🥇 Must Know
Five European nations say Russia poisoned Navalny with dart frog toxin in Arctic prison
UK, France, Germany, Sweden and Netherlands released joint findings confirming rare toxin epibatidine found in opposition leader's body two years after his death. The toxin, derived from poison dart frogs native to Ecuador, does not occur naturally in Russia and has no innocent explanation for its presence.
Why it matters: The first conclusive evidence of state-ordered assassination using an exotic neurotoxin marks a significant escalation in Russia's methods of silencing dissent and challenges Moscow's official account.
BBC World (center) · Guardian (center-left) · Wall Street Journal (center-right)
US military preparing for weeks-long sustained Iran operations as second carrier deployed
Pentagon positioned for potentially sustained, weeks-long military campaign against Iran if Trump orders attack, two officials confirm. Second aircraft carrier deployed to Middle East as indirect nuclear talks continue in Geneva next week. Trump agreed with Netanyahu that US should pressure Iran to cut oil sales to China.
Why it matters: The most serious US-Iran military confrontation could be imminent, far exceeding previous limited strikes, as nuclear diplomacy appears to be failing despite ongoing talks.
Globe and Mail (center) · Straits Times (center) · Reuters (center)
Nigeria gunmen kill at least 32 in dawn raids on three villages
Motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked three communities in Niger state, killing at least 32 people and abducting dozens in coordinated dawn raids. Witnesses report indiscriminate shooting and burning of houses and shops.
Why it matters: The attack underscores Nigeria's worsening security crisis as jihadists and bandits advance toward major cities, threatening the country's stability.
Al Jazeera (center) · Deutsche Welle (center) · Guardian (center-left)
Bangladesh's BNP returns to power after 20 years with landslide victory
Tarique Rahman set to become prime minister after Bangladeshi Nationalist Party won absolute majority in February 12 election, first free vote in 18 years. Newly elected MPs take oath February 17. Strong opposition emerged with Jamaat-e-Islami winning 77 seats, becoming one of strongest opposition blocs in modern Bangladeshi politics.
Why it matters: Marks dramatic political shift following student uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule, with implications for India-Bangladesh relations and regional stability.
Al Jazeera (center) · Reuters (center) · The Hindu (center)
🥈 Should Know
Rubio reassures European allies but sticks to Trump's firm stance on Ukraine, defense spending
US Secretary of State told Munich Security Conference that America and Europe 'belong together' in softer tone than last year's VP Vance speech. However, core message remained: Europe must spend more on defense, change migration and climate policies. Made no concrete commitments on Ukraine or Russia.
Why it matters: Reveals Trump administration's transatlantic strategy is unchanged despite diplomatic niceties, leaving European security architecture uncertain as Russia-Ukraine talks approach.
BBC World (center) · Financial Times (center-right) · New York Times (center-left)
France assembles special magistrate team to examine Epstein files for potential offenses
Paris prosecutor's office announced special team will search through newly released documents to identify possible crimes implicating French nationals. Files will be reopened on late Jean-Luc Brunel, modeling executive who'd been charged with raping minors. UK police also set up national group to handle 'tsunami' of expected UK-related allegations.
Why it matters: The global scope of Epstein's network is prompting coordinated law enforcement action across multiple countries, potentially leading to new prosecutions years after his death.
Deutsche Welle (center) · Straits Times (center) · Guardian (center-left)
US launches strikes on over 30 Islamic State targets in Syria in retaliation operation
US Central Command conducted 10 strikes hitting more than 30 IS targets between February 3-12, in response to December ambush that killed two US soldiers and civilian interpreter. Operation Hawkeye has killed and captured over 50 IS fighters.
Why it matters: Demonstrates continued US military presence in Syria despite broader Middle East tensions, as Islamic State remains persistent threat.
Al Jazeera (center) · NPR World (center-left) · Reuters (center)
Zelenskyy demands 20-year US security guarantee before signing peace deal with Russia
Ukrainian president told Munich conference security guarantees must precede any peace agreement, not follow it. Insisted elections can only occur two months after ceasefire. Criticized US for 'too often' pushing Ukraine rather than Russia for concessions as Geneva talks approach next week.
Why it matters: Sets Ukrainian red lines ahead of critical US-brokered negotiations, highlighting gap between Kyiv's demands and likely Trump administration willingness to commit long-term.
Al Jazeera (center) · Guardian (center-left) · Financial Times (center-right)
Medecins Sans Frontieres suspends work at Gaza's Nasser Hospital over gunmen presence
Medical charity halted some operations at major Gaza hospital citing onsite gunmen and suspected weapons transfers. Announcement follows Israel's recent ban on MSF operations in Gaza. Comes as Israeli forces killed nine Palestinians since dawn, adding to 591 deaths since October 'ceasefire' Israel has reportedly violated over 1,600 times.
Why it matters: Humanitarian access deteriorates further in Gaza as aid organizations face dual pressures from Israeli restrictions and local armed groups, threatening civilian medical care.
Al Jazeera (center) · Al Jazeera (center) · Reuters (center)
China to scrap tariffs on imports from 53 African countries starting May
President Xi Jinping announced zero-tariff policy for nearly all African nations at African Union summit. Move comes as China deepens economic engagement with continent amid Western concerns over influence.
Why it matters: Bolsters China's economic foothold in Africa as Beijing positions itself as alternative partner to Western nations, potentially reshaping global trade patterns.
Nikkei Asia (center-right) · Reuters (center) · Straits Times (center)
Australia pledges $2.7 billion for nuclear submarine shipyard under AUKUS pact
Canberra announced major investment to progress construction of submarine shipyard for US-designed nuclear-powered fleet. Project part of 2021 AUKUS alliance with UK and US to counter China's regional influence.
Why it matters: Demonstrates Australia's commitment to military buildup in Indo-Pacific despite costs, signaling determination to balance China's naval expansion.
Le Monde (center) · Reuters (center)
🥉 Also Notable
🌎 Americas
Canada's Carney and opposition leader hold hands at vigil for school shooting victims in Tumbler Ridge — SCMP World
Obama blasts 'clown show' after Trump shares racist video depicting him as ape — BBC World
Limited US government shutdown affecting 13% of federal workforce likely to linger at least 10 days — Guardian
US courts ruled 4,400 times ICE jailed people illegally but detentions continue under Trump — Reuters
Cuba cigar festival canceled as US oil blockade worsens energy crisis, halting international flights — BBC World
First major protests since Maduro's capture test Venezuela interim leader Rodriguez over political prisoners — Washington Post
Alberta independence movement gains momentum with referendum poised for 2026, Trump allies cheering — Wall Street Journal
Canada wants Iran regime change, announces additional sanctions — Reuters
🌍 Europe
Hungary's Orban says EU bigger threat than Russia ahead of April elections — Al Jazeera
Storm Nils keeps Garonne river in France on red flood alert through Monday with new rain expected — Le Monde
Far-right activist Quentin D. dies after assault in Lyon, Macron denounces 'unprecedented violence' — Le Monde
Ethiopian government revokes Reuters journalists' accreditation — Reuters
Burglars ransack safe-deposit boxes in German bank heist, value of stolen items unknown — Deutsche Welle
French astronaut Sophie Adenot reaches ISS, first French woman in space in 25 years — Le Monde
ECB expands euro liquidity backstop globally to bolster currency's international role — Reuters
🌏 Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong to add facial recognition to public CCTV cameras this year, police chief says — SCMP Asia
Japan releases Chinese boat captain after 30-hour detention, easing diplomatic tensions — New York Times
SpaceX's Starlink gets approval for satellite internet in Vietnam — Reuters
New Zealand flooding kills one as officials warn worst weather hits late Sunday — Guardian
Brazil's Pinheiro Braathen wins slalom gold for South America's first Winter Olympics medal — Guardian
🌍 Middle East & Africa
UAE-Saudi diplomatic rift deepens as Bahrain and Egypt attempt mediation — SCMP World
African Union summit overshadowed by Saudi-UAE rivalry in Horn of Africa — Reuters
At least 6,000 killed over three days during RSF attack on Sudan's el-Fasher, UN says — The Hindu
Egypt deploys troops to Somalia focusing on Red Sea access and internal stability — Deutsche Welle
Lebanon's Hariri signals Future Movement will return to elections after four-year boycott — Straits Times
Over 100 artists back UN Palestine rapporteur Francesca Albanese after France, Germany call for resignation — Al Jazeera
🤖 Tech
Pentagon threatens to cut off Anthropic over AI safeguards dispute on military use restrictions — Reuters
Beijing warns tech giants to curb 'involution' amid AI giveaway war during Lunar New Year — SCMP China
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang cancels India AI summit attendance due to unforeseen circumstances — The Hindu
News publishers limit Internet Archive access over AI scraping concerns — Hacker News
NASA faces new problem with Artemis II countdown test fuel leak — Ars Technica