East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: Support firms for Angus Taylor to win Liberal leadership, though Ley expected to achieve ‘good result’
ABC News (Australia)
Backers of Angus Taylor and of Sussan Ley acknowledge that support is firming for Mr. Taylor to become Liberal leader. Senator James McGrath, who supported Ley last ballot, declared his intention to support a leadership spill on Wednesday afternoon.
Cambodia: 319 more foreigners deported in online scam crackdown – brings total to 1379 in last 5 days
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
In the past five consecutive days, Cambodian law enforcement agencies have deported a total of 1379 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in online scams after actively suppressing and arresting them, continuing the government’s strict crackdown on online scams through deportations.
China: Beijing and Tokyo in new maritime stand-off after Japan seizes Chinese boat, holds captain
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
Beijing has urged Tokyo to protect its crew members’ rights after Japan said it had seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its captain.
Indonesia: Indonesia set to boost air power with Italian trainer jets, aggressor squadron
The Jakarta Post (Indonesia)
Indonesia has signed two separate Letters of Intent (LoIs) during the recently concluded Singapore Airshow to acquire Italian-made M-346 Master trainer jets and Russian-made Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum jet fighters.
Japan: Japan plans to draft standalone strategy to beef up intelligence
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
The government plans to formulate its first national strategy dedicated to enhancement of intelligence gathering and analysis functions within this year, at the earliest, sources said. The National Intelligence Strategy is expected to outline the fundamental principles of the government’s intelligence policy and the development of institutional structures, government sources said.
Laos: Laos–North Korea Friendship Marked at Kim Jong Il Anniversary Event in Oudomxay
The Laotian Times (Laos)
Officials in Oudomxay Province marked the 84th birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il on 9 February, highlighting longstanding ties between Laos and North Korea. The Laos–North Korea Friendship Association and the North Korean Embassy in Laos organized the event, drawing more than 500 delegates from both sides.
Myanmar: Myanmar military moves to take last resistance-held town in Mandalay Regionv
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
The regime has deployed a large force to the town of Tagaung on the Ayeyarwady River’s east bank, with more troops, junta-sponsored militias, and armored vehicles massing to the South.
North Korea: North Korea draws new red line, vows attack over future airspace ‘violations’
NK News (South Korea)
North Korea threatened it will “definitely” attack South Korea next time its airspace is violated by either the military or civilians, according to a statement Friday by leader Kim Jong Un’s sister.
North Korea: Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul
BBC (United Kingdom)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has selected his daughter as his heir, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers on Thursday.
Palau: Lawsuit seeks emergency halt to plan to accept U.S. deportees in Palau
Island Times (Palau)
The Palau Senate and two private citizens have asked the Supreme Court to immediately halt a government plan to accept up to 75 deportees from the United States, arguing the arrangement violates the Constitution, immigration laws and the authority of the national legislature.
Philippines: ICC approves 500 more applicants to participate as victims in Duterte case
ABS-CBN (Philippines)
The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved 500 more applicants to take part as victims in the confirmation stage of the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the court said in a decision released Friday.
Taiwan: Taiwan signs trade deal with U.S. to cut tariffs, open markets
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
Taiwan and the United States signed a reciprocal trade agreement in Washington on Thursday, capping U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods at 15 percent and granting preferential market access for U.S. industrial and agricultural exports, including automobiles, beef, and pork.
Europe & Eurasia
Bosnia: World Bank Approves €70 Million for Road Modernization in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo Times (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The World Bank’s Executive Board approved a €70 million loan (US$80.97 million) for Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve transport connectivity and modernize road infrastructure, which will be complemented by an €8.5 million (US$9.99 million) grant from the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
European Union/United States: EU leaders welcome US tone shift in Rubio’s Munich speech
DW News (Germany)
European leaders responded with cautious approval of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, where Rubio emphasized the importance of a continued transatlantic relationship with some important nuances involving migration, climate, and defense policy.
France: Avalanche kills 3 skiers in French Alps
DW News (Germany)
A group of three skiers, two of which were British nationals, was swept away by an avalanche after venturing off piste in the Val d’Isere area. Heavy snowfall brought by storm Nils has increased the avalanche risk in some French ski resorts.
Italy: Italy advances migration bill, including naval blockades
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Italy’s government has signed off on a new bill to curb undocumented immigration, including using the navy to block incoming migrant ships in “exceptional” cases. The bill also calls for stricter border surveillance and expands the list of convictions for which a foreigner can be expelled.
Poland: Poland Decriminalizes Service in Ukrainian Armed Forces
United24 Media (Ukraine)
A new bill exempts volunteers from criminal liability for serving in the Ukrainian military without prior authorization from Poland’s Ministry of National Defense. Under previously existing Polish law, such service was punishable by three months to five years in prison.
Russia/Ukraine: Russia and Ukraine to hold more talks in Geneva next week
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Russian and Ukrainian envoys are set to engage in a new round of United States-brokered talks next week in Geneva as the war approaches the four-year mark with no apparent compromises on territory in sight. Russia is pushing for Ukraine to pull out of the fifth of the eastern Donetsk region in the Donbas that it still controls.
Sweden: Sweden to send fighter jets, rangers to patrol Greenland in NATO mission
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Sweden will patrol Arctic skies with fighter jets and send rangers to exercise on Greenland as part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, the latest European military contribution in response to President Trump’s designs on Greenland.
United Kingdom: UK considers new Russia sanctions after Navalny frog toxin finding
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
The UK is in talks for new sanctions against Moscow after the Foreign Office had determined that the death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, was most likely the result of poisoning using dart frog toxin arranged by the Russian state.
Near East
Algeria: Algeria begins to cancel air services agreement with UAE
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Algeria has begun the process of cancelling its air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates, signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013, state media said on Saturday. It gave no immediate reason for the move, but Algerian media outlets have strongly criticized the UAE in recent months, accusing it of attempting to sow regional discord.
Egypt: Egypt appoints a new defense minister and swears in its reshuffled Cabinet
Associated Press (United States)
Egypt appointed a new defense minister on Wednesday and swore him in, along with 13 other new ministers in the latest Cabinet reshuffle as the country struggles with an ailing economy and mounting pressure from regional conflicts. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi oversaw the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Palace. The reshuffle has impacted portfolios such as housing, higher education, communications, youth and sports. The last Cabinet reshuffle was in July 2024.
Iran: Iran says it won’t negotiate over its missile capabilities
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Iran’s missile capabilities are its red line and are not a subject to be negotiated, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader said on Wednesday, as Tehran and Washington eye a new round of talks to avert conflict. U.S. and Iranian diplomats held indirect talks last week in Oman, amid a regional naval buildup by the U.S. threatening Iran. “The Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable,” Ali Shamkhani said according to state media.
Iran: Trump orders second aircraft carrier to Middle East
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
US President Donald Trump says a second aircraft carrier strike group will deploy to the Middle East, increasing pressure on Iran as negotiations over its nuclear program continue.
Israel: Trump tells Netanyahu Iran nuclear talks must continue
BBC (United Kingdom)
US President Donald Trump said he insisted talks with Iran continue during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but warned he may take action against Tehran if a nuclear deal is not reached. The leaders met at the White House as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and negotiations intensify over curbing Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Palestine: Israel’s security cabinet approves measures to strengthen control over the West Bank
Associated Press (United States)
Israel’s security cabinet on Sunday approved measures that aim to deepen Israeli control over the occupied West Bank and weaken the already limited powers of the Palestinian Authority. The office of far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in a statement announced the decisions that would make it easier for Jewish settlers to force Palestinians to give up land, adding that “we will continue to bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”
Palestine: Indonesia preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza
BBC (United Kingdom)
Indonesia says it is preparing up to 8,000 soldiers for deployment to Gaza, the first country to do so as part of phase two of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States late last year. The army chief of staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, said training for the soldiers had already begun, and that they would focus on medical and engineering roles in Gaza. Indonesia has joined President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which was announced last month.
Palestine: Hamas leader rejects disarmament while Israeli occupation of Gaza continues
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Hamas’s political leader abroad, Khaled Meshaal, has rejected calls to disarm Palestinian factions in Gaza, arguing that stripping weapons from an occupied people would turn them into “an easy victim to be eliminated”.
Palestine: Onsite gunmen force MSF to stop work at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Doctors Without Borders has suspended some operations at a Nasser Hospital in Gaza after its staff and patients saw “armed men, some masked” posing “serious security threats” inside the building. The medical charity reported on its website that non-essential work at the hospital in Khan Younis was halted on January 20 due to concerns with the “management of the structure, the safeguarding of its neutrality, and security breaches”. Israel has decimated the enclave’s health infrastructure and continues to hold captive 95 Palestinian doctors and medical workers, including 80 from Gaza.
Syria: US army launches retaliatory strikes on dozens of ISIL targets in Syria
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
United States forces have carried out a series of strikes against ISIL (ISIS) targets in Syria in retaliation for last year’s killing of two of its soldiers and an interpreter. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Saturday that it attacked more than 30 ISIL targets in Syria between February 3 and 12, hitting the armed group’s infrastructure and weapons storage facilities with “precision munitions.”
Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa: ECOWAS-AES Feud Weakens Security Cooperation as Terrorism Spreads
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
Armed groups are exploiting growing tensions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger deepen their cut ties to the regional bloc. Extremist groups such as The ISSP, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), and other Boko Haram splinter factions have intensified their violence and spread southward and westward. Sahel specialist, Seidik Abba, says that the lack of cooperation between both groups and weak cooperation between ECOWAS members Benin and Togo enable terrorist expansion. Abba claims the only way to relieve tensions is for states to prioritize people’s internet access above all else and break from both external influences and alignment politics.
Botswana: Botswana Defence Force Receives C-130 Hercules Parts from U.S.
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) received approximately $1 million in spare parts from the U.S. to maintain its fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. This delivery, consisting of 12,000 items, is intended to support the BDF’s capabilities in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and regional peacekeeping operations. The U.S. previously donated a C-130H aircraft worth $30 million to Botswana in 2024 and has approved the transfer of two more. U.S. Ambassador Howard Van Vranken praised the BDF’s high maintenance standards and the enduring security partnership between the two nations.
Ethiopia/Angola/Kenya/African Union Member States: AU Executive Council Opens 48th Ordinary Session with Strong Call for Unity, Sustainable Water Management and Accelerated Continental Integration
African Union Press Releases (Ethiopia)
The 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council opened in Addis Ababa, focusing on the 2026 theme of achieving sustainable water and sanitation systems. Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the importance of water as a collective resource for peace amid climate change and discussed ongoing institutional reforms. While the council noted progress in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the return of Gabon and Guinea to constitutional order, it expressed concern over persistent terrorism in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. The session aims to prepare for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly and address strategic priorities like Agenda 2063.
Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau Makes Winter Olympics Debut With Teen Skier Tang
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
Guinea-Bissau is set to make its Winter Olympics debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where Winston Tang, a 19-year-old skier, will compete in Slalom. Following in the footsteps of his father, Thomas Tang, who represented Chinese Taipei at the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics, Winston says he’s focused on delivering his best performance. His father, now secretary-general of the Guinea-Bissau Winter Sports Federation, expressed his pride at his son’s debut.
Kenya/Somalia: Kenya to Reopen Somalia Border in April After 15-Year Closure
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
Kenyan President William Ruto announced the reopening of the border with Somalia in April, ending a 15-year closure triggered by al-Shabab militant attacks. The decision aims to revitalize cross-border trade and support local communities that have been isolated since the 2011 closure. While heavy security will remain at the crossings to prevent smuggling and terrorism, the reopening is specifically expected to facilitate the export of miraa (khat). Previous plans to reopen the border had been suspended due to surges in regional violence and cross-border crimes.
Liberia: No Immunity for Former Liberian Finance Minister, Court Declares
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
The Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled that former Minister Samuel Tweah and other former officials cannot invoke national security immunity to avoid prosecution in one of the country’s most politically sensitive corruption trials. After the defendants were accused of transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2023 from the Central Bank of Liberia to the Financial Intelligence Agency, the trial will proceed following the Court’s ruling that constitutional immunity applies only to the President.
Niger: Rebels Target Niger Junta’s Oil Revenue
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
In an effort to weaken the ruling junta in Niger, the Patriotic Movement from Freedom and Justice (MPLJ), a Nigerian rebel that split from the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), has intensified attacks on the country’s oil infrastructure. The group says oil revenues are propping up the military regime, which they believe to be illegitimate, and has called for the restoration of the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. With a focus on Chinese operators, including China National Petroleum Corporation, repeated sabotage has resulted in millions in lost revenue and delayed debt repayment to China.
Nigeria: China Denies Sponsoring Illegal Mining, Terrorism in Nigeria
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
Following allegations by five US lawmakers that the Chinese government is sponsoring illegal mining in Nigeria and funding militias for protection, the Chinese government has rejected them. The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria described the accusations as false, and reiterated that Chinese nationals are required to comply with Nigerian mining laws. While US lawmakers alleged that some Chinese miners paid militias for protection, China insisted it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and works with authorities to improve mining governance.
Nigeria: Ukraine Identifies Nigerians Fighting On Frontline For Russia
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
Two Nigerian nationals’ bodies have been identified after they were recovered in the Luhansk region of Eastern Ukraine by Ukrainian military intelligence. According to the Ukrainian military, the two Nigerians were allegedly recruited in mid-2025 and died fighting for Russia in the ongoing conflict, with documents reportedly containing their contract details. The claims have been dismissed by Andrey Podyolyshe, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, who says no government-backed programs exist to recruit Nigerians for the war.
South Africa: South Africa: Desperate Measures – Joburg Residents Pushed to the Brink After Days and Even Weeks Without Water
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
Residents in several Johannesburg neighborhoods have faced severe water outages lasting up to 23 days, leading to hygiene crises in schools and homes. A specialized school for children with autism reported struggling with blocked toilets and the high cost of cleaning supplies, relying on neighbors’ boreholes to survive. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of information from city leadership and Johannesburg Water, especially after a labor dispute halted water tanker deliveries. The crisis has forced some residents to spend significant amounts on private water suppliers, while others fear the spread of disease due to dry sewage systems.
Sudan: Civilians and aid operations under fire as Sudan airstrikes intensify
United Nations Office at Geneva (Switzerland)
Escalating aerial attacks and drone strikes in Sudan have resulted in the deaths of children and damage to schools and UN facilities, including a World Food Programme warehouse. The UN warned that strikes near key supply routes in the Kordofan region are endangering humanitarian workers and civilians in what has become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Despite the violence, a multi-agency convoy successfully delivered 800 metric tonnes of food to Kadugli. The “Quintet” diplomatic group, including the AU and EU, has called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities and a humanitarian truce ahead of Ramadan.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe moves to scrap direct presidential elections and extend term limits
Semafor (United States)
Zimbabwe is advancing legislation to eliminate direct presidential elections and extend presidential term limits from five to seven years. If passed, these changes would allow 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, beyond his currently mandated final term. Under the new bill, the head of state would be elected by Parliament rather than the general public. While government ministers argue the move will reduce “election mode toxicity” and increase stability, critics view it as a significant democratic setback that consolidates the ruling Zanu PF party’s control.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: Red Cross Helps Two Million Patients, Women, and Children in Afghanistan in 2025
Khaama (Afghanistan)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent delivered health services to over two million people in Afghanistan during 2025 crises. The IFRC warns that Afghanistan will face one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises in 2026, underscoring the need for continued international assistance and emergency preparedness.
Bangladesh: ‘Very hopeful’: Cautious optimism among Gen Z Bangladeshis after key vote
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On Saturday, Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) secured six out of 297 constituencies. Many young Bangladeshis feel the NCP did not live up to the hopes of the people after 2024 uprising with many wanting a new political class.
Bhutan: Wangchhu HEP brings new hope to communities after decades of wait
Kuensel (Bhutan)
After decades of waiting, the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has finally began the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydropower Project to produce power for the surrounding communities, sparking new hopes of continued living in the area.
India: India’s pollution is becoming an economic roadblock
The Economist (United Kingdom)
The crisis of India’s air pollution is rising with about 1.7 million people in India dying annually due to poor air conditions. While it is not affecting the health of the people but has also created significant economic losses in which supply chains, consumption, and attracting businesses to remain in India is becoming challenging.
Kyrgyzstan: Letter of 75 elders. Three detained in the case of calling for riots
Kloop (Kyrgyzstan)
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported 75 people appealing to hold early elections, sparking serious debates and led to the detainment of three people.
Nepal: 18.23 million ballot papers printed for 142 constituencies
The Himalayan Times (Nepal)
Nepal has begun its election season with voting to occur within its 142 constituencies with 20.323 million ballot papers to be printed in total.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s strategic location offers it outsized importance: top U.S. official
Daily Mirror (United Kingdom)
U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur, a key official of the Trump administration, said Sri Lanka’s strategic location offered outsized importance and can make it a target for coercion.
Tajikistan: Emomali Rahmon’s video message amid rumors about him
Ozodi (Tajikistan)
President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon released a rare three-minute video congratulating Chinese President, Xi Jinping on the Chinese New Year and his excitement of beginning of bilateral relations. President Rahmon’s message is being viewed as an attempt to diminish rumors surrounding his health due to his limited public appearances and that he may have traveled to Hainan.
Turkmenistan: Turken Official Dismisses Reports of Torture
Turkmen News (Netherlands)
A senior Turkmen official has denied reports of torture of human rights activists in custody, instead blaming the activists for their arrests or injuries.
Uzbekistan: Chinese Companies Tapped to Modernize Uzbek Hydropower Plants and Introduce AI in Energy
Fergana News (Moscow)
Uzbekistan’s national company Uzbekhydroenergo has signed agreements with multiple Chinese corporations to implement artificial intelligence within their hydropower plants (HPPs) to increase modernization.
Western Hemisphere
Argentina: Clashes Between Protestors and Police Erupt as a Result of New Controversial Legislation
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
As of February 11th, thousands of protestors have taken to the streets of Buenos Aires as the Senate has rolled back employment benefits with new reformist legislation that has also challenged the country’s right to organize labor strikes and diminished the power of organized labor groups.
Barbados: Sitting Prime Minister Wins Third Term with 30 seats in Parliament
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
On February 12th, Mia Mottley, formerly sitting Prime Minister from the Labor Party, won a third term in this year’s Barbado’s presidential election. Including taking all 30 seats in Barbado’s parliament and thus, has unseated the sitting opposition party leader, Ralph Thorne. Announcing that she is looking to take care of the country’s democracy considering the fact it was only 75 years ago the people of Barbados were given the right to vote without owning property.
Canada: Shooter in Canada Takes the Lives of 9 People and Injuries 25 Others at a School and Home
AP News (United States)
On February 10th, a shooting at a secondary school in northern British Columbia left 7 people dead and 25 injured, while 2 more were found dead at a nearby home. A woman who police believe to be the shooter was also found dead from an apparently self-inflicted wound. School shootings are rare in Canada, which has strict gun control laws, and this shooting was the deadliest since 2020.
Cuba: Mexican Government Sends Ships to Cuba with Humanitarian Aid Amid U.S. Oil Blockade
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
As of February 12th, two Mexican ships carrying humanitarian aid have docked in the harbor of Havana, as the United States continues measures to cut off the island from outside fuel supplies following its initial oil embargo on January 3rd. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said maintaining Cuba’s sovereignty is paramount among her priorities. Experts at the United Nations have warned of an imminent humanitarian “collapse” in Cuba as oil supplies dwindle.
Puerto Rico: Governor of the Island Passes New Law Classifying the Fetus as a Human Being as Critics Warn of Consequences
AP News (United States)
On Thursday, February 12th, Puerto Rico’s governor signed a bill that amends law to recognize a fetus as a human being. Doctors and legal experts warn that this will have deep ramifications. The amendment, in Senate Bill 923, was made to an article within Puerto Rico’s Penal Code that defines murder. Some celebrated the amendment, while opponents warned it opens the door to evEthientually criminalizing abortion, which remains legal in Puerto Rico.
Venezuela: Venezuela’s Congress Postpone Vote on Amnesty Bill to Protect Political Dissidents
France24 (France)
On February 13th, after failing to reach an agreement on how it would be applied, Venezuelan lawmakers postponed the adoption of a landmark amnesty bill designed to end the use of courts to crack down on dissent and potentially release hundreds of activists still behind bars. Before debate of the bill began, thousands of protestors had poured into the streets of Caracas to demand the release of political prisoners. Lawmakers agreed to continue the debate on February 19.
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.