Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Dubai’s Al Habtoor Group appoints firm to pursue case against Lebanon government

    Dubai’s Al Habtoor Group appoints firm to pursue case against Lebanon government

    Dubai’s prominent Al Habtoor Group has formally engaged international law firm White & Case to pursue arbitration proceedings against the Lebanese government in Washington, D.C. The move marks a significant escalation in a protracted investment dispute between the Emirati conglomerate and the Middle Eastern nation.

    The arbitration, filed under the dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the Bilateral Investment Treaty between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon, follows six months of alleged inaction by Lebanese authorities to address what Al Habtoor characterizes as ‘severe breaches’ and substantial financial damages.

    White & Case brings considerable expertise to the case, having been ranked as the top global law firm for shareholder activism in Bloomberg’s FY 2025 Global Activism League Tables. The firm specializes in sovereign disputes and treaty-based investment arbitration, positioning it as a strategic choice for this complex international legal battle.

    The conflict originated in January 2026 when the diversified Gulf conglomerate, chaired by billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor, threatened legal action against Lebanon. The group subsequently announced the complete cessation of its operations in Lebanon and termination of all staff, citing accumulated losses exceeding Dh6.24 billion ($1.7 billion).

    In a January statement, Al Habtoor Group detailed its challenges, citing ‘prolonged instability, ongoing hostile campaigns, public attacks, and defamatory actions’ as contributing factors to its decision. The conglomerate emphasized that despite years of regional conflicts and crises, it had maintained operations as a ‘humanitarian responsibility’ while honoring employee obligations.

    The group’s investments in Lebanon, which began with the 2001 opening of the 180-room Metropolitan Palace Hotel in central Beirut, were described as having been made ‘in good faith’ and in reliance on Lebanese law and international obligations. In January 2025, Al Habtoor had previously announced on social media platform X his intention to sell all Lebanese properties due to security concerns, characterizing the decision as ‘painful’.

    Al Habtoor Group maintains extensive global operations across hospitality, automotive, real estate, education, and publishing sectors, with international holdings in the United Kingdom, Hungary, Austria, and the United States alongside its UAE presence.

  • FBI director defends Winter Olympics celebration with USA hockey team

    FBI director defends Winter Olympics celebration with USA hockey team

    FBI Director Kash Patel has ignited controversy after being filmed celebrating with the U.S. Olympic hockey team in Italy, prompting scrutiny over his official travel during multiple domestic security emergencies. The footage, which circulated widely online, showed Patel drinking beer and cheering with athletes in their locker room following a historic victory against Canada in Milan.

    Patel addressed critics directly on social media platform X, stating he felt ‘extremely humbled’ by the invitation from the ‘newly minted Gold Medal winners’ and celebrating what he called ‘the greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.’

    The timing of his European trip raised particular concerns as it coincided with several critical developments: An armed intruder attempted to breach former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, resulting in a fatal shooting by Secret Service agents; The State Department issued shelter-in-place warnings for Americans in Mexico following cartel-related violence; And the search continued for missing mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, with FBI assistance requested.

    Official flight records indicate Patel traveled via government aircraft from Joint Base Andrews to a U.S. Air Force facility in Italy. The FBI maintained the trip was officially sanctioned months in advance, emphasizing the Bureau’s significant role in Olympic security coordination and Patel’s scheduled meetings with Italian law enforcement and diplomatic officials.

    Democratic Congressman Jason Crow condemned the excursion as ‘grift and corruption,’ while former Justice Department spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa criticized Patel’s conduct as inappropriate for an FBI director. This incident follows previous controversies regarding Patel’s use of government aircraft, including flights to personal events involving his country music star girlfriend and recreational trips to Texas and Scotland.

    Notably, Patel had previously criticized his predecessor Christopher Wray for personal use of FBI jets. While FBI directors are prohibited from commercial air travel for security reasons, regulations require reimbursement for personal use of government aircraft at equivalent commercial rates.

  • Watch: ‘Firefall’ event turns Yosemite waterfall a molten orange colour

    Watch: ‘Firefall’ event turns Yosemite waterfall a molten orange colour

    Each February, Yosemite National Park becomes the stage for one of nature’s most breathtaking optical illusions—the legendary ‘Firefall’ phenomenon. This extraordinary event transforms the cascading waters of Horsetail Fall into what appears to be a stream of molten lava flowing down the granite face of El Capitan.

    The celestial alignment occurs during a narrow window in mid-to-late February when three precise conditions converge: sufficient water flow from winter snowmelt or precipitation, clear skies at sunset, and the exact angular relationship between the setting sun and the waterfall. When these elements align perfectly, the waterfall captures the sun’s rays at a specific angle that creates a stunning visual effect of liquid fire cascading 1,570 feet down the iconic rock formation.

    Park officials have implemented a reservation system to manage the thousands of photographers and spectators who flock to the park annually to witness this natural marvel. The National Park Service recommends viewing from designated areas near Yosemite Falls, with optimal viewing typically occurring around 5-15 minutes before sunset during the peak period.

    The phenomenon’s popularity has grown exponentially since its photographic discovery in the 1970s, becoming one of North America’s most sought-after natural spectacles. Park authorities emphasize the importance of respecting protected natural areas and following designated viewing protocols to ensure both visitor safety and environmental preservation.

  • Powerful winter storm shuts schools, disrupts travel across US Northeast

    Powerful winter storm shuts schools, disrupts travel across US Northeast

    A severe winter storm has brought the Northeastern United States to a standstill, prompting a cascade of emergency declarations, widespread school closures, and massive travel disruptions. The powerful system, delivering heavy snowfall and intense winds, has activated a multi-state crisis response.

    In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency, instituting a vehicle ban for non-essential travel from Sunday night through Monday noon to facilitate snow clearance and emergency operations. The city’s public school system, the nation’s largest, canceled all classes and after-school programs for a traditional snow day, with no remote instruction. This marks the first blizzard warning for the city since 2017.

    The disruption extended to the highest levels of international diplomacy, forcing the closure of the United Nations headquarters complex in Manhattan. New York Governor Kathy Hochul mobilized 100 National Guard members to assist in hardest-hit regions, including Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley, where forecasts predicted up to two feet of snow and wind gusts reaching 70 mph.

    The storm’s impact crippled transportation networks across the region. Air travel suffered significantly, with over 5,000 flights canceled for Monday according to FlightAware, with further cancellations expected. Ground transit systems, including NJ TRANSIT and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority services, were fully suspended. The U.S. Postal Service warned of potential delays in mail and package delivery.

    State leadership across the Northeast echoed urgent calls for public safety. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared an emergency and ordered state workers to stay home. Connecticut implemented a commercial vehicle ban on limited-access highways, while New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill issued a statewide emergency, emphasizing the serious nature of the storm. Despite an ongoing funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA confirmed its disaster-response operations continue unimpeded, with life safety remaining the top priority.

  • Fire breaks out in Abu Dhabi warehouse; teams battle blaze on site

    Fire breaks out in Abu Dhabi warehouse; teams battle blaze on site

    Emergency services in Abu Dhabi are actively combating a significant warehouse fire that ignited during the morning hours of Monday, February 23rd. The incident occurred at an industrial storage facility located in the Capital’s Al Muzoon district, prompting a large-scale response from local authorities.

    The Abu Dhabi Police Force, in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, has confirmed the deployment of multiple specialized teams to the scene. First responders are currently engaged in fire suppression operations to contain the blaze and prevent its spread to adjacent structures.

    In an official communication, police authorities have issued a critical advisory to the public, urging residents to rely exclusively on information disseminated through official government channels. This directive aims to prevent the circulation of unverified claims and potential misinformation regarding the ongoing emergency situation.

    The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released details regarding potential casualties or structural damage assessments. The coordinated emergency response demonstrates the emirate’s preparedness protocols for industrial incidents, though the full extent of the impact will require further evaluation once the situation is fully stabilized.

  • BAFTA Awards 2026: Farhan Akhtar reveals decision to back ‘Boong’ after its big win

    BAFTA Awards 2026: Farhan Akhtar reveals decision to back ‘Boong’ after its big win

    In a landmark achievement for regional Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language feature film ‘Boong’ secured the prestigious Best Children and Family Film award at the 2026 BAFTA Awards ceremony held at London’s Royal Festival Hall. This historic victory marks the first time an Indian production has triumphed in this category, standing out against formidable international contenders including ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘Lilo & Stitch’, and ‘Arco’.

    Producer Farhan Akhtar, who backed the project through his production company, revealed his decision-making process behind supporting this unconventional venture. Akhtar cited his nearly two-decade professional relationship with director Lakshmipriya Devi as a fundamental factor, emphasizing the importance of established trust and creative familiarity. ‘This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films,’ Akhtar explained during post-award celebrations. ‘It felt natural to support both the artistic vision and the regional representation, particularly with such a heartwarming narrative.’

    The film follows the emotional journey of its young protagonist, Boong, from Manipur, who embarks on a quest to find his missing father, believing this reunion would constitute the perfect gift for his mother. This innocent mission unexpectedly transforms into a profound journey of self-discovery and new beginnings.

    ‘Boong’s’ path to BAFTA recognition began with its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section, followed by screenings at numerous prestigious festivals including the Warsaw International Film Festival, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, International Film Festival of India, and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne throughout 2024 and 2025. The creative team, including producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Alan McAlex alongside Akhtar and Devi, attended the ceremony to accept the award, representing India’s only nomination at the event.

  • Mexican drug lord killing sparks revenge attacks; businesses set ablaze, highways blocked

    Mexican drug lord killing sparks revenge attacks; businesses set ablaze, highways blocked

    Mexico has been plunged into a state of widespread turmoil and retaliatory violence following the confirmed death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as ‘El Mencho’. The high-profile kingpin was killed during a targeted military raid in the town of Tapalpa on Sunday, triggering an immediate and coordinated response from his loyalists.

    Within hours of the operation, suspected cartel members launched a campaign of terror across more than half a dozen Mexican states. Key transportation arteries were systematically blockaded, while vehicles and commercial establishments were set ablaze in a show of force. The Pacific coast resort city of Puerto Vallarta, a crucial tourism hub, witnessed thick plumes of dark smoke obscuring its famous ocean views, prompting several international airlines to cancel flights to the region.

    Local authorities issued urgent advisories, urging both residents and tourists to shelter indoors as sporadic gunfire erupted. The national guard military police base in Jalisco came under direct attack, while trucking associations advised drivers to seek safe routes or return to their depots indefinitely. Government security sources shared videos depicting military tanks patrolling residential neighborhoods in Aguascalientes and cartel members openly blocking roads from pickup trucks in Colima.

    A CJNG member, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attacks were acts of revenge for El Mencho’s death and warned of impending internal bloodshed as factions within the cartel vie for control. This pattern of explosive violence following the removal of cartel leadership has become a tragic hallmark of Mexico’s long-standing war against drug trafficking organizations, with previous operations against the Sinaloa Cartel producing similarly devastating consequences.

    International observers expressed grave concern, with former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau describing the scenes with ‘great sadness and concern’ while emphasizing the need to maintain resolve. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the disturbances but sought to project calm, stating that ‘in most of the national territory, activities are happening with absolute normalcy’ despite evidence of significant disruption across multiple states.

  • Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms

    Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms

    In a high-stakes corporate battle reshaping the entertainment landscape, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos has vigorously defended his company’s $82.7 billion acquisition offer for Warner Bros assets, positioning it as fundamentally superior to Paramount Global’s competing $108.4 billion bid for the entire company. Speaking exclusively with the BBC’s Today programme, Sarandos characterized Netflix’s approach as growth-oriented expansion rather than consolidation, emphasizing strategic advantages over Paramount’s alternative vision.

    The executive articulated that Netflix’s targeted acquisition of Warner Bros’ studio operations and streaming networks—including prized assets like New Line Cinema and HBO Max—would create market expansion by adding capabilities Netflix currently lacks. This stands in stark contrast to Paramount’s comprehensive buyout proposal, which Sarandos suggested would inevitably lead to significant contraction through projected $22 billion in operational cuts and the effective reduction of Hollywood’s major studios from five to four through merger consolidation.

    Amid mounting external pressures, Sarandos addressed multiple fronts of opposition. He dismissed former President Trump’s threats regarding board member Susan Rice as irrelevant political posturing, maintaining the transaction represents purely business considerations. Simultaneously, he countered criticism from acclaimed director James Cameron, who had warned regulators about potential disastrous consequences for cinema culture. Sarandos presented data suggesting Netflix actually stimulates film consumption, noting subscribers average seven monthly movie views compared to Americans’ biannual cinema attendance.

    The corporate showdown approaches a critical juncture as Warner Bros shareholders prepare to vote next month on Netflix’s offer, with Paramount having faced a Monday deadline to submit its final competing proposal. While Paramount has characterized its offer as providing greater shareholder certainty and offered to cover Warner Bros’ $2.8 billion breakup fee with Netflix, Sarandos remains confident in what he describes as a ‘spectacular opportunity at a price’ that aligns with Netflix’s consistent growth trajectory, exemplified by their $6 billion investment in UK original programming since 2020.

  • Mexican military kills cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ in US-backed raid

    Mexican military kills cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ in US-backed raid

    In a landmark counter-narcotics operation, Mexican special forces have eliminated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as ‘El Mencho’. The high-profile raid occurred Sunday in the Pacific coastal town of Tapalpa, Jalisco state, marking one of Mexico’s most significant victories against drug trafficking organizations.

    The operation, conducted with intelligence support from United States agencies, resulted in Oseguera sustaining fatal injuries during the confrontation. The 60-year-old cartel chieftain, who transitioned from law enforcement to become one of Mexico’s most feared criminal masterminds, died while in military custody. His body was transported to Mexico City under heavy National Guard security.

    The elimination of El Mencho triggered immediate retaliatory violence across multiple Mexican states. Cartel operatives erected blockades using burning vehicles, attacked businesses, and created widespread disruption. Popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta witnessed dramatic scenes as plumes of dark smoke rose above the bay, prompting several international airlines to suspend flights to the area.

    The operation comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify efforts against cartels responsible for producing and smuggling fentanyl and other drugs across the U.S. border. While praising the operation’s success, U.S. officials acknowledged Mexican leadership in executing the mission.

    Security analysts now monitor whether the cartel’s leadership structure will fracture into competing factions, potentially triggering extended violent confrontations. The CJNG under Oseguera’s command had diversified into multiple criminal enterprises including drug trafficking, fuel theft, extortion, and sophisticated financial fraud operations, employing innovative tactics such as weaponized drones.

    President Sheinbaum faces the complex challenge of balancing intensified cartel operations with maintaining national stability, while simultaneously affirming Mexico’s sovereignty against potential unilateral U.S. actions.

  • US tariff policy ‘hasn’t changed’, says Trump’s trade representative

    US tariff policy ‘hasn’t changed’, says Trump’s trade representative

    The Trump administration has initiated a rapid legal recalibration of its international trade policy following a landmark Supreme Court decision that struck down the primary mechanism used to impose sweeping global tariffs. Despite this judicial setback, White House officials maintain the president’s protectionist trade agenda remains fundamentally unchanged.

    On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump had exceeded his executive authority by utilizing the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement a comprehensive tariff program last April. This legislation had served as the foundation for the majority of tariffs enacted during Trump’s second term.

    Within hours of the ruling, the administration deployed alternative legal provisions to announce a new 10% blanket tariff on imports from all nations, subsequently raising this rate to 15% on Saturday. This emergency tariff authority, while immediately effective, carries a 150-day limitation before requiring congressional consultation for extension.

    US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer characterized the administration’s response as a strategic adaptation rather than a policy shift. “The legal tool to implement it—that might change, but the policy hasn’t changed,” Greer stated during a Sunday interview with ABC News. He described the new tariff structure as “roughly equivalent” to the previous system despite reduced flexibility.

    The court’s decision has created significant uncertainty for numerous countries that had previously negotiated bilateral trade agreements with the United States following the original IEEPA tariff announcement. The White House has indicated these nations will now be subject to the new universal rate, while simultaneously expecting them to honor concessions made in their individual agreements.

    Among affected nations, the United Kingdom faces particular complications. Having secured a preferential 10% rate on most goods through bilateral negotiations, British exporters now confront the heightened 15% tariff. The UK government has expressed confidence that its “privileged trading position” will be preserved despite the legal developments.

    Commerce Secretary Scott Bessent addressed financial concerns surrounding the ruling, noting that while the Court determined the IEEPA tariffs were illegally implemented, it provided no guidance regarding potential refunds of approximately $130 billion already collected. Bessent predicted this matter would be adjudicated in lower courts while assuring that “tariff revenue will be unchanged this year and will be unchanged in the future.”

    The administration continues to defend its tariff philosophy as essential for national security and economic revitalization, arguing that protectionist measures bolster domestic manufacturing and address trade deficits perceived as threatening. Critics counter that tariffs primarily burden American consumers and businesses while creating destabilizing uncertainty in global markets.

    International businesses have reported severe operational challenges due to the constantly shifting tariff landscape. Fraser Smeaton, co-founder of a UK costume company that exports 60% of its products to the US, described experiencing rate fluctuations from 0% to 145% throughout the past year, with changes occurring sometimes within hours of court decisions or presidential announcements.

    President Trump himself denounced the Supreme Court’s ruling as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American,” reflecting the administration’s determination to maintain its trade policy objectives through alternative legal avenues despite judicial opposition.