Dario Salvi

The al-Nuri mosque has been restored to its former glory thanks to the work financed by UNESCO together with the restoration of the Al-Tahera church. A project that lasted seven years, for a total value of over 100 million dollars. The Chaldean archbishop: ‘significant progress in education, healthcare and infrastructure’. The memory of the Pope's visit. For Christians, school and work are a priority.

Today's news: Delhi increases security for the Dalai Lama. Bangkok foils an international fraud ring worth 187 million dollar; Pakistani army kills 30 Islamic extremists In Waziristan; Despite Fukushima, Japan wants to boost use of nuclear power; The Turkish giant Baykar will also build drones in Indonesia.

Saudi Arabia is at the crossroads of several global issues, from the war in Ukraine to the future of the Gaza Strip and Iranian nuclear power. Under the leadership of bin Salman, the kingdom has strengthened relations with Trump and defused tensions with Tehran. The game of normalisation with Israel and the internal challenge with the United Arab Emirates for hegemony in the Gulf.

Today's news: Turkish police have arrested 282 alleged PKK members, the ousting of pro-Kurdish mayors in the southeast continues; Fr Donald killed by Sagaing militiamen from an anti-military junta rebel group; Indian university expels hundreds of Nepalese students protesting the suicide of a fellow student who was the victim of harassment on campus; The most authoritative polling institute in Hong Kong interrupts its surveys due to the clampdown by the authorities.

Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, 19, was stabbed by "muggers" last week near the campus of the University of Tehran, triggering protests against insecurity and university administrators. The government denied rumours that protesters were arrested. To mark the anniversary of Iran’s Islamic revolution, two journalists who had uncovered Mahsa Amini’s killing were pardoned.

Today's news: US Secretary of State continues his Middle East tour in Riyadh and the Emirates; Opposition leader in Singapore found guilty of lying under oath; Gil Wok-ok, one of the last Korean ‘comfort women’, dies at 97; Kuala Lumpur imposes compulsory vaccinations for pilgrims participating in the Hajj: Accident at the Delhi railway station: 18 victims.

The vicar of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem speaks about small stories amid war, an Israeli Jew donating an organ to an Arab in need of a transplant, a wonderful “sign” to behold. Although “Hatred, unfortunately, drops on you,” people must work together to build. The prelate spoke about the tensions that characterise the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, stressing that long-term perspectives are needed. He also appealed to pilgrims: “we are waiting for you.”

Monks and nuns of the Central Monastic Body will have a chatbot designed to answer questions, in English. The technology was created together with Japanese partners. An initial period of six months of experimentation is in the works, with full introduction by 2027.

Fr Karakach tells AsiaNews that despite the difficulties, there are also signs of hope. The Church promotes discussions on ‘justice, solidarity and peace’. The authorities announce the formation of a new government on 1 March. The priorities are to revive the economy and obtain the cancellation of Western sanctions.

For the Franciscan, the agreement had brought “a bit of hope”, but it is now being lost as tensions between Hamas and Israel escalate. He warns that, “No one really knows" what will happen. Trump threatens “hell” if “all” the hostages are not freed, while the Israeli right is pressing for military action. The Arab world opposes a Palestinian exodus from Gaza.

The report by Open Doors ranks the country among the top 50 in the world with the most cases of abuse, violence, targeted attacks and murders. The minority is the “most persecuted” and in the last year the phenomenon has increased. Protestant communities and historical groups such as Chaldeans, Armenians and Assyrians are in the crosshairs. The “Grey Wolves” in schools to convey clearly neo-Ottoman programmes.

The ruling party is expected to win a total of 48 seats out of 70. The AAP, in power until now, stops at 22, while Congress gets none. Turnout is expected to be 60.4% of those entitled to vote, out of a total of about 15.5 million voters. For the prime minister, another success in local elections, after the successes of recent months in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.