on foreign media, asserted that Afghan forces had initiated “unprovoked firing” in the Torkham and Tirah border regions. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Zaidi claimed Pakistan’s security forces had responded “immediately and effectively” to the provocation and issued a stern warning that any further escalation would be met with “a severe response.”

    Afghan officials presented a contradictory narrative of events. Sediqullah Nusrat, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, told Xinhua that Pakistani forces had opened fire first, targeting Afghan personnel conducting routine patrols along the border. This latest confrontation follows Sunday’s airstrikes by Pakistani forces that Afghanistan claims killed 18 people and injured five others near the border region.

    Pakistan defended Sunday’s aerial operations as “intelligence-based, targeted strikes” against seven militant camps and hideouts in response to recent suicide bombings. Pakistani authorities stated these operations eliminated more than 80 terrorists operating in the border area.

    The exchange of fire represents the most serious military confrontation between the two nations in recent months and highlights the ongoing security challenges along their porous, disputed border. Both governments have maintained military readiness in the region amid heightened tensions and conflicting territorial claims.

  • Kenyan police arrest man accused of recruiting fighters for Russia’s war in Ukraine

    Kenyan police arrest man accused of recruiting fighters for Russia’s war in Ukraine

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan law enforcement has apprehended Festus Omwamba, a central figure in an elaborate human trafficking operation that deceived Kenyan citizens with false promises of skilled employment in Russia, only to forcibly deploy them to combat zones in Ukraine. The arrest occurred in Moyale, a northern border town near Ethiopia, where Omwamba was attempting to evade capture after recently returning from Russia.

    Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed Omwamba faces charges related to human trafficking and will be transferred to Nairobi for further investigation. The suspect was identified through testimonies from three Kenyan recruits who managed to escape the conflict and provided statements to The Associated Press.

    This development follows last week’s official government disclosure that over 1,000 Kenyan nationals were recruited to fight for Russian forces in Ukraine. According to current statistics, at least 89 remain actively deployed on front lines, 39 are receiving medical treatment in hospitals, 28 are classified as missing in action, and one casualty has been formally confirmed.

    A parliamentary intelligence report presented by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah revealed disturbing collusion between Kenyan and Russian government officials with unauthorized recruitment agencies to systematically funnel citizens into military service. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has vehemently denied these allegations, stating they never issued visas for military purposes and maintaining that any foreign enlistment occurs voluntarily.

    Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced on February 9th that he would undertake diplomatic missions to Russia to address what he termed ‘dubious entities exploiting citizens through this misadventure.’ Simultaneously, efforts are underway to secure the release of Kenyans detained in Ukrainian prisons and facilitate the repatriation of those stranded in Russia.

    Firsthand accounts from escaped recruits describe Omwamba’s operational methods. John Kamau, who sought refuge at the Kenyan Embassy in Russia before returning home, testified that Omwamba housed prospective recruits in Nairobi properties while processing their tourist visas and travel arrangements. Another anonymous recruit revealed how Omwamba avoided digital communication, preferring direct calls or personal meetings to maintain operational secrecy. This individual had been promised plumbing work in Russia but instead had his passport confiscated upon arrival and received immediate military deployment after brief training.

  • Epstein files reveal links to cash, women, power in Africa

    Epstein files reveal links to cash, women, power in Africa

    Recently unsealed U.S. Department of Justice documents have exposed Jeffrey Epstein’s meticulously cultivated network of influential connections across West Africa, revealing previously unknown financial dealings and political manipulations. The files detail Epstein’s strategic relationships with powerful figures in Senegal and Ivory Coast, going far beyond superficial associations to demonstrate substantive involvement in regional affairs.

    Epstein established particularly close ties with Karim Wade, son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, through an introduction by Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem in 2010. Their correspondence, spanning several years, reveals extensive discussions about potential business ventures in finance and energy sectors. Epstein regarded Wade as “one of the most important players in Africa” and facilitated introductions to prominent figures including Ehud Barak, then Israel’s defence minister, and Chinese businessman Desmond Shum for offshore banking discussions.

    The documents reveal Epstein’s significant financial involvement following Wade’s 2013 arrest and subsequent six-year corruption sentence. Evidence indicates Epstein’s companies received two invoices totaling $500,000 from Wade’s lawyer, Mohamed Seydou Diagne, in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, Epstein covered at least $50,000 in fees for U.S. lobbying firm Nelson Mullins, which was hired to secure Wade’s release. Email exchanges between Epstein and firm partner Robert Crowe show active coordination regarding pressure on then-Senegalese president Macky Sall, culminating in Wade’s release and exile to Qatar in June 2016.

    Parallel connections emerged with Nina Keita, niece of Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara, who served as an intermediary between Epstein and both Wade and the Ivorian presidency. Correspondence shows Keita arranged Epstein’s January 2012 visit to Abidjan, where he stayed in the ministerial suite of the luxury Hotel Ivor and met with presidential staff. Disturbingly, emails reveal Keita sent photographs and contact information of young women to Epstein, including specific requests for women “under 25.” Keita appears in Epstein’s February 2019 will regarding debt forgiveness arrangements.

    Neither Keita, the Ivorian presidency, nor Karim Wade responded to requests for comment. The documents underscore Epstein’s pattern of leveraging financial resources to gain access to power centers while maintaining his established modus operandi across continents.

  • Iran rushes to load oil onto ships in anticipation of US strikes

    Iran rushes to load oil onto ships in anticipation of US strikes

    Iran is dramatically accelerating its oil export operations in anticipation of a potential US military strike that could severely disrupt its ability to move crude to international markets. According to data from Kpler cited by Bloomberg, Iranian oil loadings from Kharg Island reached approximately 20.1 million barrels between February 15-20—equivalent to over three million barrels per day (bpd). This figure represents nearly triple the volume loaded during comparable dates in January and drastically exceeds Iran’s previous three-month average of 1.54 million bpd.

    Kharg Island, responsible for approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports, represents a highly vulnerable target in any potential conflict. This urgent export surge mirrors Tehran’s actions in June 2025, when Iran rushed to ship oil ahead of US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.

    The regional oil production landscape shows other major producers are also taking precautionary measures. Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia is increasing both production and exports as part of a contingency plan should US-Iran hostilities disrupt global supplies. The kingdom implemented similar measures in June 2025, boosting exports by around 500,000 bpd during the previous crisis.

    Market indicators strongly reflect these mounting tensions. Charter rates for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) have more than tripled since January to over $170,000 daily, according to LSEG data. These rates, determined by supply and demand dynamics, indicate substantially increased booking activity for these massive vessels whose availability remains largely fixed due to lengthy construction times.

    Meanwhile, Brent crude prices have climbed over the past month, trading up 0.38% on Wednesday at $70.84 per barrel amid the escalating geopolitical tensions.

    The current crisis has been building since January, when President Trump first contemplated military action following Iran’s suppression of protests. Although demonstrations have subsided, Trump has maintained aggressive rhetoric while overseeing the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion. The region now hosts two aircraft carriers, dozens of advanced fighter jets, and—in a highly unusual move—a deployment of stealth F-22 Raptor jets to Israel, signaling unprecedented preparedness for potential conflict.

  • US ‘suitcase murderer’ deported from Bali after 11 years in jail

    US ‘suitcase murderer’ deported from Bali after 11 years in jail

    Indonesian authorities have deported American citizen Tommy Schaefer following his 11-year incarceration for the notorious 2014 “suitcase murder” that shocked the resort island of Bali. Schaefer, now 33, was released from Kerobokan Prison on Tuesday morning after receiving sentence reductions for good behavior during his imprisonment.

    The case dates back to August 2014 when Schaefer and his then-girlfriend Heather Mack conspired to murder Mack’s mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, during a family vacation. Court documents revealed the couple’s motive centered on accessing the victim’s $1.5 million trust fund. The brutal killing occurred when Mack, then 18 and pregnant, covered her mother’s mouth while Schaefer delivered fatal blows with a metal fruit bowl.

    In a macabre attempt to conceal the crime, the couple stuffed the victim’s body into a suitcase and abandoned it in a taxi trunk. The taxi driver discovered the gruesome contents and alerted authorities, leading to the couple’s arrest at a different Bali hotel.

    During the 2015 trial, Indonesian prosecutors characterized the killing as “sadistic,” resulting in Schaefer receiving an 18-year sentence while Mack received a 10-year term. The court considered Mack’s pregnancy and lesser direct involvement as mitigating factors.

    Before boarding his deportation flight to Chicago, Schaefer expressed remorse to journalists, stating: “I’m sorry. I’m always sorry. I was thrust into this situation, but I take full responsibility for everything I have done and I hope Sheila’s family finds peace.”

    Schaefer now faces federal charges in the United States for conspiracy to kill a US national abroad and is scheduled to appear in Chicago court on Thursday. His case mirrors that of his accomplice Heather Mack, who was deported in 2021 only to be immediately arrested upon US arrival and subsequently sentenced to 26 years in federal prison after changing her plea agreement.