Day: May 21, 2023

Flights to and from Catania in Italy's Sicily region were halted after the nearby Mt. Etna erupted on Sunday.

Flight operations were suspended as volcanic ash covered the airport's runways, public broadcaster RAI reported.

The city of Adrano was also affected, with many cars and roads covered with ash, it added.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Ukraine's participation at the G-7 Summit in Japan could be a "game changer," the French president told his Ukrainian counterpart on Saturday.

During his meeting in Hiroshima with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron said the summit is a "unique" opportunity for Ukraine to exchange ideas with southern countries.

Macron shared a part of the meeting on Twitter where he reiterated Frances's support for Ukraine and said his country has been 'shoulder to shoulder' with Kyiv since the beginning of Russia's war.

He told Zelenskyy that it was a "very good idea" to go to Saudi Arabia before the summit.

Zelenskyy said France's support for the fighter jet coalition and participation in the training mission for Ukrainian pilots is "important."

"I emphasized the priority of implementing the Ukrainian Peace Formula and involving as many countries as possible in it," he said in a tweet. "I briefed on the fruitful visit to the Arab League summit."

Source: Anadolu Agency

The Israeli government held its weekly meeting on Sunday inside the Western Wall [Al-Buraq Wall] tunnels of Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.

The meeting, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was held inside the tunnels to mark the anniversary of Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.

"For the sake of the unity of Jerusalem, we must continue to maintain this government," Netanyahu said at the start of the meeting.

Sunday's meeting was the first to have been held inside the tunnels adjacent to Al-Aqsa complex since 2017.

It came shortly after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir forced his way into Al-Aqsa Mosque complex on Sunday, in his second such intrusion since he joined the Netanyahu government late last year.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. It annexed the entire city in 1980, in a move never recognized by the international community.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region, hit by torrential rains earlier this week, is still on red alert for extreme weather as its struggling population tries to recover from the worst floods in about a century.

Heavy rainfall, which came after months of scorching drought, pushed more than 20 rivers out of their banks and caused up to 300 landslides in the highly-populated region, killing at least 14 people and leaving tens of thousands displaced.

Dozens of cities and small towns were pummeled by rivers of mud, forcing people to leave their homes as rescuers kept searching for the missing ones.

In the Ravenna area, a rescue helicopter crashed on Saturday during efforts to fix the local electric grid, wounding at least four people, according to reports.

The heavy death toll and devastation in the area, which includes damage worth billions of dollars in the agricultural and business sectors, has sparked a new political controversy around the response by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right government.

The premier, who has called an emergency Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, is now expected to return earlier than planned from the ongoing G-7 meeting in Japan, where world leaders including US President Joe Biden expressed their solidarity and readiness to help Italy.

Over the past few days, environmental experts have highlighted how such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in Italy, underlining the need for immediate actions.

Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci warned earlier this week that Italy has to dramatically rethink its flood protection measures nationwide, stressing that 'everything must change' and that the key going forward would be 'prevention.'

Source: Anadolu Agency

The Sudanese army said Sunday that it is committed to a 7-day cease-fire with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

The cease-fire deal was reached between the two military rivals on Saturday during their face-to-face talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah.

The army said that the cease-fire will come into force on May 22.

'The Armed Forces announce its commitment to the agreement and hope that the rebel militia will abide by it,' the army added in a statement.

According to the statement, the agreement is limited to 'a temporary military cease-fire, freedom of movement for civilians, and protecting them from violence and violations.'

There was no comment from the RSF on the army's statement.

At least 850 civilians have been killed and more than 3,300 injured in fighting between the army and the RSF since April 15, according to local medics.

After the first face-to-face talks in Saudi Arabia, the army and the RSF signed a declaration of commitment to protect civilians in Sudan on May 11. Despite the agreement, clashes continued between the two military rivals, particularly in the capital of Khartoum.

A disagreement had been fomenting in recent months between the army and the RSF over the paramilitary group's integration into the armed forces, a key condition of Sudan's transition agreement with political groups.

Sudan has been without a functioning government since October 2021, when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of emergency in a move decried by political forces as a "coup."

Sudan's transitional period, which started in August 2019 after the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, had been scheduled to end with elections in early 2024.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi

Source: Anadolu Agency

In the quiet, unsuspecting corners of Kilifi County, a startling revelation has unearthed the hidden world of a starvation cult.

The Good News International Ministries (GNIM), better known as the Malindi cult, has emerged as a troubling case, shedding light on the existence of similar groups operating in Kenya.

Founded in 2003 by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his first wife, the cult stands accused of manipulating and exploiting members to starve themselves, leading to the loss of more than 200 lives.

Anadolu delved deeper into the inner workings of the cult and spoke with former members to glean the experiences of those who managed to escape its grasp.

Amina Saidi shared harrowing details of the GNIM's indoctrination tactics and psychological manipulation.

"They preyed on our vulnerabilities, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. I love Jesus and would do anything for my religion which is Christianity," she said.

"I would do anything for Jesus, that was how many of us were roped in ... but gradually, they stripped away our autonomy."

"Looking back, I deeply regret my involvement with the cult. Their manipulation and the harm they caused to individuals and families is something I can no longer support," she said.

Extreme fasting

Another member named Hassan Juma said the church's methods pushed people to physical that over time proved harmful.

"I first learned about the starvation cult through a friend who claimed to have found enlightenment and a direct path to meeting Jesus."

"The church emphasized the purification of the body and spirit through extreme fasting and self-denial. They claimed that by depriving ourselves of worldly needs, we could achieve a higher level of consciousness and ultimately meet Jesus, which is something I was okay with," said Juma.

He said, however, that as time went on, he began to question the toll it was taking on his physical and mental well-being.

Extreme fasting and deprivation began to raise concerns.

"Initially, I believed whole-heartedly in the teachings of the church and its promised rewards - meeting Jesus. While the initial allure of meeting Jesus was enticing, the harm it caused to individuals' health and relationships became evident," he said.

Devoted follower and mother, Sarah Amani, sacrificed her health for the Malindi cult.

Despite her emaciated appearance, she tirelessly cared for her children, ensuring they had what little nourishment was available.

Her weakened body, ravaged by starvation, pushed forward with an unwavering determination to fulfill her role as a mother and remained faithful to the cult's beliefs

Most desperate, most vulnerable

According to experts in cult psychology, the most desperate people are also the most vulnerable to the methods that such groups employ.

"Many people get drawn into the world of cults, particularly those who are experiencing desperation in their lives," said Lucy Njiru, a psychologist and lecturer at Amref International University (AMIU).

Nijru told Anadolu that such people "often face overwhelming life events and are likely to be dealing with high levels of stress."

"As a result, they may become susceptible to depression, seeking solace and hope in religion. Unfortunately, due to the manipulative tactics employed by cult leaders, their strong religious beliefs become distorted, leading them deeper into the clutches of the cult," she said.

"Cults tend to target individuals who are vulnerable and desperately seeking a way out of their challenging circumstances. They exploit their emotional vulnerabilities, offering a sense of purpose and belonging.

"These individuals are often seeking a coping mechanism for their struggles, and the cult provides them with what appears to be a supportive community and the promise of overcoming their hardships."

Njiru also highlighted the potency of brainwashing techniques used by cults, saying these tactics were employed by cult leaders to "manipulate the beliefs and behaviors of their followers.

"These techniques make it incredibly difficult for individuals to think critically or question the teachings of the cult. The sense of belonging and acceptance within the cult becomes deeply ingrained, creating significant barriers for individuals to break free," she said.

Education crucial

Emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and promoting education on cult dynamics, she said it was also crucial to provide support to individuals who may be at risk.

"By educating people about the warning signs of cult involvement and fostering critical thinking skills, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions and protect themselves against manipulation," she said.

Once a person breaks free, however, they may be in for a "long and challenging road to recovery."

According to Nijru, such individuals may need a comprehensive approach involving therapy, support groups, and rebuilding their sense of self.

By understanding the psychological intricacies involved, Njiru believes progress can be made on addressing the threat of dangerous cults preventing individuals from falling prey to their influence.

The journey to combat the influence of cults in Kenya begins with education, awareness, and support for those who have been caught in their grasp, she said.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Sunday marked 159 years since Tsarist Russia exiled the Circassian people, a Caucasian ethnic group, from the Caucasus region on May 21, 1863.

According to unofficial figures, close to 1.5 million Circassians were deported within a month, with about 500,000 having lost their lives due to factors such as road conditions, disease, and starvation.

Circassian communities were exiled to various parts of the world, especially the Ottoman Empire, as Tsarist Russia continued its expansion toward the Black Sea region.

Those exiled were put on ships from Black Sea ports such as Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Sochi, and Adler, and many resettled in Anatolian cities such as Ordu, Samsun, Tokat, Amasya, Sinop, Yozgat, Duzce, Adapazari, and Kocaeli.

Some Circassians also settled in the Middle East, especially in Syria and Palestine, where they integrated with the local population over time.

Meanwhile, those who could not be exiled to the Ottoman Empire were settled in Russian Cossack villages in areas near the Laba and Kuban rivers.

The Circassian exile is described as "one of the most painful events in history," and is remembered by Circassians living in Trkiye every year.

In commemoration of the exile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that the Turkish people still feel "the great pain of our Circassian brothers."

"I commemorate with mercy all our brothers and sisters who lost their lives on the anniversary of their exile from their homeland of the Caucasus by inhumane methods," Erdogan further said.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Sangeeta Lerner aims to draw awareness to yoga’s spiritual roots, as a way of life rather than a sport, critisizing the ancient practice's commercialization.

"Something is wrong here," Sangeeta Lerner thought to herself when she walked into a German yoga studio for the first time about a decade ago. Lerner had just moved from India to Berlin and wanted to get back to practising yoga.

But her thoughts floundered in the Berlin studio: Why is the yoga instructor so fit? Why is the room decorated with a mix of Buddhist and Hindu gods that belong in a temple? And why was there superficial techno music playing during the final relaxation phase known as the shavasana?

"Everything was so sterile and fancy. Everyone had gym clothes on, while I had come in comfy clothes. The yoga teacher walked around the room correcting the asanas (or postures)," Lerner recalls. She was irritated that she felt disconnected from the teacher and the other practitioners, since yoga stands for a sense of community. Lerner thought she was doing something wrong, that she was not flexible enough and that she needed more practice.

Spirituality: Imitated not integrated

Today, ten years later, the 44-year-old knows she's not doing anything wrong, just like the approximately three million Germans who practice yoga regularly. Because it's not about right or wrong — it's about awareness.

"Yoga is not a sport, it doesn't matter what kind of body you have. Yoga is healing work — accessible to everyone. And for that, there must be spaces where everyone can feel welcome," Sangeeta Lerner tells DW.

Originating from India, yoga is closely linked to Hindu philosophy and practice. In western societies however, yoga is often taken out of context and commercialized.

Lerner sees this as cultural appropriation. Under British rule yoga was forbidden. Now sacred symbols and practices are unconsciously appropriated and dissociated from their Indian origins.

Yoga, as it is taught in the west, is mostly limited to the physical aspect of asanas or postures. There are also some bizarre forms such as beer yoga, yoga with goats or yoga on a stand-up paddleboard, which often includes the chanting of "om." Western yoga studios mostly mix esoteric ideas, far eastern philosophy and western psychology. Buddha is mixed haphazardly with religious songs of Shakti and Shiva (main Hindu gods, ED).

"I'm not a Buddhist," Lerner explains, "but these spiritual symbols are very meaningful to people in Asia."

She observes how cultures are imitated yet not integrated in western yoga studios. It reminds her more of a kind of art performance. "That's when colonial supremacy comes into play. You take something from a culture and make it work for you."

From copywriter to yoga teacher

Sangeeta Lerner was born and raised in Mumbai, India. The family didn't have much money, lived in a small apartment, and yet Lerner found her mother in particular to be a happy person.

"My mother always gave everything. She welcomed everyone to our home and when she was out, she always had cookies for the street dogs. That was yoga for me. Not just physical exercise. My mother was very spiritual without being dogmatic. We all felt how good it was for her to give to others." This feeling, she says, is what she misses in Germany and now wants to pass on herself as a yoga teacher.

Lerner used to work as a copywriter in the advertising industry. Among others, she worked for three years in Bahrain. This is where she met her future German husband, who worked in marketing. "When I gave presentations, the men never gave me credit for my ideas. That's when I realized that as an Indian woman, I have no power in this country."

She had always been someone who fought against social injustices, she says. To deal with all the chaos around her, including discrimination in her own country, she long sought answers in yoga.

Yoga is an Indian practice believed to be about 3,000 years old. The word yoga derives from Sanskrit and broadly means "to unite." It is an interplay of body, mind and breath, combining physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation and ethical principles. So, it's no surprise to Lerner that yoga has become an export hit. "It just works," she says with a knowing smile. "Anyone who decides to become a yoga teacher isn't doing it to make money or become famous. They've realized it's a powerful practice that brings you closer to your soul." It was also the reason why she turned her back on the advertising industry.

Decolonize yoga

The global yoga industry generates €35 billion (almost $38 billion) from classes, retreats, yoga gear, books, magazines and scented sticks, according to market research firm Allied Market Research.

Yoga in the west is often advertised by predominantly slender, white people. This reinforces stereotypical ideas and excludes people who do not conform to this beauty norm.

Yogini Sangeeta Lerner bought her first yoga mat in Germany. After numerous further training courses, she gathered the courage to offer her own yoga classes. However, not in a yoga studio, but in a family center and in a midwife's practice.

She shows up wearing loose colorful pants and a blouse. Again and again, she directs her attention to the breathing, and asanas happen as if in passing. She keeps the exercises simple without contortions. A meditative state is quickly attained.

Although people worldwide follow the spiritual practice and appreciate it, the Berlin-based yoga teacher is annoyed that it doesn't help to prevent prejudices against Indians.

"I still get the stereotypes of cows in the street or snake charmers," she says. Her two children also have had racist experiences, she says. "India is a big country and we also have many political problems. But instead of talking about it, we keep getting pigeonholed."

To change that, Sangeeta Lerner has been giving Decolonize Yoga workshops throughout Germany for the past two years where they learn how to teach yoga without being culturally appropriative. Both experienced yoga teachers and beginners attend these two-day workshops.

"Are you taking yoga away from us now?" is one of the questions Lerner often hears. "Of course not!" is her answer. As someone who grew up with it, she mainly wants to create awareness of its complexity and pass on its cultural roots.

"We all live in toxic cultures, whether in Germany or India," Lerner says. Her aim is to bring yoga out of the privileged, commercialized environment and into the mainstream. She has already succeeded on a small scale. She is nicknamed the 'Mayor of the Schillerkiez' in her

neighborhood, Berlin's Neukölln district, where everyone knows and greets her. There's a sense of community, just like she learned from her mother.

Source: Deutsche Welle

Trkiye on Sunday strongly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.

'We strongly condemn the storming of Al-Haram Al-Sharif on 21 May by the Israeli Minister of National Security under the protection of Israeli security forces in clear breach of the international law,' the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure known for his anti-Palestinian views, forced his way into the flashpoint site early Sunday under Israeli police protection.

In a video message from the Al-Aqsa courtyard, he claimed Israel's ownership of the complex, saying 'we own Jerusalem and all the land of Israel.'

Ankara called on Israel to 'act responsibly, and to put an end to all kinds of provocative actions violating the historical status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif that is based on the international law.'

'It is in no way acceptable that Israeli Government members challenge the historical status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif in this manner and commit inflammatory and fascistic actions,' the Turkish ministry added.

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay also condemned the move. In a tweet, he urged Israeli authorities to respect the legal status of Al-Aqsa and 'to end these actions as soon as possible.'

Ibrahim Kalin, the Turkish presidential spokesman, slammed Ben-Gvir's 'provocative and unlawful act,' terming it 'unacceptable.'

'We will continue to oppose all attempts to change the religious and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex,' he said on Twitter.

This was the second time Ben-Gvir has entered the complex since becoming national security minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government last December.

He previously force his way into the site on Jan. 3, days after taking office, becoming the first serving Israeli minister to enter the mosque in five years.

Last November, Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned in a leaked audio that 'the whole world is worried' about Ben-Gvir's far-right views.

Since 2003, Israel has allowed settlers into the flashpoint compound almost on a daily basis with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays.

For Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents the world's third-holiest site. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, saying it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

It annexed the entire city in 1980, a move never recognized by the international community.

Source: Anadolu Agency