North Asia

Gathering of the Universal Russian People's Council, a political-religious society founded in the 1990s by the current patriarch of Moscow, Kirill. The group wants a country with its own vision, free from Western influence.

The final communiqué after the meeting of the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran contains a vague commitment to "fight[ing] terrorism in all its forms". During his meeting with the Turkish leader, Iran’s Khamenei warns against creating a “buffer zone” against the Kurds. Meanwhile, the war of attrition continues along the Turkish-Syrian border.

The Moscow Art Museum has temporarily allowed the Orthodox Church to move the icon to the Lavra where it was originally located. This is the first time since 1918: until now, all requests had been denied. Propaganda tool to feed the myth of Russian "Victory" in Ukraine.

More than war, prison camps and food, what has revived Moscow's past is the unbearable illusion of moral and religious superiority, one that seeks to celebrate the ability of Russians to unite in solidarity and support for the country's leaders, proclaiming the end of libertarian individualism that ruined the souls of depraved Westerners.

Two months of pre-trial detention for the Moscow Duma deputy. He faces up to 10 years for spreading "falsehoods" about the army. Like Naval'nyj, one of the very few opponents who did not flee. The anti-Putin front is still alive in Russia.

Ukraine war is an armed intervention against fascists and parasites in Ukraine, says Russia's supreme mufti. Kremlin propaganda rhetoric redoubled. Similar positions from Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. Most of the Russian soldiers on the frontlines against Kiev are of Islamic faith.

His political positions, especially on Taiwan's defense, pitted the former premier against the Chinese. And while India loses an ally in building an anti-Chinese front, the Russians cannot be overly sorry either. For South East Asia, Abe was a promoter of regional multilateralism.

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.