Dario Salvi

“We hope that we can continue our prayers in all the destroyed churches and monasteries,” local archbishop says. Since 2003, the community has lived in a climate of insecurity, which peaked when the Islamic State took power. The latter used the building to store weapons and make explosives. Reconstruction is slow. Local bishops slam the country’s electoral reform.

At least 50 million people lack water for "basic needs" and 390 million are on the threshold of "scarcity". For Executive Secretary Escwa, 'water diplomacy' between countries is a 'fundamental issue'. With 67% of consumption for agricultural needs, an integrated system is needed to meet demand.

Today's headlines: 35 die in incident at a Hindu temple in Indore; In limited victory for Tehran The Hague deems US asset freeze of Iranian companies partially 'illegal'; Water crisis hits South Korea; Cambodian opposition leader appeals against conviction; Pyongyang launches campaign against divorce; Taliban delegation in Tajikistan to discuss borders.

A united opposition with the possible support of the most important Kurdish party has made the upcoming election more competitive. In response, the ruling alliance has welcomed the YRP and Huda-Par, parties that barely reach 1 per cent of the vote. Under the election deal they agreed to, the law to prevent violence against women and children would be repealed. LGBTQ+ rights will also be targeted.

Today's headlines: Hong Kong wants to share organ donation database with China, concern among activists; Pasdaran and Basji promote 'veil culture' during Ramadan; setback for Vietnam's economy in Q1 2023; Delhi asks Baghdad to renovate a historic Sikh temple; Union of intent between Moscow and Beijing to control and censor the internet.

Mass protests weaken support for the current government. Projections from two recent polls suggest the ruling coalition would drop to 53 seats out of 120. Voters prefer Gantz over Netanyahu by 37 to 30 per cent, while the other main opposition leader, Lapid, is just holding his own. Meanwhile, US President Biden snubs (again) Israeli Prime Minister.

For experts without 'urgent and dedicated' support there is a danger of further poverty, undeclared employment and child exploitation. In Turkey more than 658,000 workers without a livelihood, 150,000 workplaces damaged and unusable. In neighbouring Syria, 725,000 people suffered earthquake-related damage; about 23% of those who lost their jobs are women.

Today's headlines: Iraq blocks a Ramadan TV series deemed offensive to tribal leaders; Vietnamese activist sentenced to six years for 'propaganda against the state'; Israel launches an upgraded version of the spy satellite; territorial tensions between Moscow and Beijing in the South China Sea; police in Kyrgyzstan raid a church, fining a nun.

Critics and minorities slam the reform for reducing the chances of smaller parties, sparking protests in several cities like the capital Baghdad and Basra in the south. The new law was adopted after a long session by 206 votes in favour and 12 against in the 329-member house.

A 14-year-old Kurdish boy is beaten and forced to sing the Turkish anthem. At least 25 HDP exponents arrested in Suruc for (alleged) affiliation with "terrorist groups" (read Pkk). Repression is growing in the country ahead of elections and to quell discontent over aid and post-earthquake relief. AsiaNews source in Diyarbakir: the earthquake "has fuelled resentment" towards the Akp.

Today's news: Covid-19 dismissed, North Korea decorates streets with (fake) flowers to celebrate Kim Il Sung; Recently released Vietnamese political prisoner Phan Kim Khanh denounces labour exploitation in prisons; Tomorrow evening, daylight saving time also strikes in Lebanon; in parks and public places in Russia, civil defence films are broadcast with warnings in case of a nuclear attack; In Uttar Pradesh Hindu radicals prevent Muslims from praying for Ramadan.

Shots fired at the school and the Franciscan nuns' convent, raid by masked men at the Salesian nuns' institute with a demand to convert. Yesterday mass interrupted with a demand to recite the Koran. For the former vicar the clear condemnation of imams and Islamic leaders in the city 'positive' . The climate of heightened tension around the reform of justice 'wide ranging and worrying'.