In AsiaNews, Fr Ielpo describes the run-up to Easter amidst the war in the Gulf and the closure of the holy sites. He condemns the violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank: “Serious acts against people who want to live in peace”. His account of southern Lebanon, which he has just visited. Prayer as an ‘essential’ path to a peace ‘that comes from above’. An appeal to Christians worldwide to ‘carry this yet another cross together’.
The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the end of Ramadan is part of a broader objective, namely possible talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad to halt the war in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump reported "very good and productive conversations," ostensibly with the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Saudi Arabia is also playing a central role.
The Turkish government is ready to invest up to US$ 100 billion to build eight new reactors over the next 10 years. Projects are being considered with several global partners, from Russia and China to Canada and South Korea. The country has been barely touched by the war so far, but the upcoming July NATO summit could provide an opportunity to rethink its place in the Alliance. Meanwhile, the conflict has had consequences for travel and tourism.
The bishops will meet between 9 and 15 April to choose a new patriarch. The former head will not participate nor vote so as not to "influence" the decision. This ancient Eastern Church, rooted in Mesopotamia, is currently experiencing a period of difficulty due to the exodus and war. The challenges of the last decade include the Islamic State group and the revocation of the presidential decree.
The Arab states in the Gulf region, which are home to millions of Asian workers, are the main targets of Iranian attacks. In Bangladesh some families are unable to contact their relatives, unable to leave because of flight cancellations, while Arab countries are trying to be flexible with visas and tax rules.
Whilst Hezbollah continues to drag the whole of Lebanon into its “final battle” with Israel, dividing politics and society, the Christian villages of the South are clinging to their land. Over 20% of the country’s total population is now displaced. Whilst direct clashes are reported between militiamen from the pro-Iranian party and the Israeli army in Khyam, “exploratory” talks continue for a diplomatic solution between the Land of the Cedars and the Jewish state.
