For Cardinal Mathieu, the end of the twelve-day war “has not dispelled the spectre of renewed hostilities. The question, according to the cardinal, is not 'if, but when”. In anticipation of World Peace Day, peace remains an “ideal and goal” also in relation to the “Jewish and Arab/Persian equivalents”. And may it be real “in hearts, in communities and in the world”.
The first phase of the military elections is marked by allegations of fraud, electronic voting malfunctions and popular boycotts. The USDP party was declared the winner before the polls opened. The management highlighted the junta's limited control amid arrests, internet blackouts and the absence of credible international observers.
This is the alarm raised by activists from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (Bhbcuc). At least 73 incidents triggered by accusations of religious offence. In addition to killings, there have been murders, rapes, arson attacks on places of worship, misappropriation of land and forced displacement. Ahead of the vote, the student party is allying itself with Islamic radicals.
Japan is looking to the region with projects worth billion over five years. The Land of the Rising Sun's soft power policy in the area is strengthening. For Central Asians, the Japanese are ‘very reliable partners focused on practical results’. Key elements include human capital development, training and administrative programmes, technological standards and high-quality projects.
Today's headlines: at least three Alawites killed in protests in Latakia, Syria; Nepalese rapper-turned-mayor Balen joins the Rastriya Swatantra Party ahead of March parliamentary elections; Thailand and Cambodia meet to “consolidate” the ceasefire on their borders; Over 4,000 schools have closed in South Korea in recent years due to a lack of students.
On the feast of the Holy Family, Leo XIV recited the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace. He invited everyone to pray “for families suffering because of war”. In his commentary on the Gospel, he said that the family of Nazareth was God's “nest and cradle” in a “despotic world”. On today's ‘Herods’: ‘Let us not allow them to suffocate the flame of love in Christian families.’
