Russia has invested politically and militarily into Syria; many believe their primary concern is less President Assad than the power and prestige of maintaining their position. Any plan to move Moscow from this stance needs to involve a face-saving mechanism that Putin could package as win-win internationally, and in Russia’s best interest domestically. Many strongly believe that if Assad were to go, the Syrian Christians would be history, and like Iraq and Libya before, Syria would descend into jihadist chaos. The BBC’s correspondent Robert Pigott said, ‘If he goes, IS and Al-Nusra will be fighting it out on the streets of Damascus’. Also, Assad is the leader of the Alawites. The Alawites are Shi’ite Muslims centred in Syria who have older beliefs that predate Islam. Unless the Syrian Alawites themselves make a change in their leadership they will back Assad. Any initiative that omits Syria’s Alawites will be a diplomatic failure and lead to more deaths.

Half of Turkey is celebrating a win in a national referendum, the rest demand a recount. President Tayyip Erdogan has claimed victory and sweeping new powers as head of government, head of state and head of the ruling party. He will have power to appoint cabinet ministers, propose budgets, appoint judicial bodies and issue decrees without safe counterweight mechanisms that exist in democratic countries such as the USA. The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) cited voting irregularities, including using unstamped ballot papers. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said the referendum had an ‘unlevel playing field’, as the ‘Yes’ campaign had unlimited media advertising, while the ‘No’ campaign was allowed virtually none. There was misuse of state resources by the ‘Yes’ campaign organisers, and obstruction of ‘No’ campaign events. Big cities did not back Erdogan or his changes. The win has caused both celebrations and protests across the country. See also:

Although perhaps millions have been affected by it, few in the Northern Hemisphere have heard of the South African revival. The current movement is drawing huge crowds, especially men, to Christ. It is that there is a correlation between this move of the Spirit and a general understanding and support of Israel, to whom many Christians are indelibly attached. Churches across South Africa (black, white, English- and Afrikaans-speaking) are bursting with new life in a counter-cultural provocation to secularists, humanists and a corrupt government opposed to Israel and virtually cutting off diplomatic ties with the Jewish state. Angus Buchan stands out among the many leaders of this movement: a humble farmer / evangelist whom God called to focus on men, inviting both young and old men to weekend camps for seven consecutive years.

The food crisis in East Africa is escalating. Women and children are dying in South Sudan. The number of Kenyans needing emergency food has doubled in the past three months and could soon reach four million. Food prices are spiralling. Many people, weak with hunger, have to make long journeys just to find water. But the last months before the hoped-for harvest in June will be the hardest to bear. All food stocks were exhausted long ago. Most of the livestock are dead, and the crops are not yet fully grown. This is the period when people die. But a good harvest needs rainfall. The March-May rains in Kenya started late this year. In Uganda the rains started early but have been erratic - some areas getting too much and others too little. Mission agencies are giving support during this prolonged drought that has caused the death of livestock and people, but they need more help from the public as the crisis grows.

Known as ‘Europe's last dictatorship,’ Belarus does not tolerate protest or dissent. Yet thousands protested in the streets over a controversial tax. These protests have gained significant momentum, even though 400+ have been detained and many beaten. A brewing conflict over the relationship between Belarus and Russia is spiraling downward, as the country moves away from Russia. Belarus is fragile and vulnerable at a pivotal moment in its history. But most importantly, increasing numbers of Belarusians are turning to Christ, even amid tight controls and increased persecution (source: Prayercast). In America Donald Trump hit back at tax protesters, asking who funded their demonstrations. English newspapers report the tide turning on the streets of the world’s capital cities. Hundreds of peaceful protesters were arrested in Moscow and St Petersburg, after unsanctioned demonstrations against corruption. Half a million Romanians forced their government to abandon a law pardoning corrupt officials after taking to the streets.

Dr Mark Christian, a former prominent Egyptian Muslim (his great uncle was co-founder of Muslim Brotherhood), is a Christian lecturer who warns people of the impact of Islam on the world today. In a webinar hosted by the American Pastors Network, Christian explained how he began questioning Islam as a 23-year-old imam and later left the religion. He argues that organisations such as the Muslim Students' Association, the North American Islamic Trust, and the Islamic Society of North America are funded heavily by Muslim Brotherhood members in Egypt, Pakistan and other countries, who are attempting to persuade the American public to accept the Islamic agenda and even try to lure Christians into denying Jesus Christ.

For the first time ever, all the UK’s biggest supermarkets have stocked a religious-themed Easter egg. Out of 80 million eggs on sale in the UK, The Real Easter Egg is the first and only one to explain the real story of Easter. Morrisons, Sainsbury, Coop, Waitrose and Tesco have it on their shelves, though stock levels will vary. This egg is backed by church leaders, including the Archbishop of York. At first, all the supermarkets turned down the idea, but the Meaningful Chocolate Company, which manufactures the egg, sold over 250,000 through mail order. This year’s supermarket turn-around is a milestone. The manufacturers donate profits to Tradecraft Exchange, it is a Fairtrade egg, and it appeals to children and adults with its Easter story activity pack in the box.

London buses are featuring Bible verses this Easter as part of the ‘Quote Jesus’ bus campaign. Revelation TV is spearheading the campaign. Scriptures including ‘Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die,’ ‘In my Father's house there are many mansions,’ and ‘I am the way, the truth and the life,’ will be displayed on 75 London Routemaster buses. The campaign will run for two weeks. Promoters said, 'In the wake of Westminster’s attacks the lack of hope is becoming an issue in this generation. We think the Bible has a lot to say about hope, and our vision is to influence the hearts, minds and perceptions of people, offering them hope and faith for a better future.’ Revelation TV want the campaign to draw people to Scripture, and to find hope amid a world filled with chaos, violence, and hopelessness.

Recently the BBC has received much criticism for its Christian content, but it has announced a range of new and returning religious programmes for Easter. The line-up of innovative documentaries, music, reflection and worship to mark this cornerstone of Christian faith include an emotional and personal journey to the Holy Land by Fern Britton, Franciscan Friars in Bradford, live worship from Hereford Cathedral, Revd Kate Bottley and the London Community Gospel Choir, and a Good Friday meditation with Revd Lucy Winkett. Such a wide range of programming across television and radio reflects the sanctity of Eastertide and the celebration of the resurrection.

Fundraisers for the Manchester Passion Play had planned to offer ‘The Full Crucifixion Experience’ for £750 to donors willing to help fund the £50,000 event. Members of the public were going to be hoisted onto a cross outside the city's cathedral, under one of the ideas posted on a crowdfunding website used by the organising committee to raise £8,000. The idea was branded ‘blasphemous’ and dropped when clergy found out, but the Passion play went ahead. It involved local schools, music and drama. Several thousand watched the event on stage and on big screens last Saturday, and it will be televised by the BBC's Songs of Praise.