Dario Salvi

IQAir Group and Greenpeace release the 2019World Air Quality Report. New Delhi is the worst megacity in terms of air pollution, followed by Lahore and Dhaka. High levels of PM2.5 cause up to seven million premature deaths in the world, one million in China alone.

The difficulties of the country’s banking system and the lack of dollars have forced people to use the local currency. This, in turn, has devalued wages and income. The "kafala" system, a form of "modern slavery", has made things worse for workers. Many want to go home.

The Turks launch "Spring Shiel" operation in response to the offensive by the Syrian military in the northeast. A Damascus military base and a convoy hit. Syria closes airspace in the Idlib region. 13 thousand people massed in terrible conditions on the border between Greece and Turkey, including women and children.

The words of the Chaldean patriarch 12 years after the kidnapping, that ended with the death, of the Archbishop of Mosul. The tribute paid by Christians to "learn from the past" and "live in peace". The history of the Church finds its way "in the cross". Bombings, threats, kidnappings, displacements and emigration have not undermined the faith.

For Mgr Pizzaballa, measures are needed to counter the rapid spread of the virus, like emptying fonts and receiving the Communion by hand. The Chaldean Church is vetting the possibility of suspending services. In Lebanon, the situation is still normal.

Backed by Russia, Damascus launched a massive offensive to retake the last province in the hands of the rebels. The UN secretary general expresses "great concern", the fear of a "bloodbath". Erdogan threatens: refugees free to go to Europe.

The Islamic Republic is the epicentre of the outbreak in the Middle East, with 19 victims and 139 infections. Canadian study suggests that up to 18,000 people could be infected in the country. Shrines and places of worship remain open, but adopt more precautions. Rouhani is also against closing of districts or cities, says focus should be on individuals. US sanctions are hindering the fight against the epidemic.

Entry ban for Umrah and visas for people from countries affected by the epidemic are suspended. The measure is temporary in nature but there are no certain dates on the duration. Fears ahead of Hajj, scheduled for late July. The invitation not to travel to the countries where the virus has spread.

For Fr Paul Thabit Mekko, solidarity is the "key word" that inspires deeds and actions among the faithful concerned not only for the local reality, but also the whole country. In Karamles a new community centre will see the day by Easter, providing as place to meet and share. Hope for a new model of living together is rising in Mosul, once an IS stronghold.

Eritrean singer Asayel Slay is targeted by the governor of the holy city of Islam. The video enhances their courage and defines them as "cotton candy". For the authorities "it offends customs and traditions" and "contradicts identity and traditions". The controversy between the artist's critics and defenders breaks out online.

Two more victims today, but data is contested: a Qom MP speaks of at least 50 deaths alone in the holy city. Categorical denial of the authorities, but the toll remains uncertain. Several countries in the area close borders with the Islamic Republic. Qatar calls for voluntary isolation of passengers from Iran and South Korea.

For Yasser Rafsanjani, the son of a former president, Iranian society is physically and politically “sick”, “castrated" by forces outside parliament. Turnout in last week’s election hits low point at 42 per cent with right-wing hardliners as the clear winners. Eight deaths and 43 cases have been reported so far in connection with the coronavirus outbreak.