Ankara has launched a spring offensive "Claw Lock" against Kurdish targets across the border. A 26-year-old Christian man was killed in Khabour, as jihadists attack with Turkish support. Dozens of targets hit in Iraqi Kurdistan. Opposition says it is a hypocritical "policy" aimed at covering up the internal crisis.
In his Easter message Msgr. Hinder underlines the feeling of impotence in the face of the conflicts "taking place in Ukraine, Yemen and Syria". Peace, he warns, is built starting from the family environment and from one's own community. The risen Jesus support "in the trials and struggles" that everyone must face.
Today's headlines: in Hong Kong, a pastor arrested for sedition; a Cambodian Catholic institute awarded environmental prize; Burmese junta arrests a hundred people in response to protests; Ukrainian prisoners and "deserter" soldiers locked up in Russian camps; Armenian minister in Moscow to conclude an agreement on the purchase of fuel in rubles.
Today's news: In China, online searches for ways to emigrate and escape the government’s zero-COVID policy hit a record; in Myanmar, the Church is negotiating with the military for the release of a priest and 13 worshippers; in Hong Kong, a law forces pet owners to hand over their animals if they are “suspected” of having COVID-19; the UN allocates funds for Yemen where there is some “light at the end of the tunnel”; more than 700,000 Ukrainians have been deported to Russia.
The three were found guilty under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code of Iran. Their charge sheet includes “engaging in propaganda and education of deviant beliefs contrary to the Holy Sharia” as well as “connections with foreign leaders”. The judge who presided over this case came under pressure to deliver what one activist calls an “arbitrary” sentence.
In his Easter message, the Chaldean Primate underlines the "dangerous moment" that could lead to a world conflict. An invitation to political and religious leaders to use "diplomatic means" to avert further escalation. Christians flock to celebrate the liturgies, from the plain of Nineveh to Baghdad.
Today's headlines: Three Palestinians killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank; "outlawed" Hong Kong pro-rights statues on display in Taiwan; the World Bank cuts growth forecasts for India (and South Asia); Damascus among possible venues for the meeting between Francis and Kirill, the Moscow Patriarchate praises the Pope for his "balanced position" on the conflict; in Turkmenistan police raids on beauty centres.
Where do we see the "signs of resurrection" when the "consequences of conflicts and injustices" emerge, asks the Latin primate. Peace and love seem like "slogans," but the Risen Christ "is not a word, a slogan but an experience." Yet another victim in clashes between Israelis and Palestinians.
Today's headlines: Victims from storm Megi in the Philippines rise to 58; Sri Lanka's Central Bank says its impossible to repay debt; the Taiwan army publishes a survival manual in case of war (with China); Tehran sends two human rights activists back to prison; more and more young Russians seek legal ways to avoid war in Ukraine; the president of Azerbaijan discusses peace plans with Armenia with Putin.
Doha is prudent, remaining open to dialogue while challenging regional powers on an economic level. After years of abuses and violations, conditions for migrant workers have improved. The role of women and religious freedom in the Constitution are fundamental for the country's development. From tensions with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, food autonomy and increased military spending.
Today's headlines: Pope Francis spoke by video-conference with the president of Kazakhstan, hypothesis of a trip to the country; in Herat Afghans protest against Iranian guards use of violence on refugees; Over 200 priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church want to expel Patriarch Kirill; in Hong Kong the journalist and producer Allan Au arrested; a hundred private planes belonging to Russian oligarchs blocked at Dubai airport.
In Syria, war still echoes 11 years after it started, but now hunger, poverty and unemployment are doing more harm than fighting. Syria complains to the UN over Israeli missile strikes. For Bishop Abou Khazen, the light of the resurrection overcomes darkness. He urges the faithful not to underestimate suffering but also not let themselves be overcome by despair.
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