标签： North America

In a significant demonstration of protest, more than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have initiated a hunger strike at Rodeo I prison near Caracas, demanding inclusion in the newly enacted amnesty legislation. The strike, which commenced on Friday night, represents a direct challenge to the limitations of the reform measures promoted by the United States following the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd.

The amnesty law, ratified by Venezuela’s congress on Thursday, has faced substantial criticism for its exclusionary provisions. Notably, the legislation does not apply to cases involving military personnel or terrorism charges—precisely the categories encompassing most detainees at Rodeo I. This has left approximately 214 individuals, including both Venezuelan citizens and foreign nationals, without the prospect of release under the current framework.

Family members of the prisoners have confirmed the widespread participation in the protest action. Yalitza Garcia, mother-in-law of detained Argentine police officer Nahuel Agustin Gallo—who faces terrorism accusations—verified the scale of the hunger strike. Similarly, Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a policeman arrested in 2024, emphasized that the exclusions within the amnesty law prompted the drastic measure.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted a landmark visit to Rodeo I on Sunday, marking the first time the organization has been granted access to the facility. Filippo Gatti, ICRC’s health coordinator for Venezuela, characterized the visit as ‘a first step’ toward improved humanitarian oversight.

Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who engineered the amnesty under Washington’s pressure following Maduro’s capture, has faced opposition criticism over the legislation’s selective application. The law explicitly excludes those accused of ‘promoting or facilitating armed or forceful actions’ against Venezuela’s sovereignty—charges that have been leveled against Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado.

Despite these exclusions, the amnesty has already benefited thousands. Legislative officials reported that over 1,500 political prisoners have applied for amnesty, with hundreds already released prior to the bill’s formal approval. On Sunday, five individuals were released from Rodeo I to emotional reunions with families, while the NGO Foro Penal documented 23 total releases nationwide.

The situation underscores the complex transition underway in Venezuela following Maduro’s extradition to the United States, where he and his wife await trial on drug trafficking charges. While the amnesty law represents a significant step toward addressing human rights concerns, the ongoing hunger strike highlights the limitations of current reforms and the persistent challenges in achieving comprehensive justice for all political detainees.

European powers are mobilizing a coordinated response against Washington’s dramatic escalation of global trade levies, with France declaring the bloc possesses formidable countermeasures while Germany seeks a unified diplomatic approach.

Following the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that invalidated numerous existing tariffs as illegal, the Biden administration has moved aggressively to implement a sweeping flat tariff structure. Initial 10% global levies announced Friday were abruptly raised to 15% on Saturday, signaling a hardening US trade stance.

French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier revealed in a Financial Times interview that Paris is actively consulting with EU counterparts and the European Commission regarding retaliatory options. “Should it become necessary, the EU has the appropriate instruments at its disposal,” Forissier stated, indicating the bloc’s readiness to deploy economic countermeasures.

Among the potential weapons in Europe’s arsenal is the recently developed “trade bazooka”—an anti-coercion instrument granting Brussels broad authority to implement export controls, service tariffs, and exclusion of US technology firms from lucrative EU procurement contracts. Additionally, a suspended package of retaliatory tariffs targeting over €90 billion ($106 billion) in American goods remains available for activation.

Simultaneously, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to consolidate a common European position ahead of his Washington visit scheduled within the coming week. “Customs policy is a matter for the European Union, not for individual member states,” Merz emphasized during an ARD broadcaster appearance, underscoring the bloc’s determination to present a united front.

Despite the escalating trade tensions, Merz identified a silver lining in the Supreme Court’s intervention, noting: “For me, there is a reassuring element in yesterday’s Supreme Court decision: the separation of powers in the USA still seems to be working.”

The US judicial ruling has triggered international scrutiny, with Croatian economist Ljubo Jurcic describing it as a “major setback for a flawed economic model” that ultimately damaged American interests. Portuguese commentator Rui Cardoso criticized the EU’s previous conciliatory approach, suggesting recent developments demonstrate Brussels “did not need to concede as much as it did” in earlier trade negotiations.

The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong statement affirming its complete solidarity with Kuwait regarding sovereignty over maritime territories, expressing profound concern over recent actions taken by Iraq at the United Nations. On February 22, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared its unwavering support for Kuwait’s sovereignty amid a developing diplomatic situation involving coordinates and maps deposited by Iraq with the UN that potentially affect Kuwait’s rights over its maritime areas and territorial waters.

The UAE specifically highlighted concerns regarding the status of the Al-Qudra Shoals and Al-Ayij Shoals, areas of significant strategic importance. In its official statement, the Emirati government called upon Iraq to consider the fraternal and historical relationship between the two neighboring nations, urging resolution through responsible dialogue consistent with international law.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of addressing such matters through established diplomatic channels and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982). The statement further stressed the necessity of honoring existing bilateral understandings, agreements, and memoranda of understanding between Iraq and Kuwait.

This declaration positions the UAE firmly alongside Kuwait against any perceived encroachment on its sovereignty or national interests. The Emirati government’s intervention underscores the broader regional implications of the dispute, calling for resolution mechanisms that enhance security and stability throughout the Gulf region. The statement represents a significant show of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unity in addressing territorial and maritime sovereignty issues.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has officially confirmed the resumption of high-stakes diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, scheduled to convene in Geneva this Thursday. The announcement comes amid ongoing regional tensions and represents a significant development in international nuclear diplomacy.

Albusaidi, whose nation has played a pivotal mediating role in facilitating dialogue between the longstanding adversaries, characterized the upcoming talks as possessing “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.” This statement suggests both parties are approaching the negotiations with renewed commitment to reaching a comprehensive agreement.

The Geneva meeting marks the latest chapter in complex diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program and the corresponding sanctions regime imposed by the United States. Oman’s continued involvement as an intermediary highlights its unique diplomatic position and trusted status with both Western and Iranian leadership.

This development follows recent statements from Iranian officials expressing optimism about finding diplomatic solutions to the ongoing standoff with the United States. The timing of these talks suggests a potential window of opportunity for diplomatic breakthrough, though significant challenges remain regarding verification mechanisms, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns.

The international community will be closely monitoring these negotiations, recognizing their profound implications for Middle Eastern stability, non-proliferation efforts, and global energy markets. The outcome could potentially reshape regional alliances and security dynamics beyond the immediate nuclear considerations.