Iraq

For the first time in two years, millions of people travel to their villages of origin to celebrate the end of Ramadan following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. However, the festivity is overshadowed by economic crisis and food shortages. Meanwhile in India, Muslims are targeted by Hindu extremists.

Today's headlines: Taiwanese premier describes Chinese anti- Covid-19 measures as "cruel", underlines Taipei's different approach; Armenian opposition calls for the premier's resignation over concessions to Azerbaijani "enemy" for peace in Nagorno-Karabakh; Ukrainian sources report Russian occupation forces in Kherson have kidnapped dozens of children; Ashgabat forbids childrens T-shirts and games depicting foreign heroes, women wearing make-up risk being fired.

In the country there is a food crisis, additional funds are urgently needed for the supply of raw materials and price controls. The government wants to strengthen domestic production and study aid for the most vulnerable. About 23% of the total population lives in poverty, the unemployment rate has reached 14%. The AsiaNews campaign.

Talks for a possible reconciliation between the Assyrian Church of the East and the Ancient Church of the East are scheduled for 9 May. The schism consummated in 1968 will be difficult to overcome, especially overt thorny issues like the patriarchal see (Baghdad or Erbil) and the choice of patriarch. A source told AsiaNews that the first thing is to “prepare our hearts” for unity.

Ankara has launched a spring offensive "Claw Lock" against Kurdish targets across the border. A 26-year-old Christian man was killed in Khabour, as jihadists attack with Turkish support. Dozens of targets hit in Iraqi Kurdistan. Opposition says it is a hypocritical "policy" aimed at covering up the internal crisis.

In the monastery of Gabriel Danbo, a patrimony of Syriac manuscripts is being catalogued and digitised by five monks together with some young students. A sign of hope for a community where there is still much suffering. The bishop of Erbil, Bashar Warda, says: "We try not only to survive but also to have a voice in society". Today a hospital that bears the name of Mary.

In his Easter message, the Chaldean Primate underlines the "dangerous moment" that could lead to a world conflict. An invitation to political and religious leaders to use "diplomatic means" to avert further escalation. Christians flock to celebrate the liturgies, from the plain of Nineveh to Baghdad.

Today's headlines: closed-door trial of a Chinese-born Australian journalist accused of "trafficking" state secrets; Syrian "Wagner" brigade mercenaries arrive in Ukraine to bolster Russian army after losses; Washington "warns" Delhi about buying Russian oil; Indonesian radical Islamic group blocked HKBP Protestant community functions; Iraqi parliament (still) lacks quorum for president election.

Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr’s new coalition does not have the numbers to pick president and prime minister, but new possibilities are opening up. Iran is trying to undermine the coalition. For Saad Salloum, this process could lead the country away from sectarianism and to a country based on the concepts of community, citizenship, and national identity.

Tomorrow Iraqi Christians will join the pontiff for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary. The government does not have a "clear" position on the war, it seeks to safeguard relations with Moscow and Washington. Solidarity and closeness in a letter sent to the Archbishop of Kiev. Those who have lived through the war "know what disasters it can cause".

Islamic extremist movements are exploiting Moscow's "crusader" conflict in Kiev to launch new attacks. From the escalation in Syria to the massacre at the Shiite mosque in Pakistan, episodes of violence are multiplying. Celebrations for every 'Christian' victim on the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Unacceptable to send Muslims to the battlefield, the Chechens 'apostates'. The Taliban against the war.

Reports of four Mossad agents killed and seven others wounded. The Chaldean Patriarchate proposes "dialogue" to resolve disputes and the urgency of a "national government". The Arab League and the Gulf monarchies speak of a "terrorist attack" at the hands of Iran. Haaretz writes of a "secret war" between Iran and Israel thathas become "public" because of drones.