Asia
Middle East conflict: Thailand likely to be hit hardest by Hormuz closure
The war in the Middle East tensions has raised concerns about global energy supplies after Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas. The narrow waterway…
Pakistan / Afghanistan: many casualties as fighting continues
Heavy fighting has erupted along the long border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict. The clashes began after Pakistani air strikes targeted locations in Afghanistan, including sites linked…
Vietnam: a shining example of steadfast faith despite persecution
Ngoc*, a 63-year-old believer in Vietnam, has endured severe persecution for her Christian faith. Raised in ancestral worship, she came to faith in Jesus after hearing about His love and forgiveness at a…
Laos: another opposition activist killed
Amid growing concern over repression in Laos, another activist, Bao Mo Khaen, has been killed. Known for criticising the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party online, he was reportedly detained by soldiers in Vientiane…
Philippines: angels direct operations for UK missionary
Yorkshire missionary Andy Newlove has shared remarkable stories of God’s faithfulness during fifteen years serving in the Philippines. His life, he says, began with a miracle. After a miscarriage, doctors doubted his mother…
China: top carbon emitter becomes renewable energy superpower
While Donald Trump’s administration is pedalling back on American commitment to green energy, China is rapidly expanding renewable energy across its vast landscapes, building huge solar and wind installations to reduce reliance on…
Syria: Alawite women living with fear after targeted violence and kidnapping
In western Syria, families live with fear after reports of kidnappings targeting women from the Alawite minority. Survivors describe being seized by armed men, beaten, threatened, and sometimes assaulted while held in secret…
Myanmar: ASEAN leaders divided about how to deal with junta
Regional leaders in Southeast Asia are divided over how to respond to Myanmar’s ruling military junta. After the coup in 2021, ASEAN called for an immediate end to violence, constructive dialogue, the appointment…
Middle East: Trump and Netanyahu meet as Iran talks continue
Rising tensions in the Middle East frame a significant meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Israel is seeking a comprehensive agreement restricting Iran’s nuclear programme, missile development, and support for…
Japan: prime minister’s social media led to her party’s landslide victory
Growing social media interest in prime minister Sanae Takaichi appears to have significantly influenced Japan’s lower house election on 8 February, contributing to a decisive victory for her Liberal Democratic Party. Many voters…
