Dario Salvi

The 17 women were arrested last Friday without any charges laid so far, following the complaint by neighbours over noise. The Philippines ambassador to Saudi Arabia issued an advisory reminding his compatriots not to take part in non-Islamic celebrations, like Christmas. The recent wave of arrests and rights violations show the superficiality of the reforms undertaken by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Msgr. Audo: a "positive sign" for the Syrians and for the international community. Closed since 2012, thousands of ancient artifacts and manuscripts housed inside. Syrian Minister: cultural heritage "has not been destroyed" by terrorism. But the priorities remain poverty and youth migration.

The chief of Iranian diplomacy expresses closeness to the dead and their families. Extremism and terrorism, he says, "know neither race nor religion and should be condemned". Trump's visit divides the Jewish community. Over 35 thousand people sign an open letter stating that "He is not welcome".

In Istanbul, Russia, Turkey, Germany and France urge maintaining and strengthening the ceasefire in Idlib, hoping for a "political solution" to end the conflict. The main challenge is drafting a new constitution and holding new elections, as well as the future of President Assad. Washington warns Moscow that it cannot be replaced in the Middle East.

The event, banned under Saddam and object of attacks and violence in the recent past, commemorates the assassination in 680 of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Participants include women and men, young and old, newborns in prams and disabled on wheelchairs. For one pilgrim, “This march shows the imperialist world that the Muslim nation cannot be defeated by any economic, military or political means”.

According to the army they were intent on "placing explosive devices" along the border with the Strip. For Israeli military it opened fire "only for personal defense" or against attempts to infiltrate the border. At least 200 Palestinians killed by the army since March protests began.

After meeting Mohammed bin Salman, Salah Khashoggi was able to leave for the US after his travel ban was lifted. Saudi public prosecutor, who is set to visit Istanbul, accepts the premeditation theory. CIA chief returns from Istanbul to brief President Trump on available evidence.

Souleman Yusph was arrested in early October by Assyrian militias working for the Kurdish administration over his articles slamming attempts to close the Christian schools. During captivity, he suffered physical and psychological abuse. Despite the intimidation, he plans to continue his work. He is also disappointed by the actions of the United States and the international community in Syria.

The premier and 14 ministers gather in the former Parliament unused since the era of Saddam Hussein. Key appointment yet to be made in new executive, such as Minster for Interior and the Defense. UN letter of reference over lack of women in the government team.

So far, only Germany wants to halt arms sales. For Trump, 110 billion dollars cannot be written off. In different ways Canada, Spain and France are doing the same. Italy is tongue-tied. On the horizon, China and Russia are ready to take over this growth market.

Msgr. Marcuzzo speaks of "evident disproportion" between the Copts demonstration and the response of the security forces. Protests provoked by controversy between Copts and Ethiopians over control of Deir al-Sultan monastery. Last week a Salesian cemetery was vandalized: "Worrying episodes". Israeli police use "two weights and two measures": blessing for Orthodox Jews; violence towards faithful of other religions.

Speaking to the "Davos in the desert" the Crown Prince assures that he will punish those "guilty" of the murder and denies any responsibility. The leaders of the kingdom protect Mbs, but his international prestige seems compromised. Saudi Arabian police scoured the forest on the outskirts of Istanbul the night before the murder.