Despite mutual hostility and sanctions that have led to today's devastating war, there is a bridge that Israelis of Persian origin have never wanted to break with today's Iran: that of the most characteristic ingredients of their cuisine. These have always continued to arrive through the most “fantastic” triangulations at Tel Aviv's Levinsky Market.
The conflict in the Middle East also involves the former Soviet republics, which historically have close ties with Tehran. Strong emotions in Baku over the killing of Khamenei, who was of Azerbaijani origin. Azerbaijan, which also has relations with Israel, is a crossroads for the evacuation of foreign citizens from Iran. From Kazakhstan, Tokaev aligns himself with the Arab countries but calls for a “peaceful solution”.
Leo XIV spoke at the Angelus following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, warning against “the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions." He appealed to the parties for a “reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.” On fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he expressed hope that harmony may “prevail in all conflicts”. Speaking about the Gospel of the day, he said that “The Redeemer thus transfigures the wounds of history”.
From Myitkyina, a testimonial comes from Father Kurt Pala, a Philippine priest of the Missionaries of St. Columban, who has been ministering in a country disfigured by war for more than five years, where ”the poor and the earth [. . .] have taught me to pray while waiting for peace, to trust in God every moment of life, to share the last cup of rice with a neighbor, and to find joy in the small things”.
The attacks launched by Israel and the United States on the eve of Purim and Iran's retaliation against US bases in the region have already claimed the life of one Asian immigrant, a Pakistani national working in Abu Dhabi. In India, the opposition has criticised Modi, who has just returned from Israel. Indonesia’s Prabowo (who promised soldiers for Gaza) offers to mediate. China ponders the repercussions.
Imports from South Africa are under scrutiny because of poor quality coal, resulting in substandard performance by the Lak Vijaya Power (LVP) plant. Experts say the role of an accredited independent laboratory is crucial. For the opposition, the “entire coal procurement process was rigged.”
