Afghanistan Quake Kills Nearly 1,000
A powerful earthquake has killed nearly a thousand people and left hundreds injured in eastern Afghanistan, authorities say.
oil
Report: ‘Iceland World’s Most Peaceful Nation’
Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world, followed by New Zealand and Ireland, according to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI).
Putin humiliated as Israel turns on ‘ally’ Russia to strike major energy deal with EU
The EU and Israel are set to sign a natural gas export deal today that will help to decrease Europe’s reliance on Russia. The bloc is heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas exports, relying on Moscow for about 40 percent of its energy imports in 2021. According to Israel’s Energy Ministry, a deal with the EU will for the first time allow “significant” exports of Israeli gas to Europe.
Strange Military Deaths In Iran As Tensions Rise
Iran has announced the deaths of two military aerospace workers, the latest in a series of mysterious deaths in the strict Islamic nation underscoring mounting internal turmoil.
India States Detain Pastors Over ‘Forced Conversions,’ Death
A pastor and his wife are among the first Christians to face prosecution under controversial anti-conversion legislation that has been introduced in India’s southwestern state of Karnataka, while another couple faces similar charges elsewhere in India. Pastor V. Kuriyachan, 62, and his wife Selenamma, 57, were detained for two weeks shortly after Karnataka’s governor signed the legislation on May 17, for allegedly converting Hindus to Christianity, police and Christians said.
Russia’s UN Envoy Clashes With EU Over Food
Russia’s United Nations ambassador angrily left a U.N. Security Council meeting as a European Union president blamed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for worldwide food shortages.
EU Cancels Sanctions Against Russian Patriarch
The European Union canceled plans to impose sanctions against Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill after Hungary threatened to veto the bloc’s latest round of measures against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Middle East Council of Churches meets in Egypt
The General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has been able to hold a meeting in Egypt for the first time, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. That this Christian organization was allowed to meet in Egypt is notable, given that the country ranks 20 on the US Open Doors World Watch List of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Exposed: How China Helps Iran Evade Sanctions Through Multibillion-Dollar Oil Scheme
A network of Chinese petrochemical refiners is behind an upswing in the importation of illicit Iranian crude oil, providing the hardline regime in Tehran with at least $22 billion in revenue since President Joe Biden took office.
EU Agrees To Block Most But Not All Russian Oil
European Union leaders say they will block most Russian oil imports by the end of 2022 to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine. But the EU embargo will only affect oil that arrives by sea following opposition from Hungary.
European Union agrees to ban most Russian oil imports
European Union President Charles Michel announced Monday that the EU will implement a partial ban on Russian oil, more than three months after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
China, Russia veto US bid at UN to punish North Korea
China and Russia on Thursday vetoed a US-led bid at the United Nations to toughen sanctions on North Korea over its missile launches, laying bare divisions that Western envoys fear would be exploited by Pyongyang.
IDF drills for multi-front war, including 1,500 rockets a day fired from Lebanon
Israeli cities could be bombarded with 1,500 rockets a day, and the death toll could quickly reach into the hundreds should war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon break out, according to a military assessment shared Thursday.
‘50 Million Christians To Preach Gospel’
Preparations are underway to turn some 50 million Christians into evangelists over the weekend, with believers worldwide preaching the Gospel, organizers said.
Battles Rage In Eastern Ukraine
Fighting in Ukraine’s troubled eastern Donbas area escalated Friday killing several people, but Germany’s leader said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine won’t be successful.
Germany Defends Weapons Export To Ukraine
The German chancellor has defended Germany’s historic decision to supply weapons to a war zone, saying Russian leader Vladimir Putin should not win the war in Ukraine.
Food Supplies Under Pressure As Ukraine Conflict Spreads
There are growing concerns over the impact the conflict in Ukraine could have on food supplies. Ukraine is a significant grain exporter, but clashes continue.
Hungary In State Of Emergency Over Ukraine War
Hungary’s hardline prime minister said his government had assumed emergency powers Tuesday in response to the war in Ukraine after his allies amended the constitution.
Top Russian Diplomat Quits Over War In Ukraine
A top Russian diplomat resigned Monday to protest against Moscow’s “aggressive war” in Ukraine despite concerns about his safety.
Pakistan Pastor Facing Death For “Blasphemy”
The wife and friends of frail pastor Zafar Bhatti, Pakistan’s longest jailed blasphemy suspect, fear he may soon be executed or die of poor health.