Dario Salvi

At the UN climate conference, the two countries signed a 'declaration of intent' on the historic river. The aim is to reduce pollution through treatment plants and improving sewage systems. The promotion of sustainable agriculture and reducing the use of pesticides.

"Armed terrorists" are blamed for attacks in Khuzestan and Isfahan; a woman, two children and police officers are among the dead. On the eve of the World Cup, the coach of the Iranian team says people are free to protest. Despite government pressure, he called up a player who expressed support for protesters.

The last executions were in 2017 and included a member of the royal family. Among those executed were four Kuwaiti citizens (three men and a woman), a Syrian, a Pakistani and an Ethiopian. The EU condemn the killings, threatening retaliation including blocking entry visas.

Today's headlines: the number of young people under 15 in Hong Kong arrested for drug offences increased by more than 50 per cent in 2021; in Pakistan, censorship gives green light to Joyland screening; Turkish Islamic telepreacher sentenced to more than 8,000 years in prison; Burmese army raids on Thai border, three civilians killed; Beijing reduces Russian oil imports.

Yesterday demonstrations over the killing of the young Kurdish woman coincided with the anniversary of the bloody crackdown in 2019 against people demonstrating against fuel price hikes. Meanwhile, an Iranian court issued a second death penalty against a protester. Even for some reformists, regime change is “neither possible nor desirable”.

6,500 migrant workers have died on stadium and infrastructure construction sites. But violence also affects domestic workers, exploited or abused by their bosses. The German Church is promoting a campaign, relaunched by the Benedictine nun and activist Sister Mary John Mananzan.

Today's headlines: explosions and car fires overnight in Istanbul; new riots against zero-Covid policy in Canton; growth rate slows in India, to 1.2% from 1.7% in previous decade; 30 months after outbreak on Diamond Princess in first phase of pandemic, Tokyo reopens to international cruises; 'euro 0' cars return to Kazakhstan without safety systems.

The PKK denies any role in the attack on Istanbul's shopping strip. After initially blaming the Kurds, the authorities will not disregard jihadis as possible culprits. The Catholic Church in Turkey offers its prayers for the victims. For the apostolic vicar, “the attack was like a bolt from the blue”, threatening the revival of tourism and pilgrimages. As the country gets ready for a presidential election next year, it faces both domestic and foreign enemies.

Today's headlines: Hong Kong opens investigation into the broadcasting of pro-democracy anthem during an official rugby match; Pyongyang returns to practice of exploiting young 'volunteers' in mines or farms; Indonesia signs a pact with Brazil and Congo on deforestation; Netanyahu starts consultations to form a new government; the first 'confessional' military company is born in Russia.

Turkish authorities accuse a woman from Kobane, where the attack was allegedly organised. At least six people have died and more than 80 wounded. Police arrested 46 suspects. For a Dominican priest in Istanbul, people feel “discouragement and sadness”; he warns against blaming anyone prematurely. The bombing might be the prelude of “pre-election tensions”.

From Bahrain to Abu Dhabi, two major events brought together personalities of all faiths. The world a 'great challenge' triggered by conflicts, climate change, desertification, sectarian violence. Rereading and adapting sacred texts to our times. Religion must be a "deterrent" and not a detonator of evil and injustice.

Today's headlines: the Taliban ban women from gyms and public baths; Mar Gewargis III Younan is the new patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East; in China, Covid-19 spreads faster than swabs and lockdowns, record number of contagions; the coup junta in Myanmar has sentenced 20 activists and opponents to terms of up to 225 years; Russian generals' families do business in Syria.