DAMASCUS -- In the Bab Touma district of Syria's capital Damascus, Fadi Mayal dreams of returning home to the ancient Christian town of Maalula which was retaken by government forces this week.
Los Angeles -- One of the oldest Christian communities in the world is facing one of the most challenging Holy Weeks in its history. "This Holy Week was introduced by the murder of Fr. Frans from Homs in the fourth year of war and violence.
Baghdad -- "I hope that the Easter celebrations, Easter of Resurrection and new life, put an end to the suffering of our people". This is the hope expressed in the Easter message issued by the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, Louis Raphael Sako.
MAALOULA, Syria -- From the debris-strewn front garden of the Safir Hotel, Syrian military commanders barked orders to troops taking cover in the smoke-shrouded maze of streets below.
According to President Bashar Assad, Syria's three-year-old fratricide may soon be over. Speaking at Damascus University on April 13th, he declared that his army's "war on terror" had reached a turning point. From now on, he implied, it would essentially be a mopping-up operation.
The United Nations Human Rights Council angered Iran by renewing the mandate of monitor Ahmed Shaheed, who has criticized Tehran's abuses. His work remains vital as long as Iran violates its citizens' most basic rights. At the same time nuclear negotiations continue.