Death of Jordanian pilot mimicked by Syrian children

Syrian activists protesting airstrikes by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad put a group of children in a cage in a video published this week. 

The demonstration, which included a person with a torch standing nearby, was meant to mimic the death of Jordanian pilot Lt Moaz al-Kasasbeh.

Al-Kasasbeh died on January 3 by immolation at the hands of the Islamic State (IS) . His brutal execution outraged people across the world, and increased the demand for action against the militants. 

The Syrian activists contrasted this response to the perceived lesser reaction to airstrikes that have taken the lives of Syrian civilians. 

The demonstration took place in Douma, and the caged children held signs that read "Stop the killing of children."

According to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), over 180 people were killed by airstrikes in Douma in the first 10 days of February, including 55 women and children. 

Syrian rebels vowed to retaliate by launching rocket attacks against al-Assad-held areas. 

Last week, the President denied using barrel bombs against the civilians, and he has previously denied other attacks during the Syrian civil war. SOHR founder Rami Abdulrahman predicted that the fighting will only accelerate. 

"Now the weather is better there will be Syrian air strikes," he insisted. "With the air strikes they will move forward."

News
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales

Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday for the annual Royal Maundy service, held in Wales for only the second time in the service's 800-year history.

Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service
Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service

Over 150 years since a north Wales church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, the sound long intended for its tower is finally set to be heard at an Easter service.

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre
'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' is beautifully written, with an unusually nuanced approach to political matters.

MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift
MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift

Alastair Campbell famously declared "We don't do God."