**Summary:** The motorcade of 2027 presidential aspirant Peter Obi, along with other African Democratic Party (ADC) leaders including former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun, was shot at in Benin City, Edo State, during an event welcoming Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Olumide Akpata, a former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, stated that the attack occurred after they left the ADC Secretariat and were at Chief John Oyegun's house, resulting in damaged vehicles and injuries to some attendees.

**Key points:**
- The attack occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
- Akpata received intelligence that the ADC Secretariat would be attacked, leading to an attempt to speed up the event.
- The shooting was described as a 'double drive by' near Chief Oyegun's house, forcing security personnel to push the group inside.
- Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, ADC deputy governorship candidate in Anambra, called on President Bola Tinubu to condemn the violence.
- One of Akpata's cousins sustained an injury, having a bottle smashed on her head.

**Why it matters:** The incident involved a prominent political figure, Peter Obi, and has raised concerns about political intimidation and the safety of opposition parties operating in Nigeria, with calls for the federal government to condemn the violence.

Attack on Peter Obi: Anambra Ex-ADC Deputy Gov Candidate Sends Strong Message to Tinubu

Benin attack: ‘Anyone in those vehicles would’ve died’ – Akpata narrates how Peter Obi, others escaped death

Peter Obi and Others Escape Attack in Benin City

**Summary:** Negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded in Geneva without a final agreement, although the Omani Foreign Minister reported "significant progress" in the third round of indirect talks. Technical discussions between expert teams are scheduled to begin in Vienna soon.

**Key points:**
- Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, urged the US to avoid 'excessive demands' for a successful outcome.
- The US, under President Donald Trump, has used military pressure, described as a 'credible military threat,' as a tool in negotiations.
- US officials, including Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, acknowledged Iran has not yet surrendered to pressure tactics.
- The US military presence in the region is reportedly large enough to send a threat but insufficient for a prolonged conflict, according to CNN.
- The US has refused to offer Iran guarantees against military action during the three rounds of talks that began last month.

**Why it matters:** Despite the lack of a final deal, the reported progress suggests a diplomatic path remains open, even as US military posturing continues to be a factor in the negotiations.

Signs of 'gradual progress' in Iran-US talks

Irã pede aos Estados Unidos que evitem ‘exigências excessivas’ para alcançar acordo | Jornal de Brasília

پیشرفت مذاکرات سایه جنگ را دور کرد؟ / آمریکا فشار نظامی را ابزار موثری می‌داند / «ناوگان عظیم زیبا» فقط برای نمایش است؟ - خبرآنلاین

مذاکرات ایران و آمریکا بدون توافق پایان یافت اما نشانه‌های بالقوه پیشرفت مشاهده شد - باشگاه خبرنگاران جوان

Iran-US Talks Conclude Without Agreement, But Show Signs of Progress

**Summary:** Pakistan declared "open war" on the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan following Afghan strikes on Thursday, leading to retaliatory Pakistani bombings in Kabul and other major Afghan cities overnight. This escalation stems from a long-simmering conflict primarily concerning Pakistan's accusation that the Afghan Taliban is harboring members of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

**Key points:**
- Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated, "Our patience has reached its limits. It is now open war between us and you."
- Pakistan launched Operation "Just Wrath" involving air and ground strikes targeting Afghan defense sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province.
- The immediate trigger was Afghan offensive attacks on Pakistani border posts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday.
- The Taliban claimed to have captured 15 Pakistani outposts and killed "dozens" of soldiers in their offensive.
- Pakistan claims to have killed 133 TTP fighters and wounded 200 in its retaliatory strikes, while the Taliban claims 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed.

**Why it matters:** This marks a significant and dangerous military escalation between the two neighbors, moving beyond previous targeted strikes against the TTP to direct confrontation with the Taliban regime itself. International bodies like the UN and Russia have called for de-escalation and diplomacy.

tagesschau.de - Pakistan spricht von \"offenem Krieg\" mit Afghanistan

rp.pl - Bomby spadły na Kabul. Pakistan: To już otwarta wojna

FAZ - Konflikt mit Afghanistan: Pakistan sieht sich im Krieg

Le Nouvel Obs - « Guerre ouverte » entre le Pakistan et l’Afghanistan : ce que l’on sait

Pakistan Declares "Open War" on Afghanistan After Cross-Border Attacks

**Summary:** Starting March 1, 2026, a new tax of 2 euros per item will be applied to parcels valued under 150 euros imported from outside the European Union, affecting online purchases from platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. This measure, introduced by the 2026 finance law adopted in January, is intended to limit cheap imports and encourage local commerce.

**Key points:**
- The tax is 2 euros per article, meaning a 50-euro parcel with 10 items incurs a 20-euro tax.
- The seller or platform is responsible for paying the tax along with VAT, but the cost is expected to be passed on to the consumer.
- This national measure will remain in effect until a similar European system is implemented, no later than December 31, 2026.
- Other changes starting March 1 include increases in gas reference prices and hospital/emergency service fees.

**Why it matters:** This new tax directly impacts the final price of low-value goods purchased from major international e-commerce sites, potentially altering consumer purchasing habits.

ladepeche.fr - Shein, Temu… le prix de vos "petits colis" va augmenter à partir du 1er mars

huffingtonpost.fr - Ce qui change au 1er mars 2026 : carte grise, petits colis, recours en justice, carnet de maternité…

New Tax on Small Parcels from Outside EU Starts March 1, 2026

**Summary:** The latest round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva concluded without a breakthrough, though both sides agreed to further negotiations focusing on Iran's nuclear program and US sanctions termination. Mediator Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed significant progress was made, with technical discussions scheduled for Vienna next week.

**Key points:**
- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as the "most intense so far."
- US demands reportedly included dismantling Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites and delivering enriched uranium to the US.
- The US is also pressuring Iran regarding its ballistic missile program and support for regional armed groups.
- Tehran prioritizes the lifting of sanctions that have impacted its economy and fueled recent protests.
- The talks occurred amid a large US military buildup in the Middle East, raising warnings of potential military clashes.
- US negotiators included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

**Why it matters:** The ongoing negotiations are critical for regional stability and oil markets, as analysts warn of risks of military escalation should a diplomatic breakthrough fail. The outcome will influence global energy prices.

CNBC - U.S. and Iran wrap up 'most intense' nuclear talks with no deal — more negotiations ahead

Deccan Chronicle - Iran Says 'Good Progress' in US Talks, Next Round Within a Week

US and Iran Conclude 'Most Intense' Nuclear Talks Without Deal; More Negotiations Planned

**Summary:** Netflix abruptly announced it would not raise its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming assets after Warner's board deemed Paramount Skydance's revised bid superior. Netflix stated the required price was "no longer financially attractive," calling the acquisition a 'nice to have' but not a 'must have' at any price.

**Key points:**
- Paramount's revised offer was $31 per share for the entire company, exceeding Netflix's initial $27.75 per share offer for only the studio and streaming assets.
- Paramount's bid includes a $7 billion regulatory termination fee and $2.8 billion to cover Netflix's existing merger termination fee.
- Larry Ellison's trust is backing Paramount's bid with $45.7 billion in equity, and the deal has drawn political attention due to the Ellisons' relationship with Donald Trump.
- Following Netflix's withdrawal, its stock rose over 10% in after-hours trading, while Warner Bros. stock declined.
- Paramount's full acquisition would include cable assets like CNN, which were excluded from Netflix's initial agreement.

**Why it matters:** This development reshapes the Hollywood media landscape, potentially consolidating power under Paramount Skydance, which is backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and has political ties to Donald Trump.

Netflix backs away from offer to buy Warner Bros.

Netflix walks away from Warner Bros deal, clearing the path for Paramount

Kein „Must Have“: Netflix gibt im Rennen um Warner auf

Netflix no elevará su oferta por Warner Bros y despeja el camino a Paramount

Paramount gana la guerra por Warner Bros. tras la renuncia de Netflix a igualar la oferta

Netflix Withdraws Warner Bros. Bid, Clearing Path for Paramount Skydance Takeover

**Summary:** Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi stated that recent nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, were the most serious exchange with Washington yet, suggesting a possible agreement could be reached within a week. The US delegation, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, has reportedly shown dissatisfaction, and the US maintains its military presence in the region as leverage.

**Key points:**
- Iran expects the next round of talks within less than a week, following technical discussions planned for Monday.
- Tehran clearly presented its demands for sanctions removal and the exact procedure for an agreement.
- Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed 'significant progress' without providing specifics.
- The US has not officially commented, but sources suggest US envoys were unhappy with the morning session.
- Iran insists on continuing uranium enrichment while denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons.

**Why it matters:** These discussions represent a critical juncture in US-Iran relations regarding the nuclear program, with both sides outlining demands for a potential deal that could avert conflict.

Iran sieht Fortschritte bei Atomgesprächen mit den USA - tagesschau.de

Iranian foreign minister says US, Iran moving closer to deal - Al Jazeera

Iran Reports Progress in Nuclear Talks with the US in Geneva

**Summary:** A Cologne administrative court provisionally granted the AfD's urgent application against its reclassification by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) from a "suspected case" to a "secured extremist endeavor." The court ruled that the evidence provided by the BfV was insufficient to justify the higher classification.

**Key points:**
- The BfV had upgraded the AfD's status in May 2025, allowing for intensified surveillance methods like observations or the use of informants.
- The BfV's justification for the upgrade included an ethnically-based understanding of the German people and the alleged degradation of population groups, particularly migrants and Muslims.
- The court acknowledged sufficient certainty that some AfD efforts target the free democratic basic order, citing demands like a headscarf ban.
- However, the court found that such isolated demands do not constitute a constitutional-hostile basic tendency for the entire party.
- The court also noted insufficient certainty regarding the party's stance on stripping German citizens with a migration background of their rights.

**Why it matters:** This court decision represents a symbolic victory for the AfD, temporarily preventing the intelligence service from using intensified surveillance measures against the federal party.

Quarte Bot