Pope Francis's first visit to Bahrain, an island in the heart of the Persian Gulf, includes participation in a global interfaith forum aimed at promoting human coexistence. The event, under the patronage of Bahraini King Hamed Ben Issa Al Khalifa and attended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and other religious dignitaries, highlights Bahrain's use of religious tolerance as a diplomatic tool. Despite being a state with Islam as its official religion and Sharia law in effect, Bahrain's constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and worship. The country has a diverse religious landscape, including a synagogue, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and several Christian churches. Bahrain's strategy of interfaith dialogue, which began in earnest in 2017, has led to the normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. However, human rights organizations have criticized Bahrain for religious discrimination, particularly against the Shiite majority, which is seen by authorities as aligned with Iran. Bahrain distinguishes between the freedom to practice religion and the politicization of religious identity, the latter of which it opposes.

Issad Rebrab, Algeria's wealthiest individual, positions himself as a significant victim of the Bouteflika era and is one of the few industrialists supporting the ongoing popular uprising. He is often nicknamed the 'Algerian Berlusconi'.

A new government was formed in Algeria on Sunday evening, with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is still officially in office until April 28, appointing a government led by Noureddine Bedoui, designated as Prime Minister on March 11. The new government includes only eight members from the previous team, with significant figures such as the army chief of staff, General Ahmed Gaïd Salah, retaining his position, while others like Ramtane Lamamra were dismissed. Despite the government reshuffle, the public's demand for a complete political transition remains strong, with a million protesters in Algiers calling for the fall of the regime. The protesters also criticize foreign powers for interference and are skeptical about the proposed use of constitutional mechanisms to remove Bouteflika, seeing it as a way for the current power to maintain control. The article also mentions the arrest of Ali Haddad, the president of the FCE and a supporter of Bouteflika, at the Algeria-Tunisia border.

The article discusses the Yangtze River, known for its various names and significant role in China's agriculture and commerce. The river, stretching from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea, has been tamed by the Chinese through projects like the Three Gorges Dam, which was completed in 2006 to control flooding and provide sustainable energy. However, the dam's construction led to ecological disruptions and the displacement of thousands of farmers. The river's pollution has worsened due to industrial development, with thousands of petrochemical factories along its banks contributing to toxic waste. In 2012, the river even turned red near Chongqing, with no explanation provided. Despite the river's importance for irrigation and supporting over 400 million Chinese, it is a significant source of plastic pollution in the oceans. The Chinese government has prioritized the river's conservation since 2015, with reports of decreasing pollution and factories moving away from the riverbanks. The latest five-year plans aim to integrate the river basin's development with the nation's unity through infrastructure like canals and the Silk Road.

Outgoing Liberian President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is accused of interfering in the ongoing electoral process, a claim made by her own party, including key power figure and Vice President Joseph Boakai, the Unity Party's candidate. Boakai, set to face George Weah in the presidential runoff, is supported by third-place finisher Charles Brumskine and two other parties in contesting the election results before the Supreme Court. Sirleaf is also accused of nepotism and favoring her sons, with one suspected of corruption. Amidst these tensions, Sirleaf appears to be discreetly supporting Weah, with speculation that she is preparing for Amara Konneh's candidacy in 2023. Weah, a football legend turned politician, is seen as the likely winner of the election.