Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    The Afghan community in the United States has united in condemnation of Wednesday’s fatal shooting in Washington DC that claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left her colleague Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. through a special immigration program established for Afghans who collaborated with American forces during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    In response to the incident, President Donald Trump has implemented an immediate suspension of all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries. The administration has signaled potential broader restrictions on migration from what it characterizes as ‘third-world countries.’

    The Afghan Community Coalition of America expressed profound sympathy for the victims’ families while urging authorities not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims. ‘Twenty years of Afghan-US partnership must not be forgotten,’ their statement emphasized, referencing the two-decade military engagement that began in 2001.

    Multiple Afghan immigrants who spoke with media outlets on condition of anonymity due to Taliban reprisal concerns described the shooting as ‘deeply tragic’ and ‘really shocking.’ They emphasized that the suspect’s actions represented an individual criminal act rather than reflecting their community’s values. ‘Afghans in the United States are hardworking, tax-paying members of society,’ one interviewee noted, adding that many remain grateful for American evacuation efforts during the Kabul crisis.

    Lakanwal reportedly assisted U.S. forces as a guard at Kabul airport during the withdrawal operation and entered America the same year. According to official sources, his asylum application was approved earlier this year after being filed in 2024. The FBI confirms the suspect had established relationships with ‘partner forces’ during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

    The political fallout has created widespread uncertainty among immigrant communities, with many expressing concern about potential policy changes that could affect their status. One Afghan resident articulated the dual challenges facing his community: ‘For us Afghans there’s problem for us in Afghanistan as well as here.’

  • UAE: Umrah packages for National Day break almost sold out, say operators

    UAE: Umrah packages for National Day break almost sold out, say operators

    A remarkable surge in demand for Umrah pilgrimages has emerged among UAE residents during the upcoming National Day holiday period, with travel operators reporting near-total sellouts of spiritual packages. The convergence of favorable weather conditions and an extended four-day break has created unprecedented interest in religious tourism.

    Travel agencies across the Emirates indicate that comprehensive Umrah packages combining visits to both Makkah and Madinah have reached capacity well before the holiday commencement. Industry representatives attribute this phenomenon to several factors: the ideal timing of the extended break, pleasant winter temperatures in Saudi Arabia, and particularly strong demand from single residents and those separated from their families.

    Financial executive Salman Ubaid, 29, exemplifies this trend. After three years of postponed plans due to scheduling conflicts, he and three friends seized the opportunity presented by the November 29-December 2 holiday window. “This short but profoundly meaningful journey represents something I’ve long anticipated,” Ubaid shared. “The alignment of our work schedules with this extended break made it finally possible.”

    The economic dynamics of this surge reflect basic principles of supply and demand. Package prices have increased approximately 21% from typical rates, rising from AED 1,400 to around AED 1,700, primarily driven by escalated accommodation costs near the holy sites. Hotels within walking distance of the Haram have significantly raised their rates during the peak demand period, yet proximity remains a priority for pilgrims seeking convenience.

    Industry experts note that comprehensive, all-inclusive packages covering flights, visas, guided tours, accommodations, and meals have proven most popular. Asim Malik, an Umrah consultant, emphasized the seasonal advantage: “Winter conditions create ideal circumstances for pilgrimage activities. The moderate temperatures in Makkah and Madinah transform the physical experience of religious observances, making walking between sites considerably more comfortable.”

    The demographic pattern reveals particular interest among individual residents seeking meaningful engagement during extended breaks. Travel operators observe that those without family commitments in the UAE frequently choose spiritual journeys as purposeful uses of holiday time, combining religious devotion with the practical advantages of favorable travel conditions.

  • Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration: What are current ‘third-world’ countries?

    Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration: What are current ‘third-world’ countries?

    In a significant policy announcement, former US President Donald Trump declared intentions to implement a permanent suspension on migration from countries he categorizes as ‘third-world,’ asserting this measure is essential for allowing the American system to recover. The controversial proposal follows the recent suspension of immigration applications from Afghan nationals after a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., that resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to another.

    Trump’s immigration framework includes aggressive measures such as mass deportations of individuals deemed ‘not a net asset to the United States,’ denaturalization of those accused of undermining domestic tranquility, and the expulsion of foreign nationals considered public charges or security risks. Additionally, the plan entails cutting federal benefits for non-citizens and terminating millions of immigration approvals granted under the Biden administration.

    The terminology used in the proposal—’third-world’—has drawn criticism for being outdated and potentially derogatory. Modern international institutions, including the United Nations, now employ more precise classifications such as ‘Least Developed Countries’ (LDCs), which are evaluated based on economic, educational, and technological metrics, alongside human asset indicators and economic vulnerability.

    Currently, 44 nations are classified as LDCs, with 32 in Africa, 8 in Asia, 1 in the Caribbean, and 3 in the Pacific. This list is dynamic, with countries such as Bangladesh, Laos, and Nepal scheduled for ‘graduation’ from the category as early as 2026 based on improved development indicators.

    The announcement reinforces Trump’s longstanding hardline stance on immigration, though it lacks specificity regarding which nations would be affected under the broad and historically charged ‘third-world’ label.

  • Trump to pause migration from ‘third-world countries’ to allow US system ‘to recover’

    Trump to pause migration from ‘third-world countries’ to allow US system ‘to recover’

    In a significant policy address delivered on Friday, November 28, 2025, US President Donald Trump declared an immediate and permanent suspension of migration from nations he characterized as ‘third-world countries.’ This decisive action, according to the President, is essential to enable the United States’ immigration framework ‘to fully recover.’

    The announcement follows a tragic national security incident that occurred on Thursday, resulting in the death of a National Guard member. The servicemember was fatally shot in an ambush near the White House perimeter. Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies indicate the attack was executed by an Afghan national, leading the President to formally label the incident ‘an act of terror.’

    Expanding on his policy stance via his preferred social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump outlined a series of stringent additional measures. These include the termination of all federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens. Furthermore, his administration plans to initiate denaturalization proceedings against migrants deemed to ‘undermine domestic tranquility’ and will pursue the deportation of any foreign national classified as a public charge, a security risk, or ‘non-compatible with Western civilization.’

    This policy shift reinforces a notably more aggressive immigration strategy adopted since the beginning of his current term. The administration has consistently prioritized enhanced border security, stricter enforcement protocols, and the systematic dismantling of policies established under the previous presidential tenure. This latest directive aligns with a separate executive decision made just one day prior, which indefinitely halted the processing of all immigration petitions from Afghan nationals pending a comprehensive reassessment of security and vetting procedures.

    Concluding his statement, the President extended Thanksgiving wishes to the nation, with a pointed exception for those he stated ‘hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for,’ adding a stark warning: ‘You won’t be here for long!’

  • Lightning detected on Mars by Nasa rover, scientists believe

    Lightning detected on Mars by Nasa rover, scientists believe

    In a landmark discovery with profound implications for planetary science, researchers have documented the first conclusive evidence of electrical phenomena occurring within the Martian atmosphere. The breakthrough findings, captured by NASA’s Perseverance rover, indicate that Mars possesses the capacity to generate lightning-like discharges, fundamentally altering our understanding of the Red Planet’s atmospheric dynamics.

    The scientific investigation centered on extensive data collection from Perseverance’s sophisticated SuperCam instrument, which has been systematically exploring the Jezero Crater region since its 2021 landing. After meticulously analyzing 28 hours of audio recordings and electromagnetic measurements gathered over 1,374 Earth days (equivalent to two Martian years), French researchers from the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology identified recurring electrical events colloquially termed ‘mini lightning.’

    These atmospheric discharges appear intrinsically linked to Martian meteorological phenomena, particularly dust devils—small-scale whirlwinds formed by surface-heated rising air—and larger dust storm fronts. The turbulent internal mechanics of these systems appear to generate sufficient electrostatic charge to produce measurable electrical activity.

    Dr. Baptiste Chide, the study’s lead author, emphasized the discovery’s significance to Reuters: ‘These discharges represent a major breakthrough with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate patterns, potential habitability parameters, and future exploration missions—both robotic and human.’ The research positions Mars alongside Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter as planetary bodies with confirmed atmospheric electrical phenomena.

    However, the scientific community maintains appropriate caution regarding definitive conclusions. Particle physicist Dr. Daniel Pritchard noted in Nature that while the auditory evidence provides ‘persuasive evidence of dust-induced discharges,’ the absence of visual confirmation means ‘some doubt will inevitably remain regarding whether this constitutes true Martian lightning.’ He anticipates continued scholarly debate within the field.

    The electrical discovery coincides with other remarkable findings from the Perseverance mission. Earlier this year, scientists identified rocks bearing unusual mineral patterns—dubbed ‘leopard spots’ and ‘poppy seeds’—that potentially resulted from chemical reactions associated with ancient microbial activity. While natural geological processes could explain these formations, NASA officials have suggested they might represent the most compelling evidence yet for past biological activity on Mars.

    These collective discoveries reinforce the scientific rationale behind targeting Jezero Crater, which shows compelling evidence of having once been a river delta environment capable of sustaining liquid water—and potentially life—billions of years ago when Mars possessed a thicker atmosphere and warmer climate. Researchers now advocate deploying advanced instrumentation specifically designed to detect atmospheric discharges and more sensitive imaging systems to confirm and expand upon these groundbreaking observations.

  • 5 things to know about gun used in US National Guard shooting at Washington

    5 things to know about gun used in US National Guard shooting at Washington

    The recent ambush targeting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. has brought an iconic firearm back into the spotlight: the .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Federal authorities confirmed this vintage weapon was deployed in Wednesday’s assault, raising questions about the continued circulation of such powerful firearms in urban environments.

    Introduced in 1935 during the turbulent post-Prohibition era, this six-shot revolver was specifically engineered to combat organized crime syndicates that had gained substantial power during the alcohol prohibition years. Its design addressed the critical need for law enforcement to possess superior firepower against increasingly armed criminal elements.

    The .357 Magnum’s distinguishing characteristics include exceptional stopping power and remarkable velocity, enabling its rounds to penetrate vehicle surfaces—a crucial tactical advantage that made it the preferred sidearm for American police departments for over four decades. Despite its historical significance, the weapon’s limited ammunition capacity (typically six rounds) makes it an unusual choice for contemporary public shootings, where high-capacity semi-automatic pistols dominate.

    This firearm represents the original Magnum-class handgun, establishing the standard for powerful personal weapons. While Clint Eastwood’s ‘Dirty Harry’ films famously showcased the more powerful .44 Magnum variant, the .357 remains notable for its manageable recoil combined with substantial impact force. Today, the weapon primarily serves collectors, hunting enthusiasts targeting medium game, and recreational target shooters rather than criminal elements, making its appearance in this assault particularly noteworthy for firearms experts analyzing the incident.

  • US National Guard member dies; fellow Guardsman ‘fighting for life’ after shooting

    US National Guard member dies; fellow Guardsman ‘fighting for life’ after shooting

    A deadly ambush near the White House has resulted in the death of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left her fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has ignited a fierce political debate over immigration vetting procedures and triggered a comprehensive review of U.S. asylum policies.

    The alleged perpetrator, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot and wounded during an exchange of gunfire with other troops. FBI investigators have launched a terrorism probe, seizing multiple electronic devices from the suspect’s Washington state residence. Lakanwal, according to intelligence officials, previously served in a CIA-backed paramilitary unit in Afghanistan before entering the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a Biden-era resettlement program for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces.

    President Donald Trump characterized the shooting as a ‘heinous act of terrorism’ and immediately ordered a sweeping review of asylum cases approved during the previous administration. During a Thanksgiving call with military members, Trump blamed what he called inadequate vetting procedures under President Biden for allowing the suspect into the country, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.

    Contradicting the political narrative, official documents reviewed by Reuters indicate that Lakanwal was actually granted asylum in April of this year—three months after Trump took office. The suspect had no known criminal history and legally resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.

    The tragedy has exposed tensions in U.S. immigration policy, particularly regarding the processing of Afghan allies following the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. While the resettlement program included vetting procedures by counter-terrorism agencies, the scale and rapid pace of evacuations led critics to question the effectiveness of background checks.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans to pursue terrorism charges against the gunman, potentially seeking the death penalty following Beckstrom’s death. Meanwhile, the Beckstrom family mourns their loss, with father Gary Beckstrom describing the incident as a ‘horrible tragedy’ in a social media post.

    The shooting has intensified the ongoing debate about border security and immigration vetting, with the Trump administration now reviewing all asylum cases approved under the previous administration as well as Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries.

  • Canadian minister resigns from cabinet over oil pipeline deal

    Canadian minister resigns from cabinet over oil pipeline deal

    In a dramatic display of political dissent, Canadian Languages Minister Steven Guilbeault tendered his resignation from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet on Thursday, directly opposing a newly signed oil pipeline agreement between the federal government and Alberta province.

    The resignation occurred mere hours after Ottawa and the oil-rich western province finalized a memorandum of understanding to advance development of a private-sector pipeline project. This infrastructure initiative aims to transport a minimum of 1 million barrels daily of low-emission bitumen from Alberta’s oil sands to international markets.

    Guilbeault, who has served as official languages minister since May and held the Canadian identity and culture portfolio since March, articulated his opposition through a formal statement posted on social media platform X. ‘I remain one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and center,’ declared the former environment and climate change minister. ‘That is why I strongly oppose the Memorandum of understanding between the federal government and the government of Alberta.’

    The controversial agreement confirms federal support for a pipeline that would enable bitumen exports from a strategic deep-water port to Asian markets, representing a significant expansion of Canada’s energy export capabilities. Guilbeault’s departure highlights the ongoing tension within the Canadian government between economic development priorities and environmental commitments, particularly concerning fossil fuel infrastructure projects.

    The timing of this resignation, occurring on the same day as the agreement’s signing, delivers a substantial political blow to the Carney administration and underscores the deep ideological divisions within the governing coalition regarding climate policy and resource development.

  • Chancay Port becomes new trade gateway

    Chancay Port becomes new trade gateway

    Peru’s Chancay Port has completed its inaugural year of commercial operations, establishing itself as a pivotal maritime gateway transforming Sino-Latin American trade dynamics. The facility, which marked its first anniversary on November 15, has rapidly gained significance amid growing cargo flows between China and South American nations.

    According to Carlos Aquino, Professor of International Economics at Peru’s National University of San Marcos, the port is already reshaping regional trade patterns. “The volume of cargo departing directly for China continues to increase, encompassing not only Peruvian exports but also goods from Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia,” Aquino noted. This direct routing reduces transit duration by approximately ten days, yielding an estimated 30 percent reduction in freight expenses.

    Customs data reveals substantial trade growth through the port, with Chinese imports via Chancay exceeding $759 million in value during 2025. Vehicles and machinery constitute the primary commodities, while 79 percent of customs declarations designate China as their destination, underscoring the deepening commercial relationship.

    Javier Eduardo Franco Castillo, Peru’s Customs Administration Chief, emphasized the nation’s commitment to enhancing trade security and efficiency, stating: “We continue to facilitate international logistics chains and combat smuggling to support trade with the world’s main economies, including China, our principal trading partner.”

    The port’s emergence has stimulated competitive responses within Peru’s maritime sector. The country’s largest port at Callao is undertaking infrastructure upgrades to remain competitive, now offering direct connections to Chinese and Asian ports. This heightened competition has already reduced freight costs for both Peruvian exporters and importers.

    Beyond port operations, Chancay’s influence extends to broader infrastructure development. Aquino highlighted how increased goods movement is revitalizing proposals for highway projects and the long-discussed bi-oceanic railway connecting Peru and Brazil. Additionally, two export-processing zones planned near the port could enable Peru’s transition from raw material exports to value-added manufacturing.

    The port’s improved efficiency particularly benefits perishable agricultural exports including blueberries, grapes, and avocados, while Chinese imports such as electronics, automobiles, and industrial machinery have become more affordable. Chancay has also emerged as a crucial entry point for Chinese electric vehicles expanding across South American markets.

    Aquino concluded that Peru is evolving into both the entry point for Chinese and Asian goods in South America and the exit port for South American exports to China and Asian markets, positioning Chancay to become a major logistics hub connecting China and Latin America.

  • Trump says US will ‘permanently pause’ migration from ‘third world countries’

    Trump says US will ‘permanently pause’ migration from ‘third world countries’

    President Donald Trump has declared his intention to implement a comprehensive suspension of migration from all third world countries to the United States. The announcement came through his Truth Social platform, where the president asserted that this drastic measure would enable the American system to “fully recover” from what he characterized as damaging immigration policies that have undermined the economic gains and living standards of U.S. citizens.

    The president’s statement, lacking specific details regarding implementation or a definitive list of affected nations, broadly blamed refugee populations for contributing to what he termed “social dysfunction in America.” Trump further vowed to remove “anyone who is not a net asset” to the country, signaling a hardened approach to immigration enforcement.

    This policy revelation follows closely on the heels of a tragic incident in Washington DC, where an Afghan national stands accused of shooting two members of the National Guard, resulting in one fatality. Trump previously cited this event as evidence of significant national security vulnerabilities, promising decisive action against foreigners “who do not belong here.”

    In response to the shooting, the administration has already taken preliminary steps. On Wednesday, U.S. authorities suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals pending a comprehensive review of security and vetting procedures. The following day, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would re-examine green cards previously issued to immigrants from 19 specific countries.

    While official sources did not immediately provide the complete list, reference was made to a June White House proclamation that included Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela among affected nations. The mechanism and scope of this green card re-examination remain unspecified.

    The administration’s most recent escalation came Thursday evening with Trump’s pledge to “end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens.” This rapid sequence of policy announcements appears directly connected to reports that the suspect in the DC shooting entered the U.S. in 2021 through a special immigration program established for Afghans following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    According to officials and corroborated by a former military commander who worked with him, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwa, had previously collaborated with CIA operations in Afghanistan and provided security for U.S. forces during evacuation operations at Kabul airport.