Middle East

Michael Farag and Michael Shaker were accused of stealing a machine gun. They were among the 30 Christians arrested on 9 October 2011 for inciting violence and destroying military vehicles. For the families of the 28 Christians killed in the incident, the verdict is an insult. So far, no military officer has been tried or convicted for the massacre.

Human rights activists denounce inadequate facilities for the reception of immigrants and the bureaucratic obstacles. A Coptic tells AsiaNews of death threats of the Muslim Brotherhood for failing to convert to Islam.

The world's hotspots in the Far East and North Africa parallel the deep crisis of the US and world economies. As Barack Obama's Keynesian plans fail, the US dollar could experience hyper-inflation at a time when real market values and trust in central banks are at an all time low.

Ahmadinejad is in Cairo where he will meet Morsi and Al Azhar Rector Ahmad el Tayyeb. Egypt's Foreign minister tries to reassure Arab Gulf states about converging interests.

Concerned about the increasing loss of life, Syrian National Coalition chief Moaz al-Khatib wants to meet Syrian Vice President al-Shaara. Iran and Russia praise the initiative, but his personal initiative does not reflect opposition views. Some Assad opponents slam as a traitor.

Washington is open for direct talks if Iran's is serious, US Vice President Joe Biden said. Iranian foreign minister accepts if US intentions are genuine. Talks between Iran and 5+1 group are set to resume on 25 February in Kazakhstan. Israel and Saudi Arabia are in favour of the military option against Iran, criticise US weakness. Getting rid of Assad is the first step towards an attack against Iran.

Pope's message to the new Chaldean Patriarch, recalled by Card. Sandri in ceremony of "Communio". "May those who believe in the One God put an end to all enmity".

Retailers will have 30 days to comply with the legislation. The wall will serve to allow women to work in lingerie, cosmetics and clothing shops, according to the dictates of sharia. Provided 44 thousand new jobs for women. The monarchy sets new limits on "Mutawa” religious police. An end to interrogations, searches and summary arrests.

A growing presence of Islamic extremists in Cyrenaica. Sister Celeste Biasolo, former superior of the Convent of the Holy Family of Spoleto in Derna, speaks of a widespread climate of fear, which affects the Libyan people. The monastery was closed in October because of threats from a group of extremists. "The people of Derna miss us and often contact us imploring us to return."

The Chaldean Synod elected Mgr Louis Sako, archbishop of Kirkuk, to replace Cardinal Delly at the helm of the Iraqi Church. A "very difficult journey" lies ahead, the new patriarch said, which "will require so many sacrifices, but also a lot of hope". He hopes to see Christians "come back to Iraq." For that, the Church "must prepare the ground".

The university's rector al-Tayeb presents a ten-point plan. Various figures attend the event, including Orthodox Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II. The sacredness of life and the diversity of Egyptian society are among the subjects covered. The document also calls on media and religious leaders to denounce violence.

Tel Aviv air forces hit a military research center in the north-west of Damascus. At first there was talk of a Syrian military convoy, carrying missiles - Russian-made – bound for Lebanon and Hezbollah. Moscow: "unacceptable violation" of a sovereign State; Damascus act of "arrogance and aggression."