Dario Salvi

For Mgr Georges Abou Khazen, the jihadist threat is still present but only the Syrian military should fight it. Jihadism is an ideology that must be eradicated. IS suicide bomber kills 21 people in Mandij. Refugees continue to leave eastern Syria. Erdogan’s attempt to create a buffer zone will likely trigger a new escalation.

Enes Kanter, a centre for the New York Knicks, did not play yesterday in London. Turkish prosecutors issued a warrant for his arrest as a member of an "armed terrorist group". For Ankara he belongs to a network of Gülen supporters. The player slams the Turkish president for hunting down and arresting those who criticise him.

The increase over the previous year is 54% and is "destined to rise" on the back of Qatar’s isolation by Arab world over dispute with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Among the goods traded Turkish food and construction materials for Qatar and natural gas and aluminum for Turkey.

Thirteen of the victims were under the age of one. Eight die in a refugee camp on the Jordanian border. The others died fleeing fighting between the US coalition and the Islamic State group. UNICEF is worried about children’s fate. The new UN special envoy is in Damascus for talks with the government.

On 18 January, the cardinal presides over the episcopal ordination of Fr. Najib Mikhael Moussa, Archbishop of Mosul and Fr. Robert Jarjis, auxiliary in Baghdad. The Muslims are happy for the return of "a Christian leader." Reconciliation, trust and reconstruction the challenges to be faced: the meeting with Javad Zarif, Iranian Foreign Minister and the common concern for the embargo.

The story of the three Italian military personeel serving the Italian consulate of Jerusalem. The three had taken refuge in the Unrwa headquarters in the Strip after a gun battle with the militia. Maximum alert in the area after the Israeli undercover operation in November.

Christian leader Sobhy Makhoul speaks of clashes between Israeli factions and parties fighting each other. An exhibition with a work that depicts the Ronald McDonald crucified like Jesus. The leaders of the Churches of Jerusalem ask for "respect" and renew the invitation to promote tolerance.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe announced that she will not take food for 72 hours, but the protest could continue to the bitter end. The prison authorities denied her medical treatment for neck, arm and leg pain. Member of a charitable NGO, the woman was sentenced to five years in prison for trying to "overthrow the religious establishment".

Msgr Hindo fears "new clashes" in the north-east of Syria after the announcement of the withdrawal of US troops. In the "volatile situation", the Kurds are ready to dialogue with Damascus. Trump warns: we will destroy Ankara economically in the event of an attack on the Kurds. Erdogan rejects the threat.

At Toronto Airport Rahaf appeared tired but smiling. Ottawa Foreign Minister calls her "courageous" new Canadian citizen. The story is likely to open a new confrontation on rights with Riyadh.

Ali Motahari calls for a referendum on the hijab. In the event of a referendum he hopes that the country chooses to maintain the norm. However, the protest of women online and on the streets does not stop. Female activists: "Our rights cannot be decided" by men or by a vote.

A celebration of lights and shadows, between decorated streets, illuminated Christmas trees and neighborhoods still in the dark due to lack of electricity. A parade with songs and dances, to bring back a happiness forgotten because of the conflict. When the desire for redemption overcomes wounds caused by the conflict. AsiaNews shares Caritas Syria’s Christmas story.