Led by the heads of various Churches, pilgrims have returned to the 5th-century monastery built around the column on which Saint Simeon lived for 40 years. One of the most important monuments of early Christianity, it still bears the scars of bombing and looting. Yet it bears witness to a faith stronger than any adversity.
Since 1 November, Lebanon has been without top government leaders, a possibility many saw coming. The country’s parliament is scheduled to meet next week to elect a new president, but rival blocs have scuttled every attempt so far. The Maronite patriarch calls for an international conference in Lebanon under UN auspices. The military remains a guarantor of stability.
A complaint was filed with the capital's public prosecutor's office against Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the Chp. He is 'guilty' of criticising the government for the widespread circulation of methamphetamine. A trade exploited by the country's leadership to pay off debts in a time of economic crisis. President Erdoğan's attack, calling for a trial.
The pontiff makes this appeal right after he arrived in the Gulf country on an apostolic visit. Like bread, work “is often lacking, and often too, it is a bread that is poisoned, since it enslaves.” Speaking about the nearby forgotten war in Yemen, he calls for weapons to fall silent and action be taken to truly build peace.
Sobhy Makhoul highlights concerns already expressed by the United Arab Emirates over the Abraham Accords. Things will be clear when the new cabinet is formed with the demands of Ben Gvir's extreme right in mind. This election saw Meretz’s vote collapse and the disconnection of Arab parties. At stake is the prime minister's ability to turn his moderate speech the evening before the vote into policies.
The UN environment summit scheduled from November 6 to 18. Sharm el-Sheikh is garrisoned by police and plainclothes agents. All forms of dissent have been suppressed, and at least 67 people have been arrested, including an Indian who had promoted a march. Report denounces "high risk" of food and water shortages in the Middle East.
Bibi is making a comeback after a year out of power. In his first address, he tries to woe all Israelis, but he will be hard-pressed to manage the ultra-right, the real surprise of this election. With 86 per cent of the votes counted, the new majority can count on at least 65 seats. In the United Arab Emirates, there is some grumbling about the Abraham Accords.
The epidemic has reached the capital and is present in all eight governorates. At least 600,000 doses of vaccine are needed for the most exposed categories, but so far only 13,000 doses have arrived. Exacerbating the emergency is a collapsing health system and political and institutional gridlock. From Syria to Afghanistan, a regional problem.
On the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis spoke about the Beatitudes, made relevant more than ever today by war. Noting that “often what we want is not really peace,” but “to be at peace, to be left in peace,” the pope said that the Gospel reminds us that peace does not fall from above, but it is built with “commitment, collaboration [and] patience.” He also called on the faithful to pray for his upcoming apostolic journey to Bahrain.
The shah's prison is at the heart of the Islamic Republic's worst atrocities. Common criminals, activists, and dissidents have been executed inside the infamous facility. Scores of reports have highlighted serious human rights abuses and violations. In mid-October, a mysterious fire engulfed the prison for hours. Thousands of people arrested for protesting against the death of Mahsa Amini are set to go on trial together.
The Scary Weekend was held in the Saudi capital. People in creepy costumes or elegant clothes posted pictures and videos on social media. Major papers covered the event. For some it was a harmless entertainment opportunity but critics note its pagan or Christian roots.
A 2,300 seat place of worship inaugurated last year with a statue of Our Lady to whom it is dedicated. The Pontiff will hold an ecumenical meeting and prayer for peace during his trip to the Gulf. Its construction was the fruit of the mission of Mgr Ballin, vicar apostolic who died in 2020.
Joint EUR 100 million project delegated to trusted men of the Turkish president and his Azerbaijani counterpart. The two leaders visited the agricultural park with 500 jobs and 10,000 head of cattle. Investments were also made in infrastructure and gold and copper mines. Tenders awarded to the "Gang of Five".
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