Global Hotspots Erupt in Chaos

A series of global hotspots erupted in chaos this week, with a former Philippine president facing International Criminal Court (ICC) charges, a Mexican cartel leader's killing sparking violence, and severe weather hitting the US. Meanwhile, Chad closed its border with Sudan, and fears of a polio resurgence rose in the US.

In the Philippines, ICC judges are set to hear charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is accused of crimes against humanity committed during his "war on drugs" campaign. Duterte, 80, has been charged with three counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, and has drawn international condemnation for the extrajudicial killings of tens of thousands of alleged dealers, users, and others. Human rights groups say Duterte's campaign resulted in the killings of thousands of civilians, many of whom were children.

In Mexico, the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," sparked a wave of violence, with gunmen blocking major roads, torching cars and buses, and fighting with government forces. Schools were closed in several Mexican states, and foreign governments warned their citizens to stay inside.

In the US, a severe snowstorm blanketed New York and the north-east, causing road travel bans and blizzard warnings. Millions of people were stuck at home, with snow falling at a rate of 2-3 inches per hour and wind gusts of over 30mph. The storm created whiteout conditions, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow.

Meanwhile, Chad closed its border with Sudan after a cross-border incursion killed its troops. The border will remain closed until further notice, citing repeated violations by Sudan's warring sides.

In the US, fears of a polio resurgence rose after a top vaccine adviser questioned the need for childhood shots. Experts are bracing for more polio cases, with survivors saying the medical system is not ready for a polio outbreak. "We don't have a healthcare infrastructure to take care of a polio outbreak," said Grace Rossow, an operating-room communications coordinator in Illinois, who has long-term health issues following a case of polio as an infant. "They don't know how to treat it. It is a massive problem if we have a resurgence of polio."

The ICC hearing against Duterte is set to determine whether he should stand trial for his alleged role in the killings. Duterte has been unfazed by international condemnation, saying he'd be "happy to slaughter" millions of "drug addicts" who he claimed were destroying the country.

The violence in Mexico sparked by El Mencho's killing has raised concerns about the country's ability to contain the cartel's power. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and violent cartels in Mexico, and El Mencho's death is likely to lead to a power struggle within the organization.

The snowstorm in the US has caused widespread disruptions, with flights cancelled and roads closed. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow.

The closure of the Chad-Sudan border has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians. The border has been closed several times in the past due to tensions between the two countries.

As the world grapples with these multiple crises, it remains to be seen how these situations will unfold and what the consequences will be for the people affected.