Essay: Why Islamic State is expanding its operations in north-eastern Nigeria
In an article first published on The Conversation, FOLAHANMI AINA looks at why Islamic State affiliate Islamic State West Africa Province is seeing a resurgence in Nigeria…
Boko Haram’s resurgence: Why Nigeria’s military is struggling to hold the line
Abuja, Nigeria AP A resurgence of Boko Haram attacks is shaking Nigeria’s north-east, as Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities since the start of the year, raising fears of a possible return to peak Boko Haram-era insecurity despite the military’s claims of successes. Boko Haram, Nigeria’s […]
For Iraqi Christians, Pope Francis’ visit was a rare moment of hope
Baghdad, Iraq AP The death of Pope Francis has sent shockwaves through Iraq’s Christian community, where his presence once brought hope after one of the darkest chapters in the country’s recent history. His 2021 visit to Iraq, the first ever by a pope, came after years of conflict and displacement. Just a few years before that, many Iraqi Christians had fled […]
“Lack of transparency”: Yazidis call attention to nearly 3,000 captives still missing a decade later
DAVID I KLEIN, of Religion News Service, reports on calls for international support to help find those taken captive by the Islamic State, many over a decade ago…
Syria’s Druze: Seek a place in a changing nation, members of the small religious sect navigate pressures from the government and Israel
KAREEM CHEHAYEB and OMAR SANADIKI, of Associated Press, report on how Syria’s Druze are trying to navigate their way in a new, uncertain Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad…
Syria’s Christians mark a decade since a horrific IS attack and worry about their future
Tel Tal, Syria AP It was a mournful moment for Christians in Syria. A bell that once summoned residents to worship rang out, but the church was no longer there. The Saint Odisho church was blown up by the Islamic State group a decade ago, leaving Tel Tal village almost empty of residents. Ishaq Nissan, […]
After the war: Experts push to restore Syria’s war-torn heritage sites, including renowned Roman ruins at Palmyra
SALLY ABOU ALJOUD and GHAITH ALSAYED, of Associated Press, report on efforts to restore damaged site and, hopefully, revive tourism…
Postcards: Military overtones vibrate through renowned Mali arts festival
PORTIA CROWE, of Reuters, reports from the Festival sur le Niger in Segou in Mali…
Austria says stabbing attack suspect swore allegiance to Islamic State
Villach, Austria Reuters The Syrian asylum seeker suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing rampage in the Austrian town of Villach had sworn allegiance to Islamic State and was radicalised online, authorities said on Sunday. A 14-year-old boy was killed in Saturday afternoon’s attack in the centre of Villach and five other people were wounded, […]
US tells UN: We cannot pay forever for Syria camps with Islamic State-linked prisoners
United Nations Reuters US assistance for managing and securing camps in north-eastern Syria with Islamic State-linked prisoners “cannot last forever,” the acting US Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, told the Security Council on Wednesday. Dorothy Camille Shea, Deputy US Representative to the United Nations gives an statement during a Security Council about the […]