Archive: February 2026
76 articles published this month
Iranian Revolution: Khomeini Returns, Monarchy Falls
The Iranian Revolution reached its decisive climax in February 1979: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Tehran on February 1, and the monarchy collapsed on February 11 after the military declared neutrality.
February Revolution 1917: Protests End Romanov Rule
The February Revolution in 1917 began with mass protests in Petrograd, spiraled into mutiny, and forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate—ending Romanov rule and opening the door to a turbulent year of dual power and war.
Qing Dynasty ends as Puyi abdicates in 1912
The Qing Dynasty collapsed on February 12, 1912, when the Xuantong Emperor Puyi abdicated, ending China’s imperial system and opening the way for republican rule.
French Revolution of 1848: How Banquets Toppled a King
The French Revolution of 1848 erupted after authorities banned reform banquets, triggering protests from February 22 and culminating in Louis-Philippe’s abdication days later and the birth of a new republic.
Nipah Virus Footprint Expands Across India Amid New Cases
New data and recent outbreaks point to a widening Nipah virus threat in India, with evidence of viral presence in bat populations across multiple states and regional health alerts underscoring the urgency of preparedness.
Brad Arnold death: 3 Doors Down singer dies at 47
Brad Arnold death was confirmed Feb. 7, 2026, after the 3 Doors Down frontman’s stage 4 kidney cancer battle. The band said he “passed away peacefully” with his wife Jennifer and family present, reviving focus on his 2000s rock legacy and tour disruptions.
Bannon-Epstein interview video fuels fresh scrutiny
The Bannon-Epstein interview footage released in the latest Epstein files shows Jeffrey Epstein posturing about power and elites in a nearly two-hour sit-down filmed around 2019. Reporting says it was meant for a sympathetic documentary effort, not a “traffic documentary.”
Iran strike U.S. bases warning shadows Oman nuclear talks
Iran strike U.S. bases warning from Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi raised regional tail risks even as Iran and the U.S. described indirect Oman nuclear talks as positive and agreed to continue. Tehran framed retaliation as targeting U.S. forces, not host countries.
Bangladesh election bank closure: banks shut Feb 11–12
Bangladesh election bank closure plans are set for Feb 11–12, with Bangladesh Bank directing all scheduled banks to close ahead of the Feb 12 national election and referendum. The two-day shutdown can strain payments, cash, and settlement cycles as political risk stays elevated.
Amar Ekushey Book Fair date row: Feb 20 stays
Amar Ekushey Book Fair organizers say the fair will start Feb 20 as scheduled, despite publisher calls to shift dates around Ramadan. The dispute affects print runs, cashflow, and sponsorship planning across Bangladesh’s publishing industry.
Crypto market structure bill hits White House red lines
Crypto market structure talks at the White House ended without a deal on Feb. 3, with stablecoin rewards as the key snag. The next day, a Trump digital-assets adviser drew “red lines” against ethics provisions aimed at Trump or family, narrowing—not rejecting—the bill’s path.
Deepak Chopra Epstein emails revive ethics questions
Deepak Chopra Epstein emails in newly released records show post-2008 contact and celebrity chatter, including a 2016 Marla Maples query. Chopra apologized for the tone and denied any criminal or exploitative acts as fresh Epstein-file releases fuel scrutiny.
Steven Pinker Epstein ties face renewed scrutiny
Steven Pinker Epstein ties are back in focus after reporting on a 2002 flight log entry, limited legal-case assistance, and references in released emails. Pinker has said he regrets the contact and that it was not tied to Epstein’s crimes.
Iran easy access to US bases claim raises regional risk
Iran easy access to US bases rhetoric resurfaced after an army spokesperson warned U.S. positions are vulnerable. The messaging lands amid U.S.–Iran tensions, planned Oman talks, and recent drone incidents, keeping energy and shipping tail risks in focus.
Trump–Xi call puts soybeans and Taiwan in focus
The Trump–Xi call on Feb. 4 mixed Taiwan warnings with trade signals, including talk of bigger U.S. soybean purchases and a possible April Beijing visit. Soybean futures rose on the headline, while investors re-priced tariff risk and Asia supply-chain exposure.
Starlink direct-to-device plans raise telecom pressure
Starlink direct-to-device plans are widening as SpaceX explores a Starlink-branded phone, new services, and spectrum moves. Telcos and listed “space connectivity” rivals face tighter competition and valuation pressure as IPO talk builds.
Spain regularise migrants: €-economy bet, 500k pathway
Spain regularise migrants via a new royal-decree pathway targeting about 500,000 undocumented people and some asylum seekers. The plan starts in April 2026 with a time-limited application window and aims to boost legal work access, tax receipts, and integration amid political backlash.
US-Iran strike risk rises, but talks still in play
US-Iran strike risk is higher than normal as military incidents mount and talks wobble on venue and scope. Public reporting does not support “imminent” action, but leaked strike options and force posture shifts are lifting risk premia for shipping, energy, and EM FX.
U.S. stocks fell as tech-led AI selloff hits semis
U.S. stocks fell on Wed., Feb. 4, 2026 as semis slid and tech multiples reset. The S&P 500 lost about 0.8% and the Nasdaq dropped about 1.9%, with AMD down roughly 16–17% on guidance focus and a rotation into value.
Bill Gates Epstein: regrets after DOJ files resurface
Bill Gates Epstein remarks drew global attention after a Feb. 4, 2026 Nine News interview in which Gates said he “regrets every minute” with Jeffrey Epstein. The comments follow a DOJ release of nearly 3.5M pages and multimedia that revived draft-email allegations Gates calls false.