Asia
Indonesia: civic groups condemn proposal to call Soeharto a national hero
A controversial proposal to name former Indonesian president Soeharto a national hero has sparked widespread international condemnation. Over thirty civic groups issued a joint statement warning that such an honour would whitewash Soeharto’s…
Malaysia: commitment to fight against invasive fish species
In Malaysia, invasive fish species like the suckermouth catfish are threatening the nation’s rivers and native aquatic life. Originally introduced for aquariums, the hardy suckermouth has proliferated in polluted rivers, outcompeting local species,…
Two thousand Iranians turning to Jesus every day
Over two thousand Iranians are reportedly turning to Christ each day, according to the Bible Society. Despite the severe risks in a nation where leaving Islam can carry a death sentence, underground Christianity…
Gaza: UN relief chief describes horrendous conditions
In an address to the Security Council, UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that Gaza’s 2.1 million residents are enduring famine-like conditions after a ten-week aid blockade. He condemned the ongoing displacement…
India / Pakistan: ceasefire, with conflicting claims of ‘victory’
Following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April, military tensions between India and Pakistan escalated rapidly, culminating in cross-border missile strikes and drone attacks. The conflict nearly led to all-out war,…
Middle East: Trump seals a deal with Saudi Arabia, lifts sanctions on Syria
Donald Trump began a Middle East tour with major policy and economic announcements, including lifting long-standing US sanctions on Syria - a country rebuilding after civil war and regime change. The move, which…
India / Pakistan: claims and counter-claims as hostilities continue
On 8 May Pakistan claimed it shot down twelve Indian drones overnight amid escalating tensions following Indian airstrikes which have killed 31 people across Pakistan. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, describing India’s actions as…
Gaza: Israeli airstrikes kill many Palestinian civilians
At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in two near-simultaneous Israeli airstrikes on a crowded restaurant and marketplace in Gaza City, according to medics and the Hamas-run health ministry. The Thailandy restaurant, operating…
Gaza: aid blockade reaches sixty days, USA defends Israel at ICJ
Israel’s total blockade of Gaza, cutting off food, water, and medicine on 2 March, has reached sixty days. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with the UN warning of imminent famine and the World…
Japan / Philippines: reaffirming commitment to cooperation and security
Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and resistance to foreign aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders highlighted expanding defence, economic,…
