Dario Salvi

Tensions have been triggered by the new map presented to the UN by Baghdad, which redefines sovereignty in a disputed area. Two strategic areas (Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij) over which Kuwait exercises sovereignty are in the spotlight. At stake are economic, historical and social issues, as well as the definition of strategic trade corridors.

Long a thorn in Beijing's side, the broadcaster halted operations in October following cuts imposed by the Trump administration. CEO Bay Fang announced the news on social media, praising RFA's “critical work”. One of its first reports concerned labour exploitation of the children of prisoners in Xinjiang.

Yesterday, the body created by the US president met for the first time with pledges for funding, and the establishment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) with troops from Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, as well as a Palestinian police force. The first reconstruction projects are set to start in Rafah, but many unresolved issues remain. For Palestinian analyst, it is not just a humanitarian issue.

In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage in the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, Fr Paulraj Devaraj shares his testimony. A “multicultural” community looks on with concern at regional tensions, from Gaza to Iran. There is “greater sensitivity” among the faithful, many of whom have “family and friends affected by the war”. The parish alone is the “centre” of activities, with numerous pastoral challenges.

The Israeli association that fights against the political use of urban planning in the West Bank to seize land from Palestinians explains the bad faith of the rule that requires proof of ownership in Area C. At stake is 58% of the land in a context where there was no land registry before 1967. Activists and NGOs speak of an ‘unprecedented measure’ since the Six-Day War. Michal Braier: “discriminatory” legal system, ‘systematic’ expropriation to favour settlements.

Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The referendum has not yet been decided, pending official results.

The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ‘ecumenism of suffering’. The few remaining Christians have the task of ‘being the glue’. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: ‘Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality’.

Today's headlines: the Japanese navy seizes a Chinese fishing boat that entered its territorial waters; Riyadh replaces its investment minister to relaunch mega-projects and events currently on hold; In Malaysia, calls for the resignation of anti-corruption chief Azam Baki; In less than 10 years, at least 50 people have died in cosmetic surgery procedures in South Korea.

Akin Gurlek becomes minister in the government reshuffle ordered by the president. The interior minister also changes. The opposition CHP party is critical, having been targeted by the prosecutor over the past two years with arrests and trials. The swearing-in ceremony in Parliament was marked by protests from the opposition and clashes that led to the suspension of proceedings for a few minutes.

Today's headlnes: no “definitive” agreement on Iran between Trump and Netanyahu, Israel joins the “Board of Peace” for Gaza; Headmaster of a school in southern Thailand dies after attack by armed assailant; Pakistani militants kill five police officers in north-western Pakistan; Court sentences former interior minister to seven years for his role in declaring martial law; Saudi Arabia ranks second in terms of Russian tourist arrivals, with China remaining in first place.

Today's headlines: Jakarta ready to send 8,000 soldiers to the international peacekeeping force in Gaza; Delhi imposes a three-hour limit on web giants for removing illegal content on social media; January sees boom in Taiwan exports, highest monthly figure in 16 years; A stone from the Porziuncola donated to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia; Record number of Russian tourists in North Korea in 2025.

Today's headlines: After Jimmy Lai's conviction, Britain opens its doors to the children of British passport holders from the former governorate; Beijing renews its support for “pro-reunification forces” in Taiwan; Pakistan agrees to play India in the Cricket World Cup; Arab nations condemn Israel's renewed “expansionist” policies in the West Bank; Kuala Lumpur accelerates palm oil production.