Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Iran security forces use tear gas in Tehran bazaar as toll rises

    Iran security forces use tear gas in Tehran bazaar as toll rises

    Iranian security forces escalated their response to nationwide economic protests on Tuesday, deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar. The confrontation marks a significant intensification of the government’s crackdown on the most substantial wave of civil unrest to challenge the Islamic Republic since the 2022-2023 demonstrations.

    The protests, initially triggered by a severe currency devaluation and soaring living costs, have now resulted in significant casualties. According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), security forces have killed at least 27 protesters during ten days of demonstrations that began in late December. The victims include five minors under age 18, highlighting the violent nature of the state response.

    The movement originated on December 28th when merchants at Tehran’s economic hub initiated a shutdown protest against the Iranian rial’s collapse. The demonstrations have since spread to western regions with significant Kurdish and Lor minority populations. While not yet reaching the scale of previous nationwide uprisings, the protests represent a mounting challenge for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s government amid persistent economic crisis and recent regional conflicts.

    Verified social media footage obtained by AFP shows protesters chanting anti-government slogans including ‘Pahlavi will return’ and ‘Seyyed Ali will be overthrown’—direct references to the ousted monarchy and current leadership. Additional footage from human rights organizations captures crowds shouting ‘freedom’ and ‘shameless’ before security forces respond with tear gas canisters that send protesters fleeing through narrow alleyways.

    Despite government announcements of modest economic relief payments, judiciary officials have warned there will be ‘no leniency’ for those deemed ‘rioters.’ Official Iranian media acknowledges at least 12 fatalities since protests began, including security personnel, but contradicts the higher casualty figures reported by independent organizations.

    IHR reports over 1,000 arrests nationwide, with particularly severe crackdowns in western provinces. In one incident in Ilam province’s Malekshahi district, security forces allegedly killed six protesters on Saturday. Amnesty International has condemned subsequent raids on hospitals to detain injured demonstrators as evidence of the regime’s extreme measures to suppress dissent.

    The economic grievances fueling the protests continue unabated. The Iranian rial hit a new record low of approximately 1.47 million to the US dollar on black markets, further eroding purchasing power and exacerbating the economic desperation driving citizens into the streets.

  • US Capitol riot anniversary exposes a country still divided

    US Capitol riot anniversary exposes a country still divided

    Five years after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, Washington remains a city—and a nation—profoundly divided over the meaning and legacy of January 6, 2021. The anniversary has become a focal point for competing commemorations that reflect the irreconcilable accounts of an event that continues to reshape the American political landscape.

    On one side, House Democrats convened an unofficial hearing inside the Capitol, featuring testimonies from law enforcement officers, former lawmakers, and civilians who endured the attack firsthand. Their mission, as stated by many involved in the original congressional investigation, is not to relitigate the past but to prevent its erasure—particularly in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s pardons for nearly all defendants charged in connection with the assault.

    A new Democratic report underscores concerns over dozens of pardoned rioters who were later charged with new crimes, warning that such clemency risks normalizing political violence.

    Conversely, Trump supporters, including figures associated with the far-right Proud Boys, staged a march retracing the route taken by the rioters in 2021. Organized by the group’s former leader, Enrique Tarrio—who received a pardon from Trump after being sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy—the event was promoted as a memorial for those who died, including pro-Trump rioter Ashli Babbitt, and a protest against what organizers describe as excessive police force and politically motivated prosecutions.

    The starkly contrasting events mirror a broader political schism. Democrats assert that Trump incited the attack in a deliberate attempt to overturn a free and fair election. Republicans largely reject this narrative, instead emphasizing security failures and criticizing the Justice Department’s handling of subsequent investigations.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, has yet to install a congressionally mandated plaque honoring Capitol Police officers, while Republican investigator Barry Loudermilk argues the anniversary has been exploited to advance a political narrative against Trump and his supporters.

    The unresolved legal and historical questions linger. Although former special counsel Jack Smith concluded the attack would not have occurred without Trump’s actions, the federal case was abandoned following Trump’s reelection, in accordance with Justice Department policy barring prosecution of a sitting president. Trump was impeached by the Democratic-controlled House but acquitted by the Republican-led Senate, leaving the nation’s divisions as raw as ever.

  • Somalia calls Israeli FM visit to Somaliland an ‘incursion’

    Somalia calls Israeli FM visit to Somaliland an ‘incursion’

    Somalia has vehemently denounced Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s official visit to the breakaway region of Somaliland, characterizing the diplomatic mission as an “unauthorized incursion” into its sovereign territory. The high-profile arrival on Tuesday marks the first ministerial-level engagement since Israel extended formal recognition to Somaliland last month—a landmark decision for the self-declared republic that separated from Somalia in 1991.

    Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and military forces, Somaliland has struggled to achieve broad international acknowledgment due to concerns about encouraging separatist movements across Africa. The region’s strategic positioning along the critical shipping lanes of the Gulf of Aden has attracted foreign interest, with Israel potentially gaining improved access to the Red Sea and enhanced capabilities against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    During joint press conferences, Israeli officials described the recognition as “the moral thing to do,” while Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed praised the move as “courageous” and anticipated significant economic and development opportunities. However, Somalia’s foreign ministry asserted its right to pursue “all appropriate diplomatic and legal measures” to protect its territorial integrity, receiving support from the African Union Peace and Security Council which strongly condemned Israel’s recognition and demanded its immediate revocation.

    The diplomatic development has drawn mixed international reactions, with the United States supporting Israel’s position while Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation expressed criticism. The European Union emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. Adding to regional tensions, the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab has threatened to combat any Israeli military presence in Somaliland, potentially escalating security challenges in the volatile Horn of Africa region.

    Historical context reveals that Somaliland briefly existed as an independent state in June 1960 after gaining independence from Britain before voluntarily uniting with Italian-administered Somalia. Somaliland leadership contends this union was never properly ratified and became invalid following Somalia’s governmental collapse in 1991.

  • Six dead in weather accidents as cold snap grips Europe

    Six dead in weather accidents as cold snap grips Europe

    A severe Arctic blast has enveloped Europe, triggering a cascade of fatal accidents and widespread transportation paralysis. The continent’s most intense cold spell this winter has resulted in six weather-related fatalities and created unprecedented travel disruption across multiple nations.

    France has borne the heaviest human toll, reporting five deaths linked to hazardous conditions. Authorities confirmed three individuals perished on icy roads in the southwest due to black ice accidents. Separately, a taxi driver died after skidding into the Marne River near Paris, while another motorist lost their life in a collision with a freight vehicle east of the capital.

    Transportation infrastructure faced severe strain as Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport prepared to cancel 40% of flights and Orly Airport 25% to facilitate runway clearing operations. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport experienced its second consecutive day of cancellations with over 400 flights grounded, creating massive passenger queues. The Dutch national railway system remained suspended until mid-morning, operating at reduced capacity thereafter.

    The Balkans confronted dual challenges of heavy snowfall and flooding. Sarajevo recorded 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snow accumulation, leading to one fatality when a snow-laden tree collapsed onto a woman. Widespread power outages affected dozens of Serbian villages, while Bosnia experienced river overflows and Albania conducted evacuations from flooded homes.

    Meteorological agencies reported extreme temperatures, with England’s Norfolk region recording -12.5°C and the Netherlands experiencing widespread sub -10°C conditions. Britain’s Met Office confirmed this represented the winter’s coldest night, with nearly the entire UK under weather alerts. Scotland faced particularly severe conditions with over 300 school closures and major rail disruptions.

    Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop urged Scots to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing the continued risks from additional expected snowfall. Despite challenges, airports in Liverpool and Aberdeen resumed operations after Monday’s closures.

    In Hungary, officials warned of deteriorating conditions with northeastern roads and railways becoming impassable. Construction and Transport Minister Janos Lazar advised citizens to venture out only for essential purposes as fresh snowfall continued.

    Urban centers faced unique challenges, with Parisian pedestrians navigating treacherously icy sidewalks. Tour guide Valeria Pitchouguina described the surreal beauty of snow-covered Paris while noting the practical difficulties of navigating Montmartre’s iconic steps under icy conditions, comparing the ascent to ‘climbing Mont Blanc.’

  • US would lead Ukraine ceasefire monitoring, back multinational force: draft statement

    US would lead Ukraine ceasefire monitoring, back multinational force: draft statement

    A draft statement circulating ahead of Tuesday’s Paris summit reveals a comprehensive security framework being developed by Ukraine’s international allies. According to documents obtained by AFP, the United States would assume leadership of a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with European participation should a peace agreement be reached in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    The proposed security architecture includes a European-led multinational force that would deploy following any ceasefire arrangement. Washington has committed to supporting this force with intelligence, logistical capabilities, and military assistance in the event of renewed Russian aggression. The statement emphasizes “binding commitments” from participating nations to ensure Ukraine’s security against future attacks.

    President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the Coalition of the Willing meeting, which brings together European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and American representatives. The summit focuses specifically on establishing concrete security guarantees that would deter further Russian aggression during any ceasefire period.

    The proposed monitoring system would provide comprehensive oversight capabilities across air, sea, and land domains while facilitating the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces. European nations would lead the multinational force component, with American participation concentrated in intelligence sharing, logistical support, and contingency response capabilities.

    The security commitments outlined in the draft extend beyond military measures to include diplomatic initiatives and additional sanctions against Russia. This multilateral approach represents the most detailed framework proposed to date for ensuring Ukraine’s security in any potential post-ceasefire environment.

  • Swiss officials admit inspections failure at inferno bar

    Swiss officials admit inspections failure at inferno bar

    Swiss authorities have publicly conceded a critical failure in fire safety enforcement following a catastrophic New Year’s Eve blaze that claimed 40 lives at a popular Alpine nightclub. The admission came during an emotionally charged press conference led by Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud, who revealed that mandatory annual inspections at Le Constellation bar had not been conducted since 2019.

    The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of January 1st at the southwestern ski resort, left 116 injured with 83 remaining hospitalized. Most victims were teenagers, with the average age of the deceased being 19. Preliminary investigation suggests the fire ignited when celebratory champagne bottles equipped with sparklers set aflame sound-insulating foam installed during 2015 renovations.

    Mayor Feraud acknowledged the municipality’s failure to fulfill its legal obligation to conduct annual inspections from 2020 through 2025, stating, ‘We bitterly regret this.’ While inspections were properly completed in 2016, 2018, and 2019, the oversight was only discovered during document review for the ongoing criminal investigation.

    The municipality has pledged full cooperation with judicial proceedings and announced immediate preventive measures, including comprehensive inspections of all public establishments and an indoor ban on pyrotechnic devices. French proprietors Jacques and Jessica Moretti face charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson.

    Disturbing evidence emerged through archival footage from 2019 celebrations showing staff awareness of the hazardous foam, with an employee explicitly warning revelers about the danger. This revelation contrasts sharply with the municipality’s claim that renovations installing the flammable material didn’t require permits.

    International response has been swift, with Switzerland declaring a national day of mourning. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend a memorial ceremony in Martigny, while the United Nations in Geneva will lower flags to half-mast in solidarity with victims from multiple nations, including Swiss, French, and Italian citizens.

  • Ukraine’s European, US allies meet in Paris on security guarantees

    Ukraine’s European, US allies meet in Paris on security guarantees

    PARIS – In a significant diplomatic mobilization, key Western allies assembled in Paris on Tuesday for high-stakes negotiations aimed at establishing concrete security guarantees for Ukraine. The summit, attended by representatives from 35 nations including 27 heads of state, represents the latest coordinated effort to address Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the French capital for afternoon talks following preliminary discussions among coalition members. The gathering, dubbed the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, includes participation from US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, dispatched by President Donald Trump to engage in the dialogue initiated last year by France and Britain.

    The Paris meeting occurs against a backdrop of intensified geopolitical complexities. The recent detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a key Russian ally, by US forces has introduced additional transatlantic tensions, with European leaders expressing measured concern regarding implications for international law.

    French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for breakfast at the Élysée Palace ahead of scheduled meetings with Zelensky and American delegates. The assembly also includes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, signaling broad Western engagement.

    Central to discussions is the proposed deployment of a multinational force to Ukraine as a deterrent against future Russian aggression, should hostilities cease. However, diplomatic progress remains constrained by fundamental disagreements over territorial control, with Kyiv maintaining that Russia must completely withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territories before any settlement can be reached.

    Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the meeting’s objective to ‘tighten and align European and American positions,’ noting that only unified Western pressure could compel Russia to seriously consider ceasefire negotiations. An advisor to President Macron characterized the summit as the culmination of efforts to prevent ‘the United States from abandoning Ukraine’ since the Trump administration took office.

    Despite Kyiv’s assertion that a potential agreement is ’90 percent’ complete, Russia continues to demand full control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, which it currently partially occupies. German Chancellor Merz acknowledged diplomatic efforts are proceeding ‘under difficult conditions,’ citing Russia’s limited willingness to negotiate and challenges in maintaining transatlantic cooperation.

  • Rosenior says has ‘agreed verbally’ to become Chelsea manager

    Rosenior says has ‘agreed verbally’ to become Chelsea manager

    In a surprising development within English football’s managerial landscape, Liam Rosenior has publicly confirmed reaching a verbal agreement to assume managerial duties at Premier League powerhouse Chelsea FC. The 41-year-old made the announcement during a press conference at his current club, French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, stating the prestigious appointment represents “an opportunity I cannot turn down.”

    Rosenior emerges as the unexpected frontrunner to succeed recently dismissed Enzo Maresca, who was relieved of his position last Thursday. The managerial connection between the clubs appears facilitated by their shared ownership under the BlueCo consortium, which controls both Chelsea and Strasbourg. This relationship likely accelerated the negotiation process despite Rosenior’s limited top-flight managerial experience.

    Should the appointment be formally confirmed, Rosenior would become Chelsea’s fourth permanent manager since BlueCo acquired the club in 2022. The former Hull City manager lacks Premier League coaching credentials but brings recent Championship experience and a successful stint with Strasbourg, where he guided the team to a respectable seventh-place finish in the 2023-24 Ligue 1 season.

    Rosenior emphasized his emotional connection to Strasbourg during the announcement, explaining his decision to break the news personally to honor his relationship with the club and its supporters. Chelsea management conducted formal discussions with Rosenior in London on Monday, though the club has yet to issue an official confirmation regarding the appointment.

    The prospective move marks a dramatic career elevation for Rosenior, whose previous managerial experience includes an interim role at Derby County and an assistant position under Wayne Rooney before his 18-month tenure at Hull City ended in dismissal. His transition to Chelsea would place him under intense media scrutiny at one of England’s most high-profile football institutions.

  • Three men stranded in Queensland floodwaters rescued by helicopter crew based 500km away

    Three men stranded in Queensland floodwaters rescued by helicopter crew based 500km away

    In a remarkable display of aerial rescue operations, a medical helicopter crew executed a marathon 510-kilometer mission to save three men trapped in treacherous flood conditions across northwest Queensland. The Mount Isa-based LifeFlight aeromedical team responded to multiple distress calls after torrential rains transformed the region into a quagmire, approximately 1,550 kilometers northwest of Brisbane.

    The most extraordinary case involved a lone walker who had abandoned his vehicle and trekked nearly 40 kilometers through knee-deep mud in a desperate survival attempt. When the rescue helicopter located the stranded car, the occupant was missing. Crew members followed his footprints across the flooded landscape, eventually discovering the severely dehydrated and exhausted man 38 kilometers from his original location. He received immediate medical treatment from a Queensland Ambulance Service critical care paramedic before being airlifted to Hughenden Airport for hospitalization.

    Simultaneously, the same rescue team performed a winch extraction of two other men in their 40s whose vehicle had become completely immobilized 70 kilometers south of Hughenden. Investigation revealed the pair had been navigating from Brisbane to Darwin using Google Maps, which directed them onto flooded roads unsuitable for travel. After repeatedly getting bogged and eventually abandoning their trailer, they became permanently stuck just 500 meters from a major flooded creek crossing.

    LifeFlight pilot Andrew Caldwell described the challenging conditions: ‘We managed to land on a little high spot in the road that was solid enough to take the helicopter. The gentleman we found had no shoes, no water, no food, and his phone appeared flat. He looked absolutely exhausted – you could tell on his face he was sick of walking.’

    All three rescued individuals were assessed by flight paramedics and transported to medical facilities, highlighting the critical importance of specialized emergency services in remote Australian regions during severe weather events.

  • ASX falls as inflation fears outweigh massive $13bn BlueScope takeover bid

    ASX falls as inflation fears outweigh massive $13bn BlueScope takeover bid

    Australian financial markets experienced a notable downturn on Tuesday as investor apprehension over impending inflation data overshadowed significant corporate developments and record-breaking commodity performances. Despite a monumental $13 billion acquisition proposal for BlueScope Steel and unprecedented copper prices, the benchmark ASX 200 declined 45.80 points (0.52%) to close at 8682.80, with the All Ordinaries index dropping 37.80 points (0.42%) to 8996.90.

    The materials sector emerged as the sole bright spot, climbing 2.01% amid the broader market retreat. BlueScope Steel witnessed extraordinary trading activity, soaring 20.82% to $29.54 following SGH Limited’s substantial takeover bid. Mining giants BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto all recorded gains between 1.56% and 1.79%, bolstered by copper’s historic ascent to $13,210 per tonne—a 1.69% increase driven by mounting supply concerns.

    Financial institutions bore the brunt of market pessimism, with all four major banks experiencing significant declines. Commonwealth Bank led the downturn with a 2.95% drop, while Westpac, NAB, and ANZ fell between 1.96% and 2.37%. Consumer discretionary stocks similarly retreated, with Wesfarmers, JB Hi-Fi, and Harvey Norman all closing lower.

    The defensive sector demonstrated resilience amid geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and Venezuela. Counter-drone specialist DroneShield surged 18.43%, and shipbuilder Austal advanced 8.30%. Meanwhile, Life360 shares declined 3.03% despite announcing both a $120 million acquisition of Nativo and surpassing 50 million monthly active users.

    Market analysts highlighted the complex inflation landscape, with VanEck Asia Pacific CEO Arian Neiron noting ongoing debate regarding whether recent price increases represent genuine economic pressures or temporary seasonal anomalies. The Australian dollar continued its upward trajectory against the US dollar, reaching 67.29 US cents.