JERUSALEM (AP) — As the nuclear deal with Tehran goes into effect, many Middle Eastern countries fear a newly emboldened Iran, flush with cash and international recognition, will grow more aggressive with what they see as meddling in conflicts across the region.
The deal, clinched last summer after intense negotiations, forced Iran to dismantle most of its nuclear program, a step that proponents say will prevent it from gaining the capability to make a bomb for well over a decade. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Saturday certified that Iran had met its obligations, paving the way for Western sanctions to be lifted and giving Iran access to $100 billion in frozen assets.
Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) — In 2013, there were some 2,100 Christians killed for faith-related reasons across the globe. Last year, that number rose to at least 7,100, according to a recent report from an advocacy group.
"The persecution of Christians is getting worse – in every region in which we work – and it's getting worse fast," Lisa Pearce, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, said in the group's 2016 report. "Many countries have dropped down the list, not because persecution there is decreasing, but simply because others are getting worse faster. And it wasn't good three years ago."
