Middle East

The Latin primate of Jerusalem expresses “bitterness and disappointment” as well as “concern” given Russia’s “important role” in the Middle East. Card Sako mentions Shia leader al-Sadr who is surprised by “conflict between Christian countries”. For the Armenian patriarch, ordinary people will feel the consequences.

Bartholomew yesterday spoke with Epiphanius, metropolitan of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine recognised by Constantinople. He called on the God of love and peace to enlighten Russian leaders to realise the tragic consequences of their decisions and actions, which might even trigger a world war.

Jordanian and French researchers have uncovered a sanctuary dating back some nine thousand years. Inside is a series of traps used for hunting gazelles. The site provides new information on the hunting strategies, defined as "sophisticated". For Amman's Minister of Tourism it is a "spectacular addition" to the country's "archaeological gems".

The Assyrian cathedral dedicated to the Holy Apostles Mar Thomas, Mar Addai and Mar Mari will rise near the citadel. Construction was put on hold for the past 10 years, but now the community is back in “its land” after a long exile. Yesterday also marked the 7th anniversary of an attack by the Islamic State against Assyrian Christians in the Khabour plain in which scores of Christians were killed and their places of worship were devastated.

The figure in a study recently published by the International Organisation for Migration. The escalation of tension between Moscow and Kiev is also worrying because of repercussions on grain supplies. A 12-year-old girl was killed in a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in a bombing raid; all the wounded were civilians.

This date is complementary to the existing national holiday, 23 September. The new anniversary marks the day in 1727 when Muhammad bin Saud became the emir of Diriyah. The alliance with the religious leader Mohammed ibn Abd al-Wahhab is downplayed. Celebrations included music and dancing, a new stage on bin Salman's process of reform.

Since its formation in January 2021, the body wanted by the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr has facilitated the return of part of the assets and properties expropriated by the "real estate mafia". The return took place after a review of documents. The hope for a "prompt return" of the displaced.

The project would link the Iranian port of Bandar-e Deyr to an unspecified location in Qatar. The underwater tunnel would run for 190 km, with both road and railway sections, although the former is more difficult. President Raisi is in Doha to sign four cooperation agreements, from energy to transport.

The Strip is experiencing a phase of relative calm, even the tensions in Jerusalem are (for now) a distant echo. A bookshop, the restoration of a Byzantine church and the discovery of a Roman cemetery are signs of rebirth and hope. Exit visas are essential not only to visit the holy sites, but to avert the danger of endogamy.

Nationalist groups and settlers, including the City of David foundation, are behind the INPA project, which would give Israel direct control over an area with historic Christian places of worship like the Church of the Nations. For Christian leaders, this “brutal measure" violates the sites’ "sacred character” and the status quo in the pursuit of “political and ideological considerations”.

The UN reports on "at least 53 arrests" made among members of the minority. And it expresses "concerns" about the "continued repression". A group of converts forced to undergo "re-education" sessions in the Islamic faith. The role of the Pasdaran in anti-Christian attacks.

Research carried out by the German organisation Kas reveals 73% of those questioned (aged between 18 and 25) would like to leave the country if they had the chance. Forty-eight per cent had no confidence in the president. Very little trust in politicians, parties and the press. Over 90% are in favour of premarital relations, 80% for gender equality.