Dario Salvi

Tensions build between Paris and Ankara. Charlie Hebdo publishes a new cartoon targeting Erdogan. The Turkish president presents himself as defender of the Muslims of France. Hocine Drouiche: problems can be solved with dialogue, no need for winds to fan the flames from "Turkey". In Indonesia the Nahdlatul Ulama calls for calm, while criticizing "extreme secularism".

According to UN data, Yemen’s crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Six years after the start of the war, hunger, even famine, is increasingly likely. Donor countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have failed to fulfill their aid commitments. Out the US$ 3.2 billion dollars needed, only US$ 1.43 have been raised so far.

The first Muslim rite is scheduled for Friday 30 October in the former Christian basilica, later turned into a museum. A story similar to the even more famous Hagia Sophia. A white veil drawn over original symbols of the building. But there is no shortage of criticism: risk of destroying “its nature and the artistic value".

The French president praises the professor beheaded by an extremist and defends freedom of expression. The Turkish president calls the Muhammad cartoons offensive, says Macron has mental problems, and urges a boycott of French products. In many parts of the Muslim world, the issue is an ideological clash between "us and them".

Manila and Hanoi on maximum alert, with the passage over the ocean it should acquire greater strength and reach its peak within 24 hours. In the Philippines it has already caused nine deaths and 12 missing, more than 70,000 displaced. Vietnam is preparing to evacuate 1.3 million inhabitants to central regions. A toll that is destined to worsen.

Mgr Pizzaballa talks to AsiaNews about the crisis and uncertainty caused by the novel coronavirus and political and economic difficulties. The Patriarchate is a “pluralistic” reality that needs strengthening through “work and collaboration with the clergy, the seminary and all the faithful.” The Patriarch calls for bearing witness among Jews and Muslims at a time with no “great agreements" but favourable to “sowing”.

Card Raï addressed the Prime Minister in charge, urging him not to relegate Christians to the margins in the formation of the executive. He must overcome the "impositions" of political forces and appoint "experienced and independent" ministers. The next government’s difficult task of overcoming a "dramatic situation".

Activist groups are calling for a boycott of an important women's golf tournament. The competition, scheduled for March and postponed for Covid-19, is to be held in November north of Jeddah. Director Mena: sport "a means to clear one's conscience", shame on those who participate.

The first round of voting for the lower house begins tomorrow. Turnout is expected to be low and the possibility of large gatherings raises fears over COVID-19. The outgoing parliament has done precious little, experts bemoan. Both lower and upper house are controlled by the executive branch.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun tasks the former Prime Minister, who resigned in October 2019 following street protests, with forming a new cabinet. Hariri pledges to set up a cabinet of non-aligned experts as soon as possible. Few are optimistic given the tempo of Lebanese politics. For now, Hezbollah is remaining on the sidelines, whilst Amal is in favour of the president’s choice.

The authorities of the Philippine capital announced the decision this morning. The event, scheduled for January, attracts millions of people, Catholics and non-Catholics, every year. The metropolis is in partial quarantine, social distancing is in force and mass gatherings and events are prohibited. Churches can accommodate 30% of the faithful.

For the first time in 1,600 years, no pilgrims have come to the Holy Land. The losses reach a total of US$ 320 million. Tourism-related activities support 10,300 families. For expert opinion, the situation is worse than during the intifada. We need an overall plan for after the crisis that also involves the dioceses in the world.