Global Pulse

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  • Foreign women linked to IS group in Syrian camp hope for amnesty after government offensive

    Foreign women linked to IS group in Syrian camp hope for amnesty after government offensive

    ROJ CAMP, Syria — Foreign women affiliated with the Islamic State group, currently detained in northeastern Syria’s Roj camp, are expressing renewed hope for potential amnesty following significant territorial shifts in the region’s military balance.

    The camp, housing over 2,300 individuals primarily comprising women and children with IS connections, remains under the guard of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. However, a recent government offensive has substantially weakened the SDF’s control, capturing most of their previously held territories including the massive al-Hol camp which detained approximately 24,000 IS-linked individuals.

    Camp residents interviewed by The Associated Press revealed growing optimism that Syria’s new leadership might offer clemency. This sentiment stems from the political transformation of Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani), once a designated terrorist linked to al-Qaeda, who now serves as interim president following the toppling of Bashar Assad in December 2024.

    Buthaina, a Tunisian national who has been detained for nine years, articulated the prevailing hope: “The international community gave al-Golani amnesty. I should be given amnesty too. I did not kill anyone or do anything.”

    Camp director Hakmiyeh Ibrahim reported noticeable behavioral changes among residents, who have become increasingly hostile and emboldened by recent developments. “It gave them hope that the Islamic State group is coming back strongly,” Ibrahim observed.

    The situation highlights the complex international dilemma regarding repatriation. While some women express desire to return to their home countries, others like German national Aysha prefer remaining in Syria, stating “Germany is all infidels.” Meanwhile, human rights organizations criticize the prolonged detention without trial as a political failure.

    Beatrice Eriksson of Repatriate the Children in Sweden noted: “The continued existence of these camps is not an unfortunate by-product of conflict, it is a political decision.”

    With Syrian government forces now controlling key detention facilities and part of a ceasefire agreement involving transfer of camp management to Damascus, the future of these detainees hangs in uncertainty as the world watches how Syria’s new leadership will handle this enduring legacy of the IS caliphate.

  • Ukraine is bracing for brutal weather as Trump says Putin agreed to halt power grid attacks

    Ukraine is bracing for brutal weather as Trump says Putin agreed to halt power grid attacks

    KYIV, Ukraine — As Eastern Europe grapples with an extreme winter cold snap, diplomatic tensions intensify over unverified claims of a temporary ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had acquiesced to a one-week moratorium on targeting Ukraine’s power grid, though neither the Kremlin nor White House provided immediate confirmation of the alleged agreement.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed profound skepticism regarding Moscow’s intentions, stating publicly Friday: ‘I do not believe that Russia wants to end the war. There is a great deal of evidence to the contrary.’ His comments came as the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary with no diplomatic resolution in sight.

    The purported truce discussion emerged against a backdrop of continued hostilities. Overnight, Russia launched 111 drones and one ballistic missile toward Ukraine, resulting in at least three casualties according to Ukrainian air defense reports. Simultaneously, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed interception of 18 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions including annexed Crimea and the Black Sea.

    Meteorological conditions compound the humanitarian crisis, with temperatures forecast to plunge to -30°C (-22°F) across Ukraine this week. This severe cold wave threatens millions already suffering from Russia’s documented strategy of weaponizing winter conditions by targeting energy infrastructure.

    The energy truce concept originated during multilateral talks in Abu Dhabi last weekend involving envoys from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Zelenskyy confirmed his administration’s willingness to adopt reciprocal measures: ‘If Russia does not strike us, we will take corresponding steps regarding their energy infrastructure.’

    However, the Ukrainian leader clarified that no formal ceasefire agreement exists, emphasizing the absence of direct negotiations between the warring nations. Fundamental disagreements over occupied territories remain the primary obstacle to peace, with Zelenskyy reiterating Ukraine’s stance against compromising territorial integrity while expressing openness to economic compromise solutions.

    Further diplomatic engagements scheduled for Abu Dhabi this weekend face uncertainty due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, potentially delaying critical dialogue on the conflict.

  • Mum of girl killed in blast asks government for direct talks

    Mum of girl killed in blast asks government for direct talks

    Donna Harper, whose 14-year-old daughter Leona perished in the catastrophic Creeslough service station explosion, has issued a heartfelt plea to the Irish government for immediate commencement of substantive discussions regarding a statutory judicial public inquiry. The October 2022 disaster in County Donegal claimed ten lives, yet despite the passage of over three years, no definitive explanation has been provided regarding the explosion’s cause.

    Harper will address a significant gathering in Londonderry this Saturday, coinciding with the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. The event will unite families from multiple historical tragedies—including Stardust, Hillsborough, the Post Office scandal, Ballymurphy, and Bloody Sunday—creating a collective platform for sharing experiences in pursuing truth and institutional accountability.

    In an emotional interview with BBC Radio Foyle, Harper expressed her unexpected transition from observer to activist: “I grew up in Letterkenny witnessing these major events through media coverage. Never did I imagine I would stand alongside these families, now fighting for justice for my daughter and the nine other victims.”

    The ongoing investigation involves collaboration between Donegal-based Gardaí, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, and the Health and Safety Authority. Harper has been informed that the final segment of the case file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in March 2026, following an initial submission last September.

    Despite Donegal County Council’s 2024 motion endorsing a public inquiry and subsequent planning permission reversals for redevelopment at the site, the Department of Justice maintains that the criminal investigation remains the “most appropriate avenue” for addressing concerns. Minister Jim O’Callaghan has emphasized allowing the Garda investigation to conclude before considering further actions.

    Harper remains steadfast in her pursuit of transparency: “We are approaching a critical juncture in the criminal investigation, which I fully support. However, the questions we hold require answers beyond what this process alone can provide. The government must engage with us directly.”

    The Harper family continues to await Leona’s death certificate, as full inquests cannot proceed until criminal investigations conclude. Donna Harper draws strength from her daughter’s memory, asserting: “Leona’s life mattered, those nine people mattered, and consequently their deaths must matter equally. No parent should endure this perpetual state of waiting and uncertainty.”

    Referencing the 1987 Raglan House gas explosion precedent where parallel investigations occurred, Harper emphasizes: “That occurred nearly four decades ago. We cannot burden families with determining the appropriate path forward in 2026.”

    The Department of Justice confirmed the Minister’s December 2025 meeting with the Harpers in Donegal, where he expressed profound sympathy while maintaining the DPP’s operational independence. Gardaí continue to solicit information from individuals present at the site prior to the explosion.

  • Viral ‘2016′ trend reveals an appetite for nostalgia in uncertain times

    Viral ‘2016′ trend reveals an appetite for nostalgia in uncertain times

    A profound cultural phenomenon is sweeping across social media platforms as millions in their twenties and thirties embark on a collective journey back to 2016. This digital nostalgia movement, characterized by shared throwback photos and memories, represents more than mere reminiscence—it signifies a generational search for comfort in what many perceive as simpler times.

    According to sociological experts, 2016 marked a critical transitional period before significant global shifts. Professor Janelle Wilson of the University of Minnesota-Duluth identifies this era as existing “on the cusp of things, but not fully thrown into the dark days that were to come.” The year preceded monumental developments including Donald Trump’s presidency, Brexit implementation, and the impending COVID-19 pandemic that would reshape global society.

    The nostalgia manifests through distinct cultural touchpoints: Snapchat’s dog filters, Instagram’s sepia-toned aesthetics, maximalist fashion trends from Coachella, and the musical dominance of Beyoncé, Drake, and Rihanna. For individuals like Maren Nævdal, 27, and Njeri Allen, 27, these elements created an atmosphere of authenticity and carefree expression that contrasts sharply with contemporary concerns.

    Professor Nina van Volkinburg of University of the Arts London notes that 2016 represented “a new world order” beginning with fractured trust in institutions while maintaining a sense of possibility. The era’s ‘boss babe’ culture and millennial pink aesthetics symbolized young adulthood emerging with optimism.

    Technological advancements have accelerated nostalgic tendencies, making past experiences instantly accessible. This accessibility, combined with current uncertainties about artificial intelligence and global instability, has intensified the yearning for recent history. As Allen notes, having moved between the U.S. and Taiwan, “When both of your homes don’t feel safe, it’s easier to return to a time that felt comfortable.”

    The trend reflects broader cultural movements toward analog experiences—vinyl records, letter writing, and retro aesthetics—suggesting a collective desire for tangible connections in increasingly digital landscapes. This nostalgia serves not only as escape but as meaningful reflection on personal and societal evolution over the past transformative decade.

  • American defender Alex Freeman transfers to Spain’s Villarreal from Orlando City of the MLS

    American defender Alex Freeman transfers to Spain’s Villarreal from Orlando City of the MLS

    ORLANDO, Fla. — In a significant transatlantic move, United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) defender Alex Freeman has finalized his transfer from Major League Soccer’s Orlando City to La Liga club Villarreal CF. The 21-year-old rising star, whose transfer was confirmed on Thursday, represents one of the most promising American talents to make the leap to European football.

    Freeman, son of former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman, has rapidly emerged as a key defensive prospect for the USMNT program. His international breakthrough came during May’s friendly against Turkey, where he capitalized on playing opportunities created by Sergiño Dest’s ACL recovery period. Freeman’s impressive performances yielded 13 international caps and a memorable brace against Uruguay in a November exhibition match.

    His club trajectory demonstrates remarkable progression: after minimal playing time in his initial MLS seasons, Freeman claimed Orlando’s starting right back position last season, displacing Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. The defender’s 2023 campaign proved particularly productive with six goals across 29 league appearances, earning him MLS All-Star honors and the league’s Young Player of the Year award.

    The transfer agreement includes a significant sell-on clause for Orlando City, ensuring the MLS club will receive compensation percentage should Villarreal transfer Freeman to another club in the future.

    Freeman’s athletic pedigree extends beyond soccer—his father Antonio enjoyed a distinguished nine-year NFL career that included All-Pro recognition in 1998 and a Super Bowl XXXI championship with the Green Bay Packers.

    This move positions Freeman favorably for inclusion in the upcoming U.S. World Cup roster as he joins a Spanish club renowned for developing defensive talent and competing in top European competitions.

  • Visit the North Sea oil field used to store greenhouse gas

    Visit the North Sea oil field used to store greenhouse gas

    A revolutionary transformation is underway in the North Sea, where aging oil infrastructure is being repurposed for climate solutions. The Greensand Future project, spearheaded by British multinational Ineos Energy, is converting the nearly-depleted Nini oil field into Europe’s first large-scale offshore carbon storage facility.

    Located 250 kilometers off Denmark’s western coast, the Siri platform serves as the operational hub for this ambitious initiative. Instead of extracting fossil fuels, engineers will now inject thousands of tonnes of captured CO2 into the same geological formations that once held oil and gas. “Instead of pulling oil and gas up from the ground, we’re going to inject CO2 into the ground instead,” explains Ineos Energy CEO Mads Gade.

    The project represents a significant scaling of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, with plans to store approximately 400,000 tonnes of CO2 this year alone. By 2030, the consortium aims to increase capacity to eight million tonnes annually – equivalent to nearly 40% of Denmark’s emission reduction targets.

    This initiative arrives as international climate bodies including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and International Energy Agency (IEA) have recognized carbon capture as an essential tool for achieving climate goals. The European Union has similarly endorsed CCS as necessary for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

    The North Sea’s geological characteristics make it ideally suited for carbon storage. According to Niels Schovsbo, senior researcher at the Geological Survey of Greenland and Denmark, the region’s porous rock formations and thick clay layers provide natural containment, similar to how they trapped oil and gas for millions of years.

    However, the technology faces criticism from environmental groups. Helene Hagel, head of climate policy at Greenpeace Denmark, cautions that CCS might discourage essential emission reductions and could create problems for future generations by occupying seabed storage capacity.

    Despite concerns, CCS projects are advancing rapidly across Northern Europe. Norway’s Northern Lights project began operations last August as the world’s first commercial carbon storage service, while the UK is developing multiple capture clusters including Scotland’s Acorn Project.

    The transition also offers new opportunities for offshore workers. Maintenance manager Peter Bjerre notes that skills previously used for maintaining turbines and gas compressors will now be applied to high-pressure pumps for CO2 injection, representing a significant workforce transformation in the green transition.

  • Trump says Putin will not attack Ukraine cities during cold week

    Trump says Putin will not attack Ukraine cities during cold week

    In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily halt military attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian urban centers for one week. The purported ceasefire, attributed by Trump to “extraordinary cold” weather conditions, represents a potential humanitarian reprieve for millions of Ukrainians enduring brutal winter temperatures.

    Speaking during a televised cabinet meeting in Washington DC, Trump revealed he personally requested the military pause from Putin. “I asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that,” Trump stated, characterizing the exchange as unexpectedly productive despite skepticism from advisors.

    The announcement comes as meteorological forecasts predict temperatures in the Ukrainian capital plummeting to -24°C (-11°F) in coming days, creating dangerously cold conditions for civilians already struggling with damaged infrastructure. Russia has not officially confirmed any such agreement, maintaining its characteristic silence on diplomatic communications.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded positively to Trump’s announcement via social media, describing it as an “important statement” regarding security provisions during extreme winter conditions. Zelensky indicated that discussions on this matter had occurred during recent trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates, expressing expectation that agreements would be implemented.

    According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Ukraine has reportedly agreed to reciprocate by temporarily suspending its attacks on Russian oil refineries, suggesting a potential mutual de-escalation arrangement. This development follows the first trilateral talks between Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. negotiators since the conflict began in 2022, which all parties previously characterized as constructive though without concrete announcements.

    The potential pause offers critical relief for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has suffered intensified Russian attacks during winter months. Previous assaults have crippled power supplies to major cities, leaving millions without heating or electricity despite round-the-clock repair efforts by electrical companies. Even when power is restored, supply typically lasts only a few hours—sufficient for charging devices but inadequate for substantially warming homes.

  • Jewelry, art and toy train top list of priciest foreign gifts to Biden and other officials in 2024

    Jewelry, art and toy train top list of priciest foreign gifts to Biden and other officials in 2024

    The U.S. State Department’s latest disclosure reveals that foreign governments presented exceptionally valuable gifts to senior Biden administration officials during the 2024 calendar year. According to the Bureau of Protocol’s annual report published in the Federal Register, these diplomatic offerings included luxury items ranging from fine jewelry to substantial cash gifts.

    Former President Joe Biden received the most expensive documented gift: a $19,000 acrylic painting titled ‘Marimba’ by renowned Angolan artist Guizef Guilherme, bestowed by Angola’s president. Other notable presents to Biden included a sterling silver train set valued at $7,750 from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a road bicycle with dates worth $7,089 from the United Arab Emirates’ president.

    First Lady Jill Biden received particularly valuable items, including an 18-carat gold diamond necklace and premium perfume worth $11,165 collectively from Qatar’s emir and his spouse. She also accepted a Dior bracelet and Sèvres vase valued at $5,090 from French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron.

    The report detailed that former Vice President Kamala Harris received various gifts including a rug, cooking utensils, and literature worth $2,633 from UAE officials. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was presented with a $3,700 bronze statue from his Indian counterpart, while CIA Director William Burns received a $3,000 horse saddle from Kazakh officials.

    Most remarkably, an unnamed CIA employee reported receiving $15,000 in cash from a foreign government representative. According to established protocol, federal regulations require officials to report foreign gifts exceeding $480 in value. Most items are subsequently transferred to the National Archives or General Services Administration rather than retained personally, unless recipients reimburse the Treasury Department or utilize them for official governmental purposes.

  • Chips, anyone? German farm gives away millions of potatoes after bumper harvest

    Chips, anyone? German farm gives away millions of potatoes after bumper harvest

    Berlin has become the unexpected beneficiary of a massive potato surplus, with millions of kilograms of free spuds being distributed across the German capital since mid-January. The initiative, dubbed “the great potato rescue,” emerged after agricultural firm Osterland Agrar found itself with approximately 4 million kilograms of excess potatoes following a bumper harvest in Saxony.

    Rather than allowing the potatoes to rot in fields, the company partnered with Berliner Morgenpost newspaper and eco-friendly search engine Ecosia to coordinate a large-scale distribution effort. Food banks, schools, and churches have served as primary distribution points, with 174 designated “spud-hubs” established throughout the Berlin metropolitan area.

    Hans-Joachim von Massow, Managing Director of Osterland Agrar, explained that while the company could technically store the potatoes until mid-year, the market saturation made distribution necessary. “We’re not wishing to discard our magnificent tubers back into the fields,” von Massow stated, noting that approximately 500,000kg had already been transported to Berlin, with additional shipments sent to other German regions and Ukraine.

    The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from agricultural associations. The Brandenburg Farmers’ Association condemned the effort as a “disgusting PR stunt,” with representative Timo Scheib arguing that “food is and will remain valuable, even if thoughtless do-gooders throw around free potatoes at schools and churches.”

    Peter Schink, a Berliner Morgenpost editor who helped spearhead the plan, countered that the project ultimately aims to “put the potato in the spotlight as a valuable food” in a country known for its gastronomic passion for potatoes. Despite extensive media coverage, actual distribution has faced practical challenges, with some distribution points temporarily lacking supplies amid icy winter conditions.

    The program is now winding down in Berlin as funding diminishes, though organizers anticipate one final shipment once weather conditions improve.

  • 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.