Global Pulse

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  • Trump says he will pardon ex-Honduras president convicted of drug trafficking

    Trump says he will pardon ex-Honduras president convicted of drug trafficking

    In a significant development at the intersection of international justice and diplomatic relations, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his intention to pardon convicted Honduran ex-leader Juan Orlando Hernández. The announcement came via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Friday, where he characterized Hernández’s treatment as “excessively harsh and unjust.”

    Hernández, who presided over Honduras from 2014 to 2022, was found guilty by a New York jury in March 2024 on charges including conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and illegal possession of machine guns. Following his extradition to the U.S. in April 2022, the former National Party leader received a 45-year prison sentence for orchestrating a violent drug trafficking network responsible for smuggling hundreds of tons of cocaine into American territory.

    The political context of Trump’s announcement is particularly notable as Honduras prepares for Sunday’s general election. Trump simultaneously expressed strong support for conservative candidate Tito Asfura, the former mayor of Tegucigalpa and current National Party leader. In his social media post, Trump framed Asfura as a champion of democracy standing against what he described as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s influence.

    Trump’s commentary extended to criticism of other presidential contenders, including Rixi Moncada of the leftist LIBRE Party and centrist candidate Salvador Nasralla, whom he labeled a “borderline Communist” allegedly seeking to split the opposition vote.

    The current Honduran political landscape under LIBRE Party President Xiomara Castro has maintained cooperative relations with the United States despite her government’s ties to Cuba and Venezuela. Honduras continues to host a U.S. military base targeting transnational organized crime and upholds an extradition treaty with Washington.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of heightened U.S. anti-narcotics operations in the region. The controversial “Operation Southern Spear” has resulted in over 80 fatalities from U.S. strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, though legal experts have questioned the operation’s evidentiary standards and legality.

  • Pope Leo’s Turkey visit inspires ‘new crusade’ conspiracy theories

    Pope Leo’s Turkey visit inspires ‘new crusade’ conspiracy theories

    Pope Leo’s historic visit to Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Turkish nationalists and secularists accusing the Catholic leader of hidden political agendas and attempting to revive Crusader-era ambitions. The pontiff’s first foreign trip included a solemn tour of the submerged ancient basilica in Lake Iznik, identified as the original site where Christian bishops convened in 325 CE to establish foundational religious doctrines. Joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Greek Orthodox Church, the leaders held joint prayers commemorating one of early Christianity’s most significant gatherings.

    The diplomatic gesture, however, triggered an intense backlash across Turkish media and social platforms. A historically inaccurate map depicting western Turkey annexed by Greece circulated widely on social media platform X, originally sourced from Greek news outlet Pentapostagma in 2022. The viral image portrayed Istanbul as an ‘independent ecumenicity,’ referencing the patriarchate based in the city.

    Criticism emerged from various public figures including retired military officer Gokhan Avci, who called the Pope’s military honor reception ‘utterly disgraceful,’ and folk singer Sabahat Akkiraz who questioned whether Iznik had ‘become the Vatican without us knowing.’ Former Admiral Cihat Yayci claimed the visit represented a ‘political-religious project aimed at re-establishing Rome’ deliberately timed with the anniversary of the Crusades’ launch against Islamic lands.

    Journalist Erdem Atay escalated concerns by suggesting the visit might lead Christians to demand territory from Turkey, specifically mentioning Heybeli Island, Imbros, Tenedos, and Iznik as potential claims. Both Yayci and Atay referenced historical rejections of ‘Vatican demands’ by Ottoman sultans and modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

    Official sources familiar with Vatican affairs dismissed these claims as unfounded, noting the Catholic and Orthodox churches have been formally divided since the Great Schism of 1054 and only began reconciliation efforts in the 1960s. The Turkish Orthodox Church’s spokesperson objected to the Pope using the title ‘ecumenical,’ considering it disrespectful to Turkey’s constitutional integrity.

    Turkish officials remain divided on the visit’s implications, with some viewing it as an opportunity to showcase religious freedom and shared heritage preservation, while others worry about conspiracy theories spreading among nationalist and conservative groups. The last-minute cancellation of US Vice President JD Vance’s participation reportedly eased concerns among Turkish officials about further speculation.

  • UAE: New bus service from Ras Al Khaimah to Global Village starting November 28

    UAE: New bus service from Ras Al Khaimah to Global Village starting November 28

    The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has inaugurated a new direct bus route connecting Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai’s renowned Global Village entertainment destination. This strategic transportation initiative commenced operations on November 28, 2025, specifically designed to serve weekend visitors seeking convenient access to one of the region’s premier cultural and entertainment attractions.

    The service operates exclusively during weekend periods, running on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with two scheduled round trips daily. Departures from Ras Al Khaimah’s central bus station are scheduled for 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, ensuring optimal timing for evening entertainment seekers. Return journeys from Global Village are available at 10:00 PM and midnight, accommodating visitors who wish to experience the full range of evening attractions and performances.

    With an affordable fare structure set at 30 AED per journey, the service eliminates transportation barriers for residents of the northern emirate and surrounding regions. This connectivity solution provides a practical alternative to private vehicle usage, addressing traffic congestion concerns while enhancing accessibility to Dubai’s multicultural entertainment hub.

    The transportation authority encourages potential passengers to contact their customer service hotline at 8001700 for additional information regarding schedules, boarding locations, or other service particulars. This infrastructure development reflects ongoing efforts to improve inter-emirate connectivity and promote sustainable transportation options across the United Arab Emirates.

  • Dubai: When, where to watch Al Etihad Parade on UAE National Day; guidelines to follow

    Dubai: When, where to watch Al Etihad Parade on UAE National Day; guidelines to follow

    Dubai authorities have unveiled detailed operational guidelines for the upcoming Al Etihad Parade, scheduled for December 2nd to commemorate the UAE’s 54th National Day. The event represents a collaborative effort between Brand Dubai, the creative division of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and the Events Security Committee in Dubai.

    The procession will commence at Dubai Maritime City at 3:00 PM, proceeding along Jumeirah Road from Union House intersection to Burj Al Arab intersection between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This carefully planned route aims to showcase national pride while maintaining public safety and traffic flow.

    Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, emphasized that strict adherence to established protocols is essential for participant safety and for delivering an event that reflects Dubai’s cultural values. The initiative forms part of the broader ‘National Month’ campaign launched under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

    Security measures will include deployed police patrols along the parade route and volunteer support from the Community Development Authority, with over 30 volunteers distributing more than 1,000 UAE flags to participants.

    The comprehensive guidelines prohibit numerous activities including unauthorized processions, vehicle stunts, obstruction of traffic, window obstructions, celebratory aerosol products, excessive passenger loads, inappropriate decorations, fireworks usage, license plate concealment, unauthorized vehicle modifications, and excessively loud music. Violations may result in penalties ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000, vehicle impoundment exceeding 90 days, 24 black points, and potential driving license suspension under Decree No. 30.

    Organizers urge participants to remain within vehicles while moving, maintain cleanliness standards, and follow all traffic instructions to ensure a secure and smoothly executed national celebration. The public is encouraged to monitor official channels for latest updates and instructions.

  • Want to join UAE’s military forces? MoD announces openings for national cadres

    Want to join UAE’s military forces? MoD announces openings for national cadres

    The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has launched a comprehensive recruitment initiative targeting Emirati citizens seeking to join the nation’s prestigious military forces. The Presidential Guard Command officially announced the opening of applications, providing detailed eligibility criteria and recruitment procedures through official social media channels.

    Prospective candidates must meet stringent requirements including UAE citizenship, age between 18 and 30 years, medical fitness, and a minimum height of 160cm. The recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for national service and career development within the country’s elite defense apparatus.

    The Ministry has established multiple recruitment centers across all seven emirates with specified contact numbers for each location: Fujairah (Heritage Village): 026187885 / 0508073062, Abu Dhabi: 044026055, Al Ain: 037121741, Dubai: 0508073950, Sharjah: 072071515, Ras Al Khaimah: 026187885, and Umm Al Quwain: 0508073950.

    Recruitment operations will occur during evening hours from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at various locations throughout late November and early December 2025. The scheduled recruitment dates and venues include: Ras Al Khaimah Expo (November 29-30), Umm Al Quwain Waterfront (December 1-2), and Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed/Al Wathba Festival (December 2-3).

    This strategic initiative strengthens national defense capabilities while providing career opportunities for Emirati youth in the military sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to developing indigenous defense personnel and enhancing national security infrastructure.

  • Inside Khartoum: Sudan’s ravaged capital where paramilitaries looted history

    Inside Khartoum: Sudan’s ravaged capital where paramilitaries looted history

    The skeletal remains of Khartoum stand as a haunting monument to Sudan’s devastating civil conflict. A derelict armored vehicle, mounted with anti-aircraft artillery, now corrodes within the shattered lobby of the once-grand Meridien hotel. Colonial-era hospitals lie inoperative while government structures and commercial towers bear the scorched evidence of urban warfare.

    Palace Road, historically the city’s vibrant artery, now echoes with an eerie silence broken only by birdsong. This desolate thoroughfare leads to the Republican Palace—a site of profound historical significance where General Gordon perished in 1885 and where, over a century later, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries reportedly executed presidential guardsmen.

    The conflict ignited in April 2023 when the RSF—a paramilitary organization with origins in the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur—clashed with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) over integration disputes. What followed was a systematic campaign of urban destruction that transformed the capital into a battleground.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, the war targeted Sudan’s cultural soul. The National Museum, home to invaluable artifacts spanning from the biblical Kingdom of Kush to Islamic arrival eras, suffered catastrophic looting. Archaeologist Rehab Khider reported discovering 2,000 priceless artifacts missing, with RSF fighters allegedly occupying the museum and even shooting ancient mummies in search of gold.

    The destruction extended to Sudan’s broadcasting heritage at the national radio station, where archival recordings documenting decades of cultural history were deliberately incinerated. Culture Minister Khalid Ali Aleisir condemned these actions as intentional cultural erasure, stating: ‘The RSF do not just want to kill the Sudanese people, they want to erase our country too.’

    Amid the devastation, one symbol endures: the massive statue of King Taharqa, the ‘Black Pharaoh,’ protected by its immovable weight and steel encasement. This ancient monument now stands as both reminder of Sudan’s glorious past and potential harbinger of future restoration.

  • Trump applies total immigration ban to ‘Third World Countries’

    Trump applies total immigration ban to ‘Third World Countries’

    In a significant escalation of his immigration policy agenda, former President Donald Trump declared a permanent suspension of migration from numerous countries his administration has classified as posing national security risks. The announcement was made via his Truth Social platform on Thanksgiving, framing the measure as essential for national recovery and security.

    The policy directive specifically targets migration from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. This action is presented as a means to terminate millions of admissions granted under the previous administration and to remove individuals deemed not to be a ‘net asset’ to the United States.

    Further measures outlined include the cessation of all federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens, the initiation of denaturalization proceedings for migrants accused of undermining domestic tranquility, and the deportation of foreign nationals classified as public charges, security risks, or incompatible with Western civilization. The Department of Homeland Security referenced a June 2025 proclamation as the foundational document for these security-based restrictions.

    The announcement follows a tragic shooting incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were attacked, resulting in one fatality and one critical injury. The suspect, identified as an Afghan national who had previously collaborated with U.S. government agencies and arrived through a resettlement program, was cited by Trump to bolster his rhetoric on immigration threats.
    In his social media post, Trump criticized what he termed the ‘politically correct’ stance on immigration, attributing social dysfunction and violence to refugee populations and making sweeping allegations about welfare dependency and criminal backgrounds among foreign nationals. The statements also included personal attacks against specific communities and elected officials, repeating previously debunked claims.

  • Tunisia appeal court upholds heavy prison sentences in ‘conspiracy’ trial

    Tunisia appeal court upholds heavy prison sentences in ‘conspiracy’ trial

    A Tunisian appellate court has confirmed severe prison sentences ranging from 10 to 45 years for approximately 40 opposition leaders and activists in a highly contentious case alleging conspiracy against state security and terrorist affiliations. The verdicts have drawn sharp international condemnation and raised serious concerns about judicial independence under President Kais Saied’s administration.

    Among the most severe punishments, businessman Kamel Ltaief received a 45-year sentence (reduced from an initial 66 years), while opposition politician Khayam Turki was sentenced to 35 years. Surprisingly, several prominent figures—including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj, Issam Chebbi, and human rights activist Chaima Issa—saw their sentences increased from 18 to 20 years on appeal.

    The legal proceedings have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and international bodies. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, denounced what he characterized as procedural violations and politically motivated prosecutions. Amnesty International’s Sara Hashash condemned the verdicts as ‘an appalling indictment of the Tunisian justice system,’ accusing the government of weaponizing judiciary mechanisms to suppress political dissent.

    The case originated from allegations that defendants held meetings with foreign diplomats, which authorities interpreted as attempts to undermine national security. Most defendants have been detained since their arrests in spring 2023, with the initial trial concluding abruptly after just three hearings without permitting closing arguments.

    In a concerning development, activist Jawhar Ben Mbarek has been on a hunger strike for one month protesting what he describes as arbitrary detention. Meanwhile, the court acquitted two defendants: Noureddine Boutar, director of private radio station Mosaique FM, and lawyer Lazhar Akremi.

    The political context underscores these developments. Since President Saied’s 2021 power consolidation, which many characterized as a constitutional coup, Tunisia has experienced significant democratic backsliding. The European Parliament recently passed a resolution demanding the release of those imprisoned for exercising freedom of expression, which Saied rejected as ‘blatant interference.’

    In a related development, lawyer and columnist Sonia Dahmani was conditionally released after 18 months’ detention under a presidential decree criminalizing ‘false information’ dissemination—a measure rights advocates argue is being applied with excessive breadth to silence critics.

  • Hong Kong mourns those killed in fire tragedy

    Hong Kong mourns those killed in fire tragedy

    Hong Kong has plunged into a period of profound mourning following the city’s deadliest fire tragedy in decades, which has resulted in 128 confirmed fatalities with 200 individuals still unaccounted for. The catastrophic blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, home to approximately 2,000 households, was finally extinguished after a grueling 43-hour firefighting operation that concluded Friday morning.

    The government has announced comprehensive relief measures, including HK$200,000 condolence payments to families of each victim and HK$50,000 allowances for affected households. A dedicated support fund has swelled to HK$800 million, combining government allocation and substantial public donations.

    Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has declared a three-day mourning period beginning Saturday, with flags flying at half-mast at all government facilities and the cancellation of all publicly-funded celebratory events. The tragic incident has also prompted the cancellation of the torch relay and opening ceremony for the upcoming National Games for Persons with Disabilities.

    Investigation into the fire’s cause continues, with the Independent Commission Against Corruption making eight additional arrests on Friday, bringing the total detainees to eleven. Those arrested include directors from both the architectural consultancy firm Will Power Architects Company and the registered contractor Prestige Construction & Engineering Co.

    Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung revealed the fire likely originated near lower-floor mesh netting and spread rapidly due to highly flammable styrofoam window attachments. Structural safety assessments are now underway before police commence detailed investigation and search operations in extremely challenging conditions, with some areas still exceeding 200°C.

    The firefighting effort represented an unprecedented mobilization, deploying 391 fire engines and 2,311 personnel. Tragically, one firefighter lost their life during operations, with twelve others injured—one remains in intensive care.
    Fire Services Director Andy Yeung addressed public queries about equipment limitations, explaining that helicopter deployment was deemed too dangerous due to downwash effects, while taller aerial ladder trucks require stabilization space unavailable on Hong Kong’s narrow streets.

    The central government has pledged full support, with senior officials from the Liaison Office and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office visiting temporary shelters and meeting displaced residents. Education authorities are providing schools with emergency funding for psychological counseling and essential supplies, while organizing seminars to help teachers and parents support traumatized children.

    International solidarity has emerged with the Macao government donating HK$30 million, reflecting the deep bonds between the special administrative regions. Total donations from within and outside Hong Kong have exceeded HK$1 billion, demonstrating widespread support for the devastated community.

  • Aerzen acquires GPE Turbo to reinforce its position as a technology pioneer

    Aerzen acquires GPE Turbo to reinforce its position as a technology pioneer

    In a strategic move to consolidate its technological leadership, Aerzen—a globally recognized manufacturer of blowers, compressors, and turbos—has finalized the acquisition of GPE Turbo, a Leipzig-based specialist in high-performance turbo solutions. This acquisition, announced on November 28, 2025, significantly enhances Aerzen’s capabilities in the process gas industry and reinforces its position as an innovation driver in the energy, steel, and industrial sectors.

    The integration of GPE Turbo into the Aerzen Group enables a substantial expansion of its product portfolio, particularly in high-pressure and high-volume applications. The combined expertise now offers turbo compressors capable of handling pressures up to 300 bar and volume flows of up to 300,000 m³/h, serving critical industries such as oil and gas, steel production, power generation, and chemical processing. Additionally, the acquisition extends Aerzen’s offerings in low-pressure turbo solutions, with volume flows now reaching 100,000 m³/h—benefitting sectors like wastewater management, mining, and vapour compression.

    GPE Turbo brings decades of specialized experience in customised turbo solutions, particularly in green technologies including hydrogen applications. Its in-house R&D capabilities and agile manufacturing processes allow for rapid adaptation to market needs. The merger also combines both companies’ global sales and service networks, ensuring broader customer access to advanced, energy-efficient technologies.

    Klaus Peter Glöckner, Managing Director of Aerzen Worldwide, emphasized the alignment in vision between the two firms: ‘Aerzen and GPE Turbo share the same DNA, values, and drive. Together, we will elevate the industry through innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions.’ Ralf Stephani of GPE Turbo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for worldwide distribution of their tailored turbo systems through Aerzen’s established global network.

    Since its founding in 1864, Aerzen has been at the forefront of gas conveyance and compression technology. This acquisition marks a new chapter in its history, enhancing its ability to set new benchmarks in performance, efficiency, and reliability while supporting global industrial transitions toward sustainable energy solutions.