Displaying items by tag: Asia

Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See

Christians in Pakistan are using theatre to proclaim the Gospel through a growing creative movement centred in Karachi. The Othniel School of Biblical Art (OSBA) is preparing its 2026 season of 'Journey to Salvation', a large-scale musical production presenting the story of Jesus from Creation to the Ascension using only Bible verses. Scheduled for 7–15 March at the National Academy of Performing Arts, the production combines drama, music, and worship to bring Scripture to life on stage. Since its launch, the ministry has expanded rapidly, reaching thousands through dozens of performances and launching a Christian art gallery to encourage faith-inspired creativity. Over 110 actors from diverse backgrounds have participated, reflecting the unity of Pakistan’s Christian community. Organisers expect the 2026 performances to reach more than 8,000 attendees, with potential media exposure to millions across the country. Despite financial and cultural challenges faced by Christians as a minority, the movement continues to grow. Leaders believe theatre can help younger generations encounter the message of Christ in powerful, memorable ways.

The Middle East has entered a new period of instability following joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran which reportedly killed more than a thousand people and triggered retaliatory attacks across the region. Among those killed was Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving uncertainty about the future leadership of the country. The strikes, described by US and Israeli officials as necessary to address security threats, have drawn global attention and concern. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting military installations and other sites across several countries in the region. The escalation has disrupted diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and raised fears of a wider conflict. Civilians across the Middle East face growing risks as violence spreads, while thousands of foreign nationals have struggled to leave affected areas. The conflict has also shaken global energy markets and travel networks, reflecting the far-reaching consequences of the crisis. Recent news: at least 87 were killed when a US submarine sank an Iranian tanker (see), and the US Senate voted against a bipartisan measure which would have limited Trump’s war powers (see).

The war in the Middle East tensions has raised concerns about global energy supplies after Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries a large share of the world’s seaborne energy trade, including significant volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Analysts warn that disruption to shipping could drive energy prices sharply higher, affecting many Asian economies which depend heavily on imported fuel. Among ASEAN members, Thailand is considered especially vulnerable, as oil imports represent a significant share of its economy. Economists say even modest increases in oil prices could weaken the country’s financial balance. Other nations such as India, Pakistan, South Korea, and the Philippines could also face pressure due to reliance on imported energy. Some countries maintain limited reserves of fuel supplies, raising concerns if the disruption continues. Meanwhile, energy exporters such as Malaysia may experience short-term economic gains from rising prices.

Heavy fighting has erupted along the long border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict. The clashes began after Pakistani air strikes targeted locations in Afghanistan, including sites linked to Taliban forces, following accusations that militants were launching attacks on Pakistan from Afghan territory. Taliban authorities have denied supporting such groups. Pakistan says it has struck military facilities used by militants, including locations near the former Bagram air base, while Afghan officials report that their forces have resisted several attacks and captured at least one Pakistani military post. Both sides claim to have inflicted significant losses, though details remain difficult to verify. The UN mission in Afghanistan reports that dozens of civilians have been killed and more than a hundred injured. Aid agencies warn that ongoing violence is worsening humanitarian conditions and limiting access for relief efforts, including continuing to help those affected by the earthquakes in August and September which killed more than 1,400 people.

Ngoc*, a 63-year-old believer in Vietnam, has endured severe persecution for her Christian faith. Raised in ancestral worship, she came to faith in Jesus after hearing about His love and forgiveness at a local church. When she told her husband, his violence intensified, including attempts to strangle and stone her. Though some of her children opposed her decision, one daughter stood by her. Local authorities and neighbours later pressured Ngoc to renounce her faith. When she refused, a mob forced her from her home, and she was expelled from her village with only the clothes she wore. With her daughter and granddaughter, she found refuge in another community where local Christians helped them rebuild their lives. Despite suffering rejection, violence and loss, Ngoc continues to express deep trust in God, testifying to His faithfulness through hardship. (*name changed for security reasons)

Amid growing concern over repression in Laos, another activist, Bao Mo Khaen, has been killed. Known for criticising the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party online, he was reportedly detained by soldiers in Vientiane on 14 February, and his body was discovered beside a damaged motorbike six days later. His death follows other cases involving Lao dissidents in recent years, including enforced disappearances and attacks at home and abroad. Observers note that such incidents often coincide with politically sensitive periods such as the national election on 22 February. Laos remains a one-party state, and the   election was conducted without opposition candidates. Economic pressures, rising debt and youth emigration have added to public discontent. Human rights advocates argue that the pattern of violence reflects efforts to silence dissent and instil fear. Authorities have not publicly provided detailed explanations regarding Khaen’s death, and concerns over accountability persist.

Yorkshire missionary Andy Newlove has shared remarkable stories of God’s faithfulness during fifteen years serving in the Philippines. His life, he says, began with a miracle. After a miscarriage, doctors doubted his mother would carry a child to term, but she prayed and dedicated her son to God. Andy was born, though tragedy followed when his father died while he was still a baby. Growing up, he witnessed many answers to prayer and came to believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit remain active today. As a child he experienced healing after a severe scald, and later prayed for a girl dying of meningitis who recovered and eventually became his wife, Tracey. When she was 33 weeks pregnant with their first child, they moved 7,000 miles to the Philippines. There they survived earthquakes, typhoons, and dangerous journeys while planting churches and training local believers. Miracles, unity among pastors, and revival marked their years of service. Today their legacy continues through family and Filipino leaders serving Christ worldwide.

While Donald Trump’s administration is pedalling back on American commitment to green energy, China is rapidly expanding renewable energy across its vast landscapes, building huge solar and wind installations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In some desert regions, solar panels are not only providing shade but also slowing land degradation, giving farmers renewed hope. The country now produces more solar panels than the rest of the world combined and aims to peak emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Yet the transition brings tensions. Oversupply has hurt manufacturers, while some rural communities lose farmland or feel excluded from decisions. Concerns also remain about labour practices and environmental impacts linked to mining and construction. At the same time, coal still supplies much of the nation’s electricity, meaning the shift must balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. The changes show both promise and hardship as society adapts to a new energy future.

In western Syria, families live with fear after reports of kidnappings targeting women from the Alawite minority. Survivors describe being seized by armed men, beaten, threatened, and sometimes assaulted while held in secret locations for days or weeks. Human rights groups have recorded dozens of cases since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad (an Alawite) in December 2024, but many families say the authorities have failed to investigate properly. Some victims were questioned about their identity and accused because of their background, leaving deep trauma and stigma. Several families fled their homes, afraid of retaliation if they spoke publicly. Even after release, women struggle with nightmares, broken relationships, and isolation. The crisis highlights how instability can expose vulnerable people to exploitation and revenge.