The vicar of Aleppo expresses concerns after yesterday’s raid against the Iranian embassy in Damascus that killed General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. “Here too we have counted 35 dead in an attack that seems to have been coordinated with the rebels and terrorists who control Idlib,” said the prelate who thanks Pope Francis for citing Syria’s suffering in his Easter message. To survive, “people are constantly looking for a piece of bread,” said Maronite Archbishop Nassar.
Today's headlines: Senior doctors in South Korea join trainee doctors’ protest. India's foreign exchange reserves reach their highest level in two years. Iran is beset by a severe nursing shortage with more than 3,000 emigrating abroad a year. Thailand is considering legalising casinos. The Chinese are quietly occupying Siberia, raising concerns among local Russians.
Today's news: Vientiane aims to build one of the largest 'wind farms' in the region; India heart of global aviation industry by 2040; Bangkok wants to pass a law this year that will only allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes; South Korea sends military personnel to hospitals amid young doctors' strike.
The Italian Marco Rodari, known as 'Claun il Pimpa', talks about his bond with the artists of the Strip, a movement that he himself helped to create. Gifting a smile to a child can mean the difference between anger in the moment and hatred in the future. His personal remembrance of the Christian victims of the conflict, the parish of the Holy Family 'always an oasis of peace'.
From the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to the conflict in the Strip, to which Israeli raids against Iranian targets are added, regional tensions are (also) affecting Syria. In his message for Lent, the Maronite Archbishop of Damascus says that "even dreaming is forbidden" and "fear and despair" prevail among young people.
Today's news: five dead and dozens injured in a landslide in Mindanao; Activist Agnes Chow is wanted by Hong Kong police; Militiamen in northern Myanmar hand over 60 more Chinese accused of online fraud and weapons possession; Bangkok wants to cancel the decriminalisation of cannabis; Domestic tourism in Russia grows +20%.
