MILAN — Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Milan on Friday, not just to welcome the Winter Olympics, but to send a message of resistance. Against the backdrop of colorful flags, student chants, and whistles echoing down historic avenues, protesters turned out to oppose what they saw as the arrival of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — a presence they say symbolizes a much larger debate about human rights, security, and sovereignty.  The demonstration — largely led by students and activists — unfolded just hours before the opening ceremony of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Games, set to take place tonight at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium. Alongside signs reading “ICE OUT,” critics also voiced their frustration over school closures and street lockdowns that accompanied Olympic security measures across the city.    Protesters Speak Out “Ice should be in my drinks, not in my city,” chanted one group gathered in Piazzale Leonardo da Vinci, demonstrating both humor and deep concern. Many of those present came prepared with whistles and banners, echoing tactics seen in anti-ICE protests in the United States. Some protesters linked the issue to recent controversial ICE operations back in the U.S., including fatal shootings in Minnesota that have stirred global outrage.  Students, families, and long-time activists marched shoulder to shoulder, reflecting a growing unease among Italians who view the agency’s presence — even in an advisory capacity — as unsettling. “We’re here because we care about human dignity,” said one young Milanese demonstrator. “These aren’t just security officers to many of us — they represent policies that tear families apart.”   Government Clarifies Role of U.S. Agents Despite the protests, Italian authorities and Olympic organisers moved to calm the controversy. Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, has repeatedly emphasised that any ICE personnel in Milan would not serve in a law-enforcement capacity on Italian soil — they would operate strictly within diplomatic and advisory contexts.  Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in the day, highlighting continued cooperation between Rome and Washington. Meloni described concerns about ICE agents as “surreal” and underscored that Italy remains firmly in control of Olympic security.    A Charged Atmosphere The political backdrop to the protests adds another layer to this story. The U.S. delegation, including Vice President Vance, has faced booing and mixed reactions from sections of the crowd during the opening ceremonies — a sign of the strained political atmosphere influencing even the world’s greatest sporting stage.  For many in Milan, the rally was not just about a security detail: it was a moment to express broader frustrations. High housing costs, social inequality, and debates over how much money should be spent on mega-events like the Olympics also surfaced in chants and posters.    The Olympics Go On — But the Debate Remains As the world turns its eyes to Milan tonight for a celebration of athletic excellence and global unity, the streets tell a more complex story. In Piazzale Leonardo da Vinci, voices rose not just against one agency, but for a vision of humanity, fairness, and accountability. Whether or not their message resonates beyond Italy’s borders, these protestors have ensured it will not be ignored.

China’s economy is facing increasing challenges as growth slows, domestic demand weakens, and confidence among businesses and consumers remains fragile. Despite government efforts to stabilize the economy, structural problems continue to weigh heavily on the world’s second-largest economy. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has shifted its economic priorities toward national security, state control, and technological self-reliance. Analysts say this shift has reshaped the business environment and contributed to uncertainty in key sectors. Property Crisis and Weak Consumption One of the biggest pressures on the economy remains the prolonged property crisis. Major real estate developers have struggled with debt, leading to stalled construction projects and falling home prices. As property accounts for a large share of household wealth, the downturn has reduced consumer spending and confidence. Retail sales growth has remained uneven, while youth unemployment continues to be a concern, limiting spending power and economic momentum. Manufacturing and Exports Under Strain China’s manufacturing sector, once the engine of rapid growth, is also showing signs of strain. Global demand has softened, and trade tensions with Western countries have affected exports. Some multinational companies are diversifying supply chains away from China, adding further pressure. At the same time, factories face rising costs and lower profit margins, especially in traditional industries. Government Response Beijing has introduced stimulus measures, including interest rate cuts, support for local governments, and incentives for key industries such as electric vehicles and high technology. However, economists say these measures have so far failed to deliver a strong rebound. Concerns remain over high local government debt and limited room for aggressive stimulus without increasing financial risks. Global Implications China’s economic slowdown has global consequences. As a major trading partner for many countries, weaker growth in China affects global supply chains, commodity prices, and emerging markets that depend on Chinese demand. International institutions have lowered growth forecasts for China, signaling that the era of consistently high growth may be over.

The Jeffrey Epstein scandal stands as a stark reminder of how wealth, influence, and systemic failures can shield predators while leaving victims voiceless and vulnerable. Epstein, a convicted sex offender and financier, orchestrated a vast network that exploited underage girls for years, drawing in some of the world's most powerful figures. Despite mounting evidence, his connections to elites in politics, business, and royalty allowed him to evade full accountability until his arrest in 2019. This article explores the scandal, focusing on the minors who were victimized and the overwhelming power structures that rendered them helpless, drawing on court documents, investigations, and survivor accounts.   Epstein's Rise and the Foundations of His Empire Jeffrey Edward Epstein, born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, began his career modestly as a teacher but quickly ascended into the world of high finance. By the 1980s, he had cultivated relationships with billionaires like Leslie Wexner, founder of L Brands, who granted him extensive control over his finances. Epstein amassed a fortune through opaque investments, owning luxurious properties including a Manhattan townhouse, a Palm Beach mansion, a New Mexico ranch, and a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands known as Little Saint James. His wealth enabled a lifestyle of excess, but it also funded a criminal operation. Prosecutors later alleged that Epstein ran a "vast network" of underage girls for sex, starting as early as 1994 and continuing until at least 2004. Victims, some as young as 14, were recruited under the guise of providing massages, only to be coerced into sexual acts. Epstein paid them cash and encouraged them to bring in more girls, creating a pyramid-like scheme.    The Victims: Lured, Exploited, and Silenced The minors at the heart of the scandal were often from vulnerable backgrounds—financially desperate, runaways, or in foster care. One prominent survivor, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, was recruited at age 16 while working at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate. Giuffre has described being groomed and trafficked, including to Epstein's associates, though many deny involvement.  Other victims reported similar patterns: promises of career help or money led to abuse in Epstein's homes. A 2005 police investigation in Palm Beach identified dozens of girls, many underage, who were paid for "massages" that escalated to sexual exploitation. The process was assembly-line efficient, with employees scheduling appointments and ensuring a "steady supply" of victims. These young women faced immense barriers to justice. Epstein's wealth allowed him to hire private investigators and lawyers to intimidate accusers. Survivors like Giuffre have spoken of feeling powerless against his resources and connections, which delayed accountability for over a decade. Attorney Bradley Edwards, who represented over 200 survivors, noted that Epstein's dual life—abusing girls while hobnobbing with elites—exacerbated victims' isolation.  The Epstein List: A Network of Influence Epstein's associations with global power brokers were central to his protection. Unsealed court documents from Giuffre's 2015 defamation lawsuit against Maxwell revealed names of over 150 individuals, including former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, Britain's Prince Andrew, billionaire Bill Gates, and others. Flight logs from Epstein's private jet, dubbed the "Lolita Express," show Clinton flew on it multiple times, though he denies wrongdoing. Trump, who once called Epstein a "terrific guy," banned him from Mar-a-Lago after learning of his behavior.  Prince Andrew faced allegations from Giuffre of sexual abuse, leading to his loss of royal titles in 2022. Other names, like physicist Stephen Hawking and singer Michael Jackson, appear in contexts without accusations of misconduct. Emails released in 2025 show Epstein maintained ties with figures like Noam Chomsky and Steve Bannon even after his 2008 conviction.  These connections allegedly helped Epstein leverage information for influence or blackmail, though a 2025 DOJ memo stated no "client list" existed and no credible evidence of widespread blackmail was found. Nonetheless, his network delayed investigations and softened penalties.    Legal Failures and Partial Justice In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from a minor, serving just 13 months with work release.  U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, later Trump's Labor Secretary, approved the deal amid pressure from Epstein's high-powered legal team. A 2018 Miami Herald series by Julie K. Brown reignited scrutiny, leading to federal charges in 2019 for sex trafficking.  Epstein died by suicide in jail that August, robbing victims of a trial. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years. By 2025, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the DOJ released millions of pages, including evidence logs and emails, confirming the scale of his operation but highlighting how power insulated him.    Broader Implications: Power's Role in Exploitation The scandal underscores how elite networks can perpetuate abuse. Victims' attorney Edwards emphasized that Epstein's wealth and connections made him "untouchable" for years. Survivors continue advocating for transparency, but as one analysis notes, media focus often shifts to the powerful rather than the victims.  In a world where influence trumps justice, the Epstein case demands reforms to protect the vulnerable from those who wield absolute power. As files continue to emerge, the true measure of progress will be whether victims finally receive the reckoning they deserve.

Muscat / Tehran / Washington — (February 6, 2026), Today, in the warm halls of a palace in Muscat, Oman, diplomats from two of the world’s most powerful nations — Iran and the United States — quietly began indirect talks aimed at defusing one of the most dangerous geopolitical flashpoints of our time. The world watches with bated breath as these negotiations unfold, hoping that conversation will triumph over confrontation.  The mood is cautious. Neither side has offered sweeping optimism, but both appear committed, at least for now, to keeping dialogue alive.   The Faces Behind the Headlines: Leading Iran’s delegation is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat known for his calm but firm negotiating style. Araghchi arrived in Muscat with a message: Iran is entering these talks “with open eyes,” determined to defend its rights and dignity, and to secure relief from crippling sanctions.  On the U.S. side, top officials including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisers are present. Their mission is no less daunting: to rein in Iran’s controversial nuclear activities while pressing broader concerns — from missile development to support for armed groups in the region.  These are not casual conversations. They are the product of painstaking back-and-forth diplomacy — and they come against a backdrop of years of mistrust, military pressure, and political brinksmanship.   Why This Moment Matters: The talks revolve primarily around Iran’s nuclear programme, a source of deep contention since the United States withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal years ago. Washington wants the conversation to tackle not just nuclear activities but also Iran’s ballistic missiles and its role in regional conflicts — issues Tehran has firmly rejected as off-limits.  For ordinary people — whether in Tehran, Washington, or anywhere along the volatile arc of the Middle East — the stakes could not be higher. A breakdown in negotiations risks widening an already tense confrontation, with unknown human costs. A breakthrough, on the other hand, could ease sanctions, curb militarization, and bring a measure of stability to a region long scarred by conflict.   A Backdrop of Tension, Fear, and Hope: These talks come at a time of heightened anxiety. The U.S. military has bolstered its presence in the Gulf, and Iran has signalled both defiance and willingness to negotiate on nuclear enrichment levels — a delicate balancing act between safeguarding its strategic interests and calming global fears.  Recent events, including security incidents at sea and continued protests within Iran over economic hardship and political repression, have amplified the sense that this moment could sway toward either war or peace.    Oman’s Quiet Role as Mediator: Often overlooked in global headlines, Oman plays an outsized role in this drama. The small Gulf nation has acted as a discreet bridge between Tehran and Washington when tensions ran high — a trusted host that both sides agreed could facilitate talks away from the glare of international capitals and political grandstanding.  For Muscat, this is more than diplomacy — it is a test of trust, patience, and hope that negotiation can achieve what threats have so far failed to deliver.   What Comes Next: At this stage, there are no public announcements of major breakthroughs. The initial sessions are more about setting ground rules, clarifying positions, and building enough confidence for deeper discussions. Yet even this first step — leaders from two estranged nations sitting at the same table and talking — carries symbolic weight. It signals that even when tensions run high, diplomacy remains a fragile but vital path to peace. For millions of people living under the shadow of potential conflict, that alone is a reason to watch closely — and to hope.

Melinda French Gates has spoken publicly about her emotional reaction to newly released documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying they stirred “unbelievable sadness” and painful memories from her marriage to Bill Gates.    In an interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, Melinda said the revelations in the latest batch of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related records brought back difficult times from her 27-year marriage, which ended in divorce in 2021.    One draft email in the files, attributed to Epstein, alleges that Bill Gates contracted a sexually transmitted infection after “sex with Russian girls” and sought antibiotics to treat it, suggesting the medicine be given to Melinda without her knowledge. Melinda did not address the specific claim but said the attention to Epstein’s abuses was heartbreaking, especially for his victims.    Bill Gates has denied the allegations, with his spokesperson calling them “absurd and completely false.” Melinda emphasized that any unresolved questions about the matter are for those involved to answer and expressed hope for justice for the women affected by Epstein’s crimes. 

The Rohingya are not a people without history. They are a people whose history has been deliberately erased. From centuries-old documentation to post-independence state recognition, and finally to statelessness and genocide, the Rohingya story is one of systematic exclusion—now under examination at the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Centuries of Documentation Preserved Historical records proving the existence of the Rohingya did not disappear by accident. Many of these documents—spanning centuries—have been preserved and compiled by Ek Khaale (meaning “Once Upon a Time”), an independent historical archive dedicated to documenting Rohingya history through original sources, colonial records, travel accounts, and state documents. The archive provides consolidated evidence showing that the Rohingya identity existed long before modern political narratives attempted to deny it. 1799: Buchanan-Hamilton’s Written Proof One of the earliest and most cited records comes from 1799, when British surgeon and scholar Francis Buchanan-Hamilton documented a Muslim community in Arakan whom he identified as “Rooinga.” He wrote that these people called themselves natives of Arakan and described them as Muhammadans (Muslims). This documentation—archived and referenced by Ek Khaale —predates British colonial administration and directly contradicts claims that the Rohingya identity was recently invented. Post-Independence State Recognition Following Burma’s independence in 1948, the Rohingya were officially recognized by the state: First President Sao Shwe Thaik publicly acknowledged the Rohingya as an Indigenous ethnic community of Arakan. Rohingya representatives served in Parliament and participated in national political life. Government offices and official discourse used the term “Rohingya” without dispute.   These facts are supported by state records and historical documentation preserved by independent researchers and archives, including Ek Khaale. 3 January: Rohingya National Day In the early years of independence, the Rohingya observed 3 January as Rohingya National Day, marking their recognized status within the Union of Burma. This observance was known to state authorities and reflected the Rohingya’s political and social inclusion at the time—long before their later exclusion. 25 September 1954: State Radio Acknowledgment A decisive piece of evidence came on 25 September 1954, during the government of Prime Minister U Nu. On that date, the Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS)—the official state radio—broadcast the term “Rohingya.” This state-controlled public acknowledgment confirms that the Rohingya identity was officially recognized at the highest level of government. This broadcast, referenced in historical archives including Ek Khaale, is irrefutable proof that: The Rohingya identity was recognized by the Burmese state Denial emerged later as a political strategy Claims of self-invention are historically false   From Recognition to Erasure The shift from recognition to repression began after the 1962 military coup led by General Ne Win. Over time, military regimes replaced inclusion with exclusion. The 1982 Citizenship Law formalized this erasure by stripping the Rohingya of citizenship, excluding them from the list of “national races” despite overwhelming historical evidence. Statelessness was not an accident—it was policy. From Statelessness to Genocide Decades of discrimination escalated into atrocity. The Rohingya faced: Severe restrictions on movement and marriage Denial of education and healthcare Forced labor and arbitrary detention State-sponsored hate campaigns labeling them “illegal Bengalis” In 2016–2017, Myanmar’s military launched so-called “clearance operations.” Villages were burned, thousands killed, women raped, and more than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh. The United Nations later concluded that these acts showed genocidal intent. Before the International Court of Justice In 2019, The Gambia brought a case against Myanmar at the ICJ under the Genocide Convention. In January 2026, the Court began hearing the merits of the case, with 11 States intervening—underscoring the global significance of the Rohingya genocide. Denial of Identity: The First Stage of Genocide Genocide does not begin with killing—it begins with denial. The erasure of Rohingya identity, history, and name laid the groundwork for statelessness, displacement, and mass violence. Yet centuries of documentation—preserved by archives like Ek Khaale —expose this denial as deliberate falsehood. Conclusion: History Is Documented, Justice Is Due The Rohingya are an Indigenous people of Arakan. Their existence is recorded in centuries-old documents, acknowledged by the Burmese state, and now recognized in international legal proceedings. History has been preserved. The evidence is clear. Now, justice must follow.