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TikTok's U.S. joint venture, established in compliance with U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order, has survived a turbulent rollout with minimal change in usership. Despite initial concerns over service outages and censorship, user engagement metrics have largely returned to normal. The joint venture, owned by Oracle, Silver Lake, MGX, and others, has retained 95% of its daily active users in the U.S. Analysts suggest that users have been unable to identify tangible changes in TikTok's U.S. operations, and the platform's algorithm remains largely unchanged. However, some changes to TikTok's terms of use have raised concerns about data collection and potential political bias.

The article discusses how the release of the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) for January and signs of cooling tensions between the U.S. and Iran have provided some comfort to investors. The CPI rose 2.4% year-on-year, lower than December's 2.7%, and core CPI came in at 2.5%, the lowest since April 2021. U.S. markets were mixed on Friday but ended the week lower due to uncertainty about the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on companies. Meanwhile, Japan's economy expanded 0.1% in the last quarter of 2025, reversing a previous contraction. The article also touches on other news, including the potential for Warner Bros. to reopen sale talks with Paramount and the fallout from the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files.

A new report by Chainalysis reveals that cryptocurrency payments to suspected human trafficking syndicates surged 85% in 2025, with hundreds of millions of transactions traced on public blockchains. The activity is largely linked to an expanding criminal ecosystem in Southeast Asia, where scam compounds, illegal online gambling operations, and Chinese-language money laundering networks operate. The report highlights the global reach of these operations, with customers sending payments from across North and South America, Europe, and Australia. Chainalysis found that cybercriminals are increasingly relying on messaging platforms like Telegram to advertise their services, recruit victims, and coordinate payments. The transparency of public blockchains provides unprecedented visibility into criminal financial flows, which blockchain trackers rely on to disrupt activities. The report identifies three main categories of crypto activity by human traffickers: international escort and prostitution services, labor placement agents and scam compounds, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) vendors.

Deutsche Bank's global head of FX research, George Saravelos, warns that the US dollar's traditional safe-haven status is being challenged due to high exposure to AI risks in US equities. The US stock market has become riskier due to AI concentration and cannibalization risks, as seen in the recent sell-off in software stocks. The S&P 500 Software & Services Index is down nearly 20% this year. Saravelos notes that when negative equity news originates in the US, the dollar can fall even as equities decline. He suggests that the dollar has lost its exceptionalism as a safe-haven asset in a more positive global growth environment, making other currencies like the Australian dollar and emerging currencies more attractive. The dollar index declined 9.4% in 2025 and has shed 1.4% so far this year.

Martin Berry, the founder and chairman of Gong Cha Global, left his lucrative banking career in 2013 to pursue a business venture in bubble tea. After discovering Gong cha, a Taiwanese bubble tea franchise, he became a master franchiser and led the brand's international expansion. Under his leadership, Gong cha grew from four countries to over 30, with more than 2,000 locations worldwide. The company generated over $500 million in systemwide sales in 2024. Berry's entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks were key factors in his success.

The article discusses the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India, which will be attended by top tech CEOs including Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai. India is seen as a critical growth market due to its young, tech-forward consumers and large pool of talent. The summit comes amid a reset in relations between India and the US as they push towards a trade deal. India's government has been actively promoting the country's tech industry, approving $18 billion worth of semiconductor projects and pushing major companies to manufacture goods in India. The summit will focus on AI infrastructure, users, and talent, with potential big investment deals announced around AI data centers.

Japan's economy grew 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025, avoiding a technical recession but missing expectations of a 0.4% expansion. The growth was driven by private consumption, which offset weakness in exports and public spending. The Bank of Japan raised its economic growth forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 to 0.9% from 0.7%. Japan is working with the U.S. on a $550 billion investment pledge under its trade deal with Washington. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to support economic growth by boosting investment through 'proactive' fiscal policy. Goldman Sachs' Chief Japan Equity Strategist expects a 'flurry of announcements' involving Japanese and U.S. companies across areas such as industrialization and shipbuilding.

Qube Holdings' shares surged to a record high after the company agreed to be taken over by a consortium led by Macquarie Asset Management in an $11.7 billion Australian dollar deal. The all-cash offer represents a 27.8% premium to Qube's last closing price before the exclusivity process announcement. The transaction is expected to be put to shareholders in June 2026 and is subject to regulatory approvals. Qube is a major Australian logistics and infrastructure group operating in Australia, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand.

The article discusses the rising trend of colorectal cancer among younger adults, citing the deaths of actors James Van Der Beek and Chadwick Boseman as examples. Dr. John Marshall, a cancer doctor with over three decades of experience, notes that the increasing number of younger adults developing colon cancer is alarming. The article highlights that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among Americans under 50 and provides information on the symptoms and risk factors associated with the disease.

Australian police have arrested a 52-year-old man and recovered stolen Egyptian artefacts after a nighttime smash and grab at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, Queensland. The man is accused of stealing a mummy mask, collar, necklace, and wooden cat sculpture, causing 'irreparable damage' to other items. The suspect was arrested on Russell Island, and police recovered most of the stolen goods, with the wooden cat sculpture being the last item recovered. The man was charged with breaking and entering, and three counts of wilful damage.

The article provides a roundup of five news stories from the weekend, including China's decision to allow visa-free entry to British and Canadian nationals, the meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference, and the controversy surrounding Star Cruises' axed trip. China has announced that it will allow visa-free entry to British and Canadian nationals, a move seen as a significant relaxation of travel restrictions. Meanwhile, Rubio and Wang Yi discussed the need to manage differences between the US and China at the Munich Security Conference, despite ongoing tensions. The article also touches on other news stories from the weekend, including the Star Cruises fiasco.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to boost domestic demand and accelerate consumption and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, to counter economic headwinds in 2026. Xi's priorities, revealed in a speech excerpt published by the Communist Party's leading theoretical journal, include growing incomes for urban and rural residents, expanding the supply of quality goods and services, and eliminating unreasonable restrictions on consumption. The move is seen as a potential precursor to fresh measures ahead of China's annual parliamentary meetings next month. Despite last year's mixed performance, with retail sales growing 3.7% year on year, trailing the country's 5% overall economic growth, Xi remains optimistic about China's 'ultra-large market' potential.

Chinese families are becoming increasingly cautious about purchasing pre-made meals for Lunar New Year celebrations due to a recent scandal involving a star influencer and a national restaurant chain. The controversy has raised concerns about food transparency and quality in China's fast-growing prepared food industry. As a result, many households are opting for quality over convenience and allocating more money for the traditional reunion dinner.

The article reveals that Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier, funded AI pioneer Ben Goertzel, helping him secure HK$8.9 million in Hong Kong government grants. US government documents show that Epstein committed at least US$113,000 to support Goertzel's open-source AI framework, OpenCog, from 2010 to 2015. Goertzel, who was based in Hong Kong in the 2010s, worked on AI projects, including developing the humanoid robot Sophia. The article suggests that Goertzel curried favor with Epstein to tap into his wealth, and although there's no evidence linking Goertzel to Epstein's illegal activities, Goertzel now regrets associating with him.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered a Lunar New Year message, urging residents to 'move with agility and steadiness' in the Year of the Horse. Lee described the horse as a symbol of 'speed and stamina' that 'boldly charges ahead.' In a televised address, Lee and his wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim, wished prosperity and good fortune to the city's residents. The Chief Executive is scheduled to visit a New Year fair in Kwun Tong.

The article discusses how Western pressure on Russia's oil trade is bringing Indonesia into focus as a potential new market for Moscow's discounted oil supplies. Analysts say Indonesia's growing energy demand and limited fiscal resources could make it an attractive buyer, but this could complicate Jakarta's trade negotiations with Washington and strain ties with the US and its allies. Indonesia has faced scrutiny over alleged imports of Russian crude, which authorities have denied. The European Union is also considering extending sanctions to Indonesian ports that have handled Russian oil.

Gisèle Pelicot, the ex-wife of Dominique Pelicot, recounts her ordeal of being drugged and abused by her husband and dozens of other men he recruited online. She describes the shock and trauma she experienced upon discovering the truth and her decision to speak out publicly about her experience, despite the shame and stigma associated with being a victim of sexual abuse. Pelicot's bravery and resilience have made her a feminist hero, and her story is an inspiration to others who have suffered similar traumas. She has written a book about her experience, 'A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,' and is now in a new relationship, finding love and happiness again.

The online activity of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old perpetrator of a deadly school shooting in Canada, revealed a fascination with firearms, mass violence, and violent content. Experts analyzed Van Rootselaar's digital footprint, showing a history of consuming 'gore' content and posting about struggles with substance use and mental health. The shooter was active on the website WatchPeopleDie, which hosts graphic violence content and has been linked to other mass violence perpetrators. Analysts found that Van Rootselaar's online activity began to take a troubling turn around 2021, with posts about guns and later, drug use and mental health struggles. The shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School resulted in six deaths, and Van Rootselaar's family members were also found dead.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses the ongoing government shutdown and the Democratic party's demands for reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan". Jeffries emphasizes the need for dramatic change at ICE, including requiring judicial warrants, body cameras, and ending racial profiling. He also touches on the upcoming State of the Union address and the 2026 elections, expressing confidence that Democrats will take back control of the House.

Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' to discuss the House Oversight Committee's investigation into ICE operations and the release of Epstein documents. Garcia expressed concerns about ICE's actions, stating that they are 'out of control' and have become 'Donald Trump's personal police force.' He also criticized the Department of Justice for not releasing all Epstein documents, calling it a 'massive cover-up.' Garcia vowed to continue investigating until justice is served for Epstein's survivors.

Tom Homan, the Trump administration border czar, was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on February 15, 2026. He discussed the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement tactics and the funding standoff in Congress. Homan addressed several demands made by Democrats, including requiring immigration agents to show identification, wear body cameras, and obtain judicial warrants to enter private property. He defended the current practices of ICE agents, stating that they do not engage in racial profiling and that the use of masks is necessary due to the increased threats against them. Homan also discussed the recent 'Metro Surge' operation in Minnesota, which aimed to remove criminal aliens from the state. He stated that the operation was winding down but that ICE would maintain a presence in the state. Homan emphasized the need for cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies to address the issue of sanctuary cities.

A Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian Black Sea port sparked a fire, wounding at least two people, just days before U.S.-brokered talks aimed at ending the nearly 4-year-old war between Russia and Ukraine. The strike damaged an oil storage tank, warehouse, and terminals at the port of Taman. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes damaged civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region, disrupting power and water supply. The attacks came ahead of talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys in Geneva, where neither side is optimistic about a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns over future security guarantees and the concept of a free trade zone in the Donbas region.

Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old man accused of killing 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia, appeared in court via video link from a high-security prison. Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and a terror offence. His lawyer stated that it was too early to indicate how Akram would plead to the charges and that they were still waiting for the brief to be served. The case is expected to return to court in April.

A woman named Juliette Bryant, who was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein from Cape Town to his private island and ranch, shares her experience of being sexually assaulted on a private jet. She recounts how the women who recruited her laughed as she was assaulted and describes the psychological bondage that kept her ensnared for years. Juliette's story is part of a larger pattern of Epstein's trafficking ring that extended to Africa's southern coast. The article also mentions the release of Epstein's files, which exposed vulnerable victims due to insufficient redactions.

A 52-year-old man has been charged with stealing 'priceless' Egyptian artefacts from the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia. The stolen items, including a 2,600-year-old wooden cat sculpture, a 3,300-year-old necklace, a mummy mask, and a collar from a mummy, were recovered by police after a search of a camper van and the suspect's arrest on Russell Island. The suspect, of no fixed address, has been charged with breaking and entering and three counts of wilful damage. The artefacts were found to be largely intact with only minor damage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the violent riots in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city, where two female IDF soldiers were rescued by police after being attacked by thousands of ultra-Orthodox men. The protests were sparked by proposed laws that may force ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the Israeli military, a contentious issue that has reopened a deep divide in Israel. At least 22 people were arrested as protesters set police motorcycles on fire, overturned a police vehicle, and attacked officers. Netanyahu denounced the violence as the work of an 'extreme minority' that does not represent the entire haredi community, vowing that the government will not tolerate harm to IDF servicemen and security forces.

The United Nations has reported that over 6,000 people were killed in three days when the Sudanese paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), took control of the city of Al Fashir in October 2025. The UN Human Rights Office documented widespread atrocities, including mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, and abductions, which amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. The RSF and their allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran the city, which had been under siege for over 18 months. The UN report highlighted the ethnicity-motivated nature of many attacks and the widespread use of sexual violence against women and girls. The conflict in Sudan has created the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with parts of the nation pushed into famine, and has been marked by atrocities investigated by the International Criminal Court.

Thieves broke into a Volksbank branch in Stuhr, Germany, stealing from customer safety deposit boxes. Three men were seen wearing blue overalls and walking away from the bank. The incident comes months after a massive heist in Gelsenkirchen, where thieves stole millions worth of valuables from a bank vault during the Christmas holidays. Authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

Australian activist Drew Pavlou claims that Billie Eilish's team got him deported from the US after he mocked her 'stolen land' speech at the Grammys and attempted to crowdfund moving into her $3 million Los Angeles mansion. Pavlou spent 30 hours at LAX immigration and was eventually deported. He alleges that Eilish's lawyers compiled a dossier on him, questioning him about his activism against the Chinese government. Eilish's team has not commented on the allegations.

Dana Shepherd, 53, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the 1993 rape and murder of 19-year-old Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis. The case was reopened after DNA testing linked Shepherd to the crime. Shepherd signed a plea deal admitting to the murder, and the additional charges were dismissed. The Van Huss family expressed gratitude that the perpetrator was being held accountable, but also acknowledged that nothing can undo the loss they suffered.

Former NFL Pro Bowl guard Tre' Johnson has died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 54 while on a family trip. Johnson played for Washington and the Cleveland Browns during his career and was a Pro Bowl selection in 1999. After retiring from football, he became a history teacher in Maryland. His wife, Irene, revealed his death on Facebook, stating that their family is devastated and in shock. The cause of death has not been revealed. Johnson was known for his durability and strength during his career, and the Washington Commanders paid tribute to him on social media.

Kansas State University has fired Jerome Tang as the head coach of the men's basketball team, citing 'recent public comments and conduct' as part of the reason. Tang was fired for cause, which could allow the university to avoid paying his $18.7 million buyout. The decision comes after Tang made public comments criticizing his players' effort in a loss to Cincinnati, stating they didn't 'deserve to wear this uniform.' Tang has since expressed his disappointment with the decision and plans to fight the for cause firing, claiming he acted with integrity and fulfilled his responsibilities as head coach.

The article, written by The Post Editorial Board, argues that George Washington's example should still inspire Americans today. It highlights his achievements, character, and legacy, including his role in shaping the US army and government, his commitment to the principles of the American Revolution, and his decision to free his slaves. The article suggests that Washington's life and actions continue to have the power to inspire Americans, particularly in a time of bitter political discord.

The article criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership, arguing that he prioritizes global travel and self-promotion over addressing the state's pressing issues, such as its fiscal crisis, high cost of living, and homelessness. The author contends that Newsom's policies have led to a decline in California's quality of life, making it unaffordable for the middle class and exacerbating poverty. The article suggests that Newsom's potential presidential candidacy in 2028 is a concern, as he lacks accountability and focuses on building a national brand rather than solving the state's problems.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has released files related to Jeffrey Epstein, as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. However, lawmakers, including Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, who co-wrote the law, have criticized the release, arguing that it is insufficient and that internal memos and documents related to the department's decisions on whether to charge Epstein and his associates should also be released. The DoJ claims to have released all relevant documents, but lawmakers argue that the release is incomplete and that some documents have been withheld under the deliberative process privilege.

Brazilian police officers disguised themselves in fancy dress to blend in with Carnival-goers in Rio de Janeiro and apprehended two suspects accused of phone theft. The undercover operation, part of 'Operation Tracking', resulted in the recovery of five stolen phones and the arrest of two individuals with 30 criminal records between them. The tactic is not new in Latin America, with Peruvian police also using elaborate costumes to catch suspected criminals on various occasions.

Gunmen on motorcycles killed dozens of people in dawn raids across three villages in north-western Nigeria, abducting an unknown number of people and setting homes alight. The attacks occurred near the site of a suspected jihadist massacre earlier this month, in which more than 100 people were killed. Armed criminal gangs, known as bandits, have carried out attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria for years, mainly targeting those in the north-west. Authorities have introduced emergency measures, including a restriction on late-night gatherings and a 'partial curfew' that bans motorcycle taxis from operating after 20:00 local time. The death toll could rise as many residents fled their homes and ran into the nearby bush or neighbouring communities.

The UK and its European allies have accused Russia of killing opposition leader Alexei Navalny using a toxin derived from a dart frog. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that only the Russian government had the means, motive, and opportunity to use the poison while Navalny was imprisoned in Russia. The toxin, called epibatidine, is extremely rare and found naturally in dart frogs in South America. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, had consistently claimed that her husband was poisoned by Russia. The UK has informed the Organisation on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons of Russia's alleged breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Ghanaian authorities are seeking to extradite a Russian man accused of secretly filming his sexual encounters with several women in Ghana without their consent. The suspect, identified as a self-styled 'pick-up artist' and online blogger, allegedly used a pair of sunglasses fitted with a camera to record some encounters and shared the footage online. Ghana's technology minister, Sam George, has invited the Russian ambassador to discuss the incident and requested Moscow's cooperation in bringing the suspect to justice. Russia does not typically extradite its citizens, except in extreme circumstances. Ghana's Cybersecurity Act 2020 makes it a crime to publish explicit images without consent, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's prime minister expressed concerns over President Donald Trump's repeated interest in acquiring Greenland during a panel at the Munich Security Conference. Frederiksen stated that she doesn't think Trump's interest in buying Greenland is over, despite previous denials. The article highlights the alarm raised by the prime ministers over Trump's intentions and provides context about the Munich Security Conference.

The defense chiefs of Germany and the United Kingdom, Gen. Carsten Breuer and Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, have issued a joint statement warning that Russia's military buildup and aggression in Ukraine pose a significant threat to European security. They argue that European nations must increase their defense spending and make 'hard choices' to deter a potential war with Russia. The defense chiefs emphasize that rearmament is not warmongering, but a responsible action to protect their people and preserve peace. They also stress the need for a 'whole-of-society approach' to defense, involving not just uniformed personnel but the entire population. The statement comes ahead of NATO's commitment to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035 and follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.

Logan Paul, a professional wrestler and influencer, has sold his rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for $16.492 million via Goldin auctions. The card, considered the 'holy grail' of Pokémon cards, was purchased by Paul in 2021 for $4 million and a PSA Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator card. The sale more than quadrupled Paul's initial investment, earning him over $8 million in profit after auction fees. The auction, which ran for 42 days, received 97 bids and was accompanied by a custom diamond necklace worn by Paul at WrestleMania 38. The sale set a new record for the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.

Swimmers in Poland celebrated Valentine's Day by jumping into the freezing Baltic Sea. The event was a unique way to mark the occasion, with participants braving the cold waters. The article highlights this unusual tradition and includes a video showcasing the event. Other unrelated news stories are also mentioned, such as a 6-year-old Girl Scout selling a large number of cookies and Olympians ordering McDonald's after competing.

Former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton criticized the Trump administration's handling of Ukraine and its relationships with Western allies at the Munich Security Conference, stating that it has been 'disgraceful' and that Trump 'betrayed' the West. Clinton's comments were made during a panel discussion, where she expressed her disappointment with the Trump administration's failure to maintain alliances with Western countries.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) of Singapore has been taking various measures to regulate the gambling industry. Recent news articles highlight the authority's efforts to manage gambling risks associated with blind boxes, a decrease in casino visits by Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and the renewal of Resorts World Sentosa's (RWS) casino license for only two years due to 'unsatisfactory' tourism performance. Other news includes large Toto jackpot wins and issues surrounding casino operations, such as the banning of an ex-top executive from Marina Bay Sands (MBS) premises.

US embassies and consulates are aggressively raising funds for lavish Fourth of July celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, echoing President Donald Trump's call for 'the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen'. The diplomatic outposts are soliciting large donations from executives, with some companies committing tens of millions of dollars. The fundraising efforts have been particularly aggressive, with some ambassadors competing to raise the most funds. The donations will be used for various events and programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting activities.

The growing demand for memory chips driven by artificial intelligence (AI) is causing a global chip crisis. Tech industry leaders, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, are warning about the shortage of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and its impact on production and prices. The demand for AI accelerators with huge memory allotments is gobbling up chip production, leaving consumer electronics producers fighting over a dwindling supply. This has led to price spikes, with the cost of one type of DRAM soaring 75% in January. The crisis is expected to worsen, with companies like Alphabet and Amazon planning to spend hundreds of billions on data centre construction. The shortage is threatening the profitability of entire product lines and upending long-term plans, with companies like Sony and Nintendo considering delaying product releases or raising prices.

The article discusses Russia's increasing reliance on foreign fighters in the Ukraine war due to mounting losses. British Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Russia is becoming more dependent on foreign fighters, including those from India, Pakistan, and Nepal, as its forces sustain more losses than they can replace. Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that Kyiv has been able to inflict more Russian casualties than the Kremlin can recruit. Russia likely sustained 415,000 casualties in 2025, bringing its total to over 1.2 million since the war began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Putin is not concerned about the losses now, but there is a level at which he will start to care. Western officials believe that Russia can sustain its combat operations in Ukraine throughout 2026 due to its recruitment campaigns and support from other nations like China.

The article explores the complex dynamics between the ethnic Chinese minority and the Malay majority in Kelantan, Malaysia, a state governed by the Islamist party PAS. While the Chinese community has historically been integrated into Kelantanese society, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of interfaith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the cultural heritage and identity of the Chinese community in Kelantan, who have maintained their traditions while adapting to the local culture.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted 10 military strikes against over 30 ISIS targets in Syria between February 3-12 as part of a joint effort to prevent the terrorist group's resurgence. The strikes targeted ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage facilities using precision munitions delivered by various aircraft. This operation is part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in response to an ISIS ambush that killed two US service members and an American interpreter in December. CENTCOM has also completed its withdrawal from al-Tanf Garrison in Syria, indicating a shift in US posture in the region. The operations have resulted in over 50 ISIS terrorists being killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets being struck.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has criticized the UN for its 'atrocious history and record' on antisemitism, calling for sweeping reforms to combat the issue. Waltz emphasized the need for education and hearing from Holocaust survivors to fight denial and historical revisionism. The Trump administration is pushing for broader structural reforms at the UN, including changes to development aid, humanitarian operations, and leadership. Waltz's remarks come amid longstanding criticism from U.S. officials over how Israel is treated within the UN system and concerns about antisemitism linked to some UN-affiliated bodies.

The article discusses the recent allegations that Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israel's Mossad, which have been strongly denied by Israeli intelligence sources and senior political leaders. Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Benjamin Netanyahu have publicly rejected the claims, stating that Epstein never worked for Mossad. The allegations have been reignited by newly released documents detailing Epstein's relationship with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Barak's office has fired back at Netanyahu's remarks, describing them as politically motivated and denying any wrongdoing. The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with some suggesting that the allegations are an attempt to undermine Israeli democracy.

The Trump administration is considering granting refugee status to Hamit Coskun, a 51-year-old Armenian-Kurdish protester who was fined for burning a Quran outside the Turkish Consulate in London. Coskun had initially sought asylum in the UK from Turkey, where he was jailed for protesting Islamist governance. The UK's Crown Prosecution Service is appealing Coskun's overturned conviction, and if the appeal is successful, the US is considering granting him asylum. Coskun has stated that if the appeal goes against him, he may be forced to flee to the US, where he believes President Trump will protect his right to free speech.

Arm, a British-based chip designer, is rethinking its business model due to the rise of artificial intelligence. Arm licenses its designs to customers, who then produce the chips themselves. With over 300 billion chips built on its designs shipped, Arm is ubiquitous in the semiconductor industry. However, the company is now facing the challenge of adapting to the changing landscape driven by AI.

The article discusses how Chinese wealthy individuals are increasingly moving their money and lifestyles to Dubai, away from scrutiny in their home country and the West. Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong had advised foreigners in Singapore to keep a low profile with their wealth, but Dubai offers a different environment where such displays are more accepted. Li Guo, a Chinese expatriate and owner of an Italian sports car, is cited as an example of those embracing this lifestyle in Dubai.

The article discusses the struggles of companies associated with the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement, specifically PublicSquare, which was founded in 2021 as an online platform selling conservative-themed products. Despite its initial hype, PublicSquare's shares have lost over 90% of their value since going public in July 2023, leading the company to pivot away from e-commerce towards financial technology. The article suggests that conservatives are better at criticizing businesses than building successful ones.

A diplomatic dispute between Japan and China over Taiwan's security is affecting Japan's economy, heavily reliant on Chinese tourism. Following a remark by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan would defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion, China urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. As a result, Chinese tourist arrivals dropped 45% in December, and inbound tourist spending fell 2.8% to $45.6 billion in the last quarter of the previous year. Japan's economy grew only 0.2% in the same quarter. The situation may worsen as China is expected to restrict rare earth exports to Japan, potentially impacting Japan's production processes. Economists warn that if tensions persist, Japan's economic growth could be significantly affected.

The article discusses Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing purge of the military, with a focus on the recent removal of General Zhang Youxia, a former confidant of Xi's. Xi is seeking absolute loyalty within the military, drawing inspiration from Mao Zedong's methods during the Yan'an era. The purge is part of Xi's broader campaign to consolidate power and ensure the military's loyalty, with implications for China's future military capabilities and potential conflicts with the US. Experts see Xi's actions as a ruthless effort to eliminate perceived enemies and maintain control, using tactics such as ideological cleansing and mutual reporting within the party.

The Guardian's community affairs correspondent, Chris Osuh, reports on a foiled Islamic State (IS) plot to massacre Jews in Manchester, UK. Two IS terrorists, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, were sentenced to life imprisonment after an undercover police operation. The plot was uncovered when an undercover officer, codenamed 'Farouk', infiltrated the terrorist group. Saadaoui's brother, Bilel, was jailed for six years for failing to disclose information about the plan. The article discusses how the plot was thwarted and its impact on the Jewish community in Manchester.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has unveiled a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of North Korean soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The move is seen as an effort to bolster internal unity and curb potential public discontent ahead of a major ruling party congress later this month. Kim Jong-un attended the opening ceremony with his daughter Kim Ju-ae and pledged to repay the 'young martyrs' who died fighting for Russia. The construction of the new street is a 'highly calculated political move to justify its soldier deployment' ahead of the party congress.

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Concerns are growing among political scientists that the United States is sliding towards autocracy under President Trump's leadership. Scholars such as Staffan I. Lindberg and Steven Levitsky argue that the country has already become an 'electoral autocracy' or is moving towards 'competitive authoritarianism.' They point to Trump's tactics, including attacking the press, disenfranchising voters, and weaponizing the justice system. However, some scholars, like Kurt Weyland, believe the U.S. system of government is still democratic and can withstand Trump's attempts to expand executive power. The next test for American democracy will be the November midterms, with worries that the Trump administration's actions could suppress voter turnout.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Venezuela's capital and across the country on Youth Day, calling for acting president Delcy Rodríguez to release political prisoners. The peaceful rallies were seen as a test for the new government, marking the first major show of opposition since the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. The protests come after thousands of arrests were made in a large-scale crackdown on dissent in 2024, following Maduro's disputed election victory. The demonstrations assert the protesters' right to demonstrate and challenge the new government's stance on political prisoners.