The agreement between Damascus and Kurdish militias is not enough to stem the violence in the country. 21-year-old Eliah Simon Tekla shot dead in his car parked in front of his home. Since Assad's fall, over 70 Christians have been killed for their faith. Christian minister: ‘I see people's suffering... and I feel responsible for their pain’.
In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage from the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the testimony of the priest from Goa, a friendly face and memory of the local Christian community. He records every celebration and his intentions in a diary: to date, he has administered almost 8,200 baptisms and 750 marriages. Faith stronger than difficulties and critical factors. His desire? ‘A holy life and to continue in prayer.’
The cardinal spoke to AsiaNews with "sadness” and great concern" about the country's political divisions and renewed tensions in the region. He also expressed apprehension over the return of al-Maliki, a possibility rejected by the United States. Christians are fearful of economic and social problems, and the lack of security and prospects.
This issue is one of the most sensitive questions in the talks that began between the two sides after the November 2023 ceasefire. For Lebanon, this is a "diplomatic priority," but the Jewish state is not cooperating, as confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. In the background lurk tensions in Iran and Hezbollah's threat to act alongside the Islamic Republic.
Kata’ib Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian Shia militia, is threatening “total war" after the US sent an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The election of a new president has been postponed; the outgoing office holder, Abdul Latif Rashid, is remembered for his bitter feud with the Chaldean patriarch for revoking a presidential decree recognising the Christian prelate. Meanwhile, al-Maliki’s possible return to power is casting a long shadow. Cardinal Sako calls for three days of fasting and praying for the country.
The extremists brought their livestock and destroyed the crops near a house, then threw stones at it. After residents tried to defend themselves, Israeli soldiers arrested them, protecting the attackers. In 2025 settlers' violence rose considerably. A new Jewish settlement was recently inaugurated near Beit Sahour.
