• THAILAND - “Grandma Hai” gets university degree for her fight on behalf of the poor
Ramkhamhaeng University awards an honorary degree in political science to Hai Khanchanta, who in 1977 launched a court case that lasted more than 30 years against arbitrary land seizure in Ba Na Tan. The ruling that vindicated her struggle came last year.
• ASIA - Corruption is a cancer to the countries of South-East Asia
According to a risk-consulting firm, Indonesia is the most corrupt country in South-East Asia along with Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The problem is pervasive in all sectors of the economy and society. Accusing adversaries of corruption has become a political tool of choice for many corrupt politicians to hang onto power. Catholic scholar in Manila says that if the common good were the priority, countries like Indonesia and the Philippines would be among the least corrupt countries in the region.
• INDIA - A law for tomorrow’s Indian women
New law sets aside one third of the seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house) and State Assemblies for women. Various Church leaders comment on the issue.
• VATICAN - Pope: Nigeria, violence does not solve conflicts, it only increases tragic consequences
Benedict XVI appeals for "peaceful coexistence" following the massacre of Christians in the African country. After Vatican II an" anarchical utopianism” spread within the Church, the result of a certain type of spiritualism, which saw the pre Vatican II Church as dead and believed a new Church would be born. But Paul VI and John Paul II defended the novelty of the Council and at the same time, the oneness and continuity of the Church.
• CHINA - Exports and imports rise sharply, inflations follows
Exports are up by 45.7 per cent; imports by 44.7 per cent. Consumer prices jump 2.5 per cent, the highest increase in 16 months. Official sources say public debt by local government could be higher than expected, and reach 6 trillion yuan.
• CHINA – TIBET – INDIA - Dalai Lama accuses Beijing of trying to “annihilate Buddhism”
On the anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, the Tibetan leader says the Chinese government is reducing monks and nuns to quasi slaves through re-education, slams the authorities for their lack of political will.
• ISRAEL – PALESTINE – US - UN and US slam new East Jerusalem settlements
Generally negative reactions greet Israeli Interior Minister’s announcement, which comes at a time when US vice president is in the country to re-launch the peace process. Inside Israel, criticism is heated. For the Kadima party, it sets “a new record for diplomatic stupidity.” Palestinians call for concerted reaction by Arab countries.
• PAKISTAN - Extremists attack Christian charity in Mansehra, killing six Pakistani employees
Fifteen gunmen storm the offices of World Vision, a charity that helps earthquake victims. The terrorists set off a bomb and fired on the staff. The organisation is inspired by Christian values, and has been present in the area since 2005 to help people of all faiths.
• ISLAM - A fatwa against religious justifications for Islamic terrorism
A 600 page document by Prof. Tahir ul-Quadri, against violence, signals the beginning of a new season in the Islamic world. Like the pope in Regensburg, he says that God is reason and is against violence. Now a movement of people is needed to purify the disfigured face of Islam.
• MYANMAR - ”Ad personam" law excludes Aung San Suu Kyi from 2010 elections
The military leadership has promulgated a law that prevents the candidacy of those who have criminal convictions. It is included in the Political Parties Registration Law, which governs the vote. The parties have 60 days to register. Elections a pretext to strengthen the power of the dictatorship.
• INDONESIA - Indonesian Islamic organization issues a fatwa against smoking
Muhammadiyah, the second largest Muslim organization in the country for followers, declares that smoking is "haram" morally wrong. It leads to unhealthy lifestyles, weakens and pushes frustrated people to suicide. Tobacco industry, a major economic resource at risk.
• IRAN - Isfahan: Protestant clergyman tortured for “converting Muslims”
During a visit in prison, the pastor’s wife saw he had signs of torture. He could be executed. An anti-Protestant crackdown is underway in Isfahan. The regime’s fight against proselytising is coupled with fears that Christian gatherings might host its opponents.
More Southeastasia News... |
World News
