Dario Salvi

The US leader is in Southeast Asia to counter China’s influence and revive US global leadership. In the vaccine war, the US will provide an additional million doses of vaccine to Vietnam within 24 hours. The region’s countries prefer a policy of balance between the two powers.

Iraqi public opinion is critical of the United States, which, as in Afghanistan, has achieved the same poor results in building a state after years of occupation. Baghdad's silence and Isis' "contempt" for the rise of the Taliban. Saad Salloum: Iraq's 'neutrality and stability' essential for the region's future. The litmus test of elections in October.

The incident took place in the Tuşba district, in Turkey's eastern province. Opposition MP Murat Sarısaç submitts a complaint. According to some sources, a local landowner was behind the damage. The number of incidents of violence, abuse and damage against minority property is increasing.

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council will examine proposed legislative changes next week. If adopted, the new rules will impose up to three years in prison and a fine worth US$ 128,000. Productions that promote subversion, secession and terrorism are targeted. Controversy surrounds Nicole Kidman’s boutique shopping in violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

The emergency originates from climate change and also affects access to electricity and food. In Syria it affects at least five million people, in neighboring Iraq more than seven. The drought has left about 400 square kilometers of arable land unusable. Concern mounts in Lebanon where medicines are also in short supply.

A plan to undertake “all-round efforts” to promote “sinicisation” is announced at a ceremony marking 70 years of Chinese rule over Tibet. The Dalai Lama is targeted for his “separatist” activities. The event is an opportunity to boost the “cult of personality” surrounding President Xi Jinping who is seeking a third term in office after limits were lifted.

Nasrallah announces the departure "within a few days" of a second boat loaded with crude oil. The pro-Tehran Shiite movement on the ground to "alleviate" the suffering of the population. Openings to the Ayatollahs risk exacerbating regional tensions. Green light also for aid from Egypt and Jordan, but it will take "months to materialize".

A new media bill would impose one to five years in prison for spreading online “disinformation” or “misinformation”. Penalties for defamation would also be increased. The bill would set up a directorate to monitor critical content. For experts and activists, this is the sign of a “continued trend of the degradation of internet freedom” in Turkey.

Struggling with the catastrophic effects of its one-child policy, the Chinese Communist Party plans changes to its three-child policy. Couples will be able to have four or more children without punishments. However, most people, especially in urban areas, see large families as unsustainable because of the cost of living.

Overnight Israeli fighters and missiles hit sensitive targets on the outskirts of Damascus and Homs. Syrian anti-aircraft defense system activated. There is no confirmation of casualties or material damage, no comment from Israel. Lebanese minister slams the use of airspace to attack Syria, in violation of UN resolutions.

For many Iraqis, the Afghan tragedy is a remake of Mosul’s in the summer of 2014. The pull-out of Iraqi troops leaving weapons behind was decisive for the jihadi victory. Public opinion and social media are abuzz about “US betrayal” and the politics of a country that sows “confusion”. Upcoming elections in October hang in the balance.

The Israeli premier received the Egyptian intelligence chief and announces an upcoming meeting. From the situation in the Strip to the Palestinian Territories, Egypt has a key role in the region. On August 26, Bennett will be at the White House for a face-to-face meeting with Biden. Afghanistan and the Iranian "threat" on the agenda.