Dario Salvi

The new coronavirus pandemic has not stopped a trade marked by abuse, violence and exploitation, largely towards China. 90% of the victims are women or girls, even very young; of these, 80% belong to ethnic minorities. Caritas and parishes build awareness campaigns and offer aid to the victims.

The choice made by Donald Trump's outgoing administration risks aggravating the humanitarian crisis. It would have "catastrophic" effects on a famine already of vast proportions, because it hinders the distribution of aid. Activists and NGOs ask Biden to revoke the choice "for humanitarian reasons".

A local Christian sculptor carved the work of art. The church, the biggest in the Nineveh Plain, was devastated, bemoans a local Chaldean priest. Evangelisation in this land “is also done with art.” As reconstruction continues, economic hardships and inflation scare more than COVID-19.

61 defendants charged with "treason". They are part of a group of 121 members of the dissolved opposition party Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The trials are an attempt by the leadership to silence those who threaten the "political monopoly".

A series of attacks hit targets in the eastern sector of the country, from Deir Ezzor to the Boukamal desert, on the border with Iraq. Victims include Iranian Pasdaran, Lebanese from Hezbollah and the Fatimid Brigade. In 2020, the Israeli air force struck Syrian territory 50 times.

The Diocese of Keningau launched Kekitaan FM last October to boost evangelisation at a time of limited contacts and shuttered churches. Radio is a means to reach many more people, a tool that allows more radio staff to be “prophets of modern times”. Today Malaysia’s king proclaimed a state of national emergency.

The apostolic journey is a source of "great support" for all minorities after the suffering of Daesh. But Francis is also coming for Sunnis and Shiites, who hope in a visit to Najaf and a meeting with al-Sistani. An event that also marks a new season for the country. The Chaldean patriarchy presents the official logo and slogan.

After 54 years and 3 days, the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land celebrate in the church of St. John the Baptist, in Qasr Al-Yahud. A place full of landmines restored as an "oasis of prayer". The hope of a return of pilgrims with the end of the new coronavirus pandemic.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to re-establish sea, land and air links. The GCC summit on Tuesday in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, was decisive. Host Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman welcomed Emir al-Thani with a hug. Trade relations can resume, but it will take some time for full diplomatic relations.

The leader of Jemaah Islamiyah served his 15-year sentence, thanks also to a 55-month reduction in his sentence. He now he will have to undergo a de-radicalization program. The Australian premier speaks of "distressing" news. Contradicting opinions among the relatives of the victims of the massacre.

Ignoring threats from police and the authorities, students hold a second rally in three days playing the music of Metallica. At least 36 people are arrested. Melih Bulu, Boğaziçi University’s new dean, is the target of protesters, who are a challenge to Erdoğan’s power, the “Master of Puppets”, raising fears of a new Gezi Park movement.

The work of Catholic institutions is essential for rebuilding the "climate of trust" in a country that seems to have "lost hope", especially among young people. 83% of the population lives below the poverty line. Covid has exacerbated the suffering. Everyone's help is needed to help an exhausted nation. The Pope in Iraq "good news for Christians throughout the Middle East".