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Global Politics Team
27 February 2026 |
The World Today
Pakistan and Afghanistan: Islamabad strikes multiple targets in Afghanistan, declares ‘open war’
On 27 February, Reuters reported that Pakistan launched overnight air-to-ground missile strikes on Taliban government military facilities in Afghanistan, hitting Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, and Laghman, calling it an “open war.” Launched under the Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, attacks resulted in strikes against 22 targets belonging to the Afghan military. Ground battles and exchanges of heavy artillery fire have been reported along the 2,600km Durand Line, including the area around Torkham, with reported civilian casualties in the provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar. The Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced that Pakistan had reached its breaking point with this action as the country began to attack Taliban government forces located in Kabul.
Pakistan is still on high alert, including in the Punjab province, after previous strikes which Pakistan claimed were targeting Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State facilities. Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said 274 Taliban officials and militants were killed and 12 Pakistani soldiers died, calling it an “effective, immediate and brutal response.” He stated that 13 Taliban fighters were killed, and 12 were wounded in two-hour retaliatory operations, confirming drone strikes on Pakistani military sites, which Islamabad said were intercepted without damage. In addition, Russia, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have urged an immediate de-escalation of tensions and offered to mediate.
The US and Iran: Talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme end without a deal but show signs of progress
On 27 February, the US and Iran made progress in talks mediated by Oman over Iran’s nuclear programme but ended without a deal that could avert potential US strikes amid a military buildup in the region. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said they had reached an agreement on some issues but remained divided on others. Iran demanded the lifting of US sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, which the US insisted would happen only after deep concessions from Tehran. Iran has also offered undefined new concessions but refused to discuss its ballistic missile programme, which poses a hurdle to reaching a deal. Both sides have decided to meet for the next round of negotiations in less than a week.
China: Beijing removes 19 officials, including nine military figures, ahead of its annual “Two Sessions”
On 27 February, the BBC reported that China removed 19 officials, including nine military figures, from its list of national lawmakers ahead of the upcoming “Two Sessions” meetings. The decision was announced by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, without providing details for the removal. This development follows President Xi Jinping’s recent removal of his highest-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, and comes amid ongoing anti-corruption drives. President Xi has called corruption “the biggest threat” to the Communist Party, though critics argue such campaigns have been used to sideline political rivals. State media reported that those removed include Li Qiaoming, commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force, Shen Jinlong, former PLA Navy commander, and several other military and provincial officials. China has seen similar military purges in recent times, including an October 2025 crackdown that removed nine top generals. The Two Sessions set for 04-11 March is the annual meeting of the NPC, which will outline China’s five-year plan and annual economic targets.
The UK: Green Party captures seats from Labour in Westminster by-election
On 27 February, the Green Party of England and Wales won the parliamentary by-election in Gorton and Denton. This marked its first-ever Westminster by-election victory. Green candidate Hannah Spencer secured about 41 per cent of the vote. The by-election was triggered after the resignation of the previous MP due to ill health. The result reflected growing voter dissatisfaction with mainstream parties and signals mounting pressure on the governing Labour Party amid declining public support. Analysts view the outcome as evidence of rising support for smaller parties and environmental platforms in urban constituencies. The win is also significant, as the Greens had historically struggled to surpass double-digit vote shares in parliamentary by-elections.
The US: Pentagon–Anthropic feud nears deadline over military use of AI
On 27 February, Reuters reported that a growing dispute between the Pentagon and artificial intelligence firm Anthropic is approaching a critical deadline, with significant implications for the use of AI in warfare and defence contracts. The disagreement centres on how the US military may deploy advanced AI systems in combat situations. The Pentagon has insisted that any lawful military application of AI must be permitted without added constraints and has warned that Anthropic’s government business could face consequences if it does not remove certain safeguards built into its systems. A decision is expected later today.
The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal: Kathmandu imposes a ban on liquor till election result day
On 27 February, the Himalayan reported on the prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages imposed by the Election Commission of Nepal on Thursday, effective until the announcement of the final election results of the House of Representatives (HoR). District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have been directed to deploy designated personnel to prevent prohibited activities under the Election (Offences and Punishments) Act, 2073 and the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, and to take immediate legal action against violators. There is also a ban on the operation of public and private vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transport, security agencies, electricity maintenance, and water and sewage services from midnight on 4 March until the completion of voting on 5 March. Vehicles for telecommunication maintenance, diplomatic missions and those with official election passes will also be permitted.
Bangladesh: UK envoy highlights special Sylhet–Britain ties at Iftar gathering
On 27 February, Dhaka Tribune reported that Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said the United Kingdom shares a deep and special relationship with Sylhet, noting that around 90 per cent of Bangladeshis living in the UK are from the northeastern region. She highlighted the significant contribution of Sylhetis to British society, adding that Bangladesh’s growing ties with the UK are largely driven by the Sylhet diaspora. During her visit, she paid courtesy calls on the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, and held discussions with leaders of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as British investors operating in the region. Talks focused on expanding trade and investment, climate resilience, education and migration, with Cooke expressing the UK’s interest in further strengthening bilateral cooperation in these areas.
Bangladesh: Dhaka condemns Israeli land law, calls for Gaza ceasefire at OIC meeting
On 27 February, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh strongly denounced Israel’s recent land legislation aimed at annexing the occupied Palestinian territory, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman urging an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and reaffirming support for an independent Palestine. Addressing the Open-Ended Executive Committee Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the foreign minister level in Jeddah, Rahman condemned the Israeli land purchase law, saying it seeks to unlawfully annex occupied territory and alter its legal and demographic character, including Jerusalem. He expressed concern over Israel’s decision to ease land purchases and open land registries in the West Bank, warning that the measures could expose Palestinian landowners to intimidation and harassment.
Myanmar: Russia to train Naypyidaw’s first cosmonaut as space ties deepen with junta
On 27 February, Irrawaddy reported that Russia has agreed to train what it calls Myanmar’s first cosmonaut, marking a further deepening of post-coup ties between Moscow and Naypyitaw. The announcement came from Roscosmos following talks in Naypyitaw between its chief, Dmitry Bakanov, and junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. Under the agreement, Russia will oversee the selection and training of the astronaut candidate, while also expanding cooperation on satellite technology and education programs. Roscosmos said Myanmar will host a Russian GLONASS navigation data station and a near-Earth object tracking system, with facilities planned at Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University in Meiktila. The move comes as the junta continues to rely heavily on Moscow for political backing, defense cooperation and energy investment, including a planned small-scale nuclear power plant. Analysts warn that enhanced space and satellite cooperation could bolster the military regime’s surveillance and targeting capabilities, even as both sides frame the partnership as peaceful exploration.
Myanmar: Junta to appoint new president in April
On 27 February, Mizzima reported that junta deputy leader Soe Win announced plans to appoint a new president and form a formal government in early April. Speaking to troops and their families at bases in Nawngwoe, Kenghkam and Mongpying in Shan State on 24 February, Soe Win said state responsibilities would be transferred to the incoming administration according to schedule. The move follows the planned convening of the third Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) on 16 March and Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) on 18 March, where the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is expected to dominate after securing the majority of contested seats.
Bhutan: Bottled water in Thimphu is now free from microplastics
On 27 February, the Kuensel reported that, based on the tests conducted by AVON Food Laboratory in India, the bottled water of Agro Industries limited are free from microplastics. The CEO of the company, which supplies 65 per cent of bottled water in the country, Sherab Namgay, stated that the company had proactively commissioned independent testing in response to the growing concerns after the findings from the Royal Centre for Disease Control, which conducted the first systematic assessment of microplastic contamination across water sources in Thimphu. The testing was carried out by the AVON Food Laboratory, an accredited laboratory in India, using samples from the Wangchutaba and Lingmethang plants.
Maldives: Former president Mohamed Nasheed shifts stance on election synchronisation referendum
On 27 February, The Sun reported that opposition leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed withdrew his earlier support for the synchronisation of presidential and parliamentary elections. The proposal was a central project of President Miuzzu’s administration. The loss of opposition’s support raises political stakes for the administration’s agenda. Nasheed’s withdrawal of support also heightens uncertainty about the referendum's democratic intentions.
Sri Lanka: Former intelligence chief arrested due to Easter attacks probe
On 27 February, the Daily Mirror reported that former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Major General Suresh Sallay was arrested due to renewed investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. He was arrested as part of an expanded criminal probe into the attacks. The arrest is considered to be one of the most high profile one made so far in relation to the attacks. Religious leaders have claimed that this move could help uncover any conspiracy behind the bombings.
Iran: Third round of talks with the US concludes
On 27 February, Al Jazeera reported that the third round of talks between the USA and Iran, being conducted in Geneva have come to an end. Oman, the nation that has been mediating the talks noted that significant progress has been made in the nuclear discussions. The Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke positively about the developments, though the US envoy has strongly recommended that American citizens leave the nation immediately. The USS Gerald R Ford ship is also nearing Israel, with tensions continuing to rise between the two nations. The aircraft carrier is America’s largest and hence speaks volumes with regard to the USA’s stance on nuclear enrichment in Tehran. The talks are said to carry over to the following week with several matters yet to be decided on.
Pakistan: Business leaders urges IMF review team to prioritise long-term economic planning
On 27 February, Dawn reported that business leaders urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a review meeting that the country should not be run on a day-to-day basis and must have a long-term plan. Meanwhile, the visiting mission chief underscored the need for phased economic growth instead of abruptly accelerating the pace. As the IMF mission comes at a time when an official report showed poverty in Pakistan at an 11-year high, unemployment at a 21-year high, and income inequality at a 27-year high, Business leaders complained about high taxes, expressed concerns over the super tax, salaried class tax and high corporate taxes, and called for a reduction in energy costs. They also criticised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for its failure to broaden the tax base and stop tax evasion, which they believed was also a failure of the IMF and World Bank, which continue to extend loans without any proper checks.
Pakistan: Qatari Minister praises PM Shehbaz’s visit in call with FM Dar
On 27 February, The Express Tribune reported that Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, on Thursday, praised the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Khulaifi highlighted the positive impact of PM Shehbaz’s visit on Pakistan-Qatar relations and expressed a desire to elevate bilateral ties to new heights. Dar also extended his gratitude to the Qatari leadership. “The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar,” the Ministry added.
