Global Disability Summit
Read Penny Mordaunt’s closing speech at the Global Disability Summit: Click here
THE BRIEFING – SEPTEMBER 2018
The United Nations has urged Syria, Russia and Iran to avoid a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Syria’s Idlib province as Syrian forces and allies are poised for an offensive on the country’s last remaining rebel stronghold. The latest stage in the Syrian war is about to start with an imminent military operation against the rebel held city of Idlib. Over 60 […]
The Briefing – August 2018
Trade wars and new political tensions this month added to the challenges already faced by a region still blighted by warfare in Yemen and Syria. The nosedive of the Turkish lira that began in April accelerated this month as the US announced 50 per cent and 20 per cent taxes respectively on Turkish steel and aluminium products. Since the start […]
THE BRIEFING – JUNE 2018
As World Cup fever lightens the mood in many Middle East nations, Turkey races towards historic elections and Yemen faces a new crisis, but Algerian Christians are giving thanks after several churches closed in a government crackdown were reopened. In Turkey, the nation is in the last week of campaigning before historic elections on 24 June. Citizens will vote both […]
The Briefing – April 2018
Syria again took centre-stage in the Middle East after a suspected chemical attack threatened to spark a wider international confrontation. On 7 April, a suspected chemical attack on Douma, the last rebel-held area in Eastern Ghouta, triggered the latest crisis in the conflict in Syria. After an intensified bombing campaign by Syrian and Russian forces, rebel groups had already […]
Uncovering the Middle East’s lost Christian history
A new SAT-7 ARABIC discussion show is revealing the important role Christians have played in building Arab societies and culture. With the input of guests from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), House of Wisdom raises awareness of the region’s Christian past and key historical figures, including poets, physicians, and scientists. The programme’s title comes from the name of a landmark academic […]
Iran youth show aims to break negative view of religion
Religious faith has a bad image among Iran’s young adults and it’s easy to see why. Tight restrictions and harsh penalties imposed by its clerical leaders and enforced by religious police give many a very negative impression of belief – and not just their own. According to Moe Pooladfar – producer of a new SAT-7 youth show for the Persian […]
First on-scene footage after Islamic State leaves Raqqa, Syria
SAT-7 airs prayers for peace in city that became synonymous with cruelty and death In early December, Middle East Christian broadcaster SAT-7 and associate ministry Light for All Nations (LFAN) Ministries filmed the first on-the-ground footage in Raqqa, Syria since so-called Islamic State militants left. The two networks co-produced the documentary, Al Raqqa: between Yesterday and Today, presenting a message […]
German Bishop encourages Middle East Church at Reformation anniversary
Egyptian Christians welcomed a very special guest at a recent celebration for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Cairo. Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohn from Germany spoke at the event, which was held on 18 November and also featured a powerful performance of worship songs through the ages. The Bishop, who is chairman of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) council […]