Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Thousands of Iraqis volunteer to defend Iran against US attack

    Thousands of Iraqis volunteer to defend Iran against US attack

    In a significant demonstration of regional solidarity, nearly 5,000 Iraqi citizens from Diyala province have formally pledged to defend Iran against potential US military action. The volunteers declared their readiness to support both Iraqi security forces and Iran-backed armed groups without financial compensation, explicitly rejecting American intervention in the Islamic Republic.

    This mobilization occurs against a backdrop of intensifying US-Iran tensions, despite ongoing diplomatic discussions in Oman. The United States recently implemented stringent new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil export capabilities, including measures against 14 vessels flagged in Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside sanctions affecting 15 entities and two individuals.

    Military posturing continues simultaneously, with US aircraft carriers maintaining positions near Iran’s coastal waters. Central Command has released footage showing the USS Abraham Lincoln conducting replenishment operations in the Arabian Sea, underscoring the persistent military presence.

    Iran’s military leadership has responded with heightened readiness. Brigadier-General Mohammad Akraminia, the army spokesperson, stated that any conflict would ‘encompass the entire region and all US bases’ if Washington pursues military escalation. This warning echoes President Donald Trump’s earlier caution about ‘bad things’ happening should diplomatic efforts fail.

    The volunteer initiative was coordinated by the Iran-backed Badr Organization, though organizers emphasize the volunteers are not affiliated with specific armed factions. Ammar al-Tamimi, a Badr Organization leader, characterized the participants as ‘volunteers ready to serve as a reserve force for the security forces.’ The comprehensive list of 4,947 names will be formally submitted through Iraq’s military chain of command.

    This development reflects Iraq’s complex geopolitical position, maintaining strong ties with Iran since Saddam Hussein’s overthrow in 2003 while hosting thousands of US troops. Iran-aligned groups including Kataeb Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have established recruitment stations across Iraq, including Baghdad, preparing for potential conflict scenarios.

  • T20 World Cup: ICC in talks to revive India-Pakistan clash on February 15

    T20 World Cup: ICC in talks to revive India-Pakistan clash on February 15

    The International Cricket Council has initiated diplomatic negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board to resolve the escalating boycott crisis surrounding the high-stakes T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15th in Colombo. According to sources familiar with the matter, the ICC adopted a conciliatory approach through formal communication channels rather than confrontational tactics.

    This development follows the Pakistani government’s direct intervention prohibiting its national team from competing against arch-rivals India. The politically-charged decision has thrown into jeopardy what traditionally ranks as cricket’s most financially lucrative encounter, generating millions in broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, and advertising revenue.

    The tournament’s backdrop has been marred by geopolitical tensions after Bangladesh’s withdrawal citing security concerns, subsequently replaced by Scotland. Pakistan’s refusal to face co-hosts India stands as a symbolic protest, despite potential competitive consequences including automatic forfeiture of two critical points and damaging net run rate implications.

    Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed his squad’s readiness to travel to Colombo for the anticipated clash. The longstanding suspension of bilateral cricket between the neighboring nations, extending over a decade, means their encounters remain confined to international tournaments like the current World Cup.

    Pakistan commenced their campaign with a narrow victory against the Netherlands on Saturday, even as the shadow of potential forfeiture looms over their tournament prospects. The ICC’s mediation efforts represent the latest chapter in cricket’s most politically complex rivalry.

  • Look: Thousands gather as Pakistan buries victims of mosque suicide attack

    Look: Thousands gather as Pakistan buries victims of mosque suicide attack

    Pakistan observed a day of collective mourning on Saturday as thousands gathered to bury victims of a devastating suicide attack that struck a Shiite mosque during Friday prayers. The assault, which killed 31 worshippers and injured 169 others, represents the deadliest violence to hit Islamabad since the 2008 Marriott hotel bombing.

    The Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque, located on the capital’s outskirts, became the scene of tragedy when an attacker detonated explosives after being confronted at the entrance. Eyewitness accounts describe a brief gunfight between the bomber and volunteer security personnel preceding the detonation that filled the prayer hall with chaos and devastation.

    Islamic State’s regional affiliate (Daesh) has claimed responsibility for the assault that left pools of blood across the red-carpeted prayer area. AFP journalists documented harrowing scenes at local hospitals where medics and bystanders rushed to assist victims with blood-soaked clothing, including several children among the casualties.

    Security officials reported making multiple arrests in connection with the attack, including taking the bomber’s mother into custody from an upscale Islamabad neighborhood. Anonymous officials revealed the attacker originated from Peshawar in the violence-plagued Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with relatives having resided in Nowshera for several years.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast as a ‘heinous crime against humanity’ and vowed to bring perpetrators to justice. The attack occurs amid escalating insurgencies in Pakistan’s southern and northern border regions with Afghanistan, highlighting ongoing security challenges facing the nation.

    This tragedy marks the second major security incident in Islamabad since November’s court complex bombing that killed 12 people, ending a nearly three-year period of relative calm in the capital. Pakistan’s Shiite minority, comprising 10-15% of the predominantly Sunni population, has frequently been targeted by extremist groups throughout the region.

  • Abu Dhabi to expand robotaxi services to new areas like corniche, Grand Mosque

    Abu Dhabi to expand robotaxi services to new areas like corniche, Grand Mosque

    Abu Dhabi’s autonomous transportation landscape is entering a new phase of expansion as authorities announce significant service area extensions for its robotaxi network. The Integrated Transport Centre revealed plans on Saturday, February 7, 2026, to deploy self-driving vehicles across additional high-activity zones including Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Rabdan district.

    The expansion strategy includes establishing new connectivity routes between Abu Dhabi’s iconic Corniche waterfront and the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, offering both residents and international visitors enhanced smart mobility alternatives. This development builds upon the remarkable success of the autonomous taxi initiative since its initial deployment in 2021 across Yas Island, Al Saadiyat, Al Reem, Al Maryah Islands, and Zayed International Airport.

    Commercial operation of the robotaxi service is managed through a strategic partnership between autonomous vehicle technology pioneer WeRide, global mobility platform Uber, and local transportation specialist Tawasul Transport. All services operate under officially approved regulatory permits and supervision.

    Performance metrics demonstrate substantial public adoption, with trip volumes surging approximately 150% throughout 2025. This growth trajectory reflects both previous service area expansions and increasing public confidence in the underlying autonomous technology. The program maintains an exceptional safety record, achieving a 99.9% safety rating across all operational vehicles.

    The expansion represents Abu Dhabi’s continued commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in smart urban mobility solutions and technological innovation adoption within public transportation infrastructure.

  • Iran FM says missile programme was ‘never negotiable’ as US talks to resume ‘soon’

    Iran FM says missile programme was ‘never negotiable’ as US talks to resume ‘soon’

    In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed optimism that negotiations with the United States will reconvene shortly, while simultaneously issuing stern warnings against potential American aggression. The comments followed unprecedented indirect talks between the two nations in Muscat, Oman—the first such engagement since the collapse of nuclear discussions last year.

    Araghchi, communicating through his official Telegram channel after an appearance on Al Jazeera, firmly declared Iran’s missile program as “never negotiable,” characterizing it as an essential matter of national defense. He emphasized that while Tehran is prepared to reach a “reassuring agreement” regarding nuclear enrichment—which it considers an “inalienable right”—the scope of negotiations must remain limited to nuclear matters, rejecting Washington’s efforts to include ballistic missiles and regional militant support in discussions.

    The Foreign Minister issued a clear warning that any U.S. attack on Iranian territory would prompt immediate retaliation against American bases throughout the region. This statement comes amid a substantial U.S. military buildup following Iran’s crackdown on domestic protests that began in late December over economic grievances.

    Despite these tensions, Araghchi described the Oman talks as “a good start” and acknowledged an unexpected opportunity to shake hands with the American delegation, though he noted that building trust would require time. The U.S. side, led by President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, reportedly engaged in what Iranian state media characterized as a “very positive atmosphere” with exchanged arguments and shared perspectives.

    Contradicting the diplomatic progress, President Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on countries maintaining business relationships with Iran, effective immediately after the talks. Simultaneously, the United States announced fresh sanctions targeting numerous shipping entities and vessels in continued efforts to curb Iranian oil exports—a significant economic pressure given that more than a quarter of Iran’s trade involves China, with $32.5 billion in total bilateral trade recorded in 2024.

    The talks occurred against the backdrop of substantial human cost from recent protests. Iranian authorities acknowledged 3,117 fatalities while publishing a list of 2,986 names, predominantly security forces and bystanders. However, U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported verified deaths totaling 6,872, mainly protesters, with over 11,280 cases under investigation and more than 50,000 arrests documented.

  • Malinin stunned by Kagiyama in short program as Japan narrows gap on US in Olympic figure skating

    Malinin stunned by Kagiyama in short program as Japan narrows gap on US in Olympic figure skating

    MILAN — The Olympic figure skating landscape witnessed a dramatic shift as Japanese sensation Yuma Kagiyama delivered a stunning performance that disrupted Ilia Malinin’s seemingly unstoppable march toward gold. During Saturday night’s team event short program at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, Kagiyama executed a technically masterful routine featuring two near-flawless quadruple jumps, including a sophisticated quad toe-triple toe combination, to secure 108.67 points.

    This exceptional performance placed Kagiyama ahead of the heavily favored American skater Ilia Malinin, the two-time reigning world champion who had remained undefeated in his previous 14 completed competitions spanning over two years. Malinin’s second-place finish with 98.00 points created an intensely close team standings battle, with Japan trailing the defending champion United States by a single point (33-32) at the competition’s midway mark.

    Malinin, who had entered the arena wearing his signature “Quad God” tank top, appeared momentarily stunned by the scoring outcome but maintained an optimistic perspective. “That’s only 50% of my full potential here,” remarked the 21-year-old skating phenomenon, who notably opted not to attempt his groundbreaking quad axel—a jump only he has successfully landed in competition.

    The team event elimination phase saw Italy securing third position with 28 points, followed by Canada (27 points) and Georgia (25 points). Canada narrowly advanced to the next round thanks to Stephen Gogolev’s personal-best performance of 92.99 points, which edged out France by a single point.

    The competition’s momentum now clearly favors Japan, with Kagiyama expressing his satisfaction: “I didn’t feel the pressure and I didn’t feel nervous today. I’m very happy our score is so close to the USA.” The Japanese team’s strong showing included additional impressive short programs from Kaori Sakamoto and pairs world champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara.

    As the second half of the team event commenced with the free dance, the American team remained determined to defend their title, particularly motivated by their prolonged wait for official recognition of their 2022 Beijing Olympic victory due to the Russian doping controversy. World champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who had previously won the rhythm dance segment, returned to the ice seeking to maintain the United States’ narrow advantage in this high-stakes Olympic confrontation.

  • Japan extends its snowboard power to big air with a 1-2 Olympic finish

    Japan extends its snowboard power to big air with a 1-2 Olympic finish

    LIVIGNO, Italy — Japan’s snowboarding dynasty has expanded its Olympic dominance beyond the halfpipe into the high-flying realm of big air competition. At the Winter Games on Saturday night, Kira Kimura and Ryoma Kimata delivered a spectacular performance, securing gold and silver respectively in an event that showcased their nation’s technical mastery and depth of talent.

    The victory represents a strategic triumph for Japan’s year-round training system, which leverages advanced air bag technology to enable athletes to practice complex maneuvers with reduced injury risk. This innovative approach has revolutionized training methodologies, allowing riders to perfect dangerous tricks during summer months and extend their practice sessions significantly.

    Japan’s snowboarding prowess, previously demonstrated through Ayumu Hirano’s historic halfpipe achievements, now extends across multiple disciplines. The country qualified all four of its riders for the 12-man final—an unprecedented feat in Olympic big air competition since its debut in 2018. While qualifier leader Hiroto Ogiwara finished last and Taiga Hasegawa placed 11th, their presence underscored Japan’s remarkable depth.

    Kimura claimed victory with a total score of 179.50, recovering from a second-run fall to execute a breathtaking final attempt: riding backward while completing 5.5 rotations with a precise board grab between bindings. Defending world champion Kimata finished eight points behind his teammate despite having an opportunity to overtake him in the final rounds.

    China’s Su Yiming, the defending Olympic champion, earned bronze to complete his medal collection after previously winning slopestyle silver. American rider Ollie Martin, just 17 years old, finished just outside medal contention despite strong performances.

    New Zealand’s Lyon Farrell, who placed eighth, observed: ‘They have a ton of heart. They put their heads down and perfect things to the most minute detail.’ The sentiment was echoed by U.S. snowboard director Rick Bower, who noted Japan’s systematic approach to rider development.

    With Ogiwara already looking ahead to slopestyle competition, Japan’s snowboarding program demonstrates both immediate success and long-term vision, establishing the nation as the comprehensive force in Olympic snowboard parks.

  • PLA conducts routine patrols in South China Sea: spokesman

    PLA conducts routine patrols in South China Sea: spokesman

    The Southern Theater Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has completed a series of routine naval and air patrol operations in the South China Sea, conducted from Monday through Friday. The military activities were officially confirmed by theater command spokesman Zhai Shichen in a statement released on Saturday.

    According to the military spokesperson, these patrols represent standard operational procedures aimed at maintaining regional security. The announcement came alongside criticism of recent military cooperation between the Philippines and an unspecified external nation. Zhai characterized these joint aerial exercises as destabilizing to regional peace and security.

    ‘The Philippines has colluded with certain countries outside the region to conduct so-called bilateral air patrols,’ Zhai stated, suggesting such actions compromise the stability of the strategic waterway. The spokesman emphasized that Chinese military forces remain in a state of heightened readiness to protect what Beijing considers its sovereign territories and maritime interests.

    The statement reaffirmed China’s position on maintaining control over disputed waters while underscoring the PLA’s commitment to responding to perceived provocations. The patrols occurred amid ongoing tensions in one of the world’s most crucial shipping corridors, where multiple nations maintain competing territorial claims.

  • Annual session of Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress concludes

    Annual session of Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress concludes

    The Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress concluded its annual plenary session on Saturday after successfully completing all scheduled agendas. The legislative gathering saw deputies approve critical resolutions concerning the municipal government’s work report and the city’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), marking a significant milestone in Shanghai’s development planning.

    During the closing ceremony, Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining commended deputies for their dedicated service, emphasizing how their collective wisdom and thorough deliberation on major development initiatives demonstrated the effectiveness of whole-process people’s democracy. Chen highlighted that the coming five years represent a pivotal transformation period for Shanghai to leverage its unique advantages and achieve comprehensive progress.

    The city leadership outlined Shanghai’s expected role as a pioneer in advancing Chinese-style modernization, with particular focus on enhancing its capabilities as an international hub for economy, finance, trade, shipping, and technological innovation. Central to this vision is the acceleration of new productive forces cultivation and expansion, alongside better implementation of national strategies that safeguard China’s interests and security.

    Shanghai is positioned to champion pioneering reforms, leading openness initiatives, and breakthrough innovations that will stimulate high-quality development momentum. This strategic direction aims to establish new mechanisms and pathways that could serve as a national model, reinforcing Shanghai’s status as a frontrunner in China’s modernization journey.

  • The woman tasked with kicking Australian kids off social media

    The woman tasked with kicking Australian kids off social media

    In a Sydney office overlooking the harbor, Julie Inman Grant embodies the complex frontline of digital governance as Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. The 57-year-old regulator, who transitioned from two decades in the private tech sector to heading the nation’s pioneering online safety agency, now navigates unprecedented challenges ranging from death threats to global corporate resistance.

    Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban for users under 16, effective since December 10th, represents the world’s most ambitious youth protection legislation. The policy affects ten major platforms including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. While widely supported by parents seeking governmental reinforcement in household digital battles, the ban faces criticism from child welfare advocates and technology experts who argue for education over prohibition and highlight enforcement challenges for marginalized communities.

    Inman Grant’s approach combines regulatory authority with pedagogical philosophy. She frequently employs aquatic analogies to contextualize digital risks: ‘We need to teach them about algorithmic rips and online predators—the digital equivalent of sharks and pedophiles.’ This perspective evolved from her initial skepticism about blanket bans to implementing what she now considers a necessary protective measure.

    The commissioner’s extensive background includes security roles at Microsoft and Twitter during social media’s formative years, providing unique insight into corporate mechanisms. ‘You must understand that all this is driven by revenue and growth,’ she notes regarding tech company motivations. Her appointment by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull specifically sought someone with industry experience who could anticipate corporate strategies.

    International tensions have escalated significantly under her watch. Inman Grant has sparred publicly with Elon Musk over content removal requests, faced character attacks from U.S. Congressional figures, and prepares for High Court challenges from both Reddit and Australian teenagers. The Columbia University documented a staggering increase in abusive posts targeting her—from a daily average of 145 mentions to over 73,000 during the X controversy period.

    Looking ahead, Inman Grant identifies artificial intelligence as the next critical frontier for regulation. ‘The world was late to social media regulation,’ she warns, ‘and we cannot afford to repeat that with AI.’ As her second five-year term concludes next year, she contemplates transitioning her expertise to global capacity-building while maintaining her career-long mission: creating safer digital environments through designed protection rather than retrospective intervention.