Dario Salvi

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of the capital, chanting slogans and songs. Event organised by local political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Manama Conference and the "normalization" of relations with Israel are being targeted. The Jordanian government will participate to demand a political, non-economic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Barham Salih handed the Chaldean primate the official invitation letter inviting the pontiff yesterday. The country is the "cradle of civilisation" and he "birthplace of Abraham, father of the faithful". The presence of Pope Francis will be a "milestone" in the healing process after jihadist violence. His words are a source of encouragement and comfort.

In a rare bipartisan motion, the senators stopped the deal sought by the president. The White House sees it as an essential contract to support Riyadh against Iranian threats. In response, Trump opposed the veto; Congress does not have enough votes to prevent it.

For Palestinian scholar and politician Bernard Sabella, "a comprehensive political solution" is needed with no one excluded. Israeli rabbi sees plan failing to go to the heart of the problem: human rights and the recognition of Palestinian needs. Catholic leader notes in Israel all the attention is "on the elections".

On 25 and 26 June, the Manama Conference will be held, where the United States will present its Middle East peace plan. The Palestinians are absent, boycotting an event that has seen them relegated to the margins. Perplexity of many observers in the face of an economic rather than a political project. Behind which there would be the idea of ​​an axis reinforced in an anti-Iranian key.

Team of experts publish findings of "credible clues" that lead to the highest spheres in Riyadh. It was a "deliberate and premeditated execution". Saudi minister speaks of "false accusations" and threatens legal action. For Ankara it confirms what emerged from the internal investigations. The US is asking for further investigations, but they defend the crown prince.

The authorities have approved a rule on "public decency" that targets "indecorous" clothing and graffiti. Uncertainty about entry into force. According to critics, it lends itself to arbitrary interpretations and applications that favor repression. Controversy and protests on social media.

The UNHCR today released its annual report on the eve of World Refugee Day. It lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers. Developing nations, not the rich states in the West, bear the brunt of migration. Syria has the largest number of internally displaced people.

The next three-way meeting (Moscow, Tehran and Ankara) scheduled for July will focus on the refugee issue. Analysts and experts speak of diplomatic success for tLebanon, among the most exposed to emergencies. The presence of Beirut is "a priority" in the management of the refugee issue.

The former leader died of a heart attack at the end of a court hearing in which he was charged with espionage. Erdogan blames Egypt’s “tyrants". Fr Rafic dismisses doubts over his death voiced by Western governments and international NGOs. He is sorry for Morsi’s death, but the latter ruled “in a catastrophic way” and was “the first to bend the Constitution”.

The United States strengthens the military presence in the region. The US Defense Minister speaks of "credible and reliable information" about Tehran's "hostile behavior". Beijing asks for moderation: you are opening "a Pandora's box". Iran is ready to exceed the limit of uranium reserves.

Yesterday the Israeli prime minister unveiled a (future) settlement on the heights that will bear the name of the US president. For critics it is a propaganda move ahead of the September vote. And the funds are lacking. Sabella: the choices of America and Israel "dictated by their political agenda" but "unwise". Critical long-term prospects.