East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: Pauline Hanson issues partial apology for suggesting there are no ‘good’ Muslims
ABC (Australia)
Pauline Hanson has issued a partial and heavily qualified apology for suggesting that there are no “good” Muslims. The One Nation leader said she would not apologize for speaking out against radical Islam and the threat she believed it posed to Australia.
Cambodia: Cambodia-Thailand border spat gains global attention at Board of Peace meeting
The Khmer Time (Cambodia)
The international community is intensifying its oversight of the territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand following high-level diplomatic engagement in Washington, the Royal Government spokesperson said on Friday.
China: Germany’s Merz the latest European leader to visit China amid tensions with US
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit China from Wednesday, shortly after the Lunar New Year holiday, according to the chancellor’s spokesman.
Japan: Takaichi sets sights on altering Constitution, imperial law
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Sanae Takaichi, who was re-elected prime minister in the Diet on Feb. 18, expressed strong determination to pursue revisions to the Constitution and the Imperial House Law, two long-standing goals of her Liberal Democratic Party. “As the LDP, we intend to tenaciously work to create an environment in which a (constitutional) amendment proposal can be initiated as soon as possible and lead to a national referendum,” Takaichi, the LDP president, told a news conference after inaugurating her second Cabinet.
Japan: Takaichi wins second term, races to pass delayed budget
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Fresh off a landslide election victory, Sanae Takaichi was re-elected as Japan’s 105th prime minister on Feb. 18 during a special Diet session. She is set to immediately reappoint her Cabinet as she prepares to use her party’s supermajority to push a delayed national budget through parliament. Given that her administration is only four months old, Takaichi plans to reappoint all the ministers.
Myanmar: Myanmar junta ally pushing high-school students into military training
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
Locals say the Shanni Nationalities Army has restricted travel in Kachin State’s Mohnyin Township to prevent students from leaving.
North Korea: Kim Jong Un formally deploys 50 new tactical nuke launchers at ceremony
NK News (South Korea)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un officially deployed 50 new launch vehicles for the country’s 600mm rocket system at a ceremony on Wednesday, according to state media, a type of missile primarily targeting South Korea that allegedly “incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)” and can be equipped with nuclear warheads.
Palau: Palau States Challenge U.S.-Linked Radar Projects as Ngaraard Files TACMOR Lawsuit
Island Times (Palau)
Ngaraard State is asking the Palau Supreme Court to halt construction of a U.S.-linked TACMOR radar facility, arguing that permits, impact fees and environmental safeguards were bypassed. The case follows a similar lawsuit from Angaur State — setting up a major legal test over state authority, environmental oversight and Palau’s expanding security partnership with the United States. The court’s decision could shape how future defense and infrastructure projects move forward across the country.
Papua New Guinea: US to expand economic role in PNG
The National (Papua New Guinea)
The U.S. will increase its economic presence in Papua New Guinea as the country offered key investments for the US especially in critical minerals, says official. In a briefing yesterday, the U.S.’s secretary senior official to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Casey Mace highlighted that the US offered transparent economic partnership and cooperation which would also boost PNG’s economy.
Philippines: Think tank: Sara Duterte’s early presidential bid may be tied to impeachment
ABS-CBN (Philippines)
A think tank on Thursday said Vice President Sara Duterte’s early announcement of her presidential bid could be strategic as she faced impeachment complaints. Duterte announced her presidential bid on Wednesday, two years before the 2028 election campaign period and on the same day a fourth impeachment complaint against her was filed in the House of Representatives.
Singapore: 231 people under investigation for involvement in scams, with losses of over $6 million
The Straits Times (Singapore)
A total of 231 people are assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in scams, which have resulted in losses totalling over $6.35 million. This follows a two-week operation from Jan 30 to Feb 12 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions, the police said in a statement on Feb 13.
Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands and Saudi Fund Enters into Landmark Agreement
Solomon Times (Solomon Islands)
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed its first-ever development cooperation agreement in the Pacific region with the Government of Solomon Islands (SIG), marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.
South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life for leading insurrection
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment, finding him guilty of leading an insurrection.
Taiwan: Calls for Six Assurances law after Trump Taiwan arms comments
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he is negotiating Taiwan arms sales with Beijing has raised concerns and prompted calls for Congress to codify the 1982 security pledges, known as the “Six Assurances,” into law.
Europe & Eurasia
Denmark/Greenland/United States: Greenland says ‘no, thanks’ to Trump’s US hospital boat
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
After President Trump claimed he would dispatch a hospital ship to the autonomous territory of Greenland, officials of both Denmark and Greenland stated they did not require medical assistance from other countries.
France: France will summon Ambassador Charles Kushner over US comments on activist’s death
AP News (United States)
France will summon the US Ambassador to protest comments by the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau on X, which says “reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.” Deranque, a far-right activist, died of brain injuries last week from a beating in Lyon.
Germany: German soccer club cancels planned U.S. trip amid immigration concerns
MPR News (United States)
Werder Bremen cancelled a planned trip to the US in May due to uncertainty over which players would be allowed to enter the country under stricter immigration policies. The team was supposed to play in Minnesota, where recent ICE operations have caused unrest.
Hungary: Hungary foreign minister says country will block key EU loan to Ukraine until Russian oil shipments resume
PBS News (United States)
Hungary will block a planned a loan equivalent to $106 billion until the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline resumes. Russian oil shipments have been interrupted since Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone attack damaged the pipeline.
Lithuania: Lithuania begins rail project to speed NATO troop movement
Defence Blog (Poland)
Lithuania has begun constructions of a new rail connection to the Rudninkai military training area to improve troop and equipment transport in support of a German brigade deployment.
Poland: Poland pulls out of treaty banning antipersonnel mines, says it will use them to defend against Russia
NBC News (United States)
Poland has pulled out of the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, claiming the potential necessity of the devices in a defense from Russian military actions.
Slovakia: Slovakia threatens to cut electricity to Ukraine over Russian oil spat
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued Ukraine a two-day deadline to resume the pumping of Russian oil through its territory, threatening to cut off electricity to the war-torn country if this demand is not met.
Ukraine/Russia: At least one killed in wide-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Russia has launched dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones at Ukraine, killing at least one person, according to Ukrainian officials. The most powerful attacks were reported in the regions of Kyiv, Odessa, and Kharkiv, the officials said on Sunday.
United Kingdom: Police search former Prince Andrew’s home after arrest
USA Today (United States)
The home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was searched by authorities after the former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Near East
Iran: Satellite images show Iran repairing and fortifying sites amid US tensions
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Satellite images show that Iran has recently built a concrete shield over a new facility at a sensitive military site and covered it in soil, advancing work at a location reportedly bombed by Israel in 2024 amid tensions. The U.S. Images also show that Iran has buried tunnel entrances at a nuclear site bombed by the U.S. during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran last year, fortified tunnel entrances near another, and has repaired missile bases struck in the conflict. They offer a glimpse of Iranian activities at some of the sites at the center of tensions with Israel and the U.S., as Washington seeks to negotiate a deal with Tehran on its nuclear program while threatening military action if talks fail.
Iran: US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack in what could become a far more serious conflict than previously seen between the countries.
Palestine: Hamas is reasserting control in Gaza despite its heavy losses fighting Israel
BBC (United Kingdom)
Four months since a US imposed ceasefire halted the Gaza War last October, Gazans say Hamas is again extending its control over security, tax revenue, and government services, raising questions about its long-term strategy, and whether it is prepared to give up its weapons and authority, as now required under the second stage of Donald Trump’s peace plan.
Palestine: Trump pledges $10 billion for Board of Peace in inaugural meeting on Gaza
Axio (United States)
The inaugural meeting of the Trump-led Board of Peace included a $10 billion pledge from Trump and $7 billion in additional pledges for relief and reconstruction in Gaza. The package of steps announced on Thursday, which also included plans to deploy thousands of soldiers and police for new security organizations in the enclave, appears to be the most ambitious U.S.-led security and humanitarian effort in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in at least a decade.
Palestine: Palestinians in Gaza say ‘Board of Peace’ will further occupation
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
“Another gateway to the occupation of Palestine,” says one displaced Palestinian. Many Palestinians in Gaza reacted to the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace” with deep scepticism, seeing it as a way to further Israel’s illegal occupation of the territory. The “Board of Peace” has no Palestinian representatives.
Syria: US to withdraw troops from Syria as tensions mount with Iran
BBC (United Kingdom)
The US is preparing to largely withdraw its remaining troops from Syria over the next few months according to a senior White House official. The official said the Syrian government had agreed to take the lead combatting terrorism within its borders and US military presence “at scale” was no longer required.
Qatar: Qatar pledges $1bn for Gaza peace mission
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Qatar has pledged $1 billion to support the Board of Peace’s mission in Gaza, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani backing Donald Trump’s 20-point plan and reaffirming support for Palestinian statehood and Israeli security.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Burkina Faso: Insurgent Attack ‘Major Setback’ for Ghana and Burkina Faso Trade
allAfrica (United States)
Seven Ghanaian traders were killed and others injured during an ambush by armed insurgents in northern Burkina Faso while they were conducting routine business. In response to the tragedy, the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association has suspended all imports from Burkina Faso, citing severe safety risks. President John Mahama ordered the evacuation of injured survivors for medical treatment, but the attack represents a significant blow to cross-border economic stability.
Cameroon: Yaounde: Journalists, Lawyers Beaten for Interviewing Trump’s Deportees
Cameroon News Agency (Cameroon)
Cameroonian police physically assaulted several journalists and lawyers who were attempting to interview individuals deported from the United States. One journalist reportedly collapsed in custody from his injuries, and authorities confiscated electronic equipment from the group despite their professional status. The incident has drawn condemnation from media unions and raised serious questions about government transparency regarding the treatment of deportees held in Yaoundé.
DR Congo: Ceasefire in eastern DR Congo raises hopes for peace
DW News (Germany)
A US-brokered ceasefire under the 2025 Washington Accords is set to begin in eastern DR Congo, despite significant skepticism from analysts regarding its long-term viability. While the US has threatened sanctions against violators to protect its economic interests in the region’s mineral resources, over 120 armed groups like the M23 continue to destabilize the area. The African Union continues to promote “African solutions” to the conflict, as seen in the mediation efforts of the Luanda Process led by Angolan President Joao Lourenco.
Ethiopia: Ethiopian troops mobilise on Tigray border
Ahram Online (Egypt)
Tensions are rising as the Ethiopian federal army and Tigrayan forces mobilise large numbers of troops along their borders, threatening the fragile peace established after the 2020-2022 civil war. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for urgent de-escalation measures before the situation deteriorates further into renewed conflict. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have also deteriorated, with the Ethiopian government accusing Eritrea of supplying Tigrayan rebels with weapons.
Gabon: Facebook, TikTok suspended in Gabon under regulator’s order
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Gabonese authorities have imposed an indefinite suspension on Facebook and TikTok, citing risks that social media content could stoke conflict and undermine national stability. The media regulator accused the platforms of spreading “hateful and insulting content” that undermines human dignity and the honor of citizens during a period of social unrest. This blackout occurs amid widespread strikes by teachers and civil servants, raising concerns about the government’s approach to dissent following the 2023 military coup.
Kenya: Kenyan families demand return of loved ones recruited into Russian army
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
An official intelligence report revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyan citizens were lured into fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine under false promises of high-paying jobs. Families in Nairobi have protested to demand government action for the repatriation of their relatives, many of whom are missing or hospitalized on the front line. The recruitment reportedly involved a network of rogue state officials and trafficking syndicates who facilitated travel via third countries to bypass tightened surveillance.
Kenya: Oburu vs Sifuna: Battle taken to Orengo’s Siaya doorstep as tensions rise ahead of Kakamega rally
Daily Nation (Kenya)
Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has fractured into two warring factions, with one group supporting government cooperation and another led by James Orengo fiercely resisting it. Tension has escalated as both factions plan competing rallies in Siaya and Kakamega, with allegations of government-backed plots to disrupt the meetings. Dr. Oburu Oginga’s “Linda Ground” initiative aims to douse the influence of the Orengo-led camp by consolidating support and publicly challenging the rebels’ stance.
Mozambique: Cyclone Gezani kills four in Mozambique as Madagascar assesses damage
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Cyclone Gezani struck Mozambique’s southern Inhambane province, killing four people and cutting power to thousands shortly after killing at least 41 people in Madagascar. In Madagascar, the storm caused an estimated $142 million in damage and destroyed about 75 to 80 percent of the city of Toamasina. Humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme described the scale of destruction as overwhelming as the region continues to suffer from weather disasters exacerbated by climate change.
Nigeria: Tested on Palestinians: Epstein, Israel’s Barak pushed spy tech in Nigeria
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
An investigation revealed that Jeffrey Epstein and Ehud Barak used surveillance technology developed in occupied Palestinian territories to secure lucrative resource and logistics deals in Nigeria. The pair reportedly leveraged Nigeria’s struggle with Boko Haram to market “field-proven” biometric systems and cybersecurity infrastructure to government officials. These security deals often served as a pretext for deeper commercial involvement in the energy sector and port management, highlighting a complex web of global elite interests.
Nigeria/Ghana/Sierra Leone: Cocaine trafficking through West Africa fuels local addiction
The Africa Report (France)
Large-scale cocaine smuggling from Latin America through West Africa to Europe is causing a local addiction epidemic in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. The region lacks adequate treatment facilities, with Nigeria only able to support about 10,000 people annually out of the estimated three million who need rehabilitation. This trafficking route also entrenches systemic corruption and shifts local drug markets toward more dangerous substances like “red” tramadol and synthetic cannabinoids.
Somalia: UN emergency food aid in Somalia may halt by April amid severe hunger
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The World Food Programme warned that its life-saving food assistance in Somalia could end by April due to a critical lack of funding. Currently, 4.4 million people face crisis-level food insecurity, yet funding shortfalls have already forced the agency to reduce its reach to just one in seven people in need. Health organizations report a worrying rise in preventable diseases and malnutrition among children as the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.
Somalia: What’s behind Somalia-Saudi Arabia military deal?
DW News (Germany)
Somalia has signed a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia focused on military training, intelligence sharing, and enhancing maritime security. Analysts view this deal as a strategic move to counter regional influence from the UAE and Israel following the latter’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The partnership provides Somalia with critical political backing and military assistance to professionalize its national army in the ongoing fight against al-Shabab insurgents.
South Africa: South Africa mulls using military to combat organized crime
DW News (Germany)
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to deploy the national defense force to support police in fighting South Africa’s severe organized crime and homicide crisis. The deployment will target high-violence areas like the Cape Flats and illegal mining operations, though some critics view it as an expensive form of political appeasement. Analysts argue that long-term safety requires a complete overhaul of the police service, which has been weakened by corruption scandals and political interference.
Sudan: Three aid workers killed, 4 wounded in RSF drone attack in Sudan’s Kordofan
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
A drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a humanitarian convoy in South Kordofan killed three aid workers and injured four others. The Sudan Doctors Network condemned the incident as a violation of international law that threatens the safety of essential humanitarian operations in the war-torn country. This escalation occurs as a UN mission warns that RSF actions in North Darfur bear the hallmarks of genocide against non-Arab communities.
Uganda: Bobi Wine says entire family has fled Uganda
The Independent (United Kingdom)
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine revealed that his wife and children have fled the country due to fears for their lives following military raids on his home. He characterized Uganda as a “violent military dictatorship” and alleged widespread election rigging and violence orchestrated by President Museveni and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Speaking from hiding to the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, he urged the international community to impose sanctions on the Ugandan government while committing to non-violent resistance.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: Flawless Asphalt, Empty Homes: A 300-Mile Drive Through Afghanistan
New York Times (United States)
Highway 1 was once among the most dangerous, and damaged arteries in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have worked to replace the violence that defined this highway, and the country, with strengthened security and administration. This is the Afghanistan that the Taliban government has rebuilt over the past four and a half years, after the United States withdrawal. It is what the Taliban wants the world to see as they try to attract foreign investment and recognition. There are orders, security, and signs of an economic rebound, they say.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh referendum: The big post-election flashpoint?
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Alongside last week’s parliamentary election in Bangladesh, voters also cast their ballots in a national referendum on important constitutional reforms proposed for the country following the July 2024 uprising and ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But that vote has now exposed a schism between the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and the opposition, led Jamaat-e-Islami. This article breaks down what the national referendum in Bangladesh was all about, why the country is divided on it and what happens next.
Bhutan: Bhutan PM warns against ‘unbridled’ AI development, urges stronger guardrails
Channel News Asia (Singapore)
Artificial intelligence development must not be allowed to run “unbridled”, warned Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, calling for stronger guardrails and responsible oversight as countries race to harness the fast-evolving technology.
Kazakhstan: Tokayev said Kazakhstan is ready to send troops to Gaza, Akorda’s information did not mention this
Azattyq (Kazakhstan)
President Tokayev confirmed Kazakhstan government’s plan to provide doctors and observers in Gaza but verbally included providing “support [for] the International Security Assistance Force [for Gaza] by sending military units”, which was not aforementioned or discussed in Kazakhstan’s government nor parliament.
India: World leaders discuss AI future at India’s global summit in New Delhi
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The fourth, and most high-profile day of a global artificial intelligence summit in India is under way. The huge gathering in New Delhi is fourth in a series of international AI meetings that have been taking place since 2023 in France, South Korea, and the UK and is the first global AI meeting held in a developing country. This has provided India with an opportunity to boost its position in the booming sector.
Maldives: SC ruling affirms PNC’s Guraidhoo Council President seat
The Edition (Maldives)
“Following Supreme Court’s ruling on the candidacy of the independent candidate contesting for the K. Guraidhoo Council President position, the seat has been confirmed uncontested for ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).”
Sri Lanka: Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state
AP News (United States)
Hundreds of Buddhist monks rallied in the capital of Sri Lanka on Friday to protest alleged government disrespect of their religion and disregard for longstanding tradition that they be consulted in matters of state. The protest passed without any reported violence.
Tajikistan: “Sign.” A group’s complaint against detained Tajik drivers in Russia
Ozodi (Tajikistan)
A group of truck drivers from Tajikistan say they have been in a detention center in the Russian city of Kirov for nearly four months and are now being forced to go to war against Ukraine.
Turkmenistan: The President of Turkmenistan reshuffled the government and local authorities. Full overview
Turkmen News (Netherlands)
On February 13-14, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov carried out a series of reshuffles in the Cabinet of Ministers and local administrations. After summing up the results of 2025, he replaced three deputy prime ministers, six ministers and equivalent positions, and 13 khyakims, many of whom were extremely toxic. The president’s elder sister Oguljakhan Atabaeva, contrary to observers’ predictions, was not included in the new government.
Uzbekistan: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan Sign $300 Million in Trade Agreements
Fergana News (Moscow)
With 25 new memorandums of trade agreements, Uzbekistan is expanding bilateral ties with neighboring countries to increase their political and economic efforts on the international stage.
Uzbekistan: U.S. to Build Gas Station Network in Uzbekistan and Introduce Sprinkler Irrigation Technologies
Fergana News (Moscow)
With the United States and Uzbekistan strengthening their economic relations, the U.S. has been approved to partake in the construction of a new network of gas stations throughout Uzbekistan with a $50 million investment and the creation of approximately 3,000 jobs.
Western Hemisphere
Brazil: The Country’s Department of Foreign Affairs has Issued a Warning to its Brazilian Citizens Against Joining Foreign Conflict
Brazil Reports News (Brazil)
On February 12th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a statement warning Brazilian citizens against joining foreign overseas wars as many are joining to fight in the Russo-Ukraine war and dying. They cite that those who commit war crimes will be fully held to the law in Brazil and in international courts. As well as detailing that it is a long and hard process to de-enlist.
Brazil: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Shoots down the Trump’s Administration Tariffs
BrasildeFato News (Brazil) – [Originally in Portuguese]
On February 20th, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the Trump Administration’s Tariffs on worldwide allies, including Brazil, but there is some caution. The professor of International Relations from the University of Saul Paulo, Regian Bressan, warns that they cannot celebrate a permanent victory as there are still presidential mechanisms to put tariffs on specific sectors and products. The professor cites that the Trump administration has proved to be unpredictable if not to be a consistent objector to the international game.
Bolivia: Ousted former President Evo Morales is Seen Amid Being on the Run from Authorities as He is Charged with Alleged Human Trafficking Charges
WTOP News (United States)
On February 20th, footage shows the fugitive and former President, Evo Morales, addressing supporters in the rural region of Chapare. He denounced U.S. imperialism, endorsed regional candidates coming up in local elections, and addressed rumors he was going to be leaving the country. He has been in hiding for the past year and evading arrest by the current right-wing President, Rodrigo Paz, for alleged human trafficking crimes.
Colombia: Colombian President Enters Talks with the Country’s Long-Standing Rebel Group to Open up a Commission to Investigate the Group’s Alleged Drug Ties
JuristNews (United States)
As of February 15th, President Gustavo Petro is once more in talks again with the country’s rebel group, the ELN [The National Liberation Army], after peace talks broke down last year after a disastrous attack that took the lives of dozens of people, and thousands more were forced to flee their homes. The ELN has asked for a commission to investigate possible alleged drug ties that the group may have that the current sitting President Gustavo Petro has accused them of profiting off that the President has agreed to administer.
Cuba: U.S. oil embargo has begun to severely affect the island
CNN News (United States)
The Trump administration has cut off the flow of oil to Cuba, through military intervention in Venezuela and threats of tariffs on Mexico. Negotiations, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are ongoing, but the island is beginning to suffer. Hospitals, ambulances, and airports have begun to slow down due to running out of fuel; schools, workplaces, and businesses are closing to preserve the little energy they have left.
Dominican Republic: DEA Agent Involved in U.S. Visa Scheme
AP News (United States)
On February 12th, the DEA Office in the Dominican Republic was shut down after a DEA supervisor was caught in a U.S. Visa scam. Partnered with a popular Dominican music promoter, the scheme involved submitting applications to get individuals, who paid $10,000, U.S. Visas on the grounds of them possibly working as confidential informants in the U.S. The supervisor was arrested and is set to appear in court on March 6th, 2026.
Guatemala: UN raises alarm over Guatemala illegal child adoptions
JuristNews (United States)
On February 16th, United Nations experts released a statement calling for an investigation into Guatemalan Attorney General Maria Consuela Porras regarding her alleged involvement in the illegal adoptions of at least 80 indigenous children during the Guatemalan Genocide. The statement comes at the time in her career she is seeking re-election for a third term and campaigning to be considered for a position with Guatemala’s Constitutional Court. She was denied her bid for a seat with the Constitutional Court after she failed to gain sufficient report among the country’s Bar Association.
Haiti: Recent Reports Reveal Gangs Are Participating in Widespread Child Trafficking
CNW Network (United States)
On February 20th, the UN released a report estimating that over 500,000 children in Haiti have been affected by gang violence or exploited by a gang. Exploitation comes in many forms, ranging from collecting extortion payments to sexual abuse. The report includes a human-rights centered strategy to combat the pressing issue, including increasing youth-employment opportunities, creating child-friendly spaces outside of school, and accountability for traffickers.
Mexico: Mexican and El Salvador Make Big Cocaine Seizure in the Pacific Ocean as Lethal U.S. Strikes Continues
AP News (United States)
On February 19th the navies of El Salvador and Mexico announced drug seizures in the Pacific this week totaling over 10 tons of cocaine. Last Sunday, El Salvador announced the largest drug seizure in the country’s history of 6.6 tons of cocaine. The seizures followed strikes by the U.S. government that left 11 people dead on three boats suspected of transporting drugs in Colombia’s northern Caribbean seas.
Peru: New Interim President, Jose Maria Balcázar, Takes Power Upon Jose Jeri’s Removal from Office
BBC News (United Kingdom)
On February 19th Peruvian members of Congress elected José María Balcázar as the country’s interim president following the removal of José Jerí from office by Congress.
Peru: President José Jerí is Ousted in Congressional Vote Amid Scandal Nicknamed “Chifa-Gate”
CNN News (United States)
On February 18th, sitting President Jose Jerí was removed from power as investigations by the Attorney General’s office and congressional hearings reveal his secret undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen and awarding state contracts to women following those late-night meetings.
Saint Lucia: Deadly US Strike Strikes Fear in Saint Lucia’s Fishing Sector
St. Lucia Times (Saint Lucia)
On February 13th, the U.S. military conducted another deadly strike on a fishing vessel in Caribbean waters, killing 3 individuals; including a possible St. Lucian citizen. The U.S. claims the strikes are targeting individuals suspected of smuggling narcotics but has not produced any evidence to support these claims. Toussaint Charlery, Operations Manager of the Goodwill Fisherman Cooperative, has called for cooperation, stressing the importance of fishing as a livelihood for the citizens of Saint Lucia.
The SHU World Review is produced by the Student Research Assistants of the DiploLab at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. Some summaries may be copied from article text. Back issues are available in Seton Hall’s repository.