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THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is currently facing a pivotal confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, a significant moment for thousands of victims of his administration's deadly "war on drugs." The proceedings, which began February 23, 2026, mark an unprecedented step in international accountability for alleged crimes against humanity committed during a campaign that claimed thousands of lives and drew widespread global condemnation. Prosecutors allege that Duterte, during his tenure as president and earlier as mayor of Davao City, encouraged death squads to carry out extrajudicial killings, using fear and financial incentives to facilitate a systematic attack against a civilian population. ## The Genesis of the "War on Drugs" and International Scrutiny Rodrigo Duterte launched his aggressive anti-drug campaign immediately upon assuming the presidency on June 30, 2016, a cornerstone promise of his election platform

MEXICO CITY – Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, was killed Sunday, February 22, 2026, during a high-stakes military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The dramatic demise of "El Mencho," a figure synonymous with extreme violence and illicit power, has ignited a wave of retaliatory attacks across Mexico and left the nation grappling with profound questions about the future of its volatile drug war

Washington D.C. - United States lawmakers have issued a stark warning, designating Nigeria as the "most dangerous place in the world to practice the Christian faith," following extensive assessments of what they describe as a widespread and escalating persecution. This pronouncement underscores mounting international concern over the severe violence targeting Christian communities across the West African nation, prompting calls for robust diplomatic action and potential sanctions against Nigerian officials. The alarming declaration comes from a joint report by the U.S

PARIS, FRANCE – The director of the iconic Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has tendered her resignation, which was accepted by French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The move comes in the wake of a sophisticated and embarrassing jewel heist that saw priceless French Crown Jewels stolen from the museum's heavily guarded Galerie d'Apollon last October

In an era where digital distribution offers unprecedented reach for independent creators, it also presents fertile ground for intellectual property theft. The harrowing experience of two German film students, Moritz and Julius, whose short film "Butty" was stolen, renamed "T-130," and submitted to international film festivals under another individual's name, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities artists face

A profound and complex tension grips Iran, where a population grapples with a deepening economic crisis, pervasive state repression, and a persistent, often defiant, desire for fundamental change. From the bustling bazaars to the quiet corners of homes, a potent mix of anger over deteriorating living conditions, fear of brutal state crackdowns, and an unshakeable aspiration for greater freedoms defines daily life for millions

TOKYO, Japan – A decades-long plan to significantly reduce the U.S. military footprint on the Japanese island of Okinawa is now confronting the complex and urgent realities of an increasingly assertive China, prompting a critical re-evaluation of regional defense strategies

Kyiv, Ukraine – A critical energy dispute surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline, a vital artery for Russian crude into Central Europe, has intensified, creating fresh rifts within the European Union and complicating aid efforts for war-torn Ukraine. The southern branch of the pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia, has been offline since late January 2026, leading to a diplomatic standoff with accusations of political leverage and energy blackmail traded between Kyiv, Budapest, and Bratislava

Recent widespread violence following the death of a prominent cartel leader has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Mexico's preparations to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, triggering international concern and prompting urgent security reassessments. With less than four months until the tournament commences, a wave of retaliatory attacks, marked by blockades, arson, and armed confrontations, has unfolded across multiple states, particularly impacting Guadalajara, one of the designated host cities

MANDERA, Kenya – After a 15-year closure, the border between Kenya and Somalia is slated to officially reopen in April 2026, a move hailed by Kenyan President William Ruto as a step toward revitalizing cross-border trade and reconnecting fractured communities. However, the decision comes weighted with significant security concerns, particularly regarding the enduring threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group, whose attacks originally prompted the border's shutdown

KYIV, Ukraine – Four years into the full-scale invasion, Ukraine's war effort against Russia has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from an initial, desperate defense into a sophisticated and adaptable military strategy marked by technological innovation, robust domestic production, and a persistent quest for international support. What began as a fierce, nation-wide resistance to an overwhelming initial assault has matured into a complex, multi-faceted struggle aimed at national survival and attrition of the adversary, redefining modern warfare in the process. ### The Crucible of Early Defense: From Resistance to Resilience When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukraine faced an existential threat

DAKAR, Senegal – The Senegalese government has adopted a new bill aimed at significantly toughening penalties for same-sex acts, a move that could see jail terms for those convicted more than double. This legislative push, coming amidst heightened social and political pressure, proposes to redefine existing laws and impose harsher punishments, drawing immediate concern from international human rights organizations

BERLIN, GERMANY – A prominent German journalists' union has called for the summoning of Turkey's ambassador to Germany, escalating a diplomatic row sparked by the arrest and pre-trial detention of a Deutsche Welle (DW) correspondent in Turkey. The move underscores mounting concerns over press freedom in Turkey and its impact on international relations. The German Journalists' Association (DJV) formally requested Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to summon the Turkish envoy after an Istanbul court ordered the pre-trial detention of veteran DW correspondent Alican Uludağ

Berlin's cherished identity as a vibrant cultural capital and a leading hub for research and education is facing an existential threat, as sweeping budget cuts implemented by the city's government send shockwaves through its universities and diverse cultural institutions. A reported €130 million less for the cultural sector in 2025, alongside a staggering €250 million reduction for tertiary education, research, and science, has ignited widespread protests and sparked fears that Berlin's hard-won reputation could be permanently damaged

Germany, long revered as the industrial heartland of Europe, is strategically positioning itself to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a crucial tool for economic resilience and global competitiveness. As the world navigates a rapidly evolving technological landscape dominated by the AI advancements of the United States and China, Germany is channeling its engineering prowess and manufacturing heritage into industrial AI, seeking to redefine its future and maintain its economic standing