The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church - once a powerful marker of nationhood - is deeply split as result of the recent civil war in Tigray which exacerbated historical tensions in the church. The Church, which traces its history to the fourth century, was once the biggest denomination in Ethiopia with nearly 44 percent of the population calling themselves Orthodox Christians, but now its centrality in Ethiopian spiritual and political life - once unquestioned - appears to hang in the balance, with a steady increase in the number of people joining other denominations and the number of people calling themselves Orthodox Christians diminishing. Ethiopia is a modern state, with the second largest population in Africa, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019. But months after he took power, Ethiopia was ripped apart by a civil war which broke out in November 2020 and left tens of thousands of civilians dead. In May 2021, four archbishops in Tigray announced that they were forming an independent structure. They accused the church of not opposing the war - and of being too close to Abiy Ahmed's government. Although a ceasefire was agreed in 2022, the recent splits highlight historic ethnic and religious tensions in Ethiopia. Contributors:Ralph Lee: Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in the UK. Mebratu Kelecha: London School of Economics. His research focuses on conflict, peace building and democracy. Yohannes Woldemariam: US-based academic specialising in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. Jorge Haustein: Associate Professor of World Christianity at the University of Cambridge.CREDITS Presenter: Audrey Brown Producer: Philip Reevell. Researcher: Matt Toulson Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards. Production Coordinator: Tim Fernley Editor: Tara McDermottMain Image: Ethiopian Orthodox priests walk around the church during the Saint Michael's anniversary celebration at St. Michael church in Mekele, the capital of Tigray region, EthiopiaImage Credit: Yasuyoshi Chiba\AFP via Getty

After serving nearly a year of his 26 year sentence for treason in a Nicaraguan jail, Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa was flown to Rome in January. The high profile bishop known as an outspoken critic of President Ortega’s Sandinista government has been under house arrest since August 2022. He was allowed to leave the country alongside his supporter Bishop Isidoro Mora and a group of priests and seminarians, after a request from the Vatican. It’s the latest development in a relationship between Nicaragua and the Holy See that has grown increasingly tense. President Ortega has had a complicated relationship with Nicaragua’s Catholic clergy ever since he first came to power in the 1979 revolution. It was with the help of the Church that Daniel Ortega returned to power in 2006, but as his rule became increasingly more authoritarian he steadily repressed any sort of opposition, including critical voices from within the clergy. Mass peaceful protests over social security reforms in 2018 ramped up the repression from the Ortega government in the following years. Opposition leaders, journalists, and prominent leaders from within the R.C.Church were amongst those expelled or advised to leave the country and some like Bishop Álvarez were even imprisoned. The situation has left the Catholic Church in a difficult position. There are no diplomatic ties now between Nicaragua and the Holy See and since the end of the Cold War it appears that the international community has found more pressing concerns. Nicaragua’s Catholic neighbours may have the country on their radars, but how willing they are in supporting the Pope over his concerns for Nicaragua’s Catholic population remains to be seen. So, this week on The Inquiry we’re asking ‘Can the Vatican stop Nicaragua’s Catholic crackdown?Contributors: Brandon Van Dyck, Associate Director of the Princeton Initiative in Catholic Thought, The Aquinas Institute, New Jersey, USA Bianca Jagger, President of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, Executive Directors Leadership Council of Amnesty International, London Andrea Gagliarducci, Vatican Analyst, EWTN /ACI Group, Rome, Italy Ryan Berg, Director, Americas Programme, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC, USAPresenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Matt Toulson Editor: Tara McDermott Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Broadcast Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley Image Credit: Mireya Acierto\Getty

Iran's actions in the Middle East include missile strikes, attacks on Iraq and Syria, and using proxy groups. They are part of the 'Axis of Resistance', a coalition of Iran-backed militant groups. Iran aims to roll back US influence and is ideologically opposed to Israel. They have grown closer to China and Russia. The podcast explores Iran's revolution, search for economic allies, and their objectives and strategies in the Middle East.

Indonesia plans to relocate its capital from Jakarta to Borneo due to overcrowding and sinking. The new city, Nusantara, aims to distribute economic activity and accommodate 2 million people. However, securing funding from foreign investors is a challenge. The upcoming presidential elections raise doubts about continuing the project. Concerns include regional inequalities, environmental harm, and limited employment opportunities. The next president will face challenges in progress, neighboring countries, and long-term commitment.

The podcast explores why the US Army is struggling to recruit new soldiers, addressing factors such as the perception that wars are fought by others, a lack of understanding about military issues, and decreasing number of young people meeting military standards. It also discusses the challenges faced by the Army in recruiting efforts, the necessity of a robust force despite technological advancements, and the impact of low unemployment, mental and physical health conditions, and the pandemic on recruitment. Additionally, it explores the shift in public opinion and the military's role in America's culture wars.

Orcas in South Western Europe are attacking boats and destroying rudders, a behavior linked to man-made hazards. The podcast explores their lifespan, distribution, and collective intelligence. It also discusses conflicts between humans and orcas in fisheries, the impact of overfishing on Kiloels, and the urgency of changing human interaction with killer whales for a healthy marine ecosystem.

Sargassum seaweed has been a phenomenon since Columbus encountered it in the 15th century. It now washes up on coastlines, impacting communities and their tourism industry. Offshore in the Sargasso Sea, it creates a unique ecosystem. The seaweed is causing problems onshore due to decay and its strong smell. Researchers are looking for ways to contain it. There is potential for Sargassum seaweed to help tackle climate change. The situation is critical, demanding immediate solutions.

Toyota has unveiled a revolutionary electric car battery with a range of 1,200 kilometers and 10-minute charging time. The podcast explores the implications for car making and transitions to electric vehicles. It discusses Toyota's approach and challenges of mass production. It also delves into the environmental impact of mining lithium and the need to secure supplies for batteries.

Recent tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the disputed Essequibo region, which is rich in oil reserves. President Maduro's threat to annex the region and the ongoing dispute between the two countries. The political career and ideological inconsistencies of President Maduro. The severe economic collapse in Venezuela, including hyperinflation and decline in essential imports. The upcoming elections in Venezuela and their implications for the claim on Essequibo. The disputed election in Guyana triggered by a vote of no confidence and efforts to prevent a potential invasion by Venezuela.

Discover the exciting plans for the 2024 Games in Paris, efforts to clean up the River Seine, waste management challenges in 19th Century Paris, preparations for the Olympics, the French perspective on the Games, and the potential impact of hosting the Olympics in Paris.