For the first time in two years, millions of people travel to their villages of origin to celebrate the end of Ramadan following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. However, the festivity is overshadowed by economic crisis and food shortages. Meanwhile in India, Muslims are targeted by Hindu extremists.
Today's headlines: Taiwanese premier describes Chinese anti- Covid-19 measures as "cruel", underlines Taipei's different approach; Armenian opposition calls for the premier's resignation over concessions to Azerbaijani "enemy" for peace in Nagorno-Karabakh; Ukrainian sources report Russian occupation forces in Kherson have kidnapped dozens of children; Ashgabat forbids childrens T-shirts and games depicting foreign heroes, women wearing make-up risk being fired.
In the country there is a food crisis, additional funds are urgently needed for the supply of raw materials and price controls. The government wants to strengthen domestic production and study aid for the most vulnerable. About 23% of the total population lives in poverty, the unemployment rate has reached 14%. The AsiaNews campaign.
Talks for a possible reconciliation between the Assyrian Church of the East and the Ancient Church of the East are scheduled for 9 May. The schism consummated in 1968 will be difficult to overcome, especially overt thorny issues like the patriarchal see (Baghdad or Erbil) and the choice of patriarch. A source told AsiaNews that the first thing is to “prepare our hearts” for unity.
Ankara has launched a spring offensive "Claw Lock" against Kurdish targets across the border. A 26-year-old Christian man was killed in Khabour, as jihadists attack with Turkish support. Dozens of targets hit in Iraqi Kurdistan. Opposition says it is a hypocritical "policy" aimed at covering up the internal crisis.
On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.
