**Summary:** The renowned German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas, best known for his theory of political consensus-building, passed away on Saturday at the age of 96 in Starnberg, Germany. His publisher, Suhrkamp Verlag, confirmed the death to AFP.

**Key points:**
- He was considered the most influential German intellectual of his generation, involved in post-war debates.
- Habermas was a proponent of European federalism to counter rising nationalism.
- He was a voice for the German student protests in the 1960s but later criticized the risks of 'left-wing fascism'.
- He was born on June 18, 1929, in Dusseldorf and joined the Hitler Youth as an adolescent.
- His recent controversial intervention involved backing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cautious approach to military aid for Kyiv in 2022.

**Why it matters:** Habermas significantly shaped post-war German discourse, particularly through his defense of the uniqueness of Holocaust atrocities and his advocacy for European integration.

Скончался немецкий философ и социолог Юрген Хабермас

Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany's post-war conscience, dies aged 96

Décès du philosophe allemand Jürgen Habermas à l'âge de 96 ans

Le philosophe allemand Jürgen Habermas s’est éteint

German philosopher Jürgen Habermas dies at 96

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump urged several countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to keep it open and secure following Iran's attempts to close it. Trump stated that the US has already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capacity but warned that the US will continue to bomb the coast and sink Iranian vessels.

**Key points:**
- Trump expects countries affected by Iran's restriction attempt to send warships jointly with the US.
- He claimed the US has already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capacity.
- Trump warned that the US will continuously bomb the coast and sink Iranian boats.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route, crucial for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transit.

**Why it matters:** The call for international naval deployment signals a significant escalation in tensions regarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.

Президент США призвал ряд стран направить свои корабли в Ормузский пролив

EU enviará buques de guerra al estrecho de Ormuz, dice Trump

Trump'tan İran'a Hürmüz Boğazı tehdidi... Savaş gemileri bölgeye sevk edildi

Donald Trump instó a otros países a enviar barcos para asegurar el estrecho de Ormuz

Trump Urges Countries to Send Ships to Secure Strait of Hormuz

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump announced that US Central Command executed strikes that "totally obliterated" military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, threatening to strike oil infrastructure if Iran interferes with the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded sternly, warning that any attack on its oil facilities would result in the destruction of US-linked oil installations in the region.

**Key points:**
- The strike focused on defense infrastructure, sparing the island's oil terminal which processes 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.
- The operation is seen as an attempt by the Trump administration to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.
- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that attacks on the islands would cause Iran to 'abandon all restraint.'
- JPMorgan warned that a direct strike on oil capacity could trigger a regional energy war.

**Why it matters:** The targeted military strikes on Kharg Island, the economic heart of Iran, escalate tensions significantly, raising the risk of a wider regional energy conflict centered on control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Daily Mail Online - Trump says Iran's strategically important Kharg Island has been 'totally obliterated' and threatens to wipe out oil infastructure unless Strait of Hormuz is opened

Free Press Journal - Inside Kharg Island : Why Iran Most Guarded Isle Could Trigger Next Phase Of Middle East Crisis

Trump Claims Kharg Island 'Obliterated'; Iran Warns of Retaliation

**Summary:** Cuban officials recently held conversations with representatives of the US government, confirmed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. These discussions aim to find solutions to bilateral differences through dialogue, identify areas for cooperation, and move away from confrontation.

**Key points:**
- The conversations are guided by Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Revolution, and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic.
- The Cuban side expressed willingness to proceed based on equality, respect for political systems, sovereignty, and self-determination.
- US President Donald Trump previously dismissed the possibility of US military action in Cuba leading to conflicts in the Caribbean, stating, "That will not happen."
- The talks seek to identify bilateral problems needing solutions and determine mutual disposition for actions benefiting both nations' peoples.

**Why it matters:** These high-level, sensitive discussions signal an effort by both nations to manage differences and establish areas of cooperation amidst current international tensions.

Cubanet - Trump sobre conflictos en el Caribe tras posible acción militar en Cuba: «Eso no va a pasar»

El Popular - Para crear espacios de entendimiento y cooperación, funcionarios cubanos han sostenido recientemente conversaciones con representantes del gobierno de EE. UU.

Cuba and USA Officials Hold Talks to Seek Understanding and Cooperation

**Summary:** Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued warnings regarding escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically mentioning Iran-related developments and threats to Turkish airspace. He emphasized that keeping Turkey out of the "pit of fire" is the top priority and cautioned against sectarian and ethnic incitements.

**Key points:**
- Erdoğan stated that Turkey is analyzing all developments in detail and is preventing any threats to its airspace, referencing actions taken the previous night.
- The President noted that Israel's policies in the West Bank and the suffering in Gaza, where 72,000 martyrs were reported, are concerning.
- Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that in the current uncertain geopolitical climate, including developments related to Iran, Turkey is in a fortunate position due to its stability and peace.
- Yılmaz stressed that in the 'Türkiye Yüzyılı' (Century of Turkey), there is no place for terrorism or violence, and resources should be used for public welfare.
- Erdoğan urged citizens to be very careful about incitements based on sect and ethnicity, which he noted are being stirred up concurrently with attacks against Iran.

**Why it matters:** Turkish leadership is actively managing heightened regional security risks stemming from tensions involving Iran, while simultaneously focusing on internal stability and welfare amidst global uncertainty.

mynet.com - Orta Doğu'da İran gerilimi! Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'dan dikkat çeken uyarı: "Çok dikkatli olmanızı istiyorum"

dha.com.tr - Cumhurbaşkanı Yardımcısı Yılmaz : Türkiye Yüzyılı nda teröre , şiddete yer yok

star.com.tr - İran'dan gönderilen füzeler! Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Ülkemizi savaşa çekmek isteyenlere karşı dikkatliyiz

Erdoğan Warns of Regional Tension Amid Iran Tensions and Missile Launches

**Summary:** The Israel Defense Forces (IDF/Tsahal) announced it conducted large-scale strikes against military targets in western and central Iran, hitting over 150 military sites. The IDF also reported eliminating two key Iranian commanders responsible for missile launches toward Israel within 24 hours.

**Key points:**
- Attacks targeted and destroyed several weapons depots, dozens of ballistic missiles, and launchers.
- Strikes also hit drone depots, defense systems, and facilities used for weapons production.
- The IDF stated that since the operation began (in conjunction with the US against Tehran), it has launched over 7,600 strikes in Iran and 1,100 in Lebanon.
- Previous actions included a preemptive strike by Israel on February 28, which Iran answered with strikes on Israel and US bases.

**Why it matters:** The ongoing exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran, which reportedly includes US involvement, signifies a continuation of escalating military actions in the region.

Израиль нанес удары по 150 военным целям в Иране

Израиль сообщил об атаке на двух ключевых командиров Ирана

إسرائيل توجه 7600 ضربة على إيران

Izraelio kariuomenė teigia sudavusi 7 600 smūgių Irane ir 1 100

Israel Conducts Strikes in Iran, Targeting 150 Military Sites and Key Commanders

**Summary:** Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastián Marset was detained by Bolivian Police during an operation in the Las Palmas neighborhood of Santa Cruz de la Sierra early on Tuesday morning. Police agents from the Special Force Against Drug Trafficking and the Tactical Unit of Police Operations (UTOP) conducted the raid starting at 2:30 AM.

**Key points:**
- The arrest occurred in the Las Palmas neighborhood of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
- The operation was carried out by the Bolivian Police's Special Force Against Drug Trafficking and UTOP agents.
- Police sources confirmed the capture, although official government reports had not yet been issued.
- Sources indicated that Marset would be handed over to the DEA.

**Why it matters:** The capture of a high-profile international drug trafficker like Sebastián Marset in Bolivia is a significant development in regional anti-narcotics efforts.

Cae Marset; la Policía capturó al narco uruguayo en Santa Cruz - Opinión

El narco Sebastián Marset fue detenido en un operativo policial en Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Infobae

Uruguayan Drug Trafficker Sebastián Marset Detained in Bolivia

**Summary:** The Commission for conducting the election of the President and members of the Central Election Commission (CIK) will announce a third public call on March 16th after the previous two were unsuccessful. Separately, the Committee for Political System, Judiciary, and Administration of the Parliament of Montenegro announced a public call for four members of the Judicial Council from among reputable lawyers.

**Key points:**
- The third public call for the CIK President and four members is scheduled for March 16th.
- The previous two public calls for CIK selection were unsuccessful.
- The second CIK call received 10 candidates, with eight meeting the legal requirements, but the procedure stalled due to the lack of a proposal for the CIK President.
- The Judicial Council mandate expires on July 12, 2026.
- Candidates for the Judicial Council must be at least 40 years old with 15 years of legal experience.
- The call for Judicial Council members aims to avoid a vacuum in the judiciary ahead of expected closure of rule of law negotiation chapters.

**Why it matters:** These processes are crucial for the functioning of Montenegro's electoral body (CIK) and judicial governance (Judicial Council), especially in a year where closing rule of law negotiation chapters is anticipated.

Quarte Bot