Syria, UN: civilians used as human shields by ISIS to repel assault on last stronghold

The Saudi crown prince is on the first stop of his Asian tour, Pakistan, where he signed a US$ 20 billion deal. Meanwhile, a violent crackdown continues at home. Reformist religious leaders like Shaykh Salman al-Awdah risk the death penalty for their beliefs. Liberal Muslims must support the oppressed and break down the wall of silence.

Every year, the gathering is held on the banks of the Turag River. About 5,000 pilgrims come from abroad. Some participants called for Allah's blessing; others prayed for his forgiveness for their offences in this life.

Law enforcement officers search house after house for bombers of Pakistani fundamentalist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. In the state of Jammu and Kashmir a curfew is in place and the internet is blocked. Students from the Kashmir Valley report aggression and intimidation.

The Chaldean patriarch spoke at the 55th Munich Security Conference, from 15 to 17 February. The prelate insists on the need to counter "the jihadist ideology" and to reform Islam by eliminating the concept of "holy war". Data on anti-Christian violence in the country.

The United Nations welcomes "important progress". Go ahead for the first phase of the relocation plan in the port city. The area is the entry point for import products and international humanitarian aid, such as food and medicines. The parties have also reached a general agreement on phase 2.

The Christian cultural center Vishwa Jyoti Communications organizes a pilgrimage from Nepal to Uttar Pradesh. The stages are rich in symbolic meanings, and recall the message of harmony and compassion of the Buddha. Fr. Anand: "Jesus challenges me to love my neighbor and his enemy".

13 of the 21 Christians massacred by the jihadists in Sirte in 2015 were from town of El-Aour, in Upper Egypt. The area has become a destination for pilgrimages and site of mysterious healing. Fr. Rafic: "simple" people who believe in these "signs of heaven". Caution and in-depth studies are needed.

With the vote of 485 members in the 596-seat chamber, Parliament begins the process of strengthening the powers of the president. In addition to extending terms limits, changes would enhance the role of the Armed Forces in the country’s political life. For an Egyptian activist, Sisi runs the country like a "military unit”, but for Fr Rafic, power still lies with voters.

The bomber a local fundamentalist of the Pakistani Islamic group Jaish-e-Mohammad. An official note from the Pakistani government rejects all " insinuations" of Islamabad connection with the incident. In Bandra a mass in memory of the dead soldiers.

A Pakistan-based Islamic extremist group has claimed responsibility. A car full of explosives rammed a bus carrying soldiers. For Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas, "Violence can never solve any issue.”

Gloria Jharna Sarker, a 40-year-old lawyer and a mother of two, has a long history of involvement as a student in Christian associations and in favour of women. She pledged to work for needy children, women and young people.

Iraqi priest: "Bartella is the epicenter”, but threats also involve Karamles and Qaraqosh. A "demographic distortion" plan is underway, orchestrated by Shiite leaders and supporters in Baghdad. The Iraqi Church rejects armed response and continues in dialogue. We need an institutional police force open to Christians too.

The attack took place in the province of Sistan-Baluchistan, on the border with Pakistan.  The Revolutionary Guardians  were returning from patrol operations. The operation claimed by the Jaish group at the Adl. Zarif underlines the coincidence between the bombing and the Warsaw conference.

For the former head of the religious police in Mecca, the recurrence has no connection with faith. And exchanging good wishes "is not against sharia", but "a kind gesture". Red roses are exhibited in flower shops in various cities across the country. First criticisms also for the obligation of abaya for women.