CWA # 1979
The World Today #258, 19 February 2026
The World Today
The Indian Neighbourhood Today

Global Politics Team
19 February 2026

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The World Today
The US and Iran: Washington intensifies military buildup in the Middle East, full forces to be in place by mid-March; Iran expected to submit a written proposal on how to resolve the current standoff within two weeks
On 19 February, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed that President Trump has ordered a major military buildup in the region, signalling that military options remain under consideration if diplomacy fails.  Full forces are expected to be in place by mid-March, including  a second aircraft carrier.  White House officials warned that "reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran," but that diplomacy is always the first option. Russia also warned against escalation, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioning that any new US strike could have severe consequences.  Iran is expected to submit a written proposal on how to resolve the current standoff with the US within two weeks.

The War in Gaza: President Trump to preside over the Board of Peace inaugural meeting; Hamas tightens administrative control in Gaza, reports Reuters
On 19 February, President Trump will preside over the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace with representatives from over 45 countries in attendance. He will also announce the USD 5 billion raised by partner countries towards reconstruction and the scope for deploying stabilisation forces in Gaza. An Israeli military assessment revealed that Hamas is tightening its grip on Gaza by appointing loyalists to key government posts, collecting taxes and paying salaries."Hamas is advancing steps on the ground meant to preserve its influence and grip in the Gaza Strip 'from the bottom up' by means of integrating its supporters in government offices, security apparatuses and local authorities," the military said in a document presented to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Hamas stated it is prepared to transfer Gaza’s administration to the US-backed committee of Palestinian technocrats led by former Palestinian Authority official Ali Shaath, but claims Israel has not allowed members to enter the enclave to take up their roles, however Israeli officials dismissed any future role for the group as a “twisted fantasy,” insisting Hamas is finished as a governing authority in Gaza. Hamas has appointed five district governors, all reportedly linked to its armed al-Qassam Brigades, and also replaced senior officials in the economy and interior ministries, which oversee taxation and security, reported Reuters.

The US: Trump administration extends ICE detention authority over refugees
On 19 February, Reuters reported that Trump’s administration has authorized broader detention powers for immigration officers to hold legal refugees awaiting green cards for renewed screening, according to a memo from the US Department of Homeland Security filed in federal court on 18 February. The memo requires refugees to return to government custody for “inspection and examination” one year after admission to the US, aligning post-admission vetting with other applicants. Refugees are required to apply for lawful permanent resident status after one year, as per US law. The directive authorizes detention during the re-inspection process and marks a shift from a 2010 policy stating that failure to obtain permanent residency was not grounds for removal or detention. Refugee groups, including AfghanEvac and HIAS, called the policy a “reckless reversal” that would cause “grave harm” to refugees. Immigration detention under Trump has risen to about 68,000 people this month, up roughly 75 per cent from when he took office last year, according to government data. In January, US District Judge John Tunheim temporarily blocked a related policy affecting about 5,600 refugees in Minnesota, citing likely violations of federal statutes.

Peru: Congress elects Jose Maria Balcazar as interim president amid political turmoil
On 19 February, Peru’s Congress elected Jose Maria Balcazar as interim president. This was following the removal of his predecessor amid allegations of irregular contracting and political controversy. Balcazar, an 83-year-old lawmaker from the left-wing Peru Libre party, secured the presidency in a second-round congressional vote, defeating right-leaning candidate Maria del Carmen Alva. He is expected to serve for five months until the national elections scheduled for April. The vote followed a brief leadership vacuum and reflects ongoing institutional instability in the country. The change in leadership marks yet another transition in Peru’s executive office in recent years. It also underscored persistent political fragmentation and governance challenges. Lawmakers moved quickly to fill the leadership gap to ensure continuity of government operations. Authorities have indicated that maintaining administrative stability and preparing for the upcoming elections will be immediate priorities.

Syria: Turkey’s Parliament approves roadmap for peace process
On 19 February, a Turkish parliamentary commission approved a report which sets out a roadmap for legal reforms alongside the disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU. The commission voted overwhelmingly to approve the report, designed to end decades of conflict. The parliamentary vote shifts the peace process to the legislative theatre as President Erdogan bids to end a conflict focused mainly in southeast Turkey. A key element of the report is its recommendation to strengthen mechanisms to ensure compliance with the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court. The PKK complained that while there were foundations for resolving the Kurdish issue, there was a lack of clarity in the report regarding initiating constitutional amendments related to the Kurdish language, the anti-terrorism law and the return of PKK militants to Turkey and their integration into society.


The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Bangladesh: Dhaka to pursue ‘Bangladesh first’ policy in diplomacy, says Shama Obaed
On 19 February, The Daily Star reported that the new government would pursue a “Bangladesh First” policy in its engagement with other nations, in its article covering the highlights of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam's press briefing. Shama stated: "For a long time, our backbone was not straight. Now we have come with the people’s mandate, and we will move forward with confidence." She further added that the new government's diplomacy would be guided by the principle of “Bangladesh first,” placing national interests and citizens’ welfare at the centre of all foreign engagements. Responding to a query about ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India and related diplomatic correspondence, she said the matter remains under process and will be reviewed by the ministry. Asked about the interim government’s reported policy position regarding deployment of Bangladeshi troops to Gaza, she said the issue has not yet been discussed at the political level.“ Such political decisions will be discussed and taken in due course,” she said. On relations with India, China and the United States she stated: "We will maintain relations with all states and governments. Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh and its people." On visa restrictions imposed by several countries, Shama said the ministry is aware of the challenges and is actively working to resolve them through diplomatic channels.

Bangladesh and the US: President Trump writes to PM Rahman
On 19 February, The Daily Star reported that the US President wrote to the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Thariq Rahman, congratulating him on his victory and on strengthening ties between the two nations. US President wrote: "On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on your historic election and wish you a successful term as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh,” he added that “The partnership between our countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper." Further he expects PM Rahman to "maintain the tremendous momentum in US-Bangladesh trade relations through the implementation of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both countries," and I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defence agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment -- the best in the world!,” President Trump wrote.

Myanmar: Mizoram closes border crossings, following driver's death
On 19 February, Mizzima reported that the Mizoram government had ordered a two-month temporary closure of border crossings with Myanmar effective from 16 February, citing significant security concerns. The decision, issued by the Lawngtlai District magistrate, follows the death of Lalramsanga, a 37-year-old driver from Mizoram who was found dead in Shin Letwa village, located in Myanmar’s Paletwa Township. Local traders have voiced immediate concern over the impact of the closure, warning of imminent supply shortages and price hikes in Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine States. Perishable goods, including potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, are already at risk of spoilage, while shipments of dry goods, fuel, and rice remain stranded at the border.

Myanmar: National Unity Government and Burma National Revolutionary Army forces clash
On 19 February, Mizzima reported that a clash broke out between the National Unity Government and the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) in  Pale Township, Sagaing Region, on 16 February. Residents from several nearby villages, including Kyarsi and Maungtong, have been forced to flee their homes as gunfire and explosions echoed through the area. Leader of BNRA, Bo Nagar, stated on social media that NUG Ministry of Defence battalions began attacking BNRA checkpoints with artillery and drones starting around 19:30 hours. Meanwhile, NUG spokesperson, U Nay Phone Latt, informed Mizzima that the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence are cooperating to investigate and arrest members of the BNRA for alleged crimes.

Bhutan: Thimphu witnesses a surge in unsettling crimes
On 18 February, the Kuensel reported a sudden surge in unsettling crimes witnessed in Bhutan in 2025. A 1.31 kg gold karmi kom (a butter lamp) worth over 12 million BTN was stolen from Takila Guru Lhakhang, with two former monks arrested. Substance abuse cases witnessed a slight decline to just above 1,500 in 2025, though illegal possession rose marginally. 520 battery incidents and around 430 domestic violence cases were registered. Road accidents surged to 1,450 in 2025, with fatalities rising to 102. 318 scam cases caused losses of BTN 37.08 million, while cybercrime reached 469 cases since 2022. There were 422 deaths by suicide recorded between 2022 and 2025.

Sri Lanka: Air Force fleet to be modernised
On 19 February, The Daily Mirror reported that the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is moving ahead with a multi-billion-rupee fleet modernisation programme, involving the acquisition of new aircraft and the refurbishment of existing platforms. The Air Force’s plans to upgrade are reported to cost USD 18 million. This upgradation coincides with the Sri Lankan Air Force’s 75th anniversary. Authorities say the need arises to address the operational and maintenance challenges faced by ageing equipment. For President Dissanayake’s administration, this projects institutional strengthening and momentum beyond austerity measures to mitigate the 2022 financial crisis.

Maldives: Government push for election synchronisation framed as fiscal reform
On 19 February, The Sun reported that the Maldivian administration under President Mohamed Muizzu has intensified political messaging around the constitutional referendum to merge presidential and parliamentary elections, presenting it primarily as an economic governance reform rather than just an electoral change. Authorities say the reform could save USD 8 million in election costs, reducing the burden on the exchequer. Critics, however, highlight a compromise of a check and balances mechanism and fair competition amongst political parties.

Afghanistan: “Limited” domestic abuse approved by the Taliban regime
On 19 February, Minute Mirror reported via several foreign media reports that the Taliban government has enacted a criminal code that allows a certain degree of domestic abuse against women and children. The code requires that a woman prove the incident of abuse in court, and, upon succeeding, a maximum prison sentence of 15 days will be imposed. Any injuries that are meant to be proof of the violence must be presented to the judge while also ensuring that the body is fully covered. It is important to note that, under Article nine of the Afghan law, the severity of punishment depends more on the perpetrator’s social class than on the extent of the crime. Women who meet their relatives without the husband’s permission, however, can face a prison term of up to 3 months. The new criminal code has been formally signed by the Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Iran: Tension grows in the US-Iran ties
On 19 February, Al Jazeera reported that new threats had been issued by the United States to Iran after a second round of talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and enrichment levels. Meanwhile, Russia announced joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman with Iran, saying it hopes to deter any “unilateral action” in the region. The talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, ended without a significant breakthrough, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged Tehran to reach a deal with US President Trump. These developments follow the incidents of the previous year when Israel attacked Iran over a period of 12 days, and was also joined by the US, which targeted key nuclear sites. Trump warned that military facilities in the Chagos Islands may also be employed in this conflict.

Afghanistan and Pakistan: Detainees released ahead of Ramadan
On 19 February, Arab News reported that detainees of Pakistani origin were freed as part of a goodwill gesture, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Three detainees were released following mediation of a Saudi delegation that visited Kabul. The Afghan spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, expressed appreciation for the Saudi effort and stressed Kabul’s aim of maintaining good ties with neighbours. The three detainees were captured during clashes with Pakistani forces on 12 October 2025. Saudi Arabia was referred to as a “brotherly nation” in the official press release, noting the growing ties between the two nations. These developments come up against the backdrop of Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering fighters belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban that are allegedly responsible for attacks in Pakistan.

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