Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Wearable robots, newborn screening: How AI is transforming lives in the UAE

    Wearable robots, newborn screening: How AI is transforming lives in the UAE

    The United Arab Emirates is emerging as a global hub for transformative artificial intelligence applications, with groundbreaking initiatives in healthcare and bionic technology demonstrating the technology’s life-changing potential. At the forefront of this revolution is an AI-enabled genetic screening program for newborns, implemented in 2025, that identifies rare conditions during an infant’s first weeks of life—long before symptoms manifest. This proactive approach has already yielded remarkable success stories, with three cases identified in the program’s inaugural month alone, fundamentally altering medical outcomes from potential lifelong illness to healthy futures.

    Ebtesam Almazrouei, CEO of AIE3 and chairperson of the UN’s AI for Good Impact Initiative, highlighted these achievements during the Dubai International Project Management Forum, emphasizing how AI, big data analytics, and machine learning represent innovation at its finest for healthcare services and medical research.

    The technological showcase extended to wearable robotics, with MIT Media Lab Professor Hugh Herr presenting revolutionary brain-connected bionic limbs. These advanced prosthetics enable users to think, control, and feel sensory feedback from robotic limbs through electromechanical-biological fusion. Herr, a bilateral amputee who relies on bionics himself following a climbing accident, predicts that bionic hands will soon surpass the strength of biological counterparts.

    Despite these extraordinary advancements, forum participants unanimously stressed the imperative of robust safeguards. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Government Cyber Security Council, outlined the nation’s approach to AI governance as an enabler of trust rather than a barrier. Emphasizing that “the first line of defence is still the people,” he detailed comprehensive cybersecurity strategies addressing evolved threats in cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and cyber warfare, with particular focus on protecting critical healthcare and energy infrastructure.

    The forum, which gathered hundreds of international experts, also addressed regional talent development needs. Hanny Alshazly of the Project Management Institute noted the anticipated requirement for approximately 600,000 project management professionals in the MENA region by 2035, highlighting ongoing efforts to elevate standards and support community development in partnership with leadership.

  • US appeals court opens door to re-arrest Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

    US appeals court opens door to re-arrest Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

    A federal appeals court delivered a significant ruling on Thursday that could reignite the contentious legal battle surrounding Palestinian activist and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals determined in a 2-1 decision that the district court judge who ordered Khalil’s release from immigration detention in June lacked proper jurisdiction over the deportation proceedings.

    The ruling represents a substantial victory for the Trump administration while creating immediate uncertainty for Khalil’s immigration status. Although the decision doesn’t immediately reactivate detention orders, it opens the possibility of re-arrest once the ruling takes formal effect, pending potential appeals from Khalil’s legal team.

    Central to the case are fundamental questions about free speech protections for non-citizens, particularly permanent legal residents. Khalil, who served as a lead negotiator during the Gaza war encampments at Columbia University in spring 2024, was arrested by ICE officers on March 8, 2025, despite not personally participating in the protests. He was transferred to a Louisiana detention facility 1,300 miles from his home, separating him from legal counsel and his pregnant wife.

    During his 104 days in ICE custody, Khalil missed both the birth of his first child and his Columbia University graduation ceremony. The government’s deportation efforts relied on a rarely invoked provision of immigration statute—the “foreign policy ground”—with Secretary of State Marco Rubio determining that Khalil’s protected speech allegedly compromised compelling U.S. foreign policy interests.

    Legal experts expressed concern that the appeals court declined to address First Amendment arguments while focusing solely on jurisdictional grounds. Bobby Hodgson, deputy legal director at the New York Civil Liberties Union, stated the decision “undermines the role federal courts must play in preventing flagrant constitutional violations.”

    Khalil’s legal team is currently reviewing multiple appellate options, including seeking en banc review by the full Third Circuit court. The activist vowed to continue his legal fight, stating: “The door may have been opened for potential re-detainment down the line, but it has not closed our commitment to Palestine and to justice and accountability.”

  • Kuwait army concludes emergency drill for radioactive, biological, chemical incidents

    Kuwait army concludes emergency drill for radioactive, biological, chemical incidents

    The United States has implemented a new wave of sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials implicated in the violent suppression of domestic protests, according to an announcement from the Treasury Department. The sanctions specifically name multiple high-ranking leaders within Iran’s security apparatus and morality police units, freezing any U.S.-based assets and prohibiting American entities from conducting business with them.

    Concurrently, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted precision airstrikes against Hezbollah operational sites across southern Lebanon. Military spokespersons confirmed the strikes targeted weapons depots, observation posts, and command centers belonging to the Iranian-backed militant group. The operations were characterized as defensive measures against perceived imminent threats along Israel’s northern border.

    The dual developments highlight escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Iran’s internal governance conflicts intersect with its regional proxy warfare strategies. Washington’s sanctions reflect continued pressure on Tehran’s human rights record, while Israel’s military actions demonstrate ongoing security concerns regarding Iranian-sponsored militant activities near its borders.

    Regional analysts note these simultaneous actions represent the complex multidimensional nature of Middle Eastern conflicts, where domestic governance issues frequently intertwine with international security concerns. The United States and Israel maintain coordinated strategies regarding Iranian influence, though officials stress these specific actions were independently timed.

  • Christian schools in Jerusalem suspend classes to protest at Israeli restrictions

    Christian schools in Jerusalem suspend classes to protest at Israeli restrictions

    Christian educational institutions in Jerusalem have initiated a significant escalation of protest measures, including widespread class suspensions and a comprehensive strike. This decisive action represents a forceful rejection of Israeli administrative policies that school administrators characterize as arbitrary and disruptive to their educational operations.

    The catalyst for this educational crisis emerged when Israeli authorities implemented stringent restrictions on work permit renewals for educators residing in the West Bank. This bureaucratic intervention has created substantial staffing shortages, directly compromising the educational experience for thousands of students across Jerusalem’s Christian school system.

    According to institutional data, these 15 Christian schools collectively educate more than 12,000 students while employing 820 educational professionals. Among these, 235 teachers holding West Bank identification cards issued by the Palestinian Authority have been particularly affected. These educators traditionally secured access through entry permits renewed at each academic term’s commencement.

    At the beginning of the current term, the Israeli Civil Administration implemented a new permit protocol: outright denial for some educators, placement under administrative review for others, and issuance of restricted third-category permits valid only for specific weekdays for the remainder.

    Ibrahim Faltas, Principal of Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem, revealed to Middle East Eye that the majority of West Bank teachers now lack comprehensive permits, specifically prohibiting their entry into Jerusalem on Saturdays—a regular school day within the Christian educational calendar. Faltas emphasized this represents an unprecedented administrative approach, noting that despite official assurances of resolution, numerous educators continue facing permit denials.

    “The operational challenge is profound,” Faltas explained. “These West Bank teachers bring over two decades of invaluable classroom experience that cannot be readily replaced. Furthermore, we are confronting the potential economic devastation of 235 families whose livelihoods are now imperiled.”

    Beyond their educational excellence, Jerusalem’s Christian schools maintain historical significance as among the city’s most prestigious institutions, maintaining affiliations with all Christian denominations in Jerusalem without exception.

    Reverend Munther Ishaq, Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, characterized the timing as revealing governmental hypocrisy. “While presenting themselves as protectors of Christian communities, they simultaneously undermine Christian education through permit restrictions,” he stated. Ishaq condemned the permit system as fundamentally unacceptable, arguing it perpetuates occupation dynamics and systemic injustice.

    “The suggestion that military-issued permits constitute some form of generosity is offensive,” Ishaq continued. “We are indigenous people with two millennia of continuous worship in this land. Now we must secure military authorization to teach in schools that predate the Israeli state itself.”

    Reverend Ishaq interpreted these developments as evidence of systematic targeting of Christian presence in Jerusalem, part of broader efforts to reshape the city’s religious character through Judaization policies.

    Education analysts note this crisis occurs within a context of systematic challenges facing Jerusalem’s educational sector. These include forced curriculum changes, financial pressures through funding mechanisms, operational licensing complications, and infrastructure neglect resulting in severe classroom shortages.

    According to the Faisal Husseini Foundation, which specializes in Jerusalem education statistics, the city requires approximately 80 new classrooms annually to accommodate population growth. Israeli authorities typically provide fewer than half this number, creating a cumulative deficit exceeding 10,000 school places.

    Fakhri Abu Diab, a Jerusalem affairs researcher, argues Israel pursues a coordinated strategy to control educational content and institutional administration. “The ultimate objective appears to be reshaping student mentality and cultural awareness,” Abu Diab suggested. “This constitutes a comprehensive campaign against Arab educational culture throughout Jerusalem.”

  • Technocratic committee overseeing Gaza transition revealed

    Technocratic committee overseeing Gaza transition revealed

    A newly formed technocratic committee tasked with overseeing Gaza’s transitional governance has been revealed, marking a significant development in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement to end hostilities in the region. The 15-member Palestinian committee will be led by Ali Shaath, former Palestinian deputy minister for planning, with oversight provided by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East peace coordinator.

    The committee’s formation follows Egypt’s Wednesday announcement that most Palestinian factions had reached consensus to support this technocratic governance structure, facilitating the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. Mladenov is reportedly positioned to serve as high representative of a Donald Trump-led ‘Board of Peace’ responsible for monitoring the agreement’s implementation.

    The committee features specialized appointments including Omar Shamali (Communications), Abdul Karim Ashour (Agriculture), Aed Yaghi (Health), and Aed Abu Ramadan (Industry and Economy). Additional appointments encompass Jabr al-Daour (Education), Bashir Al-Rayes (Finance), Ali Barhoum (Water and Municipalities), Hanaa Tarzi (Relief and Solidarity), and Adnan Salem Abu Warda (Judiciary). Completing the roster are Rami Tawfiq Helles (Endowments and Religious Affairs), Osama Hassan Al-Saadawi (Housing and Public Works), and Samira Helles (Energy and Transportation).

    Notably, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have expressed agreement ‘to support the mediators’ efforts in forming the Palestinian National Transitional Committee to administer the Gaza Strip.’ Committee members were instructed to maintain confidentiality about their appointments to allow former President Trump to formally announce the initiative, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reports.

    The committee is expected to comprise Gaza-based figures with no political faction affiliations. Egypt is likely to host the committee’s inaugural meeting, with sources indicating coordination with Israeli authorities to facilitate travel for Gaza-based members. At least four prospective members have remained in Egypt since the conflict began.

    The ceasefire agreement, which took effect in October, has faced implementation challenges due to continued hostilities. Palestinian health authorities report over 71,400 fatalities and 171,000 injuries since the conflict’s onset, with nearly 450 additional Palestinians killed since October amid ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid access.

  • New Oceania soccer competition has a 2029 Club World Cup spot as the winner’s reward

    New Oceania soccer competition has a 2029 Club World Cup spot as the winner’s reward

    A groundbreaking chapter in Pacific football commences this Sunday as Vanuatu United clashes with Fiji’s Bula FC in Auckland, marking the inaugural match of the Oceania Football Confederation Pro League. This revolutionary competition brings together eight elite clubs from seven Pacific nations—New Zealand, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, Fiji, and Vanuatu—committing to an intensive schedule of至少 17 matches over three months.

    The league addresses a critical void in Oceania’s football infrastructure, where individual nations have historically struggled to sustain professional domestic competitions. Stuart Larman, the league’s project manager, emphasized to Associated Press that this development eliminates the OFC’s distinction as the only FIFA confederation without a professional league among its members. ‘Players will now experience a substantial increase in highly competitive matches annually,’ Larman noted, ‘creating a professional environment that will accelerate career progression.’

    The competition structure unfolds in two distinct phases: an initial round-robin stage where each team plays seven opponents twice across five host nations, followed by a grouping phase in New Zealand where the top eight teams split into two brackets. The ultimate prize includes qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, offering both prestige and significant financial incentives.

    Beyond competitive implications, the league promises to elevate technical standards across Oceania. Rob Sherman, head coach of Auckland-based South Island United, observes that ‘while New Zealand players are technically gifted, exposure to higher competitive standards will undoubtedly accelerate talent development.’

    The venture also represents an economic innovation, pooling broadcasting and sponsorship resources across small markets. League organizers acknowledge expansion possibilities, contingent upon establishing strong organizational foundations at existing clubs. This model has already inspired similar cross-border discussions in the Baltic region and Southeast Asia, demonstrating how smaller football nations might leverage collective resources to compete on global stages.

  • 16 Indian ship crew members detained in Iran; family appeals to PM Modi

    16 Indian ship crew members detained in Iran; family appeals to PM Modi

    The United States has intensified its diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran by imposing sanctions on key security officials implicated in the violent suppression of domestic protests. Concurrently, escalating tensions along Israel’s northern border culminated in the Israeli military executing targeted strikes against Hezbollah positions within Lebanese territory.

    The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated multiple Iranian leaders for their roles in the government’s crackdown on widespread civil unrest. These sanctions specifically target commanders within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), effectively freezing any U.S.-based assets and prohibiting American entities from conducting business with them. This action represents a direct response to allegations of severe human rights abuses against demonstrators.

    In a separate but regionally linked development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched aerial and artillery assaults on what they identified as Hezbollah military infrastructure across several areas in southern Lebanon. Israeli authorities stated the operation was a retaliatory measure against repeated cross-border attacks and was aimed at neutralizing imminent threats. The strikes targeted launch sites, observation posts, and other assets belonging to the Iranian-backed militant group.

    Analysts observe that these simultaneous events highlight the volatile and interconnected nature of security dynamics in the Middle East. The U.S. sanctions underscore a continued strategy of confronting Iranian aggression both domestically and through its proxy networks, while Israel’s military actions demonstrate a low tolerance for threats on its borders. The situation continues to develop with potential implications for regional stability.

  • Chinese woman’s plea for help killing pigs draws thousands to her village

    Chinese woman’s plea for help killing pigs draws thousands to her village

    A heartfelt social media request from a young Chinese woman has unexpectedly triggered one of the most remarkable community gatherings in recent memory, showcasing both the power of digital connectivity and enduring cultural traditions.

    Daidai, a woman in her twenties from Qingfu village in Chongqing municipality, initially sought assistance through Douyin (China’s TikTok equivalent) when she became concerned about her aging father’s ability to handle the traditional slaughter of two pigs for their Chinese New Year community feast. Her simple plea—”Can anyone help me? My father is old. I am worried that he can’t handle these pigs”—promised participants a traditional pork banquet in return for their assistance.

    The response proved nothing short of extraordinary. Instead of the dozen helpers Daidai anticipated, thousands of vehicles descended upon the rural village, creating massive traffic jams throughout southwestern China’s Chongqing region. Drone footage captured astonishing scenes of endless car queues snaking through rice fields as visitors from across the nation converged on the previously obscure settlement.

    This spontaneous gathering evolved into a two-day cultural celebration featuring traditional Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine including twice-cooked pork, steamed ribs, homemade liquor, and evening bonfires accompanied by live music. The event attracted over 100,000 simultaneous online viewers during the main festivities, accumulating more than 20 million likes on streaming platforms.

    Local authorities embraced the phenomenon as an unexpected tourism opportunity, with municipal officials donating additional pigs to accommodate the overwhelming number of participants. Small restaurants expanded their operations to outdoor seating areas to serve the unprecedented crowds.

    Participants described the experience as profoundly meaningful. One man who traveled over 100 kilometers expressed how the event evoked childhood memories of traditional village life, noting: “The atmosphere has been great. It reminded me of my childhood when my family still kept pigs. It has been years since I felt anything like that.”

    Daidai expressed both exhaustion and gratitude after the event, having slept only four hours over two days. She acknowledged the collective effort: “Without your enthusiasm and passion, there would not have been a feast like this. For everyone who came, the feeling was like that of a big family. It was really warm, really healing and really meaningful.”

    The phenomenon has sparked discussions about modern society’s yearning for authentic community connections and cultural preservation. The Hechuan region where Qingfu village is located is now considering institutionalizing similar events to capitalize on the demonstrated appetite for grassroots cultural experiences in an increasingly digital and isolated world.

  • Rare protest held at Manchester City over UAE owner’s link to Sudan war

    Rare protest held at Manchester City over UAE owner’s link to Sudan war

    On a frigid Wednesday morning in Manchester, a small but determined group of Sudanese exiles gathered outside Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club. Their protest targeted not the team’s performance on the pitch, but its owner’s alleged involvement in the devastating conflict they had fled.

    Farid Kelana, who sought refuge in the UK two years ago after escaping Sudan’s violence, expressed his outrage to Middle East Eye: “I feel totally angry about the idea that football is linked to war crimes, linked to killing people.” Kelana had settled in Manchester months after conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, never anticipating his new city would connect to the war he thought he had left behind.

    The demonstration highlighted the controversial ownership of Manchester City by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice president of the United Arab Emirates and brother to the nation’s ruler. Extensive investigations have revealed the UAE serves as a primary supporter of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, supplying weapons through complex networks across multiple African nations. The UAE consistently denies these allegations.

    According to intercepted communications reviewed by US officials, RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti) maintains direct contact with Sheikh Mansour. American intelligence concludes the Manchester City owner has played a central role in arming the paramilitary group responsible for widespread atrocities.

    Kiri Kankhwende of Christian Solidarity Worldwide stated: “Man City has a proud heritage, but the money funding these victories is financing the killing of children, women, and innocent civilians. This is too high a price to pay for victory.”

    Despite the modest turnout of approximately twenty protesters, participants demonstrated remarkable resolve. Mohaned Elnour, a Sudanese consultant residing in the UK for seven years, acknowledged the physical discomfort: “You can see my hands are freezing, but I’m doing something to support my people in Sudan.”

    The protest featured footballs inscribed with anti-war messages by Sudanese refugees living in Ugandan camps, symbolizing the connection between the beautiful game and distant suffering. While Manchester City officials briefly inquired about the nature of the demonstration, passing drivers occasionally honked in support upon recognizing Sudanese flags.

    Activists pointed to the Premier League’s updated Owners and Directors Test, approved unanimously by all 20 clubs three years ago, which includes human rights abuses as grounds for disqualification. Scot Bower, head of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, emphasized: “The evidence indicates Sheikh Mansour should not own a football club. Those are the rules of the Premier League.”

    Protesters highlighted the precedent set when Chelsea FC was seized from Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, questioning why similar standards aren’t applied to the UAE’s involvement in Sudan. Activists suggest the UK’s substantial economic ties with the UAE have created a double standard in addressing human rights concerns.

    Despite these challenges, organizers believe football fans possess unique power to effect change. As Mohannad Taha of Manchester4Sudan noted: “The football community taking action on Sudan can directly impact the war’s cessation. We’re talking about substantial resources, cultural capital, and emotional investment.”

  • Gulf leaders convinced Trump to go easy on Iran, say officials

    Gulf leaders convinced Trump to go easy on Iran, say officials

    A coalition of Gulf nations successfully persuaded U.S. President Donald Trump to abandon a planned military strike against Iran, according to senior Saudi diplomatic sources. The diplomatic intervention, led by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, culminated in intense last-minute negotiations that ultimately changed the administration’s course of action.

    The breakthrough followed days of escalating tensions and mounting expectations of American military retaliation against Iran’s suppression of nationwide protests. President Trump confirmed from the Oval Office that he had received assurances from highly placed sources within Tehran that planned executions of demonstrators would not proceed.

    In statements indicating a deliberate de-escalation of hostilities, Trump emphasized that the United States would adopt a watchful stance. “They’ve stated the killings have ceased and executions will not occur. We intend to verify these developments,” the president remarked, adding that military options remained under consideration pending Iran’s compliance.

    Subsequent to these diplomatic exchanges, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied existence of execution plans for protesters. Iranian state media corroborated this position by reporting that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old detainee from Karaj protests, would not face capital punishment.

    The reduced tensions prompted tactical reassessments at strategic regional installations. Personnel previously relocated from Qatar’s Al-Udeid Airbase began returning to their positions as threat levels diminished, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the situation.

    Human rights organizations monitoring the unrest provided staggering casualty estimates, with figures ranging from 2,600 to 3,428 fatalities resulting from protest-related violence and government crackdowns. The Gulf-mediated diplomatic resolution potentially prevented further escalation in a region already experiencing significant instability.