Global dynamics once again experienced significant shifts following a series of events affecting political, security, and economic stability worldwide.
In Mexico, a wave of violence erupted after the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, was killed in a military operation involving United States intelligence in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation left four cartel members dead and three military personnel injured. Retaliatory actions by the cartel triggered unrest in at least a dozen states, with around 250 road blockades using burned vehicles, arson attacks on shops, and assaults on approximately 20 bank offices. The government declared a state of emergency, arrested 25 individuals, and several airlines canceled flights to Jalisco, while the US and the UK issued security advisories for their citizens.
Meanwhile, escalation also occurred in South Asia after Pakistan’s Minister of Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, stated that his country was in an open war with Afghanistan following Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika in response to Taliban offensives against Pakistani military posts along the border. Pakistan claimed to have targeted 22 Afghan military sites and killed more than 200 Taliban fighters, while the Taliban reported significantly lower casualties and claimed to have carried out retaliatory attacks. However, casualty figures from both sides remain unverified. The escalation followed a fragile ceasefire agreed upon in October that failed to produce lasting peace, with both countries accusing each other of cross-border attacks.
In Europe, political developments emerged on Monday (23/2) after former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, was arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He was detained at his home in Camden and later released on bail pending investigation. The inquiry involves emails suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information, coordinated on tax policy matters, and received financial support from Epstein. Mandelson denied any criminal wrongdoing and described the allegations as untrue.
Uncertainty also affected the economic sector after the United States Supreme Court overturned the legal basis used by Donald Trump to impose reciprocal trade tariffs without congressional approval, creating uncertainty for Southeast Asian countries. Although the ruling was seen as offering temporary relief through a 10% global tariff for 150 days, Trump continues to seek alternative measures to maintain his tariff policy, including invoking other laws and additional trade restrictions. Countries such as Vietnam and Thailand are expected to benefit from the temporary tariff reduction, while Indonesia and Malaysia face domestic criticism over trade agreements perceived as favoring the US.
On Friday (27/2), in the Middle East, nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US in Geneva concluded without an agreement, although both parties described the talks as serious and showing progress. Discussions covered limitations on Iran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions. However, the US demanded the dismantling of nuclear facilities and the transfer of uranium, while Iran agreed only to limit enrichment to low levels under international supervision. Negotiations will continue through technical discussions in Vienna.
The situation intensified on Saturday (28/2) after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed at the age of 86 following a joint US-Israeli airstrike that struck his residence. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday (1/3), while US President Donald Trump stated that the strike targeted Khamenei and other Iranian officials using advanced intelligence and tracking systems. Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, and played a major role in strengthening the military and maintaining policies of resistance against the West.
In response, on Sunday (1/3), approximately six people were killed and at least 20 others injured after Iran launched ballistic missiles at residential areas in the city of Beit Shemesh, Israel. The strike, which hit an area about 30 km from Jerusalem, caused severe damage and the collapse of buildings, while rescue and medical teams were deployed to evacuate victims. Several victims were reported to be in critical condition, including a child.
Source:
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Khalil, Hafsa. “Pakistan defence minister says country in ‘open war’ with Afghanistan after strikes”. BBC. 27 Februari 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgjd7pv4y4o.
Mitchell, Ottilie. “Violence erupts in Mexico after drug lord El Mencho killed”. BBC. 23 Februari 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c795qgejzpxo.
Pietromarchi, Virginia. “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: The leader who shaped Iran’s defiance”. Aljazeera. 1 Maret 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/28/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-the-leader-who-shaped-irans-defiance.
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“Rudal Iran Hantam Permukiman Israel, 6 Orang dilaporkan Tewas”. CNN Indonesia. 1 Maret 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260301201000-120-1333144/rudal-iran-hantam-permukiman-israel-6-orang-dilaporkan-tewas.
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