Dario Salvi

Today's headlines: Beijing against “external” intervention (by Washington) in Iran, caution also from Arab states. A train derails in north-eastern Thailand, causing at least 22 deaths. In 2025, India saw a 13% increase in cases of hate speech against minorities, including Christians and Muslims. Syrian Kurds protest against Damascus over the expulsion of militiamen from Aleppo after last week's clashes.

Iran claims that the situation is relatively calm, but reports about protests are still coming from the country. Some estimates put the death toll as high as 12,000, while Iranian authorities report around 2,000 deaths. Speaking to AsiaNews, a Jordanian scholar notes that Iran’s crisis is not just a domestic problem related to the economy and society, but touches the entire Middle East and reflects the collapse of Iran’s allies.

Today's news: economy and security at the centre of today's meeting between the Japanese Prime Minister and the South Korean President. Colombo has asked Beijing for help in post-typhoon reconstruction. Activists in Bahrain concerned about the conviction of opposition leader Sharif.

The SDF accepts a ceasefire, leaves the city after days of fierce fighting with scores dead, more than a hundred wounded, and 140,000 displaced. Father Karakach asks for prayers, solidarity, and support so that "the voice of Aleppo will not be forgotten." Marist Blues “are traumatised and distressed".

Today's headlines: in Hong Kong, the “mitigation hearing” begins in the trial of Jimmy Lai, who is feared to face life imprisonment. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi may call early elections. Second phase of elections in Myanmar called for by the coup junta. Nepal and Bangladesh ready to resume trade talks frozen since 2020. Pyongyang asks Seoul for explanations regarding a southern drone that allegedly violated North Korean airspace.

The authorities have cut off the internet throughout the country to obscure the demonstrations. Khamenei threatens those who “devastate the streets” to “please” Trump. In reality, discontent is much more deeply rooted and widespread, due to an increasingly devastating economic crisis. And alongside pro-rights and freedom slogans, monarchist nostalgia is also trying to make its way.

This strategic move is designed to counter China's dominance in the sector at a time of crisis in bilateral relations. The Chikyu drilling vessel is set to leave on Sunday for the Pacific island of Minami Torishima. Experts believe the seabed around it could contain the world's third-largest deposit.

Fighting in Syria’s northern metropolis between the army and YPG forces has entered its third day. The suburbs of Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsood have been declared "closed military areas”. The authorities imposed a curfew, with one resident calling the situation "terrible and awful”. Turkey offered support to al-Sharaa.

The operation appears to be a response to an encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People's Army (NPA). However, the latter had announced a Christmas ceasefire effective 25 December. A young Filipino American activist was reportedly caught up in the attack, which lasted several hours.

Today's news: Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers, while the truce between the two sides holds. In Japan, more than three million people suffer from alcohol-related disorders. For the first time in Israel's history, population growth dropped below 1 per cent in 2025. Archaeologists in Pakistan discovered an ancient civilisation dating back to the 6th century BC.

The chairman of Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council declares a state of emergency and cancels a defence pact with the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia carries out airstrikes against ships carrying weapons for the separatists. Already caught up in a conflict with pro-Iranian rebels, Yemen is a risk of further violence and chaos. In the background, Israel recognises an independent Somaliland, ostensibly as part of its war against the Houthis (and Tehran).

Today's news: After meeting Netanyahu yesterday, Trump said that to a new attack on Iran was possible. China conducts a second day of war games around Taiwan, sparking protests and fears in Taipei. Nepali authorities cancel the waste recycling programme on Mount Everest, calling it a failure. Indonesia's free meal programme further limits its target audience.