Established in 1991 to regulate relations between the republics of the former Soviet empire, the CIS has failed to prevent conflicts in Georgia, Ukraine and the Caucasus, and its leadership lacks the capacity to take decisive action. Whilst Kazakhstan regards it as a ‘working tool’, its policy no longer looks solely towards Moscow.
Despite President Joseph Aoun's efforts to include his country in the Pakistan-brokered agreement, the Netanyahu government has intensified military action with 89 deaths in a single day. Hezbollah halted the attacks, declaring victory, but Trump said that Lebanon was not included in the deal. A convoy with Patriarch al-Rahi was prevented from reaching Debel, due to tensions between Israeli forces and the UNIFIL escort.
In Indonesia Cardinal Suharyo said that a more sober lifestyle is a moral duty, even more than a response to the energy crisis. In the Philippines Cardinal David spoke about popular reaction that resulted in the mistreatment of an animal. It is right to criticise, but this case should teach how to respect every human life. For Sri Lanka’s Cardinal Ranjith, even in politics, “leadership is service,” not domination over others.
Talks between Washington and Tehran will take place in Islamabad on Friday after threats of escalation. China has applied pressure, consolidating its influence in the region. Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir has played a crucial role. Uncertainties remain regarding the actual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Israeli-Lebanon front. Pakistani Christians tell AsiaNews that they are praying for lasting “peace and prosperity”.
Speaking at the end of the general audience, Leo XIV said that, “Only through negotiations can we reach an end to the war." He called for "dialogue" to become a tool for conflict resolution around the world. He also renewed his invitation to join a prayer vigil for peace in St Peter's next Saturday at 6 pm. In his catechesis on holiness, he described the latter as a gift that binds every baptised person.
A journalistic investigation has revealed two deaths and dozens of cases of illness among the Dalit artisans brought in from Rajasthan to build the spires of Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, the largest Hindu temple in the West. The allegations: wages of less than .20 an hour and inadequate safety measures. The organisation that runs the sacred site defends itself by describing them as “volunteers engaged in religious service”.
