Globe Trot: Boko Haram attacks against Christians on the rise

NIGERIA: Kankia in northern Nigeria is the latest site of extreme violence against Christians, where a 50-year-old pastor was killed and his church set on fire Feb. 4. A rundown of violence in the region this year instigated largely by militant group Boko Haram against Christians shows a continuing uptick in attacks this winter.

NORTH KOREA: All signs point to a coming provocation from North Korea, despite a charm offensive aimed at the U.S. State Department.

BELGIUM has passed a law this week allowing euthanasia for terminally ill children. Once it’s signed by the king, Belgium will become the first country in the world to remove any age limit on euthanasia.

SYRIA: It’s time to return religious freedom to the heart of U.S. foreign policy, writes Barnabas Aid Director Patrick Sookhdeo. The “non-negotiable” support in the United States for Qatar and Saudi Arabia means Washington “cannot help the Christians of Syria.” Sookhdeo said in recent meetings his organization helped arrange for a delegation of Syrian church leaders, “Perhaps the single worst experience of our visit was a meeting with influential Republican Sen. John McCain, who spoke heatedly against Assad with no reference to the atrocities being committed by the rebels.”

INDONESIA: Mount Kelud in East Java began erupting yesterday, killing at least three and forcing thousands to flee the widespread ash and debris clouds.