Just as in the ‘glorious’ days of Covid, a document on exit visas has suddenly appeared in Russia in recent days – likely inspired by the FSB – imposing new rules on travel to ‘hostile countries’. Travellers will only be permitted to go in tourist groups of at least 10 people, accompanied by an approved itinerary
The great ideal of peace is anchored to unquestionable values such as the absolute dignity of human beings, the superiority of international law, and even mutual economic dependence. Yet we find ourselves once again discussing the principles that have always incited the powerful to war: the affirmation of one's national and cultural identity, the defence of one's territorial and political interests, and the rejection of economic dependence on international potentates.
Today's headlines: Qatar, alcohol-free stadiums for Qatar World Cup; in Sri Lanka, more and more people are abandoning cars and motorbikes for bicycles; in Afghanistan, tens of thousands of people have been displaced in fighting between the Taliban and locals for control of some mines; Vientiane blocks the activities of a Vietnamese company due to environmental pollution and exploitation; more and more Russian tourists are visiting Georgia and Turkey.
Dialogue has been opened between the autocephalous Church and the Orthodox Church that recently broke away from the Moscow Patriarchate. Points of disagreement remain. Personalisms risk derailing the process of rapprochement. Greek Catholics watch with interest.
Today's headlines: Cambodian Church celebrates ordination of first Phnong priest; monsoon death toll rises to 77 in Pakistan, more rain on the way; Chinese Christian activist Cheng Yuan in solitary confinement and tortured in prison; opposition Chp party overtakes Erdogan's Akp in polls ahead of 2023 elections.
Bishops Lavrenov and Novikov clash. The community is allowed to have different points of view, as long as they do not contradict the Holy Scriptures. In Soviet times, Pentecostals were among the most persecuted of believers; today they endure Putin's restrictions with great difficulty. Catholics and Protestants under systematic surveillance after invasion launch.
Today's headlines: Pope says China-Vatican agreement on bishops not ideal, but hopes it will be renewed; Japan develops an app for smartphones that automatically deletes images of underage nudity; Vietnamese police have arrested the famous blogger and activist Nguyen Lan Thang; a "discount war" on oil looms between Tehran and Moscow; in Sri Lanka, cooking with wood returns.
They are among the many conscripted from Russia's remotest provinces to fight against Kiev. At home they are seen as gods, incapable of doing bad deeds. Enlistment is their only employment opportunity. Orthodox in Buryatia see "mystical signs" of Russian victory against all enemies.
Today's headlines: Israel wants to take part in the US study of the bullet that killed the Christian journalist; in India, the death toll in a landslide in Manipur State rises to 37; the Iraqi premier inaugurates a 750 megawatts power plant; Tibetan monk Jigme Gyatso, who was arrested several times by Beijing, dies; Russian raid against illegal Chinese workers.
Prime Minister Garibašvili says Georgia is loyal to the values of the Atlantic Alliance and Europe. Members of his party, however, attack the West. Expert: Georgian Dream trying to juggle pro-Russian and pro-European sentiments in Georgian society to stay in power.
Moscow today is complaining that its culture is being ostracised. Yet as early as during Kyivan Rus’, the Russians have removed any reference to the “Mother Church” in Byzantium, already victim of an ancient “cancel culture”. East and West, Russia, America and Europe, are all united by the self-destructive madness of “rewriting history”, and the ongoing war is nothing more than everyone punishing everyone else.
Due to Western sanctions, ExxonMobil and Shell withdrew their investments in the local oil industry. They were not only funding mining, but also projects in education, health and culture. Residents speak of contribution to the growth of local civil society.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Francis called for “weeping, for helping others and for experiencing conversion ourselves” at a time when “our world is disrupted by a cruel and senseless war of aggression.” Christian unity is an “essential condition” for peace.
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