Gulf War at risk of escalating
The need to overcome Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is prompting other countries to become more involved, whilst Russia is expressing its full support for the Ayatollahs’ regime. Who will heed the Pope’s call to ‘embark on paths of peace’?
Trump presses allies in vain to join the war against Iran
For three days, Trump has been urging his European and Asian allies to contribute warships to a military operation aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. However, no one wants to risk facing Iranian missiles, mines, drones and torpedoes in order to help Israel and the United States escalate a conflict in which Netanyahu and Trump risk losing what little credibility they have left.
Christians in the Middle East are the first victims of the war
The spiral of violence in the Middle East is driving Christians in Palestine into exile and forcing them to abandon their homeland. In Lebanon, they are marginalised; in Iran, they are persecuted; and in Syria, they are treated as geopolitical pawns. The war is not only redefining the geopolitical borders of the Middle East, but also its religious geography. This is to the detriment of Christians and demonstrates Western hypocrisy.
Israel army veterans suffer psychiatric trauma
Netanyahu's government has called up over 100,000 reservists, but has to deal with 30,000 soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It is estimated that this number will rise to 100,000 by 2028.
Khamenei Jr. promises an even tougher regime
The Islamic Republic of Iran is digging in its heels. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, has been appointed Supreme Leader. Although he is not a recognised doctrinal leader, he acts as an intermediary between the clergy and the Revolutionary Guards. He is even more extremist than his father.
Israel and US reckon with ammunition stocks
No one knows exactly how many missiles Iran has, but there are growing doubts about the ability of Israel, the United States and their Gulf allies to sustain a prolonged conflict with limited ammunition and anti-missile defence systems, given the huge amount of equipment being sent to Ukraine. Yesterday, Trump urged companies to boost arms production.
Tensions in Israel: the war will also take its toll on Netanyahu
Behind the apparent unity around the prime minister, Israeli society is deeply divided, and its stability will depend greatly on the outcome of the war with Iran. There is also unrest and uncertainty in the Palestinian territories. The Latin Patriarchate has closed the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for security reasons.
USA against Iran, a war with no prospects that damages Europe
Once again, it seems that the US and Israel are intent on destabilising areas that are, in energy and geopolitical terms, in Europe's 'backyard'. The only certainty is that the conflict will hit Europe and its economic interests hard. Starting with oil supplies.
The illusion that war creates a better world
No sympathy for the Ayatollahs. No mourning for the death of a ferocious tyrant. But to think that his assassination and the eventual destruction of his regime will change the world for the better is a dangerous illusion. We are merely witnessing a game of power politics.
Attack on Iran: Israel drags the US into 'its' war
At dawn today, several Iranian cities were bombed, including the capital, Tehran. The real goal is to overthrow the Ayatollah regime — a dangerous illusion that in this way it is possible to achieve Israel's security and balance in the Middle East.
Child hero from Australia saves family thanks to faith
“I don't think it was me who did it. It was God all along.” This is how a 13-year-old explained how he managed to swim against waves and currents for four hours to call rescuers to save his family adrift in the ocean.
Free Jimmy Lai; don't forget Hong Kong!
The day after the pro-democracy publisher and entrepreneur was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the US and the UK called for his release on humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, the Vatican remains silent on the matter to avoid upsetting Beijing.