Dario Salvi

Today’s headlines: New appointments in Vietnam, from the Prime Minister to the Governor of the Central Bank; In Urumqi, “useful” progress between Afghanistan and Pakistan towards ending the conflict; Thailand set to close petrol stations at night in response to the energy crisis; New ballistic missile launches from North Korea dash hopes for diplomacy with Seoul.

Bishop Martinelli talks about the festivities in the conflict-stricken Gulf, starting with the testimony of the Missionaries of Charity. As a result of fear, some migrants have left the Emirates temporarily, while marriage and baptism courses are on hold. School and catechism classes have been "online for over a month." Church closures generated “significant media coverage”. A "people of peoples" from over a hundred countries bear witness to the faith.

Today’s headlines: fresh fire between Israel and Iran, as Tehran rejects ceasefire and continues blocade Strait of Hormuz; Taiwan’s opposition leader makes her first official visit to China; Over 110 people have died in Afghanistan due to landslides and flooding caused by heavy rains; New campaign for the release of sick political prisoners held in Russian jails.

Today's news: The United States and Iran said to be brokering a 45-day truce, but Tehran denies negotiations and threatens retaliation. South Korea’s president expresses "regret" to North Korea for a drone incursion in the north. Afghanistan is seeking to boost trade with Central Asia to US$ 10 billion. The Gulf War is causing unsustainable price hikes for Thai families.

Today’s headlines: US and Iranian forces continue the search for the American pilot who went missing after his aircraft was shot down; Tokyo wants to ease restrictions on defence exports, opening the door to lethal weapons; At least eight people have died in Afghanistan following a 5.9-magnitude earthquake; The Phnom Penh Parliament approves first legislation to combat online scam centres.

Bishop Palinuro tells AsiaNews about the Holy Week celebrations, just a few months after the Pope’s visit. The repercussions of the Gulf War are hitting the most vulnerable: the poor, migrants and refugees. Ankara “has not responded” to Tehran’s “provocations” and remains a “moderating presence” in regional conflicts. Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey continues to “yield positive results”.

On the eve of Passover, the Rossing Centre expert speaks with concern of a country that today seems to have lost faith in coexistence. “For us Jews, this is a Passover dominated by a sense of exhaustion.” The war fronts, from Gaza to Iran, fuel hatred and divisions. Blockades, discrimination against Muslims and even Christians. The work of those who nevertheless try to listen to the other’s reasons, keeping hope alive, is fundamental.

The celebrations for the start of Holy Week were subdued in response to recent violence. In Suqaylabiyah, extremist groups targeted Christian businesses and young women walking down the street. The archbishop of Homs reports that the situation is calm now, but problems remain unresolved. It is wrong to entrust weapons and security solely to Sunnis. A “cycle of revenge" is “silently” unfolding.

The extremists set up a tent and raised an Israeli flag. The attacks aimed at seizing land carry religious, political, legal, and symbolic implications. For the local parish priest, Father Bashar, despite difficult circumstances, the Christian community wants to celebrate Easter "with deep faith”. The patriarchs and heads of the Churches of Jerusalem issued a message of peace.

Bishop Berardi describes the climate of tensions and concern among people, surprised by Iran’s response to the Israeli-American attack. From travel, celebrations, and migrant workers, a climate of uncertainty prevails, combined with the fear that water will be affected. Below the surface, relations between Shias and Sunnis remain tense, while relations between Christians and Muslims are strong. The Abraham Accords are in crisis.

In AsiaNews, Fr Ielpo describes the run-up to Easter amidst the war in the Gulf and the closure of the holy sites. He condemns the violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank: “Serious acts against people who want to live in peace”. His account of southern Lebanon, which he has just visited. Prayer as an ‘essential’ path to a peace ‘that comes from above’. An appeal to Christians worldwide to ‘carry this yet another cross together’.

The Turkish government is ready to invest up to US$ 100 billion to build eight new reactors over the next 10 years. Projects are being considered with several global partners, from Russia and China to Canada and South Korea. The country has been barely touched by the war so far, but the upcoming July NATO summit could provide an opportunity to rethink its place in the Alliance. Meanwhile, the conflict has had consequences for travel and tourism.