Dario Salvi

The crowd at the funeral of the 40 minors who were victims of the Saudi attack chanted slogans against Riyadh, the United States and Israel. The coffins of the victims wrapped in green cloths, symbol of Islam. Minister of the Emirates justifies the use of force. The UN Secretary General hopes for an independent investigation.

The Synod 2018, held August 7 to 13 in Baghdad, gathered local prelates and those from the diaspora. The tensions between Washington and Tehran worry: no sanctions but diplomacy. The return of Christians and the reconstruction work that are fundamental for the rebirth of Iraq.

The investigators ordered the arrest of Wael Saad, expelled from the order in the days following the killing of Bishop Epiphanios. He will remain in pre-trial detention pending the formalization of charges. Motive remains unknown. The man believed to have hit the bishop at the head with an iron pole.

A raid by the Riyadh-led coalition hits vehicles loaded with civilians. The toll speaks of 43 dead and over 60 injured. Msgr. Hinder: Pervasive "sense of powerlessness" in the face of a "horrific" situation. It is almost impossible to get access for aid and little hope from the UN peace talks in Geneva in September.

The official results announced at the end of the manual counting of votes. A decision that puts an end to months of uncertainty and political deadlock. The blockade of the "anti-system" forces confirms the 54 votes and is preparing to form the new government. Corruption, unemployment and lack of services among the priorities to be addressed.

The costs of the conflict reach 400 billion. The Christian body has distributed thousands of food baskets and diapers to displaced people from the rebel enclave on the outskirts of Damascus. The stories of suffering and deprivation of women, men and children. The need to rebuild bridges between people to ensure a future for the country.

For the Foreign Minister, the White House's attempt to block the sale of crude oil "is impossible". The world is "tired" of United States unilateral policies. The idea of ​​privileged channels with the EU to strengthen trade. British scholar: the White House policy will eventually isolate the US, not Iran.

The Iraqi premier is forced to apply US sanctions to Iran. But he adds that the measure of sanctions is "unjust" and ends up targeting ordinary people. The US president warns: Those who do business with Tehran "will no longer be able to do business with the United States". EU responds: "We will increase business" with the Islamic Republic.

Yesterday, the community marked with a solemn ceremony the fourth anniversary of the rise of the now defeated Islamic State. For Fr Paul, Christians are developing "new ideas and projects". More than half of the houses have been rebuilt. Plans are underway for wells, gardens and playgrounds. The return of Christians and their number are key to the future.

US targets financial transactions, the automotive sector and the purchase of commercial and metal aircraft, including gold. The sting expected in November, when oil and banks will be hit. Tehran: the US aims to "create divisions", sanctions damage "ordinary citizens". The EU appeals to the "anti-blockade" law to save the interests of its companies.

Saudis Arabia froze new trade relations and investments with Canada, slams the latter for what it deems an attack against its values. This follows Canadian government criticism over human rights violations in the kingdom. One of the latest people arrested in Saudi Arabia is Samar Badawi, sister of blogger Raif Badawi. So far, Canadian authorities have not yet reacted.

The victim is a young 19-year-old student, kidnapped with his mother. The family received two videos, one of the execution. However, the official media of the Caliphate have not yet claimed or re-posted the act. "Failure" of negotiations with government forces, behind beheading.