Dario Salvi

Covering an area of 1,260 hectares, the country’s 18th nature reserve is located near Rashaya el-Wadi. According to one tradition it is where the transfiguration of Jesus Christ took place. It is home to 124 plants used by local communities to treat various medical conditions.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Saudi Arabia opens today. After three years, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ben Hamad al-Thani will also be present. Signs that would confirm the end of Doha's isolation in the region. US mediation to strengthen the anti-Iranian blockade.

The Maronite primate appeals parties overcome the "logic of partisan interests.” The government needs "truly independent specialists with a national conscience". Rising above quotas, to act "in the interest of Lebanon". But the Christian leader Geagea calls for early elections.

Yesterday the cardinal again criticised politicians, calling them "pawns on the chessboard of the Middle East and of the great powers". Nobody, he adds, "has the right to block the formation of the government, to settle accounts or interests". Hariri’s post is also doomed to "failure".

Card Sako sends his good wishes for the New Year with peace in mind. The year 2020 was the year of the coronavirus pandemic, suffering and wars. The year 2021 is tasked with fostering a “culture of non-violence”. The Pope’s visit to Iraq is an opportunity for the country to be a “new nation”.

The Islamic Republic has started the first phase of trials on 56 volunteers. The official ceremony in a hotel in the capital, in the presence of the authorities. Participants will be injected with two doses over two weeks; there are currently no serious allergic reactions. A second vaccine is being studied in collaboration with a "foreign country".

For Christians in the Strip, the church is “the place where they have a home.” In order to control the pandemic, the authorities shut down all places of worship and imposed a curfew. No travel permits for Bethlehem and Jerusalem have been issued in a year. Despite this, there was no shortage of moments of celebration and sharing, like handing out food parcels and hygiene kits, even to some Muslim families.

Loujain al-Hathloul has already served two and a half years in maximum security prison. The authorities charged her with violating national security rules. The sentence is suspended for the last two years and eight months. The young woman could be released by March. A Riyadh strategy to "save face".

In Syria’s old business capital, conditions remain "very difficult". Life hangs between heaven and earth. Even during holidays, electricity, gas and fuel are scarce. Christmas is a source of hope and inspires reconstruction and new economic and emergency projects.

Critics slam the law introduced by Erdogan's party as unconstitutional and contrary to the international treaties signed. It will end up "destroying civil society". The state can replace the leaders of the associations with trusted people. Law expert: unpredictable in its practical application.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Msgr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa has recovered from the coronavirus and been cleared to preside over the Christmas Eve celebration in Bethlehem. The pandemic has erased the pilgrims who "bring a smile to many families". Christ is "the only logical response to the sad reality of our world".

After three weeks in intensive care, the vicar apostolic of Istanbul and president of the Bishops' Conference passed away on Monday. Bishop Bizzeti describes him as a “quiet, kind and welcoming pastor” committed to boosting the diocesan life of the local Church.