Dario Salvi

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem will get his scarlet cassock on 30 September. Today he visited the Palestinian city at the centre of the latest violence. While life appears normal, he “found people stunned” yet “also resilient,” not “particularly resigned” with “no differences between Christians and others". His appointment is a sign that the pope is concerned about the local Church, which is a “small light” in a “blessed yet tormented land”.

Today's headlines: Tehran publicly executes two Afghans 'responsible' for the attack on a mausoleum in Shiraz; Jakarta and Singapore plan joint development of a floating solar park in Batam; South Korean president at Nato summit to strengthen the alliance in anti-Chinese and anti-Pyongyang terms; Delhi has identified 30 strategic minerals for the development of 'green' policies; Russian army responsible for confessional persecution.

Consistory called for Sept. 30, on the eve of the Synod. Asians include Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang. Pontiff's "sorrow" over new violence in Holy Land, hope for resumption of "direct dialogue." At Angelus Francis recalls the "things" that God has "hidden" from the wise and revealed to the "little ones" who know how to "welcome" them.

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Chinese authorities praise progress in the field. For China, self-reliance is still far away, but ongoing progress will benefit humanity. Still, the technology is also used against dissidents and critics. Two Christians are jailed for WeChat messages; four others, including a pastor, are arrested for "illegal business".

The satirical newsite in Arabic and English is unreachable throughout the country. Activists and critics link the blockage to the coverage of Prince Hussein's lavish wedding. In the past, the site had also been censored by other Gulf nations, such as the Emirates, for articles on human rights, corruption and freedom.

Beijing imposes export controls on germanium and gallium, two key metals for microchips, optical fibres, and solar panels, against the background of the US-Sino trade war. But curbs can be a double-edged sword.

Sentenced to three years in prison for editing in 2018 the DNA of two embryos to prevent HIV transmission, the controversial scientist is now proposing research using mice to fight Alzheimer. Meanwhile, Moderna is investing US$ 1 billion in Shanghai.

In the June 20 raid, Albanian police forces seized hundreds of computers and hard drives. Some of the material, containing information on movements abroad campaigning against the theocratic regime, reportedly ended up in the hands of Tehran. Record number of executions in the Islamic Republic: 354 people in the first six months of the year.

Israel's military operation continues in the north of the West Bank with at least 10 Palestinians killed, 100 wounded, and 3,000 displaced. Speaking to AsiaNews, the founder of the Israel/Palestine: Creative Regional Initiatives notes that the conflict is now at a "dead end”. He slams the expansionism of the Netanyahu government, hostage to extremists, while criticising the Palestinian Authority’s old and corrupt leadership, the United States’ inaction and China’s shallow “show”.

All eight are wanted in connection with alleged violations of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Two are former lawmakers. Aa bounty of around US$ 130,000 is hanging over their heads. As a member of Interpol, China is calling for their extradition. They are accused of demanding Hong Kong's independence and carrying out “illegal activities”.

Shilan Oraminejad, Razieh (Maral) Kohzady and Zahra (Yalda) Heidary were arrested on 9 May at home. Their first court hearing is tomorrow, but the charges remain unknown. Taken to an unknown location, they were later moved to Evin prison. So far, they have been denied legal counsel.

Today's news: Local leader marks 26 years since Hong Kong’s return to China by attacking pro-democracy groups and countries that oppose Beijing's rise. After the Taliban, Afghanistan's agriculture and economy are threatened by a locust time bomb. The UN warns that restrictions on life-saving aid by Myanmar’s junta might constitute "war crimes". China could meet renewable targets five years ahead of schedule. North Korea is ready to jail anyone who uses South Korean slang.