War and peace have been the dominant themes of the Middle East this month. Iran and the United States stepped back from a major confrontation, and a much-delayed US peace plan was unveiled for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But Syria’s suffering has continued, and there are risks of a new front opening up after clashes between Syria and Turkey. Since 2018, […]
The turning of the year gives us two occasions to renew our hope for the world. Christmas, the first of these, reminds us that no matter what comes to pass, our hope is secure in Christ. New Year’s Eve, the second of these, is a moment to reflect on the year behind us and look forward to opportunities ahead. Just […]
Lebanon last month joined the wave of unrest that has swept across several countries that were barely affected by the 2011 uprisings. Some commentators are already talking about an “Arab Spring 2.” In reality, the protests are in many ways a continuation of the same anger with authorities and demands for change that we saw in 2011. Sadly, protests in […]
Bold initiatives are taking place in Lebanon to build peace between Christians and Muslims in a society where religious identity often defines where you live and go to school, as well as where you worship. Dr Martin Accad, a specialist in Christian-Muslim relations, spoke on SAT-7 ARABIC’s On the Go programme about the initiative “Bread and Salt”, an exciting project that promotes respect […]
As weeks of anti-government protests brought their country to a standstill, Lebanon’s church leaders joined the call for basic rights that has united Lebanese from across the country’s religious communities. Amid the crisis, SAT-7 ARABIC encouraged Lebanese viewers to pray and to be role models in working for justice and peace. “We understand your movement and hear your cry,” the […]
As thousands of Lebanese from across the spectrum of religious groups and ethnic communities continue protests across Lebanon, SAT-7 is tackling the issue through a series of live episodes beginning tonight on SAT-7 ARABIC. The channel has invited various leaders from the Lebanese Christian community to share their opinions and debate on a way forward. “We are expecting a lot […]
Events in Sudan and the Gulf of Oman dominated headlines this month as the Middle East seemed set for a dangerous summer. Violence overtook months of peaceful protest in Sudan on 3 June. So-called Rapid Support Forces used live ammunition, severe beatings and rape to disperse a sit-in outside army headquarters in Khartoum. Two months before, pro-democracy demonstrators had succeeded […]
Samira* and her family fled conflict in Syria, and now live as refugees in Lebanon. Here she shares the challenges of raising children in the midst of uncertainty, and the security she has finally found by experiencing God’s love. “In 2012, my husband and I had just married when a bomb destroyed our home. We escaped to Lebanon, along with […]
The first ever visit by a Catholic Pope to the Arabian Peninsula gave an important boost to religious coexistence in the region this month. During a three-day trip to Abu Dhabi (UAE), Pope Francis met with the Crown Prince, took part in a two-day “Conference on Human Fraternity” attended by 600 religious leaders and opinion shapers, and led a mass […]
Anwar, Bashar, and Sarah live in a children’s home in Lebanon. Their stories, shared recently on SAT-7 KIDS, are both heart-breaking and inspirational – each one a triumph of light over darkness. Anwar was found sleeping in an empty, abandoned bus. At nine years old, he had been trafficked from war-torn Syria and exploited by his captors before managing to […]