The announcement says that Francis will go to Baghdad, the plain of Ur, which is linked to the memory of Abraham, to the cities of Erbil and Mosul as well as Qaraqosh in the plain of Nineveh. Francis will thus make the visit that John Paul II was unable to make.

The pontiff will visit the Arab country from 5 to 8 March 2021. For the visit’s general coordinator, this is “confirmation of the country’s greater stability”. His presence in Mosul will help heal the wounds caused by jihadist madness. The highlight will be in Ur of the Chaldees “because for us Christians, Muslims and Jews, Abraham is the prophet of all religions”.

Military sales reached US$ 361 billion in 2019. Four Chinese companies are in the top 25, three in the top 10. The US accounts for 61 per cent of the market; China for 16 per cent. The modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army is driving China’s military industry. Russian production is decreasing whilst those from the Middle East is increasing.

The students damaged the statue, whilst the teachers covered their escape. Islamists fear the political impact of "Mujib Borsho" (the year of Mujib) celebrations, marking the first centennial of the birth of the nation's founder. "Bangladesh is non-communal state,” one observer said.

The grand ayatollah is said to have transferred his powers to his son Mojtaba due to serious health issues. The decision paves the way for the succession, but sources in the Islamic Republic deny it. According to some, the story is aimed at destabilising the regime at a time of intense tensions with Israel and the United States.

1.2 million doses with a further 1.8 million to be delivered in a month. President Jokowi: In December we will produce 15 million vaccines alone; 30 million in January. Awaiting go ahead form National Food and Medicines Agency before start of vaccination campaign. Contagions and deaths on the rise.