Gustavo Petro, a former rebel fighter, became Colombia's first left-wing president in 2022. He has focused on issues like land reform and environmental concerns, and he has openly criticized U.S. policies, including those of President Donald Trump. Despite challenges, he continues to work towards implementing his ideas for a more equitable Colombia.
Key Facts
Gustavo Petro was part of the M-19, a rebel group that aimed for a fairer Colombia.
He became a senator known for exposing connections between politicians and paramilitary groups.
In 2022, he was elected as Colombia's first left-wing president.
Petro has called for land reform and environmental initiatives in Colombia.
He has criticized President Donald Trump and responded to U.S. actions toward Venezuela.
Petro's early life included influences from literature, particularly Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works.
His father was a teacher who inspired him to read and question authority.
Petro continues to face challenges implementing his ideas as president.
China announced an investigation into two top military generals, Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli, for suspected serious breaches of discipline and law. This is part of a wider anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping, affecting China's military leadership. Experts suggest this may have implications for China's actions toward Taiwan.
Key Facts
China is investigating Gen. Zhang Youxia, a top military figure, and Gen. Liu Zhenli.
This affects the Central Military Commission, China's top military authority.
President Xi Jinping is leading an anti-corruption campaign that has seen 200,000 officials punished since 2012.
At least 17 PLA generals, including top commission members, have been removed since 2012.
The recent changes leave only one original member of the Central Military Commission intact.
China regards Taiwan as its territory and has increased military activities near the island.
Experts believe these military leadership changes might impact China's strategy toward Taiwan in the short and long term.
A federal judge in Minnesota is examining a request by Attorney General Pam Bondi for the state to provide voter rolls and public assistance records as part of an immigration enforcement effort by the Trump administration. This request is being challenged in court, with Minnesota and its cities arguing that it has led to dangerous situations, including fatal shootings by federal officers.
Key Facts
A judge is reviewing Attorney General Pam Bondi's request for Minnesota's voter rolls and public assistance records.
The request is part of a Trump administration immigration enforcement effort.
Minnesota and its cities are challenging this enforcement, saying it has caused dangerous conditions.
The enforcement in question has reportedly led to two fatal shootings by federal officers.
Minnesota argues that the operation could undermine trust in democratic institutions.
The case is against the Department of Homeland Security and began after a shooting by an ICE officer.
Other states and the District of Columbia support Minnesota's challenge, warning of potential wider implications.
Spain has lowered the speed limit on part of a busy high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona due to a track fault. This speed reduction follows a recent deadly train crash and ongoing disruptions in local train services in Catalonia. The Spanish government and Transport Minister Óscar Puente are under scrutiny due to recent rail incidents.
Key Facts
Spain reduced the speed limit on a high-speed rail line between Madrid and Barcelona because of a crack found in the tracks.
The fault is located 110 km west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí.
The speed limit for this track section is now 80 km/h instead of its usual 300 km/h.
This reduction follows a recent deadly train collision in southern Spain that killed 45 people.
Other parts of the Madrid-Barcelona route also had temporary speed limits due to reported vibrations but were later restored to normal speeds.
Catalonia's local Rodalies rail service experienced severe disruptions, including a trainee driver's death and service suspensions.
The Spanish government is investigating the cause of the disruptions and a recent crash; there is speculation about a cyberattack as a possible cause.
Opposition leaders are calling for the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente, alleging misleading statements following the accidents.
Two children, reported missing over a year ago, were recently found in Hawaii during a joint operation involving multiple agencies. The operation, called Operation Shine the Light, successfully located a total of eight missing children. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to protect children who might be at risk of trafficking and exploitation.
Key Facts
Two children, reported as runaways over a year ago, were found in Hawaii.
The operation involved the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General and multiple other agencies.
Operation Shine the Light located eight missing children in total.
The recovered children were between the ages of 13 and 17.
The operation is part of efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation.
Operation Shine the Light was planned to coincide with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
The operation included cooperation with federal and state law enforcement and nonprofit organizations.
Community members can help by reporting information on missing children to authorities.
ICC judges have determined that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is healthy enough to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to his "war on drugs." The court statements clarified that Duterte can understand the legal proceedings he will be part of. A hearing to confirm whether the charges are strong enough to go to trial is set for February 23.
Key Facts
The ICC ruled that Duterte is fit to stand trial despite claims of poor health.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for actions during his presidency and earlier as mayor.
He is accused of involvement in death squads targeting alleged drug offenders.
An expert panel assessed Duterte's health for the court's decision.
This move leads to a "confirmation of charges" hearing on February 23.
Nick Kaufman, Duterte's lead lawyer, plans to appeal the court's decision.
The ICC has not found any suspect unfit for trial due to age or health in its history.
Duterte was arrested in March and is currently in The Hague.
President Trump announced that the U.S. employed a secret weapon called "The Discombobulator" to disable Venezuelan equipment during a raid to capture Nicolás Maduro. He also discussed ongoing U.S. military actions against drug cartels and mentioned a controversial Arctic security deal. Additionally, Trump commented on various topics, including a Nobel Peace Prize and Super Bowl performances.
Key Facts
President Trump referred to a secret U.S. weapon, "The Discombobulator," used in a raid on Nicolás Maduro's compound in Venezuela.
He claimed the weapon prevented Venezuelan rockets from launching by disabling their equipment.
Trump mentioned the possibility of extending military strikes on drug cartels into North America, including Mexico.
The U.S. conducted a recent strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Trump stated that oil from seized Venezuelan tankers has been removed but did not disclose the location of the ships.
The president discussed a potential Arctic security deal with NATO that involves American base locations, though details remain unclear.
Trump acknowledged receiving a Nobel Peace Prize given to him by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
He criticized the choice of performers for the Super Bowl and mentioned his attendance at the previous year's game.
The article discusses the changing nature of global politics, where traditional Western foreign policies based on power and norms are no longer effective. It suggests that Western countries need a more practical approach that aligns their values with their capacities and focuses resources on essential outcomes. The piece highlights the shift towards more competitive global relations, with countries like Russia and China playing significant roles.
Key Facts
The global political landscape has become more competitive and less rule-based.
Western foreign policy has traditionally relied on the belief that power, norms, and legitimacy worked together.
Recent developments show that Russia has prioritized military actions, and China has tightened control over strategic areas.
Western strategies, based on globalization and economic integration, have proven fragile in moderating rival behaviors.
Countries are seeing the need to diversify their economic and diplomatic relationships to reduce dependency on major powers.
Historical interventions in Iraq and Libya illustrate the failures of policies driven by moral objectives without strategic planning.
Supporting Ukraine is seen as both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity for maintaining European stability.
The Israeli military announced that the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli captive in the Gaza Strip, have been found and returned for burial. This event marks the fulfillment of a key condition in a ceasefire deal intended to end the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Key Facts
The remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli captive, were found in the Gaza Strip.
The identification was done by the National Center of Forensic Medicine alongside the Israel Police and Military Rabbinate.
The retrieval of Gvili's remains allows for further steps in a ceasefire agreement made in October.
All hostages held in Gaza have now been returned, according to the Israeli military.
Hamas provided information on the possible location of Gvili’s body as part of the ceasefire negotiations.
Israel will open the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza and Egypt, now that the captive has been found.
The crossing will only allow people to pass, not goods, at this stage.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen are making threats to launch new attacks in response to a U.S. aircraft carrier moving toward the region. This move comes after President Donald Trump warned about possible military action against Iran. The situation reflects ongoing tension in the region involving Iran and various militant groups.
Key Facts
Iranian-backed militias, such as the Houthis in Yemen and Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, are signaling possible new attacks.
These threats coincide with the approach of a U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln.
President Trump mentioned he might take military action against Iran over its protest crackdown.
The Houthis have previously targeted ships in the Red Sea and released a video hinting at possible future attacks.
Kataib Hezbollah warned of severe consequences if any attacks target Iran.
Iran's alliances in the region, part of the "Axis of Resistance," have weakened recently due to other conflicts.
The UAE declared it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacking Iran.
Hezbollah in Lebanon is also preparing for potential conflict but remains uncertain about its involvement if Iran is attacked.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter is advising soccer fans to reconsider attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States due to safety concerns. Blatter supports a Swiss legal expert's warnings about political unrest and security issues in the U.S. during the event.
Key Facts
Sepp Blatter is a former president of FIFA, the international soccer governing body.
He advises fans to think twice about going to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup.
Blatter's warning is based on concerns about security and political stability.
Mark Pieth, a Swiss legal expert, also suggests fans avoid attending due to these concerns.
The 2026 World Cup matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.
The warnings highlight issues like immigration enforcement and political unrest.
Suella Braverman, a former Conservative home secretary, has joined the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage. This marks the fourth Conservative Member of Parliament to switch to Reform UK, showing a shift of momentum in British politics. The defections are creating challenges and opportunities for both the Conservative and Labour parties.
Key Facts
Suella Braverman was a home secretary in the Conservative Party.
She is the fourth Conservative MP to join Reform UK since the last election.
Nigel Farage is the leader of Reform UK.
Braverman criticized her former party's recent performance and policies.
Several other Conservative MPs may also be considering joining Reform UK.
The Conservative and Labour parties are both impacted by these defections.
Reform UK claims that Britain is "broken," a view the Conservatives disagree with.
Judges at the International Criminal Court decided that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is healthy enough to go to trial. Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity because of his involvement in a violent anti-drug campaign during his time in office. His trial is now set to start on February 23.
Key Facts
The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled that Rodrigo Duterte can stand trial.
Duterte faces charges related to crimes against humanity due to his anti-drug campaign.
Concerns about Duterte's health had previously delayed the trial.
Duterte was arrested in March and a hearing was initially set for September.
Medical experts evaluated Duterte's health before the decision.
Duterte's lawyers wanted to present opposing medical evidence but were not permitted.
Human rights groups support the trial, viewing it as a step toward justice.
During Duterte's presidency, estimates of drug war deaths range from 6,000 to 30,000.
Nigella Lawson will become a new judge on The Great British Bake Off, replacing Dame Prue Leith. Prue Leith decided to step down from the show after serving as a judge since 2017. The show will return for its 17th series with Lawson joining current judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
Key Facts
Nigella Lawson is confirmed as the new judge on The Great British Bake Off.
She will replace Dame Prue Leith, who announced her departure last week.
Prue Leith joined the show in 2017 after it moved from the BBC to Channel 4.
The Great British Bake Off is a reality baking competition.
Lawson will join existing judge Paul Hollywood on the show.
The program will air its 17th series later this year.
Channel 4 is excited about Lawson joining the show, describing it as a blend of two British icons.
Prue Leith praised Lawson as "sassy, fun, and knowledgeable about baking."
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) agreed to share some personal details of its staff with Israeli authorities. This decision came after Israel set rules requiring aid organizations to provide detailed information in order to continue operating in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Critics worry that this move could endanger humanitarian workers in these areas.
Key Facts
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) will share personal information about some staff with Israeli authorities.
Israel requires aid groups to provide detailed staff information to continue working in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The information includes staff passports, CVs, and family member details.
Israel withdrew the licenses of 37 aid groups on January 1 for not meeting new standards.
Critics warn the information might be used to target humanitarian workers.
MSF stated it faced pressure to either comply or stop operations.
Critics claim Israel has previously accused aid groups of collaborating with Palestinian militant groups without providing evidence.
A new round of snow from a series of "clipper systems" is set to hit 14 U.S. states through Tuesday night, following Winter Storm Fern. The heaviest snow is expected in central New York and western Michigan. Many areas could see up to 6 inches of additional snow.
Key Facts
14 states are expected to receive more snow by Tuesday night.
States affected include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Some areas could see between 1 to 6 inches of new snow.
Lake-effect snow may lead to particularly heavy snowfall in certain areas.
Winter Storm Fern previously left 12 to 18 inches of snow in many of these areas.
The new storms will not be as strong as earlier ones in January, but they will still bring more snow and wind.
Temperatures in the eastern U.S. are expected to remain below freezing, limiting snowmelt and creating icy conditions.
The Venezuelan defense minister accused the U.S. of using advanced military technology during the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro. President Trump mentioned using a weapon called "the discombobulator" in the operation. The U.S. operation allegedly involved technologies never used before, including a "sonic weapon."
Key Facts
Venezuela's defense minister claimed the U.S. used Venezuela as a test site for new military technologies.
The U.S. operation to abduct President Nicolas Maduro happened on January 3.
President Trump acknowledged using a weapon he called "the discombobulator" during the operation.
The Venezuelan defense minister reported 47 Venezuelan and 32 Cuban soldiers died during the attack.
President Trump mentioned using a "sonic weapon" against Maduro's Cuban bodyguards.
The U.S. has historically used "sonic" systems like LRADs for security and crowd control.
LRADs can project sound over long distances and cause discomfort but are not designed to disable electronics.
King Charles III influenced President Donald Trump to change his stance on the UK’s contribution to the Afghanistan war. Trump initially questioned the reliability of NATO allies but later praised the British soldiers who died in Afghanistan after King Charles expressed concerns. This shift might ease tensions between the UK and the US.
Key Facts
President Trump initially made comments questioning NATO allies' support for the US.
King Charles showed concern over Trump’s remarks, prompting a change in Trump’s stance.
Trump later acknowledged the sacrifice of 457 British soldiers in the Afghanistan war.
Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on King Charles' influence.
The change might help King Charles' planned visit to the US in April.
Prince Harry and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Trump's original comments.
The negotiations over Greenland continue amid these diplomatic discussions.
The U.S. Supreme Court reversed a lower court's decision to grant a new trial to a man convicted of the attempted murder of his girlfriend. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with the majority decision, suggesting she would not have taken up the case. The decision involves the application of a federal law related to prisoner appeals.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court decided against giving Charles Brandon Martin a new trial.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the Supreme Court's decision.
The case involved the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996.
Martin was convicted of attempting to murder his girlfriend, Jodi Torok.
Torok was found shot and unconscious, and evidence linked Martin to the crime.
Martin argued his rights were violated because a forensic report was not disclosed.
A lower court initially granted a new trial, but higher courts reversed this decision.
The Supreme Court ruled that the non-disclosure of the report did not change the verdict's fairness.
Suella Braverman, a former UK Home Secretary and member of the Conservative Party, has joined the Reform UK party. She is the fourth Conservative MP to switch to Reform UK since the last election, bringing the party's total number of MPs to eight.
Key Facts
Suella Braverman was previously the UK Home Secretary.
She has left the Conservative Party after 30 years.
Braverman announced her move at a Reform UK rally in London.
She is now part of the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage.
She is the fourth Conservative MP to join Reform UK since the last election.
