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Thursday, 27 June 2019 22:04
Japan ‘waters down’ climate change commitment
As host of the G20 leaders’ summit, Japan has drafted a weak statement on climate action, in a bid to keep the US onside. This follows a G20 executive decision last week in which all countries…
Thursday, 27 June 2019 21:37
Praying for Buddhists
The idea of Buddhism (and Hinduism) as a ‘religion’ is partly an invention of early Western missionaries. Later the concept was taken up by Buddhists themselves. Buddhist ideas are woven into a wide tapestry of belief,…
Thursday, 27 June 2019 21:32
China: ‘Christianity harmful to security’
A seminar held in Hebi, Henan for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) discussed the ‘enormous harm’ officials believe Christianity poses to national security. All CCP members were urged to maintain ‘correct views’ with regard to religion,…
Thursday, 27 June 2019 21:30
Syria: oil shortages and pipeline sabotage
Five underwater pipelines off Syria’s coast were sabotaged on 22-23 June. No group claimed responsibility for this ‘terrorist attack’. Syria has been beset by fuel shortages since the EU, UN and US imposed sanctions and asset…
Friday, 21 June 2019 11:27
Gulf of Oman: escalating tensions
On 16 June the Saudi crown prince said he would ‘deal with’ threats to his people and vital interests following attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman. America blamed Iran for the attack. The UK…
Friday, 21 June 2019 11:25
Saudi Arabia: youth faces execution for actions when aged 10
Amnesty International reported that the Saudi public prosecutor has sought the death penalty for Murtaja Qureiris for offences and participating in protests when he was ten years old. This prompted a global outcry in support of…