Israel emerges from the vote with yet another comeback for Netanyahu, who, however, lacks the numbers to govern. The concept of a Zionist alternative has been defeated, and the prospect of a national unity government appears difficult. A commission regarding the events of 7 October could serve as an initial testing ground for an understanding between the Eisenkot-led faction and the Arab parties.
In Lebanon, the first assembly of the “khouriyètes”, the affectionate term for the wives of married priests. A “virtuous revolution” for the Maronite Church, promoted by the bishops of Antelias and Batroun and supported by the patriarch. A message of encouragement from Cardinal Mario Grech: “Be faithful to your vocation”.
The new primate, who will take office on 29 May in Baghdad, outlines to AsiaNews the priorities of his mission at the helm of one of the oldest Churches in the East. The years spent among the diaspora communities in Australia and the tragedy of ISIS during his time as bishop in Mosul are the two cornerstones of his episcopate. His relationship with the Muslim world and his commitment to stemming the exodus, ensuring a future for Christians in the Middle East.
The charges against Bahar Saharaian reportedly include ‘propaganda activities’ against the Islamic Republic and ‘spreading false news’. In 2022, she had already been imprisoned for joining her colleagues’ protest against the crackdown on demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini. Hotel closed for failing to comply with hijab rules and record number of executions in 2025.
The war with Iran has triggered a shift in Riyadh that is not merely geographical. Neom, Yanbu, and Jeddah are no longer just scenic elements of Vision 2030, but strategic infrastructures for survival. Hence, Mohammed bin Salman is trying to avoid all-out war with Iran (which would also jeopardise the Red Sea) in a context where the US is no longer a guarantor of stability.
Asian members from Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka are part of the global humanitarian expedition. The son of Faisal Edhi, a leading figure in Pakistan’s humanitarian community, is among the people detained. As his fate remains unknown, his father has appealed to Pakistani authorities to obtain his release. For Asian activists, theirs is not just a "symbolic" participation.
Fourteen of 23 ministers have been named, with Interior and Defence still without office holder amid tensions between political parties. Two secret Israeli bases in Iraq were used to attack Iran. Pope Leo XIV met with Kurdistan's President Barzani. The newly elected Chaldean Patriarch Nona arrived in Baghdad, with his official inauguration on 29 May.
Whilst the third round of talks between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors is underway in Washington, people continue to die in the south. Reflections from the AsiaNews correspondent: “Faced with threats and provocations that seek to normalise war, today we need responses rooted in our deepest culture and ethical principles”.
The historic Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos will become a public library. According to scholars, the building’s remarkable architecture offers a unique atmosphere for reading. Meanwhile, Bartholomew I has announced for September the reopening of the historic seminary with a grand ceremony, but its future use remains uncertain.
A bill before the Knesset has passed first reading, granting Israel control over antiquities in the Palestinian territories, where violence settler continues. For Prof Sabella, a climate of insecurity is pushing families to leave. Jewish schools are fuelling an anti-Christian ideology. From Gaza and Iran to Lebanon, the trauma caused by wars must be overcome.
The Gaza Strip remains in limbo. While the war is not truly over, timid attempts to restore political normalcy have been made amid unresolved contradictions. Fatah held local elections in Deir el-Balah on 25 April, but Hamas maintains local networks. The Board's only funding came thus far from the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, invested on the future local police force. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of families still depend on water distributed by tankers.
Iran accuses Prime Minister-designate al-Zaidi of being too close to US positions. Iraqi officials say Tehran is trying to exercise a veto and pressure Iraqi Shias. A visit by US officials is expected to oversee the formation of the new Iraqi cabinet. Israel is rumoured to have set up a secret base in the west of the country.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 65 Ethiopian prisoners are at "imminent risk" following recent executions. Many of those sentenced are migrants who fled the war in Tigray. The Ethiopian Catholic Church is also calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to stop the executions and ensure legal assistance to the prisoners.
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