The Pope ended his three-day trip to Lebanon on Tuesday by leading prayers for the victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. During the visit, which included a mass attended by approximately 100,000 people, he urged Lebanese leaders to maintain peace efforts following the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Pontiff also met with diverse religious figures, calling for national unity and dialogue to heal the country after years of political paralysis and economic crisis. This marks his first major international tour since becoming Pope.
Security forces fired shots to disperse competing demonstrations in a coastal city. Witnesses reported that hundreds of protesters gathered to demand a decentralized political system and the release of detainees. In response, government supporters gathered and exchanged insults with the demonstrators. Security officials stated that gunfire was used to separate the rival groups, while also accusing unknown individuals of shooting at civilians and police. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and sectarian divisions in the country following the recent change in government leadership.
Recent parliamentary election results in Iraq have significantly reduced the political influence of the Babylonian militia among Christian voters. The militia's leader, Ryan al-Kldani, lost his previous dominance, securing only two of the five seats reserved for Christians. Instead, three independent candidates won seats in various provinces. This shift marks a departure from years of armed group control over Christian quotas. A political activist describes the outcome as a deep change in voter consciousness, rejecting representation imposed by force. The results reflect a growing desire among Iraqi Christians for independent political representation and protection of their rights.
The International Criminal Court prosecutor’s office has received a secret file alleging that the Sudanese army committed widespread war crimes since April 2023. According to diplomatic sources and the In Depth center, the document details attacks on civilians, indiscriminate shelling, and obstruction of humanitarian aid. It also claims external support from countries like Iran, Turkey, and Eritrea, as well as non-state groups. This development follows Western sanctions against General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and aims to provide a legal basis for a formal investigation into the conflict that has displaced millions.
A senior church leader congratulated winners of Iraq's sixth parliamentary election, calling for a civil state that ensures justice and equality for all citizens. He warned that Iraqi Christians face ongoing threats of displacement and marginalization, urging them to form an independent political council to protect their rights and heritage. The cardinal emphasized the need to revise electoral laws, remove militias from a region in northern Iraq, and preserve historical identities. He stressed that unity among diverse Christian groups is essential for their survival and continued presence in the country.
One year after the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, more than 330 Lebanese people have been killed and over a thousand injured due to continued Israeli attacks in the south, according to Ankawa.com. The outlet warns that the region is nearing a comprehensive confrontation, citing ongoing airstrikes, evacuation orders, and threats. The article claims Israel has not honored the truce, using it to regroup before potential escalation. It highlights the role of Hezbollah and US diplomatic support for Israel, while emphasizing that ordinary citizens in border villages bear the brunt of the instability. The report concludes that limited political options and a lack of unified Arab pressure increase the risk of widespread destruction.
A resistance group claims the Iranian regime is executing one person every 90 minutes, a rate reported in mid-November. This escalation targets youth, women, and political opponents to suppress anger amid crises. The organization argues this strategy aims to maintain power but fails to stop resistance, instead deepening opposition. The report highlights a historical pattern of repression under leaders Khomeini and Khamenei, describing the executions as a desperate measure by a weakening regime. Such severe crackdowns are argued to fail in stopping dissent and rather intensify the conflict against the current government in Iran.
Translated from العربية
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