Lebanon, Christians terrorised by jihadists and Israeli attacks
Fear of attacks in Lebanon's Christian community after Syria exports jihadists across a porous border. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continue in the south and pressure mounts for Hezbollah to disarm.
Birth rate plummets, Vietnam scraps two-child policy
For the third consecutive year, Vietnam has recorded a fertility rate below the replacement level. The government is taking action and, in Ho Chi Minh City, is offering a cash bonus to women who have two children before the age of 35.
Israel-Iran, a war that paves the way for further tragedies
The Israeli attack on Iran has prompted the expected response. Even among Catholics, there is a lack of awareness of the criteria set out in the Church's social doctrine, as well as those set out in Pope Leo XIV's recent appeals. These criteria are fundamental to understanding what is at stake.
Poland fears a Franco-German dictatorship in Europe
France and Germany are moving closer to an “ever closer union” in Europe. This is at the expense of smaller nations eager for independence. In Poland, Nawrocki's election is a response to this trend.
Iran-Israel, a war to change the balance of power in the Middle East
The raids launched by Israel against Iran are not only aimed at destroying its nuclear program, but at completely changing the balance of power in the Middle East. The regional allies of the Tehran regime, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Assad, have already been eliminated or reduced to a shadow of their former selves. The regime's influence is increasingly diminished, and the prospect of an Israeli-Saudi alliance is drawing closer.
The war between Israel and Iran comes into full swing. U.S. backs Netanyahu
Israel's attack on Tehran's nuclear program came after a long period of preparation and infiltration of Iranian territory. The first attack came from within. Were the US involved? That is what Iran is accusing them of. Even if they did not participate, they are supporting Israel, as is much of the EU. And this paves the way for further escalation.
Trump–Musk: conflict between business logic and political strategy
The relationship between Trump and Musk was the convergence of a political leader and an entrepreneur who think in fundamentally different ways: Musk bases his political decisions on their impact on his economic interests. Trump prioritises electoral consensus.
The US still needs Europe but only if it remains free
On 27 May, Samuel Samson, a 26-year-old senior advisor to the Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, published an official newsletter outlining the Trump administration's relations with Europe. It immediately caused a scandal, with calls for regime change. Like JD Vance's speech in Munich, it is actually a warning to Europeans not to betray their cultural roots.
Trump’s complicated gamble for world peace identifies China as main enemy
The long phone call between the US President and Putin, aimed at pushing for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, is part of an ambitious project to redefine international relations on all fronts: Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Central and South Asia. This is based on the belief that the US's main rival is China. As demonstrated by the recent mission to the Middle East...
The difficult return of cardinals to countries ravaged by war and persecution
Cardinals from Congo, Nicaragua, India and Iran could have requested and obtained refugee status in Rome. Instead, they chose to return to their countries and face persecution alongside the faithful.
After conclave: cardinals who deserve refugee status return to troubled countries
South Sudan, Haiti and Myanmar are just a few of the countries where priests and lay people suffer daily violence and persecution caused by war, political hatred and religious intolerance. Having been present in Rome for the Conclave, these cardinals would be entitled to refugee status. However, they are choosing to return and stand alongside their congregations, accepting the risks that entails.
