Middle East

After months of silence, the dictator speaks to the nation, saying that he refuses to sell out the country to "puppets". International community dismisses his call, "detached from reality". For Benedict XVI, the conflict "will know no victors but only vanquished if it continues".

Christmas celebration began last night across the country with security forces deployed around St Mark Cathedral in Cairo and Saints Church in Alexandria. For Patriarch Tawadros II, Copts are proud to be part of a country that includes Christians and Muslims. President Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie dismiss Salafist rejection of Christmas greetings to Christians.

Shdha Elias, 54, was a Chaldean teacher. Her body was found by police. Church source tells AsiaNews that she joins a long list of Christian martyrs in the city. Tensions between Sunnis and Shias are on the rise as no real solution for peace and national reconciliation appears possible.

On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Benedict XVI ordains four bishops and outlines the role of the shepherd, taking the example of the Magi. The Magi were restless men in search of God, not content with their own certainties. The bishop is a man who lives God’s concern for man, this is why he is tireless and does not act out of a sense of duty. They courageously challenge the prevailing view, intolerant agnosticism, and are "beaten", participating in the passion of Jesus Becoming witnesses of Jesus' life, like "stars in the world".

At the Angelus, Benedict XVI explains the "slight difference" between the Christmas holiday (celebrated by the Orthodox) and Epiphany (celebrated by the Catholic Church). Mary and Joseph are the "strain" of Israel, the Magi represent the peoples, civilizations, cultures and religions "on the path to God." Greetings to family and friends of the four bishops ordained this morning in St. Peters. Encouraging children "to spread the Gospel and to concretely help their peers who need it most." The procession of the Wise Men, a chance to proclaim the good news to those who have "moved away" from the Church and for those who "seek God".

Nearly 100 families forced to flee their homes for more than 24 hours and sleep outdoors. Largest forced evacuation of the last ten years. The order encompases villages in the Jordan Valley located in the "fire zone". The area is under military control since '67 and is used as a place for military exercises.

Ahmed al-Tayeb, grand imam al-Azhar, makes the announcement during a meeting with Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II. Coptic community prepares for Orthodox Christmas on 7 January.

According to a study commissioned by the Commission for Human Rights. 76% of those killed were men, 7.5 women. The UN High Commissioner: The dead are caused by both sides in the conflict. The allegation of Sister Agnes Mariam de la Croix: A Christian was beheaded and thrown to the dogs. The West supports the Islamists.

The year that just ended is full of lights and shadows. Connected to the war in Syria, the darkest one is the attack against Wissam el-Hassan. The pope's message of hope was a moment of "happiness and grace". Lebanon's glory is tied to the "cross" and its suffering. Christians and Muslims must make a joint effort.

Detained and arrested in 2004 on false proselytising charges, Brian O'Connor appeals for openness. In his view, granting religious rights to non-Muslims would be a "positive change" for the country. A study by the Centre for Development Studies indicates that the children of Indian migrants "grow up confused," which may manifest itself "in rebellion, school absenteeism, drop-outs and substance abuse".

Following the adoption of a new constitution, the country is caught between the Muslim Brotherhood's hegemony and opposition of liberal and secularist parties. Ordinary Egyptians have taken a wait-and-see attitude. For them, a Brotherhood-led Egypt is not much different from Mubarak's regime. Meanwhile, Salafists continue to issue anti-Christian fatwas. In the latest, Muslims are told not to wish Merry Christmas to Christians. An Islamic leader weeps on TV saying: "Our Islam has lost its reputation and its fame under backward minds who are frittering away religion into factions and parties with sectarianism".

Turki al-Hamad was jailed on 24 December, accused of insulting Muhammad and the royal family. On Twitter, the activist compared the monarchy to a Nazi regime that betrayed true Islam.