Dario Salvi

Local Christians had just celebrated the first religious service in the historic church of Mor Gevargis, following its restauration after a century of neglect. The Yilmaz family is the only Christian family left in the area. The crowd attacked with sticks and stones, then set fire to the family’s fields. Opposing claims to land are at the root of the dispute.

A 'vision' aimed at 'modernising' the country, relaunching the economy and guaranteeing employment (especially for young people). Under consideration are free market reforms and the fight against public debt. Fr. Rifat Bader: huge Saudi investment in the health sector of 400 million. The aim is to leave behind the dark period of the (economic) crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today's headlines: Asian companies' profits drop for the first time in two years; Hong Kong seeks students to be quarantined to celebrate Covid-free July 1; Northern Thai poultry farm replaces antibiotics and medicine with cannabis; Pakistan prepares for former President Musharraf's return; dozens of activists and pacifists arrested on Russia Day.

As a crime wave sweeps across the capital, people are increasingly afraid of leaving home, even during daytime. Children as young as six have been arrested for robbery. Theft against public property have tripled, while those against private property have more than doubled. Eight prisoners could have fingers cut off after they were convicted of robbery.

MPs from the main bloc in the House resigned at the request of their leader. An attempt to force their hand in order to break the deadlock, eight months before the vote, a new president and government are still missing. Analysts and experts speak of a move with no real effect. The assembly must ratify the decision and does not meet (due to holidays) until August.

Today's headlines: Pyongyang launches artillery strikes; Seoul approves strengthening of defence capabilities with the US and Japan; fresh Covid outbreak in Beijing; one of the earliest Islamic burial sites, dating to mid 7th century, discovered in Syria; Duma bans use of 'anglicisms' in public.

Triggering the controversy are allegations of pedophilia by Nupur Sharma, spokeswoman for India's ruling party. In a TV debate she recalled the young age of the prophet's last bride, only 9 years old at the time of the wedding. The wave of anger at the end of Friday prayer with demonstrations in Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and India itself.

Today's headlines: Asian commodity producers' fears rise in Asia over protectionist policies in response to Ukraine war; Catholic village in Myanmar hit by military for second time in a month, houses set on fire; an Indian cardinal expresses 'great concern' over expropriations of 150,000 families; Syria blocks flights from Damascus airport following Israeli attack.

A discovery of historical and religious value, confirming the Christianity's connection to Iraq. In six stone containers ancient relics and parchments with references to saints, from Simon to St John. Smuggling of antiquities is back on the agenda, Briton sentenced to 15 years.

The appeal by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate against lower court decision was rejected. Although the purchase of the disputed buildings in the Old City by the radical Jewish group is valid in all respects, the Greek Orthodox patriarch says he will continue the battle alongside the residents.

The measure would concern primaries, later high schools and universities. Controversy on social media and "strong opposition" from civil society, opposed to "Islamisation". Saad Salloum: the divisions "are contrary to our culture", but it remains a "controversial" issue.

Once an "anchor of salvation", today the family is "in tatters" and its identity "lost". Young people struggle amidst enormous "torment", torn between the battlefield and lack of economic prospects or work. The Church called to "question itself" about the future and how to continue the mission.