Dario Salvi

With 83 votes in favour, 11 against and 62 abstentions, the General Assembly approved the creation of a body to look into one of the open wounds of the war. Syria as well, as China, Iran and Russia voted against. For Syrian envoy, this is just Western "interference". This comes ten years after the disappearance of Fr Dall'Oglio and the Orthodox bishops of Aleppo.

Today's headlines: Islamabad reaches agreement with IMF on $3 billion financing package; Taipei denies entry to Chinese tour operators to attend an international trade fair; Dozens of Iraqis storm the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad in response to the burning of the Koran in front of a Stockholm mosque; Police disrupt Rahul Gandhi's visit to violence-torn Manipur; Card. Zuppi, Pope's envoy to Moscow, meets with Patriarch Kirill, to prevent "major armed conflict."

The case of the Sabei and Mandei, whose lives are linked to the course of rivers: their survival in the country is at risk. A demographic imbalance risks triggering social and political chaos, fuelling conflicts. The role of Turkey and Iran in the exploitation of rivers. The process of desertification has reached 70% of Iraqi territory.

Today's headlines: Deloitte Asia Pacific tracks climate change risks and benefits, for India and China "great opportunities" from green transition; Pyongyang critic new South Korean unification minister; Israeli PM announces review of controversial justice reform; Taiwan vice-premier on official visit to Japan; A monk among victims of new air force air raid in Sagaing region; "Medic brigade" set up in Russia to send medical personnel to the front lines.

The local branch of Diyanet has assigned 800 religious experts in primary and secondary institutions, accounting for one-third of the city's total schools. A pilot project, endorsed by the government, assigns imams the role of "spiritual guides and educators." A further sign of the country's Islamization. Turkish journalist calling for respect for prisoners' rights, including Abdullah Öcalan, arrested.

Today's headlines : Tokyo wants to strengthen diplomatic corps by hiring 8,000 people before 2030; Chiang Mai bishop appeals for reception of Burmese refugees - Catholics and Buddhists - fleeing military violence; Colombo wants to toughen pollution laws to save elephants from plastic; Card. Zuppi arrived in Moscow on behalf of the pope for new avenues of dialogue between Russia and Ukraine; Beijing has started seaborne exports to Uzbekistan.

Riyadh, which has received French support, is running to host Expo 2030 against Rome and Busan. The ambitious project is part of the economic and social reform plans of the country’s crown prince. While promoting its environmental credentials, the multibillion-dollar project has very little room for human freedoms.

Today's headlines: Seoul 'rejuvenates' South Korean population by one year; Nedteen Israeli military reservists threaten to boycott service in protest of justice reform; Pakistani army hunts three senior officers who failed to block attacks by supporters of former PM Khan; Myanmar military junta "no impact" on drug trafficking; Tokyo ready to relax rules on use of electric scooters from July; Baku blocks one of the Lačin corridor crossings.

Filed the restrictions imposed to contain Covid-19, Saudi authorities speak of an edition with numbers higher than before the pandemic. From religious tourism and pilgrimages at least 12 billion dollars in the Wahhabi kingdom's coffers. The climate of détente with Tehran favours a return of Iranian believers. More than 32 thousand health workers ready to intervene in case of emergencies.

Today's headlines: Taliban supreme leader claims "necessary" measures taken by Kabul to improve women's lives; Over 120 thousand in Pyongyang to commemorate 73rd anniversary of Korean War, threats to US; Tourism in China grows at Dragon Boat Festival, but absolute numbers still lower than pre-Covid; Vietnam on Gafi "gray list" on WMD control. Turkish companies in Ukraine for weapons production.

Monitoring systems and artificial intelligence have increased the risks and costs for those trying to flee the Kim regime. If a face does not match a profile, the police can intervene. COVID-19 and increased surveillance have cut down the numbers of fugitives. Brokers’ fees have increased to US$ 10,000-15,000.

Bishop Bizzeti looks at the wider situation, one of “great desperation" and great need. Only a handful of Christians are left in Antakya (Antioch). Western Churches should urge Western governments and organisations to help maintain the Christian presence in the region. Meanwhile Caritas continues to provide aid and promote long-term activities, including schooling and psychological counselling.