Turkey is developing a US$ 17 billion, 100,000-job project to connect Asia and Europe by rail and road, competing with rival Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This is why Turkey’s military is planning a summer campaign against the PKK in Iraqi Kurdistan. A high-level meeting between Turkish and Iraqi officials was held today in Baghdad.
Pope Francis has authorised the promulgation of the heroic virtues of the prelate who died in 1953, considered "the Newman of the East” in his native India. ““Our Church has been praying fervently for many years” for this day, Card Baselios Cleemis told AsiaNews. Thus, “his unconditional commitment to Providence” has been recognised. The latest papal decrees also recognise the miracle that will lead to the beatification of Istifan al-Duwayhi, the great Maronite patriarch of the 17th century.
Over the weekend, the bells at Ibrahim Al-Khalil Church chimed for the first time. Its inaugural Mass will take place by Easter. Speaking to AsiaNews, the engineer who conceived and financed its construction calls for peace in Gaza, saying that the Church will be a place full of symbolism to "show the world" our Christian "identity”. Many now hope that it will draw pilgrims to “rediscover their land”.
At least 4,000 suspected “terrorists” have been arrested since 7 October, pushing up the number of Palestinians in jail from about 5,200 to about 9,000 thanks to the widespread use of administrative detention. Clashes break out overnight between police and Muslims at the start of Ramadan near al Aqsa. Israeli police limit access to the holy site despite pledges to the contrary.
The victim is the Chaldean Hanna Saka, who died while returning to Baghdad after the Swedish expulsion order. The fatal illness on board the plane, but problems had already emerged before boarding. For his brother, his condition worsened after the rejection of his asylum application. Iraqi Christians and migration, an ever-present issue.
Today's news: consumer prices in China rise for the first time in six months, driven by the New Year; Punjab, blasphemy: 22-year-old student sentenced to death for Whatsapp messages, a 17-year-old to life imprisonment; UN enquiry: Iran responsible for 'physical violence' that killed Mahsa Amini; Settlement and settler attacks in the West Bank reacheshttps://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/china-economy-consumer-prices-february-chinese-new-year-4183161 record levels.