Global Pulse

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  • Trump’s wide ambitions for Board of Peace sparks new support for the United Nations

    Trump’s wide ambitions for Board of Peace sparks new support for the United Nations

    In a significant diplomatic setback, former President Donald Trump’s ambitious proposal to expand his ‘Board of Peace’ beyond Gaza mediation has encountered widespread international resistance. Major global powers including China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom have unanimously declined participation in what many perceive as an attempt to undermine the United Nations’ authority.

    The board, initially conceived as a limited framework for overseeing Gaza’s post-conflict future, underwent substantial mission creep under Trump’s direction. The controversial charter granted Trump permanent leadership with veto powers over membership and actions, while envisioning a global conflict mediation role that directly challenged the UN Security Council’s mandate.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted damage control, emphasizing that “this is not a replacement for the UN” and narrowing the board’s immediate focus to Gaza ceasefire implementation. However, Trump’s simultaneous promotion of the board as a potential UN alternative created diplomatic friction that overshadowed its original purpose.

    The rejection manifested through multiple channels: formal Security Council statements, public declarations, and private diplomatic communications. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the initiative as raising “serious questions regarding UN principles,” while Spain’s refusal cited the exclusion of Palestinian Authority representation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer explicitly reaffirmed Britain’s “enduring support for the UN and international rules-based system” before declining membership.

    Despite attracting approximately 26 of 60 invited nations—primarily Muslim countries seeking influence in Gaza discussions—the board failed to secure endorsement from any permanent Security Council members or major European economies. Human Rights Watch’s UN director Louis Charbonneau dismissed the initiative as a “pay-to-play club of human rights abusers” rather than a legitimate international organization.

    Analysts from the International Crisis Group suggest the expansion fundamentally compromised the board’s credibility, transforming what might have been a viable Gaza-focused initiative into a perceived “Trump fan club” that deterred potential supporters. While eight Muslim nations joined to advance Palestinian interests, experts doubt the board’s capacity to evolve into a meaningful alternative to UN mechanisms.

  • The stars and styles from Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

    The stars and styles from Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

    Paris Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 transformed the French capital into an epicenter of sartorial innovation, where legendary fashion houses unveiled visionary new directions under fresh creative leadership. The exclusive four-day event, featuring only 13 select houses, became a stage for both debut collections and poignant tributes, witnessed by front rows filled with international celebrities including Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, Rihanna, and the Beckhams.

    Chanel’s newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy presented his highly anticipated debut collection within the glass-domed Grand Palais, transformed into an enchanted forest with pink weeping willows and oversized toadstools. The Franco-Belgian designer embarked on a conceptual journey to ‘probe and explore the heart of Chanel,’ deliberately stripping away iconic signatures like tweed and jeweled buttons. Instead, Blazy introduced innovative fabrics and treatments while establishing feathers as a unifying motif throughout the collection. His show notes revealed avian inspiration ranging from common pigeons to rare roseate spoonbills, creating what he described as magical appearances of ‘all kinds of birds.’

    Simultaneously, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson made his couture debut for Dior with an equally nature-inspired presentation at the Rodin Museum. Anderson confronted the intimidation of working against ‘people who are in the history books’ by rejecting formulaic approaches, stating ‘My Dior is never going to be a formula, because my brain doesn’t work like that.’ His collection featured floaty silhouettes under a canopy of flowers, with models navigating a mirrored runway while wearing floral earrings and carrying nature-themed accessories including a ladybird-shaped bag and a clutch sprouting artificial grass. The palette centered on monochrome designs punctuated by bursts of orange, ice blue, and pink.

    The week also featured emotionally significant moments, including Armani Privé’s first presentation since the passing of founder Giorgio Armani. Overseen by his niece Silvana, the collection maintained classic Armani aesthetics with ‘a touch of originality’ through dreamy pastels in mint green and baby pink, featuring bejewelled satin trouser suits and sparkling evening gowns.

    Valentino presented a particularly bold collection just days after the death of its founder, Valentino Garavani. Creative director Alessandro Michele created a high-concept experience where guests observed designs through a ‘kaiserpanorama’ viewing station, peeking into an alternative universe featuring signature batwing gowns in the house’s iconic red from sixty years prior. The collection emphasized lace, feathers, and embellishments with models styled as showgirls.

    Lebanese designer Elie Saab returned to his roots with ‘Golden Summer Nights of ’71,’ offering warmth against the Parisian chill through a palette of blush pinks, bronzes, and desert tones. The maximalist presentation featured excessive beading, ball gowns, and metallic fabrics reflecting Saab’s Beirut heritage.

    The event also recognized fashion contributions through ceremonies, including Victoria Beckham being awarded Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, attended by three of her children and Anna Wintour. Throughout the week, the Vogue global editorial director joined celebrities including Tilda Swinton and John Galliano on front rows, observing how new creative voices are redefining fashion’s most prestigious houses while honoring their legacies.

  • France moves to abolish concept of marital duty to have sex

    France moves to abolish concept of marital duty to have sex

    France has taken a definitive legislative step to abolish the archaic concept of ‘conjugal rights’ within marriage through a landmark bill approved by the National Assembly on Wednesday. The legislation explicitly clarifies that marriage does not create any obligation for sexual relations between spouses.

    The new provision amends France’s civil code to state unequivocally that ‘community of living’—a fundamental principle of French marriage law—does not establish any requirement for sexual intimacy. Additionally, the law prohibits using lack of sexual relations as grounds for fault-based divorce proceedings.

    While the practical impact on court proceedings may be limited due to previous European Court of Human Rights rulings, the legislation carries significant symbolic weight. Green MP Marie-Charlotte Garin, who sponsored the bill, argued that preserving any notion of conjugal duty “collectively gives our approval to a system of domination and predation by husband on wife.”

    The reform addresses a legal ambiguity that has persisted despite the absence of explicit ‘conjugal duty’ language in French statutes. Historically rooted in medieval church law, the concept has occasionally resurfaced in modern divorce cases where judges broadly interpreted ‘community of living’ to include sexual relations.

    This legislative action follows a pivotal 2019 case where the European Court of Human Rights condemned France for permitting refusal of sex as justification for fault-based divorce. The new law aligns French domestic legislation with this international human rights standard.

    The reform represents the latest evolution in France’s legal framework regarding sexual consent and marital relations. Since 1990, France has recognized marital rape as a crime, and recent legal enhancements have expanded the definition of rape to emphasize the necessity of clear, ongoing consent—specifically requiring ‘informed, specific, anterior and revocable’ agreement to sexual activity.

  • Polar bears on Norwegian islands ‘fatter and healthier’ despite ice loss

    Polar bears on Norwegian islands ‘fatter and healthier’ despite ice loss

    In a remarkable ecological paradox challenging scientific expectations, polar bears in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago have demonstrated significant improvements in body condition despite accelerating sea ice loss driven by climate change. Published in Scientific Reports, comprehensive research conducted by the Norwegian Polar Institute between 1992-2019 documented surprising physiological adaptations among the region’s apex predators.

    Researchers meticulously assessed 770 adult polar bears during the 27-year study period, discovering that contrary to predictions, the animals had become substantially heavier and healthier despite the region losing approximately 100 ice-free days annually. This counterintuitive finding directly contradicts established understanding of polar bear ecology, as these mammals traditionally depend on sea ice as their primary hunting platform for capturing blubber-rich seals.

    Dr. Jon Aars, lead researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute, expressed both surprise and cautious optimism: ‘The fatter a bear is the better it is. I would have expected to see a decline in body condition when the loss of sea ice has been so profound.’ The study reveals that Svalbard’s polar bears have developed adaptive hunting strategies, increasingly targeting land-based prey including reindeer and walruses to supplement their traditional seal-based diet.

    This dietary shift has been facilitated by Norway’s successful conservation efforts. Walruses, once hunted to near extinction in the 1950s, have rebounded significantly under official protection, creating an unexpected food source for resourceful bears. Additionally, researchers speculate that concentrated seal populations in diminishing ice areas may actually improve hunting efficiency for polar bears in certain circumstances.

    However, scientists emphasize this represents a temporary reprieve rather than a long-term solution. As Dr. John Whiteman, chief research scientist at Polar Bears International, notes: ‘Body condition is only one piece of the puzzle. Other recent research on these bears found that more ice-free days reduced survival in cubs and in subadult and old females.’

    The study highlights significant regional variations in climate change impacts across the Arctic’s 20 recognized polar bear subpopulations. While Svalbard bears currently thrive, the Western Hudson Bay population in Canada—among the most southerly and extensively studied groups—has experienced direct population declines correlated with warming temperatures.

    Experts conclude that despite this temporary adaptation, the fundamental reality remains unchanged: polar bears ultimately require sea ice for long-term survival. As ice loss continues unchecked across their range, researchers warn that these temporary gains will eventually give way to the broader pattern of climate-driven decline affecting most polar bear populations worldwide.

  • EU adds Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to terrorist list

    EU adds Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to terrorist list

    The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in response to Tehran’s violent suppression of recent protests. This landmark decision places the powerful Iranian military force on the EU’s terror list alongside groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

    EU foreign ministers unanimously approved the measure, with bloc diplomat Kaja Kallas characterizing it as a ‘decisive step’ against ongoing repression. ‘Repression cannot go unanswered,’ Kallas stated, emphasizing that regimes that kill their own people are working toward their demise.

    The designation follows what French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described as ‘the most violent repression in Iran’s modern history,’ with human rights groups estimating thousands of protesters were killed by security forces during December and January unrest. The EU simultaneously imposed new sanctions on six entities and 15 Iranian officials, including Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi Azad, for their roles in suppressing peaceful demonstrations.

    Notably, France reversed its previous hesitation about blacklisting the IRGC over concerns about severing diplomatic channels. Italy led the push for designation, ultimately gaining unified European support.

    The IRGC, established after Iran’s 1979 revolution to defend its Islamic system, represents Iran’s most powerful military force with approximately 190,000 active personnel across land, air, and sea domains. The organization wields substantial economic and political influence while directing overseas operations through allied governments and armed groups. Domestically, it controls the Basij Resistance Force paramilitary group, which has been instrumental in suppressing dissent.

    EU terrorist designations trigger automatic sanctions including travel bans and asset freezes aimed at dismantling support networks. Despite the move, Kallas indicated expectations that diplomatic channels with Iran would remain open.

    The development occurs alongside heightened tensions with the United States, where President Donald Trump has warned that ‘time is running out’ for Iran to negotiate on its nuclear program. Trump threatened military action ‘far worse’ than previous strikes if no agreement is reached, claiming a ‘massive Armada’ was advancing toward Iran.

    Iranian officials have responded defiantly, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating Iran’s armed forces were ready ‘with their fingers on the trigger’ to respond to any aggression. Army chief Amir Hatami vowed a ‘crushing response’ following reports that military regiments had received 1,000 new drones.

    International assessments of the crackdown’s human toll vary significantly due to internet restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities. While US-based HRANA confirms over 6,301 deaths including 5,925 protesters, Norway-based IHR estimates the final toll could exceed 25,000. Iranian authorities acknowledge approximately 3,100 fatalities but claim most were security personnel or bystanders attacked by ‘rioters.’

    The EU joins Australia, Canada, and the United States in designating the IRGC as terrorist, while the United Kingdom maintains its policy of not commenting on potential proscriptions.

  • Ukraine receives 1,000 bodies in latest soldier swap with Russia

    Ukraine receives 1,000 bodies in latest soldier swap with Russia

    In a significant humanitarian development within the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, Ukraine has confirmed the repatriation of 1,000 fallen soldiers’ remains from Russian territory. This solemn exchange represents the latest execution of a previously established agreement between the warring nations.

    Moscow’s chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky verified that Russia received 38 bodies in return during this carefully coordinated operation. Documentary evidence shared on Telegram depicted personnel in full biohazard protective gear overseeing the transfer alongside refrigerated transport vehicles designated for the purpose.

    This repatriation initiative stems from the Istanbul negotiations conducted in 2025, where both parties committed to returning approximately 12,000 soldiers’ remains alongside specific categories of prisoners of war. The agreement specifically covers severely injured combatants, those afflicted with illness, and all personnel under age 25.

    The November 2023 exchange previously saw the return of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ remains against 30 Russian counterparts. Notably, prisoner-of-war swaps have remained suspended since October 2025, with mutual accusations of procedural delays hampering further progress.

    These humanitarian developments occur against a backdrop of continued diplomatic engagement and persistent military confrontation. Recent trilateral discussions involving Russian, Ukrainian, and United States representatives convened in the United Arab Emirates—marking the first such meeting since hostilities commenced. While participants characterized the talks as constructive, fundamental disagreements regarding territorial sovereignty, particularly concerning the Donetsk region, remain unresolved.

    Concurrently, military operations persist with devastating civilian impact. A Tuesday drone assault on Kharkiv’s passenger train infrastructure resulted in at least five fatalities, underscoring the conflict’s ongoing brutality. Russia’s intensified targeting of critical energy infrastructure has additionally created widespread heating and power shortages during winter months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

    As the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches in February 2026, these parallel narratives of diplomatic engagement and military aggression continue to define Europe’s most significant armed conflict since World War II.

  • Germany midfielder Goretzka says Trump makes ‘us feel not only German but also European’

    Germany midfielder Goretzka says Trump makes ‘us feel not only German but also European’

    MUNICH — Bayern Munich and German national team midfielder Leon Goretzka has made a striking declaration about European football superiority ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while simultaneously addressing growing political tensions surrounding the tournament. In a recent interview with Die Zeit newspaper, the prominent footballer suggested that unexpected political developments have strengthened continental unity. “The current political climate has unexpectedly reinforced our sense of European identity,” Goretzka stated, though he refrained from directly naming specific political figures. The athlete’s comments come amid increasing calls for tournament boycotts from various football authorities across Europe. Oke Göttlich, president of Bundesliga club St. Pauli and vice president of the German football association, recently advocated for serious consideration of boycott options. Even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has entered the contentious discussion surrounding the North American-hosted event. Despite the political controversies, Goretzka remains optimistic about the tournament’s potential impact: “I anticipate an exceptional championship that will significantly advance football’s popularity in the host nations and showcase the sport’s universal appeal.” Germany finds itself positioned in World Cup Group E alongside Ivory Coast, Curaçao, and Ecuador, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive international showdown.

  • A pre-Olympic treat for the US women’s bobsled and skeleton teams: They got their hair done

    A pre-Olympic treat for the US women’s bobsled and skeleton teams: They got their hair done

    In an unconventional approach to Olympic preparation, the U.S. women’s bobsled and skeleton team has incorporated professional hairstyling into their final training regimen ahead of the Milan Cortina Games. While typically focused on physical conditioning and strategic planning, the athletes recognized the psychological benefits of self-care during their extended European training camp that began in November.

    Five-time Olympic bobsled medalist Elana Meyers Taylor initiated the unique arrangement, recalling hairstylist Jessica Sinclair from her time in California. Despite never having visited Europe and possessing minimal knowledge of sliding sports, Sinclair immediately accepted the unusual booking request, traveling from California to Austria with her equipment.

    The comprehensive styling services benefited all six U.S. women’s bobsled competitors—Meyers Taylor, Kaillie Humphries Armbruster, Kaysha Love, Azaria Hill, Jasmine Jones, and Jadin O’Brien—along with skeleton athletes Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro. Treatments ranged from haircuts and trims to conditioning and coloring, with many athletes sharing their transformed looks on social media platforms.

    Meyers Taylor emphasized the psychological significance beyond mere aesthetics: ‘A major part of being a woman isn’t necessarily trying to look good for other people. You want to be able to look in the mirror and say, ‘Hey, I feel good, I look good.’ After months of maintaining fundamentals through winter, this opportunity to feel pretty again makes a substantial difference.’

    The timing proved particularly strategic as athletes prepared for Olympic processing, where official photographs would be taken. Though helmets conceal hairstyles during competition, the mental refresh provided by professional grooming offered valuable psychological preparation for the world’s premier sporting stage.

    Sinclair’s versatility with diverse hair types made her particularly valuable to the team. ‘She can do Black people’s hair, white women’s hair—Jessica is a jack of all trades,’ Meyers Taylor noted. The stylist’s brief European immersion included her first viewing of a sliding track, and she anticipates cheering for her Olympic clients when competition begins next month.

  • Europa League games underway as teams honor PAOK fans who died in crash

    Europa League games underway as teams honor PAOK fans who died in crash

    BIRMINGHAM, England — The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the UEFA Europa League’s opening phase this Thursday, with six direct berths to the round of 16 on the line. In a format mirroring the Champions League, all 36 teams will compete simultaneously in the final 18 matches of this stage.

    Only two clubs, Olympique Lyonnais and Aston Villa, have already secured their progression to the last 16, both sitting tied at the summit of the standings with identical records of six victories and a single defeat. This leaves eleven teams vying for the five remaining automatic qualification spots, while the intricate standings will determine which clubs must navigate a two-leg playoff.

    The simultaneous kick-offs promise high-stakes drama across Europe. Key fixtures include Lyon hosting PAOK Thessaloniki and Aston Villa facing FC Salzburg at Villa Park. In a critical match for Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, who trail the group leaders by a mere point, a draw against LOSC Lille would be sufficient to advance. AS Roma, currently in sixth, faces an away test against Panathinaikos, while Nottingham Forest takes on Ferencváros at the City Ground.

    Further down the table, Celtic occupies the final qualifying position and will battle it out with already-eliminated FC Utrecht. Scottish rivals Rangers are also out of contention for the knockout stages.

    Amidst the sporting competition, a somber note was struck across stadiums to honor seven PAOK fans who tragically lost their lives in a minibus accident in Romania while traveling to support their team. Lyon expressed its profound condolences, and moments of silence were observed at matches in France and Greece, including at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon and in Athens during the Panathinaikos vs. Roma fixture. Players in the Lille-Freiburg match also participated in a round of applause to pay respects to the victims, as confirmed by UEFA.

  • Sabalenka to face Rybakina in Melbourne final

    Sabalenka to face Rybakina in Melbourne final

    In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has decisively advanced to her fourth consecutive Australian Open final, where she will confront Elena Rybakina in a highly anticipated championship match. The Belarusian powerhouse delivered a commanding performance against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, securing a 6-2, 6-3 victory despite encountering an unusual hindrance call during the fourth game.

    The match took an unexpected turn when chair umpire Louise Azemar Engzell penalized Sabalenka for an irregular grunting sound during a rally, awarding the point to Svitolina under the hindrance rule. Despite Sabalenka’s request for video review and visible frustration, she demonstrated remarkable composure by immediately breaking Svitolina’s serve and dominating the remainder of the match with 29 winners against just 15 unforced errors.

    Meanwhile, Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina earned her place in the final by overcoming American Jessica Pegula in a tightly contested 6-3, 7-6(9-7) semifinal battle. The Kazakh fifth seed displayed exceptional resilience after squandering multiple match points, ultimately prevailing in a dramatic tie-break to set up a final rematch of the 2023 championship.

    Both finalists enter Saturday’s showdown in exceptional form, having not dropped a single set throughout the tournament. Sabalenka brings an 11-match winning streak and tournament-leading 172 winners, while Rybakina boasts the most aces (41) and has won 37 matches since Wimbledon—more than any other WTA player. The hardcourt head-to-head record slightly favors Rybakina at 6-5, adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a explosive final between two of tennis’s most powerful strikers.