Dario Salvi

The recent discovery of important natural gas fields in the area has triggered an escalation of tension. Last week rival military exercises: on one side Turkey and the United States, on the other Greece, France, Italy and Cyprus. The "sultan" Erdogan relaunches the "blue homeland" project. Western diplomat: "serious consequences" from a small mistake.

For 238 days she had not eaten food to protest against her 13-year prison sentence. She was charged with (allegedly) belonging to a criminal organization. Together with her colleague Aytac Unsal she asked for a "fair trial". Social networks flooded with condolences of activists, intellectuals, politicians.

In a joint statement, Iran and the UN nuclear agency announce the visit, but timing and methods have not yet been disclosed. For analysts and experts, this is a sign of Iran’s openness. Meanwhile, the United States continues to push for snapback sanctions.

For Muhammad Hussein, the Abu Dhabi signing is a "stab in the back for Palestinians and Muslims" and a "betrayal for Muslim and Christian holy places". And it prevents UAE Muslims from praying in al-Aqsa. Last week the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies (FPPMS) issued a note, later deleted, in support of the normalization of relations.

A woman who travelled to Jerusalem and four relatives are the first local cases due to a flaw in the territory’s monitoring and quarantine that had hitherto prevented the virus from spreading. Gaza authorities have imposed a strict lockdown, confined residents to their homes and closed beaches. Water shortages and a health system already crippled by the embargo are a source of concern.

The director of the Christian institutes of the Holy Land asks teachers, pupils and parents to "collaborate" in a context of "fear" over a "virus that has destroyed the world". Lessons are scheduled to begin on September 1 in Israel and September 7 in Palestine. Remote teaching strengthened; the objective remains the presence in the classroom, but with halved numbers. The prayer of St. Francis unites Christians, Jews and Muslims.

In yesterday’s homily, the Maronite patriarch’s new attack on the Lebanese political and institutional class. The prelate sees "popular anger" mounting over delays in the investigation and in the formation of a new government. The explosions dealt with from an "electoral perspective". Greek Orthodox Metropolitan: Leaders delude the people with false promises.

Ignoring calls to stay home, many head to the holy city in Iraq, travelling on side roads to bypass government checkpoints. Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani calls for celebrations to be broadcast on TV to avoid crowds. Other clerics direct their followers to gather in large numbers to celebrate.

The lending agency revised its estimates upwards, from 60 to 70-100 million. The number could even go higher if the health emergency persists; hence, it is "imperative" for creditors to reduce the debt burden of poor countries. About US$ 160 billion are ready in loans for 100 nations through June 2021.

The ICT Guild Organization report reveals that only 12% of technology companies have benefited from business opportunities. The lockdown resulted in an increase in demand, but the country's infrastructure network was inadequate. 38% of the companies have ceased all activities, 40% have operated at half regime.

Saudi Arabia does not intend to follow the decision recently taken by the United Arab Emirates. Respect for "international agreements" and the two-state solution are a "precondition" for official diplomatic relations with Israel. New pressure on Riyadh from the White House.

For Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the coronavirus pandemic must not lead to discrimination and isolation. Stigmatising the sick is irresponsible and must stop. Acts of solidarity towards the infected are needed. Filipino bishops begin a month of prayer with ten Hail Marys a day to end the pandemic.