World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 818
Norwegian Diplomacy in Crisis: Senior Ambassador Resigns after Links to Jeffrey Epstein Surface
A senior Norwegian diplomat, Mona Juul, resigned as an internal investigation opened into her and her husband’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations have pulled several prominent Norwegian figures into scrutiny and prompted probes into think-tank funding and potential corruption, posing reputational risks to Norway’s diplomatic establishment.
Deadly Tunnel Clash in Rafah Tests Fragile Gaza Ceasefire, IDF Says It Killed Four Fighters
The IDF says it killed four armed men who emerged from a tunnel and fired at troops in Rafah, calling the attack a violation of the Gaza ceasefire. The incident highlights the persistent threat posed by Hamas tunnel networks and raises doubts about the durability of the truce and the capacity to verify compliance under difficult conditions.
Chinese Peacekeeper Helicopter Unit Holds Live-Action Defense Drill in Volatile Abyei Camp
China's sixth helicopter peacekeeping detachment in Abyei conducted an unscripted, near-hour-long emergency defence drill after a base alert, testing responses to attacks on the camp and threats to flight operations. The exercise reflects worsening local security, the operational importance of helicopters to the UN mission, and Beijing's emphasis on force protection for its growing peacekeeping footprint in Africa.
Hamas Rejects Disarmament and Foreign Rule, Threatening Gaza Reconstruction Plans
Hamas leader Khaled Mashal told Doha audiences that his movement will not surrender its weapons or accept foreign administration of Gaza, directly opposing Israeli demands that the territory be demilitarized before reconstruction. The unified stance of Palestinian armed groups complicates donor and mediator plans for rebuilding Gaza and raises the prospect of prolonged humanitarian and political deadlock.
Rushed U.S. 'Peace Committee' Faces Legitimacy Crisis as Nations Snub Inaugural Gaza Summit
The U.S.-initiated “Peace Committee” summit on Gaza reconstruction, set for February 19, is struggling to attract support and to define a practical role. Rushed planning, scant participation from Western allies, and a lack of security and political plans—especially on demilitarizing Hamas—cast doubt on the initiative’s ability to marshal meaningful reconstruction funding or a durable governance framework.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Frames Cautious Optimism After Oman Talks, Flags Israel as a Wildcard
Iran’s foreign minister Araghchi framed Tehran’s negotiating position after indirect Oman talks, saying the format is not the problem but unreasonable U.S. demands could derail progress. Analysts welcomed the small diplomatic opening while warning that military options remain viable and that Israel could sabotage any deal.
On the Frozen Frontline: How Village Militias Keep Watch on China’s Northern Border
On the Heilongjiang River near Heihe, a village militia post conducts harsh winter patrols to monitor China’s boundary with Russia, blending traditional footwork with upgraded surveillance technology. The post illustrates Beijing’s layered frontier management—local militia, border troops and civilian managers—serving practical, political and symbolic functions.
Denmark Says U.S. Talks on Greenland Fell Short as Allies Signal Increased Arctic Interest
Denmark said negotiations with the United States over Greenland have not met expectations despite the opening of a direct diplomatic channel. The announcement, made alongside Greenlandic and Canadian ministers in Nuuk as Canada opened a consulate, highlights rising allied attention to the Arctic and the delicate balance between security needs and Greenlandic autonomy.
Hamas Rejects Disarmament and Foreign Rule, Tightening Gaza’s Post‑War Deadlock
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal declared in Doha that the movement will not surrender weapons or accept foreign governance of Gaza, framing armed resistance as a legitimate right. The position clashes with Israeli demands—made to a U.S. envoy—that Gaza be demilitarized before reconstruction, deepening the diplomatic impasse over the territory’s future.
US Air Force Pulls Two F‑22s From Super Bowl Flyover Citing Operational Needs — A Signal of Competing Priorities
The U.S. Air Force withdrew two F‑22 Raptors from the Super Bowl flyover citing "operational mission" needs. The decision underlines the limited availability of high‑end platforms and the military's tendency to prioritize operational commitments over public displays.
China’s Bayi Aerobatic Team Closes Singapore Airshow with a High‑Precision Display of Soft Power
China’s PLAAF Bayi aerobatic team completed five performances at the 10th Singapore Airshow, showcasing J-10 formations and engaging spectators with cultural outreach timed to the lunar new year. The appearances combined precision flying with public diplomacy, reinforcing Beijing’s effort to project a professional, friendly military image abroad.
Beijing Steps Up South China Sea Patrols After Manila’s Outreach to Extra‑Regional Forces
The PLA’s Southern Theatre reported five consecutive days of sea‑air patrols in the South China Sea, framing the moves as a response to Philippine cooperation with extra‑regional forces. Manila, meanwhile, vows to accelerate negotiations on a South China Sea Code of Conduct as ASEAN chair, creating a tension between deterrence through outside partnerships and efforts to institutionalise crisis management.