Dario Salvi

US concern is centred on Haifa Port, which will be run by Chinese interests in 2021. In 2018, Beijing has promised US$ 23 billion in loans and aid to Mideast countries and plans to invest another 28 in infrastructure. The Pentagon warns that the region’s countries risk falling into Beijing's orbit.

For the World Resources Institute, Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran and Jordan are among the countries at risk. They use over 80 percent of their total water resources. Prolonged droughts and ever-rising temperatures are compounded by inadequate investment in wastewater reuse. Waste must be limited to avoid a catastrophe.

The victim is Dvir Sorek, grandson of a famous rabbi killed in the 2000s. In a few days he would have turned 19. For the Israeli authorities the members of the commando are ready to strike again. For Netanyahu they are "despicable terrorists". Hamas justifies the gesture as a "response" to "crimes" linked to "occupation".

Over 2.5 million Muslims prepare for the annual pilgrimage that begins tomorrow. At least 5 thousand faithful from Africa rejected for fear of Ebola. About 350 thousand people will ensure safety of pilgrims. Despite the tensions with Tehran, the arrival of almost 89,000 people from Iran is expected.

The young man, aged 19, was a student of a Jewish religious school and grandson of a well-known rabbi. According to preliminary information, the soldier was the victim of a failed kidnapping attempt. The kidnappers abandoned him at the edge of the road. For the Israeli security forces this is a "terrorist attack".

Egyptian authorities recently authorised 88 Coptic places of worship built without a permit. So far, more than 2,000 churches "of all denominations" have been retroactively approved. However, violence is back on the agenda after Sunday’s attack in Cairo. "Pray for us," urges Fr Rafic.

Meeting the press in his summer residence, the cardinal attacks the leaders of the security forces and recalls the values ​​underlying the national agreement. Taëf's agreement disregarded "in letter and in spirit". Constitution and laws the "path to follow" in a period of strong tensions. The danger of an escalation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Ateret Cohanim is trying to undermine the Christian presence in the Holy Land, seizing Christian properties. Three Church-owned buildings seized by the radical group in the Old City are the flashpoint. The Patriarchate suggests they were taken through fraud and plans a lawsuit to regain them.

The largest pilgrimage falls in the last month of the Islamic calendar, the Dhu Al Hijjah. Riyadh has mobilized 350,000 employees to ensure safety. Muslims from Congo blocked because of Ebola epidemic. Leaders warn the faithful: No selfies or texting from the holy places. Women must be accompanied by their mahram.

Two years after the Islamic State’s military defeat, going home appears a distant prospect. There are still many needs, but aid and resources have been reduced. The Iraq issue and Mideast political and religious tensions have increased insecurity. Clergyman pleads “don't forget” because the disappearance of Christians will have tragic consequences for the region.

Saleh Abdelaziz el-Dhamiri, 60, suffered from heart problems and needed a new heart pump. He had spent over four years in isolation for his work in favour of Saudi political prisoners. In the past he had criticised the rise to power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to Tehran, the vessel flying the Iraqi flag carried 700,000 liters of contraband oil. Baghdad denies links with the ship, perhaps owned by a private individual. It is the third seizure in a few weeks in the Gulf waters. High Iranian official minimizes the possibility of conflict in the region.