(2026-02-20). Putin aide warns Trump of 'consequences' as Russian warship joins crucial Naval Drills. hindustantimes.com Tensions are rising as Masoud Pezeshkian hailed a deepening strategic axis with Russia amid U.S. strike threats. During talks with Russian officials, Tehran declared a "new chapter" in bilateral ties, signing key agreements and expanding economic cooperation. Joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman saw the Russian corvette Stoikiy dock in Iranian waters, while Moscow warned Washington of "serious consequences" if it attacks. As Iran conducted additional drills near the Strait of Hormuz, reports said Donald Trump was briefed on possible strike options.
(2026-02-20). Trump gives Iran 15-day ultimatum on nuclear deal, Khamenei issues threat. hindustantimes.com U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, giving the country up to 15 days to reach a nuclear agreement or face potential military consequences. Speaking to reporters, Trump warned that the U.S. is ready to act if talks fail. In a sharp rebuttal, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, declared that Iran possesses weapons capable of sending American warships "to the bottom of the sea" and shared an AI-generated image of a damaged U.S. aircraft carrier. The exchange heightens already tense nuclear negotiations in Geneva, raising fears of renewed confrontation. Watch for details…
(2026-02-20). Trump slams Starmer as U.S. readies Diego Garcia, Jordan bases for Iran strike. hindustantimes.com As Trump blasts Keir Starmer over a "big mistake" on Diego Garcia, the remote island base and Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base emerge as twin launchpads for any U.S. strike on Iran. With THAAD, F‚Äë15s, F‚Äë35s and carriers massing, Washington quietly builds options while talks with Tehran falter.
(2026-02-20). US, Israel warn Iran amid military buildup. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday Iran must make a "meaningful deal" in its negotiations with Washington in the next 10 days or else "bad things happen", as he deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware in the region. | "It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen," Trump told the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace", his initiative to secure stability in Gaza. | He warned that Washington "may have to take it a step further" without any agreement, adding: "You're going to be finding o…
(2026-02-20). Trump says weighing strike on Iran as Tehran says draft deal coming soon. tribune.com.pk 
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday he was considering a limited strike on Iran after ordering a major naval buildup in the Middle East aimed at heaping pressure on Tehran to cut a deal to curb its nuclear programme. | The latest threat came after Iran's foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready in a matter of days following negotiations between the two sides in Geneva earlier this week. | Trump had suggesting on Thursday that "bad things" would happen if Tehran did not strike a deal within 10 days, which he subsequently extended to 15. | Asked by a…
(2026-02-20). Trump reveals Iran 'war' plan? Khamenei on notice after US Prez says, 'You'll find out in 10…'. hindustantimes.com U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled that a potential nuclear deal with Iran could be decided within the next 10 days, raising fresh stakes in already tense diplomatic engagements. Speaking at the first formal meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., Trump hinted at a breakthrough — or a collapse — in ongoing negotiations.
(2026-02-20). Wednesday 2/25: Webinar: While Iran Boils, Trump's "Peace Plan" Threatens Palestinian Existence. indybay.org Online | masspeace.us/palestine-iran…
(2026-02-20). Trump Compares his Gaza Peace Plan to the Melania Movie, and he is Right. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — President Donald J. Trump Trump again lied in saying that he had resolved 8 wars, even as he seemed intent on fomenting one against Iran. Of Gaza, where the Israeli genocide continues with less visibility, he said, "Gaza is very complex. It's been amazing. I want to thank Steve and Jared for an amazing job. Marco's over there watching. Everybody's fa…
(2026-02-20). Iran: Additional prison sentences against Narges Mohammadi. fidh.org The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), and The Free Narges Coalition condemn the additional prison sentences handed down to human rights defender, writer, and journalist Narges Mohammadi this week, and urges the international community to take concrete steps to protect the safety and psychological well-being of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate to (…) | – |
(2026-02-20). memories of the Gaza war resurfaced, I left them behind on the road in. haaretz.com This week at Ben-Gurion Airport: An Israeli reservist who served in Gaza processes her experience on a three-month motorcycle trip, and a Mexican tourist who dared to do things in Israel he would never try back home…
(2026-02-20). Apple just bought a sinister 'pre-speech' tech company implicated in genocide. strategic-culture.su Tech giant Apple has quietly paid nearly $2 billion for a 'pre-speech' tech company whose employees helped Israel commit genocide in Gaza. And Apple has paid this money, the second-biggest deal in its history, for a company that doesn't have a product, doesn't have any revenues and whose website is a single page containing 15 words.
(2026-02-20). Netanyahu hails Israel's resurgence war, warns Iran of unimaginable response. hindustantimes.com Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a Combat Officers Course graduation, hailed Israel's "war of resurgence," saying the IDF responded with overwhelming force to the Gaza attacks, destroyed terrorist infrastructure "from Gaza to Yemen, from Lebanon to Iran," and freed all hostages. He said Israel had "removed the choke‚Äëring that the Iranian axis of evil tried to place around our neck" and praised officers for charging into "nests of terror," demolishing tunnels, and eliminating large numbers of militants. Netanyahu stressed Israel's close coordination with the United States, n…
(2026-02-20). FIFA, Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football. tribune.com.pk 
FIFA and the Board of Peace signed a partnership agreement on Thursday to attract investment from global leaders and institutions for sustainable development in conflict-affected regions through football. | The Board of Peace, established under the United States President Donald Trump, held its first meeting focused on Gaza's reconstruction fund, aimed at rebuilding the territory once Hamas disarms. | The disarmament of Hamas militants and accompanying withdrawal of Israeli troops, the size of the reconstruction fund and the flow of humanitarian aid to the war-torn population are expected to pose significant c…
(2026-02-20). Israel, Gaza, and the Clash of World Orders: Why the UN Condemns What Trump's Board Won't. thinktank.pk As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza deepens and Israel accelerates controversial actions in the occupied West Bank, an uncomfortable diplomatic contrast has emerged. On one side stands the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), increasingly vocal in condemning Israel's ceasefire violations, annexation moves, and humanitarian restrictions. On the other side is **Donald Trump's self-styled Board of …
(2026-02-20). Trump says Gaza war 'is over', but analysts warn fighting could resume within weeks. scmp.com US President Donald Trump's declaration at the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" that the war in Gaza "is over" belies what regional analysts describe as a mounting risk that Israeli military operations could resume within weeks. | At the gathering in Washington on Thursday, attended by top officials from more than 20 countries, promises of reconstruction and a "bright future" for Gaza were coupled with blunt US warnings that the alternative to disarmament would be a return to war.
(2026-02-20). Gulf countries pledge over $4b to Trump's Board of Peace. tribune.com.pk 
Gulf countries pledged more than $4 billion in combined financial support to United States President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, as they signalled financial backing for efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advancing regional stability. | The pledges were announced during the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, where Qatar and Saudi Arabia each committed $1b. Kuwait also pledged $1b over the coming years, while the United Arab Emirates announced an additional $1.2b in support for Gaza through the board. | Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani…
(2026-02-20). More than 100 film artists condemn Berlinale's censorship of opposition to Israel's Gaza genocide. wsws.org The open letter quotes Chinese artist Ai Weiwei who described what was taking place in Germany as "doing what they did in the 1930s."
(2026-02-20). Saturday 2/21: Hikers for Palestine: Walking in Solidarity with Gaza's Orphans. indybay.org Meet at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater, located on Lake Merritt Boulevard between 12th Street and 1st Avenue…
(2026-02-20). UK High Court Blocks Starmer's Effort to Label Palestine Action a Terrorist Group. counterpunch.org 
Last year, I was living in the UK when activists from the anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian direct action group Palestine Action hugely. embarrassed the Royal Air Force and the British government by cutting their way through a security fence surrounding an RAF Airfield in Oxfordshire and spraying red paint on the jet engines of two aircraft known to have assisted Israel's aerial slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza.
newarab.com (2026-02-20). Gaza death toll above 75,000 in first 16 months: Lancet study
A major peer-reviewed study has found that more than 75,000 people were killed violently in Gaza in the first 16 months of the war, nearly 50 percent higher than the official toll reported at the time.
The Lancet study, titled 'Violent and non-violent death tolls for the Gaza conflict', said that between 7 October 2023 and 5 January 2025 around 75,200 Palestinians were killed in the enclave, as opposed to the 49,090 registered by Gaza's Ministry of Health.
(2026-02-20). US thanks Pakistan for backing Trump's Gaza plan and joining peace board. geo.tv 
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio poses for a picture with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Washington, US, February 19, 2026. — X@SecRubioRubio hails "Pakistan's ongoing support of Peace Plan for Gaza".DPM Dar responds…
(2026-02-20). Trump to build a 350-acre military base in Gaza. albawaba.com ALBAWABA – The Guardian reported Thursday, after examining contracting records by the Board of Peace, that the United States is planning to build a huge military base in the Gaza Strip.The British website revealed that the American administration, headed by U.S. President Donald Trump, wants to build a 5,000-person military base in the war-torn city, spanning over 350 acres.An informed source told the Guardian that several bidders — international construction companies with experience in war zones — have already been shown the area in a site visit where the base is expected to be placed."Trump officia…
(2026-02-20). World Peace Foundation — DR Congo Africa Opposes U.S. Base Plans for Gaza. worldbeyondwar.org 
We firmly believe that world peace cannot be built on military bases, but on foundations of justice, dignity, and respect for human rights. #WorldBEYONDWar…
(2026-02-20). Indonesia pledges 8,000 troops for Gaza force. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday pledged up to 8,000 troops, and potentially more, to support an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace in Washington.Addressing leaders gathered at the White House, Prabowo voiced strong confidence in the U.S.-led initiative, expressing optimism that lasting peace in Palestine could be achieved despite expected challenges."Even with obstacles and difficulties, we are very optimistic that under the leadership of President Donald Trump, this vision of real peace can be realized,…
(2026-02-20). Billions of dollars raised in Gaza summit. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump told the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday that nations had contributed $7 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund that aims to rebuild the enclave once Hamas disarms, an objective that is far from becoming a reality. | The disarmament of Hamas and accompanying withdrawal of Israeli troops, the size of the reconstruction fund and the flow of humanitarian aid to the war-battered populace of Gaza are among the major questions likely to test the effectiveness of the board in the months ahead. | In a flurry of announcements at the end of a long, winding speech to representativ…
(2026-02-20). Pope Leo rejects Trump invitation to join Gaza 'Board of Peace'. mondoweiss.net 
The Vatican flatly rejected a U.S. invitation to join the Trump-led "Board of Peace" for Gaza. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem previously described the project as "a colonialist operation" focused on "others deciding for the Palestinians."
(2026-02-20). Indonesia, Morocco, Kosovo among 5 countries to send troops under Gaza plan. aljazeera.com Kazakhstan and Kosovo have also pledged to participate, while Egypt and Jordan will provide training for police.
(2026-02-20). Global Silence Means License to Israeli Annexation of West Bank. ummid.com If the international community continues to keep silent on the issue, a day is not far off before Israel annexes the whole West Bank and other Palestinian settlements, coupled with its plan to commercialise the Gaza front for the benefit of its American supporters.
(2026-02-20). Trump launches 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza stabilization. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday formally launched the "Board of Peace," a new U.S.-led initiative aimed at stabilizing Gaza and advancing broader Middle East diplomacy, during a high-profile event at the White House attended by regional and international leaders.In his keynote address, Trump praised Qatar's role in mediating the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire alongside Egypt and the United States, crediting Doha's diplomacy with helping to end nearly two years of fighting that left more than 70,000 people dead. He announced reconstruction pledges exceeding $5 billion, outlining plans to rebuild inf…
(2026-02-20). EU Sanctions Journalist In Shocking First Over Gaza Reporting. popularresistance.org In January, a post I saw on Twitter/X shocked me. | "URGENT: As of now, I have ZERO access to any money," Hàºseyin Dogru wrote. "I can't provide food for my family, including two newborns, due to EU sanctions." | Dogru is a journalist, a German citizen living in Berlin. | After reading his post, I sent him a private message offering to order groceries and have them sent to his home. | The reply shocked me even more. "Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to accept any financial or material support," Dogru wrote. | Dogru is the first European Union citizen known to be living inside the EU to face extrajudicial sanct…
(2026-02-20). ICRC president: States must harness momentum to improve Gaza's dire humanitarian situation in next phase of ceasefire. icrc.org The following is a quote attributable to ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
(2026-02-20). Disappearing Bodies: Epstein, ICE, and the Hidden Architecture of Gangster Capitalism. counterpunch.org 
Disappearance under neoliberal fascism does not operate through a single institutional or aesthetic form. Alongside the spectacular violence of ICE raids, militarized policing, and the public staging of racialized terror exists a quieter, long-standing mode of disappearance practiced by elites and insulated from democratic scrutiny. The case of Jeffrey Epstein exposes this hidden register with disturbing
(2026-02-20). British police search royal mansion in investigation of King Charles' brother Andrew. tribune.com.pk 
British police were searching the former mansion of King Charles' younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Friday after a photograph of the royal emerging from a police station was splashed on newspapers around the world. | Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein when he was a trade envoy. | However, Andrew was released earlier today. | The former prince was released under investigation after being held by police for more than 10 hours. He h…
(2026-02-20). Former Prince Andrew arrested by police. albawaba.com ALBAWABA – British police have arrested former Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct, local media reported on Thursday.Earlier, the BBC said that cars were spotted outside Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stays, on Thursday morning.The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police revealed it was assessing as "quickly as possible" into claims that ex-Prince Andrew had shared confidential reports from his role as the UK's trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein, the American sex offender.In late January, the U.S. Department of Justice shared over 3 million documents regarding the cause of Jeff…
(2026-02-20). New Mexico reopens criminal probe related to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. aljazeera.com State officials say the information in unsealed FBI files 'warrant further examination' of a case closed in 2019.
(2026-02-20). Would the Epstein Estate Settlement Bringing Closure for Victims? moderndiplomacy.eu The estate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has agreed to pay up to $35 million to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that two of his closest advisers enabled his long-running sex trafficking operation. The proposed settlement, disclosed in a federal court filing in Manhattan, must be approved by a judge before taking effect. The …
(2026-02-20). Billionaires and corporate lawyers resign following latest Epstein file release. wsws.org Billionaires, CEOs and corporate attorneys have stepped down after newly released Justice Department files exposed their ties to Epstein. Despite mounting evidence, no new indictments have been issued.
(2026-02-20). First royal arrest in centuries presents existential crisis for UK's most powerful family. scmp.com Until Thursday morning, it had been nearly four centuries since the arrest of a senior British royal. | On his 66th birthday, the late Queen Elizabeth's favourite son was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. By evening, the former prince was released from police custody. But the ongoing investigation will unpick years of lurid allegations about Andrew's ties to the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein that have heaped embarrassment on his brother, King Charles.
(2026-02-20). Gates skips India AI summit amid Epstein scrutiny. tribune.com.pk 
Bill Gates pulled out of India's AI Impact Summit hours before his scheduled keynote on Thursday, as scrutiny over his ties to late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intensified following the release of US Justice Department emails. | The abrupt withdrawal of Microsoft's co-founder dealt a fresh blow to a flagship event already marred by organizational lapses, a robot row and complaints of traffic chaos. | The six-day event still notched more than $200 billion in investment pledges for AI infrastructure in India, including a $110 billion plan announced by Reliance Industries on Thursday. | India's Tat…
(2026-02-20). Not Forgetting the Victims: Club Epstein and Crimes Against Humanity. dissidentvoice.org 
With a sex trafficking, flesh peddling empire of favours, logistics and the good time to be had by the powerful, the gigantic scale of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal network continues to disturb. The least savoury digital library on the planet, available through the offices of the US Justice Department as the Epstein Library, is being combed …
(2026-02-20). UK: Ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein links. ummid.com Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been in news over his ties with Jeffry Epstein, has been arrested.
(2026-02-20). The Epstein Class: They Are the Elites They Pretend to Hate. counterpunch.org 
Attorney General Pam Bondi's contentious House hearing about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files offered a clear message to the nation: sex trafficking of women and minors is perfectly acceptable as long as wealthy white men do it. Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced late sex trafficker, fixer, and political networker, was found to have ties to
(2026-02-20). Epstein estate agrees to $35 million settlement in victim class action. tribune.com.pk 
Jeffrey Epstein's estate has agreed to pay as much as $35 million to resolve a class action lawsuit that accused two of the disgraced financier's advisers of aiding and abetting his sex trafficking of young women and teenage girls, according to a court filing on Thursday. | Boies Schiller Flexner, a law firm representing Epstein victims, announced the settlement in a brief filed in federal court in Manhattan. | The deal, if approved by a judge, would bring an end to a 2024 lawsuit filed against Epstein's former personal lawyer, Darren Indyke and former accountant Richard Kahn, who are co-executors of Epstein's…
(2026-02-20). US negotiating with India on Venezuelan oil sale, US envoy says. tribune.com.pk 
The United States is in "active negotiation" over the sale of Venezuelan oil to India, to help India diversify its sources of crude oil, US Envoy Sergio Gor said on Friday. | The US has made diversification away from Russian crude a condition for cutting tariffs on goods imported from Indian, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer. | "The Department of Energy is speaking to the Ministry of Energy here, and so we're hoping to have some news of that very soon," Gor told reporters on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi where India joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative aimed at building a silicon…
(2026-02-20). Venezuela's interim president enacts Amnesty Law that "opens the door to reconciliation" radiohc.cu The interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, enacted the Amnesty Law this Thursday and stated that the legislation opens a door to Venezuela's reconciliation. | "This law opens an extraordinary door for Venezuela to reconcile and learn." to live democratically and rid themselves of hatred; let understanding and recognition prevail. The Amnesty Law goes further," Rodríguez declared. | Indicating that those who approved the law are bringing hope to the country, the interim president maintained that "we are guaranteeing a future of peace and coexistence for our youth. It is an act of selflessness and greatne…
(2026-02-20). Head of US Southern Command Visits Venezuela, Meets With Acting President Rodriguez. news.antiwar.com Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the head of US Southern Command, visited Venezuela on Wednesday and met with Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, a visit that came less than two months after the US attacked Venezuela and abducted President Nicolas Maduro. According to a press release from Rodriguez's office, during the meeting, both sides "agreed to …
(2026-02-20). Homeland Empire Under the Shadow S2E6. therealnews.com 
Transcript | MICHAEL FOX [NARRATION]: Minneapolis has been on fire. | People in the streets against an onslaught from Trump's ICE agents the likes of which the country has never seen. | Homeland Security has deployed thousands of agents, unleashing an assault that has ripped apart families and neighborhoods. They've killed two people under shocking circumstances. Both US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Federal agents have arrested 4,000 people in Minnesota alone since they launched Operation Metro Surge two months ago. | KRISTI NOEM [CLIP]: But we're surging operations because of the dangerous situat…
(2026-02-20). US Negotiating Venezuelan Oil Sales to India Amid Trade Deal Talks. moderndiplomacy.eu The United States is actively negotiating with India over the sale of Venezuelan oil as part of broader efforts to help India diversify its crude imports away from Russia. U.S. envoy Sergio Gor said the talks are ongoing, with the Department of Energy coordinating with India's Ministry of Energy. This move comes in the context …
(2026-02-20). Acting President Delcy Rodríguez: Communal Economy Guarantees Prices 20% Lower, Breaking Economic Blockade. orinocotribune.com Caracas ( "These communal economic circuits are precisely aimed at, firstly, breaking the criminal economic blockade against Venezuela. Through what means? Community organization," the acting president explained this Thursday, February 19. "Secondly: supplying our people with food. And thirdly: ensuring fa…
(2026-02-20). Venezuela grants amnesty that could release hundreds of political detainees. aljazeera.com More than 600 people may be in custody for political reasons, one Venezuelan rights group estimates.
(2026-02-20). Spain's Sanchez Gains at Home With Anti-Trump Stance, But at What Cost Abroad? moderndiplomacy.eu Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has adopted a distinctly defiant posture toward U.S. policies, criticizing interventions in Venezuela, resisting NATO's defence spending targets, and pushing stricter social media regulations. His positions are widely seen as resonating with Spanish voters and consolidating his domestic support, particularly among left-leaning constituencies and those skeptical of U.S. influence. Sanchez's …
(2026-02-20). IMF warns Venezuela's economy and humanitarian situation is 'quite fragile'. aljazeera.com Figures show Venezuela's public debt sits at roughly 180 percent of its GDP as the country struggles with tumult.
(2026-02-20). Acting President Delcy Rodríguez: Communal Economy Guarantees Prices 20% Lower, Breaking Economic Blockade. orinocotribune.com Caracas ( "These communal economic circuits are precisely aimed at, firstly, breaking the criminal economic blockade against Venezuela. Through what means? Community organization," the acting president explained this Thursday, February 19. "Secondly: supplying our people with food. And thirdly: ensuring fa…
(2026-02-20). Profit Over People: How the World Fuels Sudan's War. counterpunch.org 
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal armed conflict that began in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Triggered by disputes over security-sector reform during a stalled democratic transition, the fighting quickly spread nationwide, devastated civilian areas, drew in other armed groups, and crushed the fragile hopes raised by the 2019 overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir.
(2026-02-20). Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss cooperation to boost football development. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani met Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, to discuss expanding cooperation aimed at revitalising football in the country, officials said on Thursday. | The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties in sports, particularly through joint initiatives, exchange programmes and institutional partnerships to support football development. | Gilani thanked the Saudi government for its continued support of sports in Pakistan, describing Saudi Arabia as a longstanding friend and valued partner. | "Pakistan has immense f…
(2026-02-20). 18 Egyptian workers killed in deadly crash on Port Said—Ismailia road. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- At least 18 Egyptian workers were killed and three others injured on Thursday morning when a heavy transport truck collided with a pickup truck carrying laborers on the Port Said—Ismailia road, security and medical sources said.The crash occurred on the 30 June Axis south of Port Said. The victims, who were from Dakahlia province, were traveling to jobs at fish farms in Port Said when the truck struck their vehicle.Witnesses said the collision was severe, turning what had been a routine work journey during the holy month of Ramadan into a scene of devastation.ŸÖÿµÿ±…
(2026-02-20). North Korea's Kim Jong Un launches key party congress held every 5 years. aljazeera.com Kim focuses on improving economic activity in opening speech at Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.
(2026-02-20). UK blocks Trump from using RAF base near Swindon for Iran strikes, Chagos deal under strain. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: The UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused a U.S. request to allow American forces to use British military air bases — including RAF Fairford in England and the joi | UK blocks Trump from using RAF base near Swindon for Iran strikes, Chagos deal under strain…
(2026-02-20). US discussed Nord Stream destruction plan with Ukraine – German media. infobrics.org The case clearly shows how there was real American participation at least in the initial stages of the plan.
(2026-02-20). The Attorney General Who Mocked Congress and the Rule of Law. counterpunch.org 
Pam Bondi's combative exchanges and derisive comments before the House Judiciary Committee revealed a contempt for democratic procedure. This was not mere incivility; it was a warning that the separation of powers is being undermined from the top of the Justice Department. One critic called her testimony "wild entertainment." Another journalist said she looked like
(2026-02-20). The Poetic Symmetry of Jesse Jackson's Life: Love, Rage, and Leadership. counterpunch.org 
Rev. Jesse Jackson surprised me during a trip to his home state of South Carolina. He asked that I join him in the hospital room of his dying mother, Helen Burns Jackson. I had accompanied him in 2015 to write about his work advocating for then-governor Nikki Haley to accept Medicaid expansion funds from the Obama administration, and for her to remove the Confederate Flag from government property. When his mother became ill, he made his trips to Greenville more frequent, always attaching them to a political purpose. As I was about to learn, Jackson performed a poetic synthesis throughout his 84-years, fusing demo…
(2026-02-20). Joint enforcement drive targets illegal Afghan residents during Ramazan. tribune.com.pk 
(2026-02-20). US pays about $160m towards nearly $4bn in UN dues. aljazeera.com President Trump has slashed foreign aid and repeatedly criticised the United Nations for failing to meet its goals.
(2026-02-20). Pressure Jordan – not Israel – to end the Jewish-Arab conflict. onlineopinion.com.au As Arab states reaffirm the two-state formula, a shelved proposal to merge Jordan and Palestine resurfaces. Is the region ignoring its own alternative?
(2026-02-20). What Trump's racist video reveals. workers.org 
There is absolutely no denying that Donald Trump is a bonafide white supremacist whose mission is to turn back the clock to the days of enslavement and the Confederacy. He has shown this in both words and deeds with the removal of federal monuments and public artifacts acknowledging that slavery . . . |
(2026-02-20). Protesting Big Oil and Sportswashing. counterpunch.org 
Climate activists are calling out pro sports teams across the U.S. Why? The answer is the teams' sportswashing partnerships with Big Oil. According to activists, sportswashing uses fans' fondness for their pro teams to fog the lethal consequences of fossil fuel sponsorships with Big Oil, e.g., BP America, Phillips 66 and Shell. Call it a
(2026-02-20). Kazakhstan's President Is Suspiciously Going Overboard Trying To Please Trump. thealtworld.com He's doing a series of favors for Trump so that he'd have his back if trouble ever arises with Russia, which is an increasingly realistic scenario given Kazakhstan's recent decision to produce NATO-standard shells and its new military-logistics corridor with NATO via Azerbaijan and TRIPP. | Up until the first
(2026-02-20). Could Dostoyevsky's 'Accursed Questions' Be a Beneficial Obsession? counterpunch.org 
Centrism [in Great Britain]…Much of our politics now consists of performance rather than governance. The calculations are short-term by design: win the week, dominate the clip, neutralize the headline. The long-term consequences — erosion of empathy, normalization of cruelty, a growing sense that nobody in charge believes what they say — are outsourced to society to endure.
(2026-02-20). More Kitgum Farmers Express Interest in Growing Coffee. plusnews.ug 
At least 48 farmers in Labongo Amida sub-county, Kitgum district, have registered interest in growing coffee following a sensitisation and training programme aimed at promoting the crop in northern Uganda. Pauline Abalo, a farmer in Lemo East, said she decided to join the training because she is interested in having a steady source of income. …
(2026-02-20). Wednesday 2/25: Trivia Night @ San Francisco Green Party New Meeting. indybay.org 2973 16th St, Suite #300 (Wheelchair accessible) San Francisco, CA | This office is right next to the 16th & Mission St BART Plaza.
(2026-02-20). Illegitimate Hijacking Of Bylaws By New Day At Pacifica Continues. indybay.org The New Day aligned PNB-Pacifica National Board majority is still moving forward to illegally change the bylaws and eliminate many democratic rights for the membership…
(2026-02-20). 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolts parts of K-P. tribune.com.pk 
Tremors form a 5.6-magnitude earthquake were felt in the country's north and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, according to the Pakistan Metereological Department (PMD). | The PMD said the quake's epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan while seismological data indicated that the quake struck at a depth of 73 kilometers. | According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake's magnitude was 5.8 and it occurred at a depth of 90.7km. | According to Express News, the tremors were felt in Peshawar, Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Swabi and Mardan, as well as in parts of Punjab, including C…
(2026-02-20). Manamela appoints administrator to stabilise College of Cape Town. sanews.gov.za Manamela appoints administrator to stabilise College of Cape Town | Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has appointed Dr Robert Nkuna as Administrator of the College of Cape Town following findings of serious governance and financial failures at the institution. | The appointment, made in terms of Section 46 of the Continuing Education and Training Act, 2006, takes effect from the date of publication in the Government Gazette. It is timebound for a period not exceeding two years, or until a duly constituted council is established. | Nkuna will assume the governance functions of the College Counci…
(2026-02-20). Affordability and the Health Care Crisis. counterpunch.org 
One of the issues that bothered many economists, including me, were the complaints that people were falling behind — even as the data on wages and inflation consistently showed that wages were outpacing prices, especially for those at the bottom end of the wage distribution. Part of this story was clearly a right-wing effort to
(2026-02-20). Tragedy of Contemporary Muslim Politics in India. ummid.com The tragedy of contemporary Muslim politics in India lies not in the absence of voices, but in the misalignment between political expression and structural reality.
(2026-02-20). Pakistan, Philippines hold second Joint Economic Commission meeting. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan and the Philippines on Friday held the second session of their Joint Economic Commission in Manila, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs. | The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan's Secretary of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and the Philippines' Undersecretary for International Trade Allan B Gepty. | Both sides discussed measures to strengthen trade and investment ties, including organising trade exhibitions and a dedicated business forum, the spokesperson said. | PHOTO: MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS | The meeting also reviewed updating the bilateral Double Taxation…
(2026-02-20). Saturday 2/21: Make Billionaires PAY! indybay.org corner of Forest Ave & Monroe St | Valley Fair Mall…
(2026-02-20). Trump repeats claim of stopping India-Pakistan conflict, says 200% tariff threat forced de-escalation. ptcnews.tv PTC Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he prevented a major escalation between India and Pakistan last year by warning both countries of steep economic consequences if hostilities continued.Addressing a gathering of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, Trump said he had threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on both nations unless they stepped back from what he described as a rapidly intensifying conflict. According to him, the warning helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.Trump reiterated his broader assertion that he had played a role in r…
(2026-02-20). "The worst of the worst" : ICE detains Chilean death squad killer. wsws.org The Trump administration claims ad nauseam that ICE's anti-immigrant dragnet is targeting the "worst of the worst." Whether by chance or design, the detention of Armando Fernández Larios fits the bill.
(2026-02-20). Is southern Yemen's next phase being decided on the ground? aljazeera.com Security fragmentation and regional rivalries are reshaping power in southern Yemen.
(2026-02-20). Minister Stops Catholic Church from Evicting Nsambya Estate Residents. plusnews.ug 
State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, has intervened to stop the Kampala Archdiocese Land Board from proceeding with the eviction of more than 500 residents from Nsambya Estate in Makindye Division. The minister made the announcement during a meeting with affected residents and the local community at the estate on February 19, 2026, …
(2026-02-20). Is Japan Ready to Confront China?Takaichi Unveils Security Overhaul. moderndiplomacy.eu Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi used her first post-election address to parliament to warn of growing pressure from China and to outline a sweeping overhaul of Japan's defence posture and economic security policies. Strengthened by a landslide lower house victory that handed her coalition a two-thirds majority, Takaichi signalled an assertive strategic shift in response …
(2026-02-20). BRICS+: Brazil at a Political Crossroads. infobrics.org Brazil enters 2026 facing a complex political moment marked by electoral uncertainty, deep polarisation, and an increasingly assertive judiciary. Recent polling confirms that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remains the frontrunner in the presidential contest, yet narrowing margins against right-wing challengers highlight a volatile landscape…
(2026-02-20). Democrats Aren't Resisting Trump's Iran War Because They Secretly Support It. thealtworld.com The Wall Street Journal CNN A Trump advisor has
(2026-02-20). Wednesday 3/18: Oakland Privacy: Fighting Against the Surveillance State. indybay.org Please email contact@oaklandprivacy.org a few days before the meeting to get up-to-date location information or obtain Zoom meeting access info.
(2026-02-20). Grace Tame event moved after Murdoch coverage fuels harassment campaign. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-02-20). U.S. surges 40% of aging AWACS fleet to Mideast amid rising Iran tensions. hindustantimes.com The U.S.-Iran standoff has moved into the skies, with Washington surging a large share of its aging E-3 Sentry "flying radar" fleet toward Europe and the Middle East. In just days, the U.S. Air Force has deployed 6 of its 16 Boeing E-3 AWACS aircraft-nearly 40 percent of the entire fleet to bases stretching from the U.K. and Germany to the Gulf, in what analysts say could be the final command‚Äëand‚Äëcontrol pieces of a potential air campaign against Iran. These Cold War—era aircraft act as airborne radar and battle management hubs, tracking low-flying drones, cruise missiles…
(2026-02-20). French politics lurches right after the death of a fascist. wsws.org The death of a fascist near an event organised by France Unbowed (La France Insoumise, LFI) has triggered a right-wing rampage in France.
(2026-02-20). Saturday 2/21: Free virtual screening of the documentary film. indybay.org Zoom | us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rVdt……
(2026-02-20). Wednesday 2/18: Free Leqaa Power Hour. indybay.org Zoom | zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X8w0KZBnT4WS……
(2026-02-20). After four years, Russian inflation may be key to ending the war. responsiblestatecraft.org This article is the first in a special series recognizing the four-year anniversary of the Ukraine WarWestern travelers to Moscow often remark, with complete justification, on the sense of normalcy that the government has been able to sustain four years into the most dangerous, destructive war in Europe since 1945. But there is another, overriding sense that became especially palpable to me on my second visit since the war began in 2022. Belying this outward commitment to business as usual is a profound social, economic, and political transformation with stark implications for both Russia and the West. First,…
(2026-02-20). Jesse Jackson's vision for America embraced environmental justice. grist.org Peggy Shepard walked into her living room on Tuesday morning when her husband told her Jesse Jackson, the civil rights titan from South Carolina, had died. "Immediately tears started coming," said Shepard, co-founder and executive director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a New York City-based nonprofit. | Nearly 40 years ago, Jackson had altered the course of Shepard's life. In the late 1980s, she was working as an editor at Time-Life Books, when a colleague mentioned an organizing meeting for Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. "I walked into this Saturday meeting, and…
(2026-02-20). Messi kicks off MLS season. tribune.com.pk 
Lionel Messi kicks off a critical season for Major League Soccer this weekend as the rapidly growing US domestic league seeks to cash in on a huge spike in interest from the upcoming World Cup. | Messi ⚪ MLS's undisputed flagship star ⚪ will lace up his boots for a fourth year with Inter Miami, who take on South Korean ace Son Heung-min's Los Angeles FC in Saturday's opener at the 70,000-capacity Memorial Coliseum. | It is a suitably splashy start for a season that will be split in two by the 2026 World Cup, which takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. | World Cup host countries…
(2026-02-20). House vote battle intensifies as bipartisan lawmakers seek to block Iran strikes without Congress. nationofchange.org Khanna and Massie invoke constitutional authority amid reports of military buildup and rising concerns of expanded war.
(2026-02-20). Thursday 2/19: Tell Target to STAND UP TO ICE! indybay.org Metreon Target: 789 Mission Street. Meet on the sidewalk by the Mission Street entrance.
(2026-02-20). K-P imposes ban on illegal mining along Indus and Kabul rivers. tribune.com.pk 
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has imposed a 60-day ban on illegal mining and the extraction of placer gold along the banks of the Indus and Kabul rivers in several districts. The ban, enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, covers areas including Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, and Karak, as well as neighbouring regions. | A notification issued by the Department of Interior and Tribal Affairs said that the decision was made based on reports from relevant departments and discussions held during the 37th meeting of the provincial cabinet. | The government has expressed grave concerns over th…
(2026-02-20). 2/22/26 NALC Letter Carriers Rally At Harry Bridges Plaza. indybay.org LETTER CARRIERS' WORK IS HARDER THAN EVER, AND WE DESERVE HIGHER PAY: | NALC Branch 214 | Harry Bridges Plaza | San Francisco, CA 94111 | 11 AM…
(2026-02-20). Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh: Live Updates. ummid.com The Moon Sighting Committees in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have issued advisory to Muslims in the four countries to spot the Crescent Moon, Ramadan Moon or Ramzan Chand, Wednesday 29th Shaban 1447 H, corresponding to February 18, 2026 in the South Asian countries.
(2026-02-20). The ICRC activities in Russia and Belarus, 2025. icrc.org Facts and Figures…
(2026-02-20). US Reps Move to Stop Trump's War on Iran. consortiumnews.com Even if war breaks out before he and Thomas Massie can bring a vote in the House next week, Ro Khanna says it's important to get lawmakers on the record so voters can see where they stand. By Jake Johnson…
(2026-02-20). The Essential Leadership Skills Employers Are Looking for in Job Seekers. moderndiplomacy.eu As a recruiter, I have seen firsthand the impact strong leadership skills can have on a candidate's job search success. New graduates seeking their first job, professionals at any stage seeking career advancement, and executives seeking to take on important roles need to demonstrate their ability to lead. Leadership requires more than team management because …
(2026-02-20). Polymarket, Substack Unveil Partnership With Dystopic Pro-Gambling Tagline. scheerpost.com Polymarket Company Logo. 1924848uejdjfik, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons | In one of the scariest moments in modern history, we're doing our best at ScheerPost to pierce the fog of lies that conceal it but we need some help to pay our writers and staff. Please consider a By Sharon Zhang / Betting company Polymarket and online writing platform Substack ann…
(2026-02-20). An Unsettling Climate Warning for Homeownership. counterpunch.org 
Earth's climate system has suddenly shifted to a new phase of global warming acceleration that few saw coming. This ups the ante for risks of severe climate-related disaster scenarios following a record-shattering year in 2025. This directly impacts American homeownership, whether it is compatible with current U.S. energy/climate policies.
(2026-02-20). Philippines Keeps Dialogue Open with China Amid South China Sea Tensions. moderndiplomacy.eu Philippines confirmed that it is maintaining open communication channels with China, even as it deepens partnerships with countries that share its stance on maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions over competing territorial claims and recent confrontations in contested waters. Foreign ministry spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva said the Department of …
(2026-02-20). Punjab private colleges seek Feb 28 MBBS admission extension. tribune.com.pk 
Principals of private medical colleges in Punjab have sought an extension until February 28 to complete admissions against vacant MBBS seats and agreed to offer full fee refunds to students who withdraw by March 31, officials said on Friday. | The decision was taken at a consultative meeting held at the University of Health Sciences and chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore. | Colleges had previously been given a February 13 deadline to fill vacant seats, but several institutions reported unfilled slots. Participants agreed to recommend extending the deadline to February 28, subject to approval…
(2026-02-20). Trump orders Pentagon, federal agencies to release files on UFOs and aliens. aljazeera.com US president's announcement comes amid a surge of interest following comments on aliens by ex-President Barack Obama.
(2026-02-20). Alcaraz books last four berth in Qatar. tribune.com.pk 
Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to beat Karen Khachanov on Thursday and book his spot in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open but it was the end of the road for Jannik Sinner as he lost in three sets to Jakub Mensik. | Playing his first tournament since completing his career Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier in February, Alcaraz will next face Andrey Rublev for a spot in the final in Doha. | "It was a really close and tight match," Alcaraz said after his 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-3 quarter-final win. | "I think Karen was playing great, but I knew I'd had my chances. I just didn't take them in the first set, so it…
(2026-02-20). Gold, silver prices climb again as local rates hit new highs. tribune.com.pk 
Gold and silver prices continued their upward trend on Thursday, widening the gap between precious metals and consumer affordability. | In the international bullion market, gold rose by $79 per ounce to $5,012, prompting a surge in local rates. US gold futures for April delivery were up 0.4% at $5,031.20, while spot gold climbed 0.7% to $5,012.83 per ounce by 0634 GMT. | In Pakistan, the price of one tola of gold increased by Rs7,900 to Rs523,962, while 10 grams rose by Rs6,773 to Rs449,212. | Read: Equities hammered on regional tensions | Silver prices also gained momentum, with one tola reaching Rs8,404, up…
(2026-02-20). Chinese Tourists Boosts Russian Tourism with Visa-Free Access. infobrics.org Russia's decision to ease visa requirements for Chinese citizens, which took effect, means that Chinese citizens can now enter Russia without visas in which Chinese tourists boosts Russian tourism…
(2026-02-20). Philippine central bank cuts rates. ecns.cn The Philippine central bank on Thursday said it decided to reduce its target reverse repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent and the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities to 3.75 percent and 4.75 percent, respectively.
(2026-02-20). SPL 25/26: Ivan Toney replaces Cristiano Ronaldo as Top Goal Scorer. ummid.com Ivan Toney of Al Ahli Saudi FC has replaced Al-Nassr Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo as Top Goal Scorer after MatchWeek22 (MW22) in the ongoing season of Saudi Pro League (SPL) 2025/26.
(2026-02-20). Working Together to Respect Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. icrc.org This speech was delivered by Megan Rock, Head of the ICRC's Regional Delegation in the Pacific, at the Commonwealth Law Minister's Meeting on 11 February 2026 in Nadi, Fiji…
(2026-02-20). Ethereum Fortifies For The Future. ummid.com While Ethereum price USD is steady if not brilliant, it is widely viewed by institutional investors as a major player over the next decade.
(2026-02-20). PM Shehbaz meets DFC chief in Washington, seeks expanded US investment. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the chief executive of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington on Thursday to discuss expanding economic cooperation and increasing US investment in Pakistan. | During the meeting with DFC Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Black, he acknowledged the agency's investment portfolio of more than $1 billion in Pakistan and said the economic priorities of both countries were aligned, offering mutually beneficial opportunities for business-to-business collaboration. | PM Shehbaz invited the DFC chief to visit Pakistan to explore investment opportunitie…
(2026-02-20). Job cuts and restructuring continue at Australian universities, facilitated by the trade unions. wsws.org Union deals and enterprise agreements are enabling the Albanese Labor government's pro-corporate and pro-military restructuring of universities.
(2026-02-20). Zimbabwe welcomes EU's easing of travel bans, asset freezes. ecns.cn Zimbabwe welcomes the European Union's (EU) decision to remove all remaining sanctions related to travel bans and asset freezes, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira has said.
(2026-02-20). Government Destroys 100 Voluntarily Surrendered Firearms in Moroto. plusnews.ug 
A total of 100 illegal firearms recovered voluntarily under the African Amnesty Month programme have been publicly burnt at Naitakwae Playground in Nadunget Sub-county, Moroto District. The weapons were destroyed in the presence of the general public as a symbolic gesture underscoring the dangers firearms pose and the need to keep them out of the …
(2026-02-20). Pakistan confirm Bangladesh tour in March for ODI series. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan men's cricket team will tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed on Friday. | Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on Monday, March 9 and will undergo a training session on Tuesday, March 10, ahead of the opening ODI against the hosts at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Dhaka on Wednesday, 11 March. | The second ODI will be played on Friday, March 13, while the third and final match of the series is scheduled for Sunday, March 15. All three matches will take place at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. | This will be Pakista…
(2026-02-20). Could insight from cats lead to breast cancer cures? tribune.com.pk 
Owning a cat offers many health benefits, including reduced stress and emotional support, and new research suggests our feline friends might also offer clues to better treat certain cancers. | That's according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Science, which investigated cancers in cats and found significant parallels with how the disease plays out in humans. | Previous studies had highlighted similar links between dogs and humans, but little research focused on cats, said co-author Louise van der Weyden, a scientist at the British Wellcome Sanger Institute. | Cats, just like dogs, provide "a gr…
(2026-02-20). The Trump Administration's Catastrophic Census Proposal. counterpunch.org 
The Trump administration recently announced significant changes to the 2026 Operational Test for the 2030 Census. If implemented, the changes would undermine the utility of what should be a broad, multi-site rehearsal of census operations, potentially compromising the validity of the 2030 Census results. The changes transform the test from a safeguard into a source
(2026-02-20). Why Labor Needs A Declaration Of Political Independence. popularresistance.org It's not a secret: About 45 percent of labor union members voted for Trump in 2024. In unions with fewer minority workers the percentage was substantially higher. More importantly, most union members no longer identify with the Democratic Party. In fact, they are downright hostile to it. In our YouGov poll of 3,000 voters in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, 70 percent held negative views of the Democrats. | Why so much hostility? Very few respondents said anything about wokeness or immigration. Much of the bitterness was related to the Democrats failing to live up to their promises and losing touch wi…
(2026-02-20). Female deejay duo bring rhythm and style to Stanbic Matchplay party. independent.co.ug 
Entebbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Valentine's night at the Entebbe Golf Club transformed into an unforgettable fusion of sport and spectacle as the Stanbic Matchplay Challenge kicked off with high-octane action on the greens and an even higher tempo at the 19th hole. The highlight of the night was the much-anticipated takeover by Kampala's …
(2026-02-20). China submits first comprehensive policy document outlining its stance on WTO reform. ecns.cn China recently submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) a position paper outlining its stance on WTO reform under the current circumstances, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.
(2026-02-20). 8 skiers dead, 9th missing in California avalanche. tribune.com.pk 
Eight backcountry skiers were confirmed killed and a ninth was presumed to have perished when their tour group was overtaken by a football-field-sized avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday, in the deadliest US avalanche in 45 years, authorities said. | Six survivors were rescued after search teams on skis fought through blinding snow, darkness, treacherous terrain and gale-force winds to reach them in the rugged Castle Peak area near Truckee, California, about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Lake Tahoe. | The group of 15 skiers, including four guides from outfitter Blackbird Mountain Guide…
(2026-02-20). Application for NCET ITEP April 2026 Starts. ummid.com The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started online registration and application process for the National Common Entrance Test (NCET 2026) conducted for admission in Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP).
(2026-02-20). Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane dead at 53 after ALS battle. scmp.com Actor Eric Dane, who played the handsome ‚Å Dr Mark Sloan ‚Å on the hit television ‚Å series Grey's Anatomy, died on Thursday aged 53, his family said, less than a year after revealing that he suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. | For 15 years, Dane played a plastic surgeon nicknamed "McSteamy" by ‚Äåfemale characters in the show. He also starred in the series Euphoria, and said after the diagnosis he would still return to the set for its third season.
(2026-02-20). Rahmani 30 Entrance Test 2026 Result Announced. ummid.com The Rahmani Foundation has declared the result of the Rahmani 30 Entrance Test 2026 on its official website.
(2026-02-20). How to Start Business in Sharjah with Limited Capital. ummid.com Sharjah offers cost-effective licensing options, flexible office solutions, and simplified registration processes — making it an ideal choice for startups and SMEs operating on tight budgets.
(2026-02-20). Arsenal aim to banish title jitters. tribune.com.pk 
Arsenal must banish their untimely bout of title race anxiety as the wobbling Premier League leaders head to Tottenham for the north London derby. | Manchester City can pile pressure on the Gunners with a win against Newcastle, while Michael Carrick heads to Everton aiming to bolster his bid to become Manchester United's permanent manager. | AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend's action: | Saka expects Arsenal to hit back | Defiant Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is adamant his side will eventually "get over the line" and end their trophy drought. | Mikel Arteta's men are in danger of blow…
(2026-02-20). Endrick turns Lyon's tide in Ligue 1. tribune.com.pk 
Close to bankruptcy just eight months ago, seven-time French champions Lyon have bounced back in style and after a remarkable winning run, a late challenge for the Ligue 1 title is not out of the question. | The club's very survival seemed in doubt when they were condemned to relegation to the second division last June as a punishment for the state of their finances. | They successfully appealed, but Eagle Football Group, the holding company which runs the club, announced in November that losses for last season were over 200 million euros ($235m), with total debts above 500 million euros. | The off-field situa…
(2026-02-20). Founder of U.S. defense tech giant Anduril visits Israel secretly, meets Netanyahu. haaretz.com During his visit, self-described 'radical Zionist' Palmer Luckey also met with senior figures at at least one of Israel's top defense firms, as well as in closed meetings with several defense-tech startups…
(2026-02-20). Punjab implements 38 schemes under the 'Climate Resilient Punjab Vision 2024'. tribune.com.pk 
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Friday that, for the first time in the province's history, the Environmental Protection Agency and Climate Change Annual Development Programme schemes have been finalised ahead of schedule under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Climate Resilient Punjab Vision 2024, with rapid implementation now underway. | Speaking at a briefing in Lahore, she said work was progressing on 38 Annual Development Programme (ADP) schemes. After providing 5,000 super seeders at a 60 per cent subsidy this year, the government has added another 15,000 super seeders, 5,000 bale…
(2026-02-20). Legendary Filmmaker John Sayles on Labor, the Border and the Empire in Films and Novels. counterpunch.org 
In our latest, we talk with legendary filmmaker, screenwriter, actor and novelist John Sayles. We start with a discussion about his new novel "Crucible." But, also talk about labor, class consciousness, portraying the organizer as a hero, the border and the American empire in his, and other, films and novels. John Sayles is an Oscar
(2026-02-20). Would you pay $49 a month to drink recycled wastewater? grist.org 
(2026-02-20). Papuan activist Wenda accuses Jakarta of 'lying' over shot down plane. asiapacificreport.nz 
Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan leader has accused the Indonesian government of lying over its operations and "masking" the military role of some civilian aircraft. Disputing an Indonesian government statement about reported that TPNPB fired upon an aircraft in Boven Digoel, killing both the pilot and copilot, United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP)…
(2026-02-20). Francisco Franco: The Fascist Ego. counterpunch.org 
In 2026, the United States is being ruled by an administration led by a wannabe dictator named Trump. His ego seems to dominate his decisions, while his paranoia encourages him to surround himself with authoritarian individuals eager to prove a strength they have always doubted existed in their persona. Not an intellectual by any measure,
(2026-02-20). Iran to Respond Decisively if US Launches Military Aggression: UN Envoy. english.almanar.com.lb Iran respond "decisively and proportionately" to any military aggression, stressing that the United States would bear "full and direct responsibility" for the consequences, the Islamic Republic's permanent mission to the UN warned on Thursday. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated at the highest level that it neither seeks tension nor war and will …
(2026-02-20). Pay Our Wage Increase! IBT2010 Teamsters CSUSF Strike Rally & Solidarity with Other Unions. indybay.org Over 1,000 CSU building trades workers who are members of IBT Local 2010 launched a 4 day unfair labor strike against the CSU management and Trustees. The strikers rallied in CSUSF.
(2026-02-20). Wes Jackson: A Misfit Trying to Change the Future of Farming. counterpunch.org 
Wes Jackson's career demonstrates that sometimes the race goes not to the swift but to the unconventional, that the battle can be won not only by the strong but by the stubborn. Straight-A students don't always lead the way. Jackson, one of the last half-century's most innovative thinkers about regenerative agriculture, has won a MacArthur Fellowship, the
(2026-02-20). King Charles learns Andrew's arrest with 'deepest concern': statement. ecns.cn Britain's King Charles III issued a public statement on Thursday after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the king's younger brother and former British prince, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, saying he received the news with "the deepest concern."
(2026-02-20). IMF spox says EFF reforms helped stabilise Pakistan's economy. tribune.com.pk 
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Pakistan's policy efforts under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme have "helped stabilise the economy and rebuild confidence" with fiscal performance described as "strong". | Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Thursday, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said a staff team is expected to visit Pakistan from February 25 to hold discussions on the third review under the EFF and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). | From today's press briefing: I announced the Managing Director's travel across Asia, and answ…
(2026-02-20). Astroturf Alert: $2 Billion in Foreign Cash Behind America's "Grassroots" Climate Movement? wattsupwiththat.com If a comparable sum had flowed from domestic oil companies into policy think tanks questioning renewable mandates, it would dominate headlines for months. Congressional hearings would be scheduled before the ink dried. Editorial pages would thunder about corruption and capture.
(2026-02-20). Israel A State of Exception Eyes Borders Beyond Palestine. ummid.com Israel has already created that void. In the hands of a genocidal settler-colonial society, the state of exception is a relentless nightmare that will not stop at the borders of Palestine.
(2026-02-20). Teen arrested for possession of explosives. sanews.gov.za Teen arrested for possession of explosives | Members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Crime Intelligence have arrested a 16-year-old in Roodepoort this week for possession and distribution of explosives. | The team operationalised intelligence-led information on suspects selling explosives in and around Motlhakeng. | Information reportedly led the team to an identified address in Roodepoort, where they arrested the teenager and seized 50 blasting cartridges, 25 safety fuse connectors and detonating cords. | "Investigations remain ongoing to identify the criminal networks behind the illegal poss…
(2026-02-20). BRICS: New Members to Join in 2026 Strategic Expansion. infobrics.org It is expected that new participants will become members of BRICS in 2026 as the economic bloc speeds up its growth with what is being referred to as a partner country system, and currently, more than 50 countries have already shown interest…
(2026-02-20). Iran Crisis Exposes the Impotence of America's Neoliberal War Machine. juancole.com ( This is the third Atlantic
(2026-02-20). Why AI could matter more to India than to U.S. & China | AI future explained. hindustantimes.com India is at a technological crossroads, again. In the early 2000s, the country powered the IT revolution not by building Silicon Valley, but by staffing it. This time, the stakes are much higher. Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech wave, it is a structural shift that could add up to $4 trillion annually to the global economy. But here's the real question: will India shape this revolution, or simply serve it? As New Delhi hosts Asia's first AI Impact Summit, the country finds itself in a rare geopolitical sweet spot, trusted by the West, engaged with the Global South, and not locked into the U.S.-Chin…
(2026-02-20). Acting President Rodríguez Meets US Southern Command Chief in Caracas. orinocotribune.com Caracas ( The official Miraflores Palace account
(2026-02-20). What local businesses should know about where their sites are hosted. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-02-20). What Does Trump Want With Cuba. theintercept.com 
(2026-02-20). The U.S. military aided mass child rape in Afghanistan. Now its soldiers are committing this crime at Fort Bragg. strategic-culture.su By Alan MACLEOD | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | There is an epidemic of child sex crimes in and around Fort Bragg, North Carolina…
(2026-02-20). Nasa ranks 2024 spacecraft mishap among its worst disasters. scmp.com Nasa on Thursday blamed what it called engineering vulnerabilities in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft along with internal agency mistakes in a sharply critical report assessing a botched mission that left two astronauts stranded in space. | The US space agency labelled the 2024 test flight of the Starliner capsule a "Type A" mishap – the same classification of the deadly Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters – a category that reflects the "potential for a significant mishap," it said.
(2026-02-20). Friday 2/20: Justice for Guillermo Campaign – Stop the deportations, free Guillermo now! indybay.org 630 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94111…
(2026-02-20). Upcoming Meetings to Resist Service Cutback and Homeless Sweeps. indybay.org Four meetings are planned in the next week to inform and mobilize folks in the wake of unwise and abusive decisions to cut back services for those outside and increase sweeps that seize their property, endanger their health, and terrorize their communities.
(2026-02-20). Rick Smith's Tasers and the Social-Control Economy. counterpunch.org 
Human primates seem extremely keen to shock each other these days. Arizona-based Axon Enterprise, Inc. (formerly Taser International) produces electroshock weapons. And its market cap amounts to tens of billions in USD. Axon's corporate slogan is Protect Life. CEO Rick Smith has gone so far as to suggest that using a Taser 10 is safer
(2026-02-20). UN finds 'genocide signs' in El-Fasher. tribune.com.pk 
The United Nations' independent fact-finding mission on Sudan said on Thursday the siege and capture of El-Fasher by a paramilitary group bore "the hallmarks of genocide". | Its investigation concluded that the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) seizure of the city in Darfur state in October had inflicted "three days of absolute horror" and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. | The mission warned that "urgent protection of civilians is needed, now more than ever" in neighbouring Kordofan state, the flashpoint of fighting since the RSF's capture of El-Fasher, which was marked by ethnic massacres, se…
(2026-02-20). US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's sweeping global tariffs. tribune.com.pk 
The US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs that he pursued under a law meant for use in national emergencies, handing a stinging defeat to the Republican president in a landmark opinion on Friday with major implications for the global economy. | The justices, in a 6-3 ruling authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, upheld a lower court's decision that Trump's use of this 1977 law exceeded his authority. The justices ruled that the law at issue—the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA—did not grant Trump the power he claimed to impose tariffs. | "Ou…
(2026-02-20). Will Lehman backs plant occupations by Mexican auto parts workers against mass layoffs. wsws.org The Mack Trucks worker and candidate for United Auto Workers president has issued a statement supporting the Mexican auto parts workers fighting mass layoffs by US-based corporations.
(2026-02-20). Cristiano Ronaldo scores 962nd career goal as Al-Nassr defeats Al-Fateh. ummid.com Playing against Al-Fateh after his much talked about protest, Cristiano Ronaldo led Al-Nassr Saudi FC to its 7th consecutive victory in the Saudi Pro League 2025-26 group match Saturday February 14, 2026.
(2026-02-20). CJ-1000: China's strategic land-based hypersonic vanguard. infobrics.org The Chinese CJ-1000 stands out due to its reported characteristics, primarily the impressive range, with lower estimates putting it at 2,500 km, while the highest go up to 6,000 km. If the latter figure is true, this would make the CJ-1000 the world's first intercontinental hypersonic cruise missile. It also reaches blistering speeds, with reports suggesting it's anywhere between Mach 6 (around 7,500 km/h or approximately 2 km/s) and Mach 10 (well over 12,000 km/h or nearly 3.5 km/s).
(2026-02-20). 'Regime Cleavage': How the 'Language of Humiliation' is Engineering a Second American Civil War. counterpunch.org 
A January 2026 Gallup poll showed that 89 percent of all Americans expect high levels of political conflict this year, as the country heads toward one of its most decisive midterm elections ever. Gallup, however, was stating the obvious. It is a surprise that not all Americans feel this way, judging by the coarse, often
(2026-02-20). Israeli freelancer platform Fiverr faces revenue drop after losing a third of its value amid AI fears. haaretz.com The capital markets are concerned that Fiverr, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, will become irrelevant given developments in artificial intelligence technology. As of Wednesday, the company was trading at $11.33 per share, down from $19.68 at the beginning of the year…
(2026-02-20). Takaichi reelection as Japan's PM confirmed. ecns.cn Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected as the country's 105th prime minister on Wednesday by members of parliament.
(2026-02-20). Many reasons to protest U.S. at Winter Olympics. workers.org 
At the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the audience booed U.S. Vice President JD Vance as well as the Israeli delegation. Mass demonstrations outside the events in Milan, Italy, protested the participation by the Zionist apartheid state as well as the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) . . . |
(2026-02-20). SAPS destroys over 13 000 firearms. sanews.gov.za SAPS destroys over 13 000 firearms | In an effort to remove illegal firearms from circulation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) destroyed a total of 13 859 firearms during its second firearm destruction process for the 2025/26 financial year. | This brings the total number of firearms destroyed over the past seven years to 305 934. | The District Commissioner of Sedibeng in Gauteng, Major General Adelaide Mukhwevho, presided over the official firearm destruction process that took place in Vanderbijlpark. | The majority of the destroyed firearms were confiscated during various policing operations, includin…
(2026-02-20). South Korea's ex-President Yoon apologises after life sentence over martial law. tribune.com.pk 
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologised on Friday for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024, a day after a Seoul court sentenced him to life in prison for masterminding an insurrection. | In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon said that while he was sorry for the "frustration and hardship" brought upon the people by his martial law decree, he stood behind the "sincerity and purpose" behind his actions. | The Seoul Central District Court's decision to hand him a life sentence on Thursday was "predetermined," he said, adding that the verdict against him was political re…
(2026-02-20). 'The Tankers Just Keep Coming': US Military Movements Spike Fears of Imminent Attack on Iran. portside.org 'The Tankers Just Keep Coming': US Military Movements Spike Fears of Imminent Attack on Iran |
(2026-02-20). Two more suspects included in PTI's foreign funding case. tribune.com.pk 
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday decided to revise the charge sheet in the foreign funding case against PTI founder Imran Khan and others after two new suspects were added to the probe. | The Islamabad Banking Court on Friday heard the case, summoning two new individuals: PTI Chief Finance Officer Siraj Ahmed and private bank employee Faisal Qazi for questioning. | Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar presided over the hearing, with Special Prosecutor Wasiq Malik representing the prosecution. | "The partial charge sheet has already been submitted," Malik told the court. "With the inclusion of two new susp…
(2026-02-20). Deadly tower collapse has locals in Lebanon's Tripoli asking: Are we next? aljazeera.com February 8 collapse killed at least 15 people in Lebanon's second city, where buildings are in poor condition.
(2026-02-20). Dàºsseldorf Art Academy accused of antisemitism due to performance by Palestinian artist Basma al-Sharif. wsws.org The artist was not criticized for her works, but for several pro-Palestinian posts on Instagram criticizing the Israeli government, including a call to boycott Israel.
(2026-02-20). Why Corporate Media Needed to Misrepresent Jesse Jackson. scheerpost.com Jesse Jackson, 1983. Rob Bogaerts / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons | In one of the scariest moments in modern history, we're doing our best at ScheerPost to pierce the fog of lies that conceal it but we need some help to pay our writers and staff. Please consider a By Jim Naureckas / If there's one person onto whom establishment media have projected…
(2026-02-20). Live: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia Today. ummid.com Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Jordan and other Arab states in the Middle East will sight the Ramadan 2026 Moon (Ramadan Moon Sighting 1447) today i.e. Tuesday February 17, 2026 to confirm the beginning of the Holy Month of Fasting.
(2026-02-20). PSX stages sharp rebound as KSE-100 gains 999 points. tribune.com.pk 
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong recovery on Friday, with the KSE-100 Index closing at 173,170, up 999 points (+0.58%) after hitting an intraday low of 169,593. The benchmark touched a high of 174,148, reflecting heightened volatility throughout the session. | "PSX exhibited consolidation around the 172,000 level, with wide intraday swings of approximately 4,500 points," said Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd. "Investors were seen responding cautiously after consecutive weeks of losses, but corporate earnings helped stabilise sentiment." | The rebound came after four consecut…
(2026-02-20). Up, Down and Around With Jesse Jackson. counterpunch.org 
(2026-02-20). Netanyahu is paving a one-way street to a new political reality. haaretz.com President Herzog wants the attorney general to rescue him from the embarrassment of pardoning Netanyahu. The opposition party leaders have plenty of ideas, but implementing them is another story…
(2026-02-20). Or Our Nuclear World, Up Close and Personal. counterpunch.org 
"I'm not scared, you're scared!" is the repeated line in a children's story we recently read to the kids at the Unitarian Universalist version of Sunday school I attend with my children. In that story, a scared bear and a brave rabbit, who (naturally!) are best friends, go on a hike together. Rabbit has to cajole and
(2026-02-20). Saturday 2/28: Webinar: Rising Global Solidarity Against Genocide: A Conversation with Huwaida Arraf. indybay.org Zoom | www.fosna.org/globalsolidarity…
(2026-02-20). Major road crash leaves 18 dead, 3 injured in northeast Egypt. aljazeera.com Road accidents, often linked to speeding, claim thousands of lives each year in Egypt.
(2026-02-20). King Charles' brother Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. ecns.cn Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Britain's ex-prince and King Charles III's younger brother, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, British media outlets reported.
(2026-02-20). The global company Veolia at the heart of NZ's wastewater disaster. wsws.org Active across 56 countries, Veolia epitomises the subordination of vital resources and public services to the profit interests of finance capital, imposing the costs onto the working class.
(2026-02-20). The State of Sexual Union, 2026. counterpunch.org If you're too busy or overwhelmed by life or AI to listen to my sixth annual State of the Sexual Union address (2026), delivered live 2/14/2026 on Active Radio hosted by Hartley Pleshaw on WCAP-AM 980 — now available for your aural edification — here's my single-word 2026 prescription for our very sickened society: Therapy. We need it. I need it, and
(2026-02-20). PM Shehbaz meets global leaders at 'Board of Peace' summit in Washington. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with several global leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to Washington, DC, for the inaugural session of the "Board of Peace". | The discussions centred on global and regional issues, while Secretary Rubio discussed critical minerals, energy-sector development, and investment opportunities for American companies in Pakistan with PM Shehbaz. | According to a statement from the PM's Office, Shehbaz also engaged with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Preside…
(2026-02-20). Iran pushes Hezbollah into Israel war? $1 bn in cash & gold sent as Bibi warns of 'painful' blow. hindustantimes.com Iran is reportedly ramping up pressure on Hezbollah to ensure the group joins any future war with Israel, rather than remaining on the sidelines. Ynet reports that Iran's top diplomat visited Lebanon in January in what was seen as a calculated move to push Hezbollah toward direct involvement in the next conflict. During the visit, Abbas Araghchi is said to have secured assurances that Hezbollah would not stay out of the fight if a new war erupts. According to the same report, Iranian financial support to Hezbollah has surged over the past year, surpassing one billion dollars in funding.
(2026-02-20). Trump says he's ordering release of US files on UFOs and aliens. scmp.com US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of "tremendous interest". | Trump made the announcement in a social media post hours after he accused former president Barack Obama of disclosing "classified information" when Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview that aliens were real.
(2026-02-20). Details of the Cuba's Children, Adolescents and Youth Code. radiohc.cu The entry into force of the Children, Adolescents, and Youth Code (Law 178/2025) has consolidated an institutional system in Cuba designed to guarantee the rights of children and adolescents through the creation of the Comprehensive Protection System, the Granma newspaper reported. | The new framework responds to the 2019 constitutional mandate and the 2022 Family Code, recognizing new generations as full subjects of rights and establishing mechanisms to make them effective. | Among its guiding principles is the recognition of children as developing individuals and subjects of special protection, with shared resp…
(2026-02-20). 'A big f*ck you to big tech': New Jersey residents defeat AI data center. therealnews.com 
This story originally appeared in Common Dreams on The New Brunswick, New Jersey City Council voted Wednesday to cancel plans to construct an Artificial intelligence data centers—which house t…
(2026-02-20). Walter Reed military hospital formalizes deal with Kaiser Permanente to prepare for mass casualties in future wars. wsws.org The deal was finalized as 31,000 Kaiser workers are on strike across California and Hawaii, underscoring the political significance of their struggle.
(2026-02-20). JEE Main Session 1 Result 2026: How and Where to Check. ummid.com The National Testing Agency (NTA) is releasing on the official website 'jeemain.nta.nic.in' the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result today i.e. Monday February 16, 2026.
(2026-02-20). Friday 4/24: Sean Dorsey 22nd Annual Home Season: We Choose Each Other. indybay.org Dance Mission Theater | 3316 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110…
(2026-02-20). Pakistan jails two lawyers for 17 years over old tweets. globalvoices.org 
The trial moved unusually fast, speeding from indictment to sentencing in under three monthsGlobal Voices Imaan mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. Screengrab from a video posted on X
(2026-02-20). AI Book Summary, and How It Revolutionized Reading, Book Selection, and Memorization. moderndiplomacy.eu Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming the reading culture, making knowledge more accessible and enabling people to process information more efficiently. It used to take hours of reading to create a book summary or gain profound insight into its content. Now it is possible to use AI tools and acquire a concise, accurate, and structured summary …
(2026-02-20). Three aid workers killed, 4 wounded in RSF drone attack in Sudan's Kordofan. aljazeera.com The attack comes as the UN releases a report which found that RSF actions have hallmarks of genocide in el-Fasher.
(2026-02-20). Anisimova ends Andreeva Dubai defence. tribune.com.pk 
Amanda Anisimova ended a tearful Mirra Andreeva's Dubai title defence on Thursday with a comeback 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) victory in the quarter-finals. | The second-seeded American trailed the fifth seed Russian Andreeva by a set and a break before rallying back to complete a two-hour 38-minute win. | She booked a place in the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the fourth time in her career. | "I was almost in tears there at the end," Anisimova said. "It made me emotional seeing her like that. I feel we both won today." | Anisimova next faces fellow American Jessica Pegula who beat Dane Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 6-…
(2026-02-20). Balcázar sworn in as Peru's eighth president in 10 years. peoplesdispatch.org The appointment came after his victory to preside over Congress. He will replace center-right José Jerí, who was in office for just four months, demonstrating, if there were any doubt, the severe crisis of representation that Peruvian politics is experiencing.
(2026-02-20). Taylor and and 1950s revival. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-02-20). Hitler's Moscow to Trump's Minneapolis: When power meets resistance. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-02-20). China urges tighter full-chain safety oversight for fireworks. ecns.cn The meeting stressed that fireworks retail outlets are strictly prohibited from operating in mixed-use buildings that have retail space on the ground floor and residential units above.
(2026-02-20). Salman Khan's father Salim Khan's undergoing treatment on ventilator. tribune.com.pk 
The condition of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's father and renowned screenwriter Salim Khan has worsened, leading to speculation that he may need brain surgery. | According to Indian media reports, a sudden increase in blood pressure has affected a blood vessel in the right side of Salim's brain. He is currently undergoing treatment on a ventilator while a team of doctors is continuously assessing his condition and considering an early operation. | Salim was brought to the emergency ward of Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital earlier this week. As his condition progressively worsened, he was immediately shifted to t…
(2026-02-20). X files? Trump says he's ordering release of data on UFOs and aliens. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump said Thursday he is ordering federal agencies to begin "identifying and releasing" government files related to UFOs and aliens, a move sought for decades by some Americans. | "Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs)," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. | While he did not specify whether classified documents…
(2026-02-20). Islamabad's electric buses extended to Rawat, aiming to double daily ridership. tribune.com.pk 
The electric bus service in Islamabad has been extended to the Rawat area with special consideration being paid to routes for students, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday. He made the announcement while inaugurating a dedicated bus depot and charging centre in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan. | Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the minister said around 125,000 citizens of Islamabad are currently benefiting from the electric bus service on a daily basis. He added that a target has been set to increase the number of passengers to 250,000 per day. | As per an official statement from the ministr…
(2026-02-20). The Fourth Reich Rises While The People Resist. counterpunch.org 
When Marco Rubio took the stage at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2026, and delivered his sputtering paean to "Western civilization," the room of European leaders rose in a prolonged, obedient standing ovation. That applause was not for diplomacy; it was sycophantic submission, a pathetic spectacle of vassals cheering their own subjugation and
(2026-02-20). US drone presence worries China, top neuroscientist moves to Shenzhen: SCMP's 7 highlights. scmp.com We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. | 1. Why the growing network of American MQ-9 drones is a challenge for China…
(2026-02-20). Israel's Illegal Occupation of Southwestern Syria. counterpunch.org Read Sam's
(2026-02-20). S. Korea's ex-president Yoon sentenced to life in prison on insurrection. independent.co.ug 
SEOUL | Xinhua | South Korea's former President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to life in prison on charges of insurrection stemming from his declaration of emergency martial law, live footage showed Thursday. The Seoul Central District Court delivered its ruling, which was broadcast live to the public, saying the crux of Yoon's martial …
(2026-02-20). A new war in the Middle East seems only a matter of time. strategic-culture.su The U.S., Israel and Iran escalate their tensions. | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | Rising tensions between Iran and the United St…
(2026-02-20). Wednesday 2/25: Black History Month Celebration. indybay.org The Spot, Barrios Unidos, 1807 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz…
(2026-02-20). Markets Falter as Trump Raises Iran Tensions. moderndiplomacy.eu Stocks fell in Asia on Friday as investors reacted to heightened geopolitical risk and turmoil in private equity markets. Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slipped 0.6% following the Lunar New Year break, with technology and e-commerce shares particularly hard-hit. S&P 500 futures edged up 0.2%, and European futures rose …
(2026-02-20). Trump sets 10-15 day deadline for Iran nuclear deal. geo.tv 
US President Donald Trump speaks ahead of the signing of a ceasefire deal between Cambodia and Thailand on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 26, 2025. — Reuters Trump warns Iran of 'really bad…
(2026-02-20). As war with Iran looms, Israel is not watching U.S. plan strikes from the bleachers. haaretz.com U.S. preparations for a broad military attack on Iran grow, and Israel is acting not like a secondary player, but rather an active partner in decision-making, thanks to Netanyahu's insistence on placing Israel at the forefront of a possible confrontation…
(2026-02-20). Balcázar sworn in as Peru's eighth president in 10 years. peoplesdispatch.org The appointment came after his victory to preside over Congress. He will replace center-right José Jerí, who was in office for just four months, demonstrating, if there were any doubt, the severe crisis of representation that Peruvian politics is experiencing.
(2026-02-20). The Cuban Revolution Holds Out Against US Imperialism. popularresistance.org In January 2026, US President Donald Trump declared Cuba to be an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to US security, a designation that allows the United States government to use sweeping economic restrictions traditionally reserved for national security adversaries. The US blockade against Cuba began in the 1960s, right after the Cuban Revolution of 1959, but has tightened over the years. Without any mandate from the United Nations Security Council (which permits sanctions under strict conditions) the United States has operated an illegal, unilateral blockade that tries to force countries from around the world t…
(2026-02-20). Iraq needs a stronger presidency, says candidate Sardar Abdulla. newarab.com 
(2026-02-20). Compulsory gender-based analysis training for public servants. sanews.gov.za Compulsory gender-based analysis training for public servants | The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has introduced a compulsory Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) online training course aimed at strengthening gender-responsive, youth-responsive, and disability-inclusive planning, budgeting and service delivery across government. | The GBA+ online course is designed to support the development of inclusive and responsive policies, programmes and other government initiatives by equipping public servants with practical analytical tools. | Encouraging officials to enrol, the department…
(2026-02-20). One dead as Metro bridge pillar collapses in Mumbai. ummid.com One person has been killed and three others are injured after a pillar of an under-construction metro rail bridge collapsed in Mulund, Mumbai Saturday February 14, 2026.
(2026-02-20). President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to Be Honored at 34th Annual Africa Peace Awards Ceremony. indybay.org We are pleased to announce that His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, has been invited by Sac State University President Luke Wood, and he has accepted, as the keynote speaker and distinguished honoree at the 34th Annual Peace Awards Ceremony, an internationally renowned annual event recognizing those with outstanding service and leadership, as well as steadfast commitment to peace, justice, and global harmony.
(2026-02-20). Labor government moves to bar entry to Australian women and children interned in Syria. wsws.org The Albanese government's actions, echoing the anti-immigrant poison of One Nation, flout warnings of widespread human rights abuses in Syrian internment camps.
(2026-02-20). Applications open for 2027 Fulbright scholarship program. tribune.com.pk 
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has opened applications for the 2027 Fulbright Student Program. | Established in 1950 by the governments of the United States and Pakistan, the USEFP has facilitated exchange programs for more than 9,000 Pakistanis and nearly 1,000 Americans. The Fulbright scholarship covers graduate study in the US, including tuition, living expenses, insurance, and air travel. | The USEFP said the program considers a broad definition of merit, including grades, test scores, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to Pakistan's development. | The schola…
(2026-02-20). India AI Summit in mess after Galgotia University's 'Robot Blunder'. ummid.com A massive controversy unfloded at the India AI Impact Summit Wednesday Februray 18, 2026 after Noida based Galgotia University put on display a Chinese Robot claiming it to be an innovation of its students.
(2026-02-20). International coalition prepares humanitarian convoy to break the blockade against Cuba. radiohc.cu The "Nuestra America" / "Our America" coalition of international movements announced that its humanitarian aid initiative for Cuba will transform into a massive deployment by air, sea, and land. The goal is to deliver food, medicine, and essential goods on March 21st to the Malecón in Havana. This mobilization seeks to break the economic blockade that is suffocating the island, integrating unions, members of parliament, and humanitarian organizations into a global logistics network for collecting supplies. | Prominent international figures such as Swedish activist Greta T…
(2026-02-20). Polymarket: Odds of Jesus Christ returning outrank Kamala Harris for 2028. albawaba.com ALBAWABA – The world's largest cryptocurrency-based prediction market, Polymarket, sparked debate on social media after posting that the odds of Jesus Christ returning are higher than Kamala Harris's chance of winning the next 2028 presidential elections. Polymarket took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "The odds of Jesus Christ returning this year have surpassed Kamala Harris's chances of winning the next election." According to the market's official website, the possibility of Jesus Christ returning
(2026-02-20). British PM appoints new cabinet secretary. ecns.cn The Cabinet Office announced on Thursday that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary and head of the Civil Service.
(2026-02-20). Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei: How the 86-Year-Old Confronts His Greatest Crisis Yet. moderndiplomacy.eu Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled Iran since 1989, exercising ultimate authority over all branches of government, the military, and the judiciary. With decades of experience navigating internal unrest, regional conflicts, and foreign pressure, Khamenei now faces arguably the gravest crisis of his 36-year tenure: a sanctions-hit economy, massive domestic protests, and the threat of U.S. …
(2026-02-20). How will US-Iran war begin: Details leak before potential conflict – Missiles, jets or invasion in first hit. hindustantimes.com Analysts outline scenarios for a U.S. strike on Iran as Trump's "beautiful armada" of carriers, destroyers and jets masses near Hormuz. With the Ford and Lincoln at sea, 50+ fighters in theatre and submarines ready to fire Tomahawks, any clash could mean weeks of strikes against Khamenei's missile arsenal.
(2026-02-20). The Way Forward for Bangladesh. ummid.com The way forward for Bangladesh involves strengthening democratic institutions, implementing deep structural economic reforms, and ensuring law and order following the 2024 political transition.
(2026-02-20). Germany's "Energy Transition" Hits the Ice: LNG Crisis Exposes the Costs of Shunning Nuclear and Baseload Power. wattsupwiththat.com Baseload power sources — whether nuclear or coal — were dismissed prematurely with pie-in-the-sky magical-thinking that a renewables-centric system could replace them quickly. But the reality of an industrialized society is that demand does not pause when the wind stops blowing or when Baltic ice slows a tanker. In that context, abandoning dispatchable power before firm, proven alternatives are in place looks less like foresight and more like ideology driving policy.
(2026-02-20). SAPS to welcome new members of the Special Task Force. sanews.gov.za SAPS to welcome new members of the Special Task Force | The South African Police Service (SAPS) will today welcome 13 Special Task Force (STF) Operators to join the organisation's elite tactical unit. | The STF unit deals with high-risk operations that fall beyond the scope of general policing, which requires specialised skills. | The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, will officiate at the parade of the newly highly trained members of the Special Task Force at SAPS Academy Tshwane. | "The 13 STF Operators have undergone and successfully completed the basic Special Task Force Training Pr…
(2026-02-20). Model Mahnoor Rahim alleges inappropriate messages from producer Umer Mukhtar. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistani model Mahnoor Rahim has publicly accused TV producer Umer Mukhtar of sending inappropriate messages to women online. | In a video uploaded on Instagram this week, Mahnoor claimed that despite being married, Mukhtar repeatedly tried to contact women for personal conversations. | Sharing her own experience, she said that in 2023, while in Canada, a producer messaged her at 3am. She initially assumed it was work-related, but he only wanted to chat. | Mahnoor immediately confronted him and shared the screenshots with his wife. According to her, he had falsely claimed to be single, to which she replied, "
(2026-02-20). Daily Memo: ICE Used 14 Vehicles to Take 6 People from Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse. lataco.com So essentially what we're seeing is that Border Patrol is still active down in San Diego, along with ICE. Here, ICE is operating out of their local offices in Santa Ana and San Bernardino. We also know that people are being taken in Los Angeles who show up for their check-ins. Both are hard to catch, observe, or document, but we've confirmed that it's happening.
(2026-02-20). South Korea's ex-president Yoon sentenced to life in prison on insurrection. ecns.cn South Korea's former President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to life in prison on charges of insurrection stemming from his declaration of emergency martial law, live footage showed Thursday.
(2026-02-20). ICRC President: Respect for international humanitarian law preserves pathways back to peace. icrc.org Speech given by Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross: Maastricht Die Natalis — Honorary Doctorate Ceremony…
(2026-02-20). AG: police use says stalling spyware legislation. haaretz.com Gali Baharav-Miara pushed back against accusations from the police and National Security Ministry, stating that a bill to authorize advanced surveillance has been 'sitting on the government's table for a long time'…
(2026-02-20). Energy transition a matter of survival – President Ramaphosa. sanews.gov.za Energy transition a matter of survival – President Ramaphosa | The climate transition is not only a developmental goal for South Africa, but a matter of survival for humanity and the globe. | This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chaired the virtual inaugural meeting of the newly elected Presidential Climate Commission on Friday. | "Climate change is an existential threat to the future of humanity and the planet. We must act with others across the globe to ensure that we do not breach the 1.5 degree warming above pre-industrial levels. | "We must reduce carbon emissions at a pace and scale that is a…
(2026-02-20). Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026 – Time and List of Cities, Countries to Watch. ummid.com An Annular Solar Eclipse, also called as Ring of Fire, will be witnessed Tuesday February 17, 2026 and will be visible in parts of South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Argentina, Chile and other countries but not in India, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries.
(2026-02-20). RRB CEN 06/2025 Exam Date Confirmed. ummid.com The Ministry of Railways has confirmed the examination date and schedule of the Computer Based Test 1 (CBT-1) to be conducted to fill various vacancies as notified under the RRB CEN 06/2025.
(2026-02-20). New resolution favors investments in renewable energy systems. radiohc.cu With the publication this Thursday of Resolution 41 of 2026 by the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP), the country is introducing incentive measures for the import, installation, and use of renewable energy technologies. | According to Yenisley Ortiz Mantecón, Deputy Minister of Finance and Prices, who spoke at a press conference, this regulation aims to accelerate the energy transition in Cuba, benefiting individuals, legal entities, and all economic actors in general. | The new resolution is also part of the Government Program to correct distortions and revitalize the economy, where the recovery of the nation…
(2026-02-20). How History Remembers Tipu Sultan. ummid.com It is interesting to note in the RSS series for children on Indian History, they had published a book on Tipu Sultan in the 1970s.
(2026-02-20). KCET 2026: Here's Why Last Date of Application Extended. ummid.com The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has extended the last date of application for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2026 or KCET 2026, the compulsory entrance exam conducted for admission in Engineering, Medical, Pharmacy and other professional degree courses.
(2026-02-20). China announces duty free imports from almost whole of African Continent. ummid.com China has announced to implement zero duty imports from almost whole of the African Continent starting May 01, 2026.
(2026-02-20). Al-Nassr Winning Streak Without Ronaldo Continues. ummid.com Al Nassr Saudi FC defeated FC Arkadag in AFC Cup Round of 16 Leg 2 of 2 match played without its Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh Wednesday February 18, 2026.
(2026-02-20). 8 skiers dead after avalanche in U.S. Northern California. ecns.cn Eight skiers have been killed and one remains missing following an avalanche on Tuesday in Nevada County, US Northern California, local authorities said Wednesday.
(2026-02-20). Occupation Intensifies: Wave of Raids, Arrests, and Settler Attacks Sweep West Bank. english.almanar.com.lb The Israeli enemy has launched a campaign of raids and arrests across multiple areas of the occupied West Bank. Cities and refugee camps in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem witnessed a significant escalation of violence from last night until dawn today, following a series of incursions by Israeli occupation forces. These operations coincided with …
(2026-02-20). World Socialist Revolution is the answer to imperialist war and fascism. wsws.org David North delivered lectures online at the invitation of Social Democracy clubs at Bilkent University and Middle East Technical University, both located in Ankara, Turkey. The lectures were delivered on February 17 and 19.
(2026-02-20). Ordinances bypass legislative rules. tribune.com.pk 
The Punjab government is about to complete its two-year term this month. During this period, it passed numerous laws through the Punjab Assembly. However, it also bypassed the Assembly and issued more than a dozen ordinances — a practice being described as record-setting by critics. | The ordinances were presented as measures to address urgent administrative needs and public interest, but opposition lawmakers and legal experts argued that such reliance undermined the role of the legislature. | According to details obtained by the Express Tribune, the government's ordinances covered a wide range of areas,…
(2026-02-20). "Not worried" : Reactions as Maharashtra annuls 5% Muslim Quota. ummid.com Commenting on the BJP-led Mahayuti government's decision to scrap the 5% reservation granted to Muslims, AIMIM Maharashtra President and former MP, Imtiaz Jaleel, said the decision will not have any impact on the community.
(2026-02-20). Record-breaking broadcast deal likely in Pakistan history. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan cricket appears to be on the verge of its most expensive commercial deal ever, which could add billions of rupees to the Pakistan Cricket Board's coffers. | According to sources, a Pakistan Super League franchise is considering offering ‚Ç®4.5 billion annually for the Pakistan Super League broadcast rights. If bid is successful, a four-year agreement worth up to ‚Ç®18 billion could be signed. Matches are likely to be aired on Pakistan Television, the state broadcaster. | Meanwhile, two major sports channels have been disqualified from the bidding race after failing to…
(2026-02-20). Ayatollah Khamenei's meeting with the people of Tabriz. unitedworldint.com 
Observations from the venue By Gàºrkan Demir, from Tabriz / Iran On January 17, Iran's Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, met with the people of Tabriz in Tehran. This meeting is traditional. It has been held for about 25 years, bringing Ali Khamenei together with the people of Tabriz, who were a cornerstone …
(2026-02-20). RIP: Jesse Jackson at the Wattstax concert in Los Angeles, in 1972. indybay.org Rev. Jesse Jackson, head of Operation PUSH, was the MC of the Wattstax concert, in 1972.
(2026-02-20). IBT 2010 CSUSF Strikers & Unionists Speak Out About Attacks on Labor & CSU Union Busting. indybay.org Striking IBT 2010 CSUSF building trades workers spoke out about their 4 day unfair labor practice strike. They were joined by other workers including an Amazon Teamster who talked about the role of AI at warehouses.
(2026-02-20). Activists celebrate the return of slavery exhibit at Philadelphia's President's House Site. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? More than a dozen people gathered in celebration this afternoon as National Park Service employees restored an exhibit depicting the lives of enslaved people to U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe set a Friday deadline for the Trump administration to restore the exhibit at the President's House Site, after several panels were removed in…
(2026-02-20). Jose Maria Balcazar Swears as Peruvian Interim President After Jeri's Removal. orinocotribune.com Peru's Congress elected Jose Maria Balcazar as new Interim President, replacing Jose Jeri in a context of political instability. | Congressman Jose Maria Balcazar Zelada was elected interim president by the Peru's Congress on February 19, replacing Jose Jeri who was removed last February 17, amid corruption allegations, underscoring the nation's persistent political instability. | "With 64 votes, the Congressman Jose Maria Balcazar Zelada has been elected President of the Congress of the Republic. Consequently, he will assume the office of President of the Republic of Peru", the highly unpopular Congress announce…
(2026-02-20). US forces in position for illegal attack on Iran. wsws.org The United States has positioned its naval and air forces for a massive assault on Iran in the largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
(2026-02-20). Gunfire erupts in Rawalpindi as police arrest two suspects after chase. tribune.com.pk 
(2026-02-20). One killed, 11 injured in Yemen after security forces disperse STC storming. aljazeera.com Protest erupts after the internationally recognised gov't holds its first session in the southern city of Aden.
(2026-02-20). The Erosion of EPA Enforcement Under Trump Creates a Public Health Risk. counterpunch.org 
It's been a tumultuous couple of weeks for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency followed through on its plan to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding and all the rules and decisions based on it. This action means the federal government no longer considers carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases — which result from burning
(2026-02-20). Germany: 6 years since the racist murders in Hanau. wsws.org Six years after the racist murder attack in Hanau, thousands took to the streets again on February 19 to commemorate the victims. A tenth victim has recently succumbed to his injuries.
(2026-02-20). Pakistan's Got Talent auditions kick off. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan is set to host its biggest talent competition yet, as auditions for Pakistan's Got Talent are now open. The announcement came via Instagram from Pixel Entertainment, sparking excitement across social media. | From powerhouse vocalists and street dancers to magicians and martial artists, the stage is open to anyone ready to showcase their skills. And fans are already buzzing — not just about the competition, but about the chance to celebrate Pakistan's rich cultural heritage through regional music, traditional instruments and homegrown performance styles. | View this post on Instagram | A platfor…
(2026-02-20). CARTOONS: Angus Taylor is seriously talking turkey. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-02-20). British vlogger celebrates multicultural Spring Festival in Xinjiang. ecns.cn During the Year of the Horse Spring Festival, British vlogger Luke Johnston joined his Uygur friend Muradil to experience the holiday celebrations across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
(2026-02-20). What We Can Learn From North Carolina's "Moral Mondays" portside.org What We Can Learn From North Carolina's "Moral Mondays" |
(2026-02-20). Monday 3/2: Crossing State Lines for Abortion Access: Short Films and Panel Discussion. indybay.org Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103…
(2026-02-20). New PHF chief Wani backs Pakistan hockey ahead of Egypt qualifiers. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Wani said on Thursday that all players in the national squad have been directed to focus fully on training ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying round, with assurances that complete facilities and support will be provided. | Speaking to team captain Hammad Shakeel Butt, Wani said every possible assistance and guidance would be extended for the matches scheduled in Egypt from Feb. 27 to March 8. | He said coordination had been established with Pakistan's Ambassador to Egypt, Aamir Shouket, as well as with Egypt's foreign ministry to facilitate arrangements for…
(2026-02-20). Acting President Rodríguez Meets US Southern Command Chief in Caracas. orinocotribune.com Caracas ( The official Miraflores Palace account
(2026-02-20). PHF interim chief vows to restore hockey's glory, lifts ban on captain Ammad Butt. tribune.com.pk 
Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani has pledged to revive and strengthen the country's national game after assuming charge as the ad-hoc President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). | In a statement on Friday, following his appointment, Wani assured stakeholders of a comprehensive plan aimed at stabilising the federation, rebuilding trust and revamping team management to restore Pakistan's lost glory in international hockey. | "As the newly appointed ad-hoc President of PHF, I assure stakeholders of our commitment to revive and strengthen hockey in Pakistan," he said, addin…
(2026-02-20). Trump Is Raising Billions in Federal Funds. That's Not a Good Thing. portside.org Trump Is Raising Billions in Federal Funds. That's Not a Good Thing. |
(2026-02-20). Is a US Attack on Iran Just Hours Away? thinktank.pk 
A growing storm of geopolitical tension in the Middle East has thrust the world toward a potential flashpoint between the United States and Iran. Multiple reports from U.S. media outlets and international news organisations now suggest that American military forces could be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, even as …
(2026-02-20). AU adopts landmark resolution on slavery, colonialism, and reparatory justice. peoplesdispatch.org In the 39th Session of the Assembly of the African Union, African leaders adopted a historic resolution recognizing slavery and colonialism as crimes against humanity, advancing Africa's demand for historical justice and reparations.
(2026-02-20). More Canadian buyers turn to INKAS Safes as security concerns grow nationwide. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-02-20). CUET PG 2026 subject-wise schedule released. ummid.com The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the subject-wise schedule of the Common University Entrance Test PG (CUET PG) 2026 on its official website.
(2026-02-20). PHF lifts Ammad Butt ban, promises fresh start for Pakistan hockey. tribune.com.pk 
Just a day after a two-year ban was slapped on national hockey team captain Ammad Butt, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Interim President Mohyuddin Wani announced Friday that the suspension had been lifted — signalling a reversal in tone as the federation moves to steady itself following recent turbulence. | The ban, imposed with PHF chief Tariq Bugti's resignation, had drawn swift criticism. Bugti stepped down after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the team's tour of Australia, where players were left scrambling for accommodation in Hobart and forced to cook their own meals and wash…
(2026-02-20). India: The international community must call for the immediate release of Umar Khalid. fidh.org The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), and the undersigned organisations condemn the 5 January 2026 decision of the Indian Supreme Court to deny bail to human rights defender and student activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained for over five years without trial, in violation of India's obligations under international human rights law. The (…) | – |
(2026-02-20). Rise of Jamaat-e Islami in Bangladesh and Concerns in India. ummid.com While India, which has historical ties with Bangladesh and its people, will engage with whoever wins the election, a Jamaat win is bound to involve very different calculations for New Delhi.
(2026-02-20). Ukrainian President Zelensky pledges elections, quickly backtracks. wsws.org The fight for democracy and to end the war in Ukraine is inseparable from the struggle to mobilize the working class in Ukraine and internationally against capitalism.
(2026-02-20). Philadelphia activists protest Enterprise's complicity with ICE. workers.org 
NO ICE Philadelphia activists delivered a message on Feb. 16 to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a company helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abduct our migrant neighbors and terrorize communities by renting vehicles to federal agents. Prior to a planned protest, Enterprise shut down their office inside the busy 30th Street Train . . . |
(2026-02-20). Belgian workers' one-day strike vs Israel's genocide. workers.org 
Workers spontaneously stopped production and walked out of the FN Herstal factory on Feb. 13 in protest of the visit by Col. Moshe Tetro, a high-ranking officer in the Israel Occupation Force and military attaché to Belgium. He was there as part of a tour led by the Belgian Defense . . . |
(2026-02-20). Can the new Federal Coalition be an effective Opposition and start acting like a 'government in waiting' ready to lead? onlineopinion.com.au Can the Federal Coalition become a real opposition, develop policy and be ready for office?
(2026-02-20). Dàºsseldorf Art Academy accused of antisemitism due to performance by Palestinian artist Basma al-Sharif. wsws.org The artist was not criticized for her works, but for several pro-Palestinian posts on Instagram criticizing the Israeli government, including a call to boycott Israel.
(2026-02-20). Working for a Nuclear-Free Future, or 85 Seconds to My Own Midnight? juancole.com (
(2026-02-20). Caitlin Johnstone: Dems Quietly Back War on Iran. consortiumnews.com Democratic Party leaders are doing nothing to oppose Trump's war plans for Iran because they support those plans. They just don't want to be the ones pulling the trigger. By Caitlin Johnstone Caitlin's Newsletter Reading by Tim Foley The Wall…
(2026-02-20). Washington D.C. declares public emergency after Potomac sewer collapse. wsws.org The District's Potomac sewage emergency stems from long‚Äëneglected infrastructure which will be addressed through prolonged repairs and higher rates on the population and devastated health and livelihoods for River residents.
(2026-02-20). Friday 2/20: Noisemakers Against Genocide (Israeli Consulate). indybay.org 456 Montgomery, San Francisco…
(2026-02-20). Philippines: Caring for conflict-affected people. icrc.org Facts and figures from January to December 2025…
(2026-02-20). I'm a philosopher who tries to see the best in others — but I know there are limits. |
(2026-02-20). U2 supports CPJ as it launches new EP 'Days of Ash'. Lauren Wolfe
(2026-02-20). When ICE sweeps a community, public health pays a price — and recovery will likely take years. |
(2026-02-20). Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest bring down the British monarchy? |
(2026-02-20). Revitalizan servicios de endoscopía en Sancti Spíritus gracias a solución innovadora. radiohc.cu 
Luego de un año sin funcionar, dos esófagogastroduodenoscopios, más conocidos como endoscopios, de amplio espectro diagnóstico, volvieron a la vida útil gracias al talento innovador de especialistas de los servicios de Gastroenterología del Hospital Provincial General Camilo Cienfuegos y de ingenieros electromédicos del territorio. | Desde la recuperación de dicha tecnología en enero de 2025, se han beneficiado más de 1 400 pacientes con diferentes enfermedades del tracto digestivo superior y de las ubicadas a nivel de esófago, estómago y duodeno, aseguró el doctor Oscar Pérez Rodríguez, especialista de segundo g…
(2026-02-20). Revitalizan servicios de endoscopía en Sancti Spíritus gracias a solución innovadora. radiohc.cu Luego de un año sin funcionar, dos esófagogastroduodenoscopios, más conocidos como endoscopios, de amplio espectro diagnóstico, volvieron a la vida útil gracias al talento innovador de especialistas de los servicios de Gastroenterología del Hospital Provincial General Camilo Cienfuegos y de ingenieros electromédicos del territorio. | Desde la recuperación de dicha tecnología en enero de 2025, se han beneficiado más de 1 400 pacientes con diferentes enfermedades del tracto digestivo superior y de las ubicadas a nivel de esófago, estómago y duodeno, aseguró el doctor Oscar Pérez Rodríguez, especialista de segundo g…
(2026-02-20). Cancillería cubana reafirma apoyo a cuerpo diplomático en el país. radiohc.cu El viceministro primero de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba, Gerardo Peñalver Portal aseguró, desde la red social X, la disposición de la Cancillería de brindar todo el apoyo a los representantes del cuerpo diplomático acreditado en el país, ante la difícil situación que atraviesa la nación antillana. | El dirigente sostuvo este miércoles un encuentro con embajadores y representantes diplomáticos, para intercambiar sobre las afectaciones a su labor derivadas de la nueva medida del Gobierno de Estados Unidos, consistente en bloquear el suministro de combustible hacia Cuba. | Peñalver Portal condenó las acciones de Wa…
(2026-02-20). Cancillería cubana reafirma apoyo a cuerpo diplomático en el país. radiohc.cu El viceministro primero de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba, Gerardo Peñalver Portal aseguró, desde la red social X, la disposición de la Cancillería de brindar todo el apoyo a los representantes del cuerpo diplomático acreditado en el país, ante la difícil situación que atraviesa la nación antillana. | El dirigente sostuvo este miércoles un encuentro con embajadores y representantes diplomáticos, para intercambiar sobre las afectaciones a su labor derivadas de la nueva medida del Gobierno de Estados Unidos, consistente en bloquear el suministro de combustible hacia Cuba. | Peñalver Portal condenó las acciones de Wa…
(2026-02-20). Nueva Ley de Salud Pública en Cuba: Una apuesta a largo plazo para seguir protegiendo la vida. cubadebate.cu La aprobación de la nueva Ley de Salud por la Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular, el 22 de diciembre de 2023 implicó, además de la actualización del marco jurídico vigente desde 1983, la consolidación de una visión integral de la salud como derecho humano fundamental, con énfasis en la justicia social, la ética médica y la participación popular.
(2026-02-20). Nueva Ley de Salud Pública en Cuba: Una apuesta a largo plazo para seguir protegiendo la vida. cubadebate.cu La aprobación de la nueva Ley de Salud por la Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular, el 22 de diciembre de 2023 implicó, además de la actualización del marco jurídico vigente desde 1983, la consolidación de una visión integral de la salud como derecho humano fundamental, con énfasis en la justicia social, la ética médica y la participación popular.
(2026-02-20). Actualizan tratamiento tributario relacionado con el uso y aprovechamiento de las fuentes renovables de energía (+ PDF). cubadebate.cu La Gaceta Oficial de la República Extraordinaria No. 30, de 19 de febrero de 2026, publica la Resolución 41 del Ministro de Finanzas y Precios del 12 de febrero de 2026 que actualiza los beneficios fiscales asociados al aprovechamiento, importación o utilización de materias primas, componentes, partes, piezas, equipos y accesorios relacionados con el aprovechamiento de las fuentes renovables de energía (FRE).
(2026-02-20). Argentina: Realizan nuevas acciones para recaudar fondos destinados a Cuba. radiohc.cu Los organizadores de la campaña de ayuda a Cuba en Argentina acordaron celebrar festivales musicales a fin de recaudar fondos para adquirir juegos de paneles solares, insumos médicos, medicinas y alimentos con destino a la nación caribeña. | Unas 36 organizaciones populares, políticas, sociales y sindicales del país austral se reunieron en la Casa de la Amistad con Cuba, de Buenos Aires, para evaluar la marcha de la campaña que presentaron el miércoles pasado. | Alberto Mas, uno de los directivos de ese centro solidario, destacó que en tan solo cinco días desde que se comenzó a conocer este noble gesto se recolec…
(2026-02-20). Europa e Cina: gli errori di lettura che impediscono una vera autonomia strategica. strategic-culture.su Negli ultimi mesi, visite di alto livello a Pechino e tensioni transatlantiche hanno mostrato una realtà scomoda: molte élite europee continuano a leggere la Cina con categorie ideologiche obsolete. Finché questa lente non cambia, l'Europa resterà politicamente subalterna e strategicamente incompiuta. | Segue nostro C'è un paradosso che attraversa la politica estera europea di questo primo scorcio del 2026. Da una parte, cresce la consap…
(2026-02-20). Legisladores mexicanos resaltan lazos de amistad con Cuba. radiohc.cu Legisladores del Congreso de la capital mexicana resaltaron los lazos de amistad entre su país y Cuba durante un encuentro con el embajador en la norteña nación Eugenio Martínez. | El diplomático participó en la mesa de trabajo "La Habana Cuba y Ciudad de México 29 años de hermandad y lazos históricos profundos", convocada por el Comité de Asuntos Internacionales del Congreso de la Ciudad de México con motivo del aniversario 29 de los vínculos entre ambas capitales. | La diputada Ana Luisa Buendía destacó que los nexos entre los dos países son de amistad y principios, y que ambos pueblos hermanos comparten un sen…
(2026-02-20). Verso Amigo: Un refugio para la memoria y el talento joven en Holguín. radiohc.cu 
En una tarde que transitó entre la memoria histórica y la savia nueva de la creación artística, el espacio ´Verso Amigo ª de la Sociedad Cultural José Martí (SCJM) en Holguín volvió a demostrar que la cultura es un puente generacional inquebrantable. | La cita, celebrada en la sede habitual del Centro de Superación para la Cultura, se convirtió en un homenaje a las aristas más humanas del Apóstol. | Así lo confirmó a la prensa el Máster en Ciencias Héctor Miguel Niles àÅvalos, presidente de la filial holguinera de la SCJM. | Niles, destacó la atmósfera lograda en el encuentro . ´El espacio…
(2026-02-20). Actores Económicos No Estatales entregaron donación a hospital pediátrico habaneroabana. radiohc.cu 
Actores Económicos No Estatales del área de comercialización del Puente de 10O y Boyeros, entregaron una donación de utensilios de limpieza, leche, culeros desechables así como ropa infantil, entre otros al Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler, del municipio capitalino de Boyeros. | Este gesto humanitario, al que se sumaron Sindicalistas del Comercio de Francia, y los Sindicatos Nacionales de Trabajadores de la Salud y del Comercio la Gastronomía y los Servicios, se realiza como parte de las actividades en saludo al Centenario del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz, el aniversario 65 de la creación de…
(2026-02-20). Cuba denounces "collective punishment" against its people by the U.S. radiohc.cu Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, denounced the United States' political strategy toward the Caribbean island, calling it "collective punishment" that uses the citizenry as "hostages." According to the diplomat, Washington seeks to force political transformations that serve its own interests through the systematic strangulation of the national economy. | Fernández de Cossío explained in a social media post that the US sanctions are tightening "every possible valve," severely impacting the country's basic infrastructure. | Among the most critical consequences, the official pointed to the…
(2026-02-20). Soprano cubana prenominada a Premios Platino del Cine Iberoamericano. radiohc.cu La soprano y compositora cubana Bárbara Llanes figura entre los 20 prenominados a Mejor Música Original en los Premios Platino, por su trabajo en la coproducción cubano-italiana Baracoa, dirigida por Luis Ernesto Doñas. | El Instituto Cubano de la Música (ICM) informó que el filme alcanzó prenominación, también, en la categoría de Mejor àìpera Prima, consolidando su presencia en el panorama cinematográfico iberoamericano. | La partitura concebida por Llanes se distingue por su versatilidad creativa y la riqueza de su propuesta sonora, lo que definió en parte su inclusión en los Premios Platino del Cine Ibe…
(2026-02-20). Actores Económicos No Estatales entregaron donación a hospital pediátrico habaneroabana. radiohc.cu Actores Económicos No Estatales del área de comercialización del Puente de 10O y Boyeros, entregaron una donación de utensilios de limpieza, leche, culeros desechables así como ropa infantil, entre otros al Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler, del municipio capitalino de Boyeros. | Este gesto humanitario, al que se sumaron Sindicalistas del Comercio de Francia, y los Sindicatos Nacionales de Trabajadores de la Salud y del Comercio la Gastronomía y los Servicios, se realiza como parte de las actividades en saludo al Centenario del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz, el aniversario 65 de la creación de…
(2026-02-20). Sunday 3/8: Oakland: International Working Day Protest March & Rally – No ICE! Stop Fascism! indybay.org Pergola at Lake Merritt | path near El Embarcadero and Lakeshore Ave | Oakland, CA | BART: Lake Merritt station…
(2026-02-20). Pechino riduce Ancora le riserve in titoli USA. strategic-culture.su La Cina prosegue la strategia di diversificazione e riduzione della dipendenza finanziaria da Washington. Le banche cinesi invitate a limitare l'esposizione al debito americano. Le riserve cinesi in Treasury sono ai minimi dal 2008. | Segue nostro Pechino ha compiuto un nuovo passo nella sua strategia di allontanamento dal debito sovrano statunitense. Secondo quanto riportato da Bloomberg il 9 febbraio, i regolatori cinesi hanno comunica…