Asia
Saudi Arabia: church growth surges despite challenges
In Saudi Arabia, a nation historically closed to the Gospel, Christianity is growing faster than the global average. Despite strict bans on evangelism and the threat of severe punishment, including execution for apostasy,…
Lebanon: Israel / Hezbollah ceasefire comes into effect
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the USA, began on 27 November, with thousands of displaced people cautiously returning to southern Lebanon. The truce calls for a sixty-day withdrawal period for…
Pakistan: Imran Khan’s supporters in clashes with police
Supporters of Imran Khan have staged protests in Islamabad demanding his release, defying a government lockdown, road barricades, and internet blackouts. On 26 November they clashed with security forces, leading to several deaths,…
Myanmar: ICC issues arrest warrant for military leader
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor plans to seek an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against humanity in the alleged persecution and forced deportation of Rohingya Muslims.…
Startling contrasts between North and South Korea
The church in North Korea is growing at a remarkable 6% a year, far higher than the South Korean church's 0.7% growth rate, despite severe persecution under the Kim regime. With 400,000 Christians,…
Hong Kong: pro-democracy activists jailed
A group of 47 prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, including activists, journalists, and former lawmakers, have been sentenced to prison terms of up to ten years on subversion charges. This marks the…
Sri Lanka: sweeping victory for president’s party
The National People’s Power (NPP) party, led by president Anura Kamara Dissanayake, has achieved a historic election victory, securing 159 seats. This was the most dominant result since the proportional representation system was…
Gaza: US says Israel has not violated its laws about blocking aid
The USA has stated that Israel has not violated laws regarding the blocking of aid to Gaza, even though a thirty-day deadline for increased humanitarian access has passed without full implementation. While acknowledging…
Pakistan / India: dreadful levels of smog
Record-breaking smog is blanketing eastern Pakistan and northern India, creating hazardous conditions which are even visible in satellite images. A dense haze stretches from Pakistan’s Punjab province to India, impacting tens of millions.…
Israel: protests after Netanyahu dismisses popular defence minister
Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed defence minister Yoav Gallant amid Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Gaza and Lebanon, citing a lack of trust. Gallant’s opposition to ultra-orthodox military conscription and his differing views on hostages…
