Some analysts expect oil to reach US$ 250 a barrel. Blocking the strait could cut global oil supplies by sea by up to 17 million barrels a day. However, a head-on confrontation on crude remains remote. At present, prices are stable around US$ 77.
In a report presented by the UN it emerges that 357 million minors are involved in bloody conflict. The worst situation in Yemen, Mali and South Sudan. Unicef: situation " almost beyond comprehension". Unanimously approved resolution considers child soldiers as first victims. And highlights the different treatment needs between males and females. In 2017, over 21 thousand cases of violations.
A conference opens today in the Chinese capital gathering together leaders from 21 Arab nations. Xi Jinping offers a billion dollar package through privileged credit lines, loans and humanitarian assistance. Confirmation of China's growing interest in the region. "Development" the only way to resolve problems.
The turning point after two weeks of intense government bombing. In a few weeks more than 320 thousand people had fled. Some rebel factions do not accept the ceasefire and intend to continue to fight. Today the army loyal to President Assad controls over 60% of the territory.
The defendants guilty of assaulting Parliament in November 2011, during the Arab Spring uprisings. 42 months in prison for two opposition MPs and six other former MPs. The defendants will not be able to hold public offices in the future. The trial among the most followed and publicized in the country.
Nabil Antaki, doctor and lay member of the order, talks about the economic situation "at historic lows". Life is "very expensive" and with "low" salaries, a family cannot live in a "dignified" way. Continued mortar launches by rebel groups west of the city, dead and injured, are worrying. The commitment of the Christian group to the poor and needy.
A foreign ministers summit in Vienna. Tehran calls for economic and commercial reassurance on signed commitments. Rouhani: the measures taken so far "do not meet" the requests. Chinese Minister: send a "united signal" on will to "respect the agreement".
The Council of Bishops slams the law that allows the naturalisation of foreigners, whilst denying it to people born in the country with a Lebanese parent. Political leaders are treating the issue lightly. One of the people who has benefitted from the decrees is an Iraqi vice president. The prelates call on the faithful to join the day of prayer for peace in the Middle East.
A lunch open to believers of all religions to respond to the campaign of Caritas Internationalis "Share the Journey". From the initial distrust to the mutual testimony of the sufferings suffered in the conflict. The hope of a future reconciliation that can embrace "the whole country". A mother from Homs and her kidnapped child.
Today the Chaldean primate will receive a red hat from Pope Francis. It is a sign of "support" for the Eastern Churches and a further invitation "to dialogue and reconciliation". The hope that "Christian schools, clinics, institutes and hospitals" may also arise in Iraq as a tangible sign of the community’s presence. The beatification of Fr. Ragheed "example of sacrifice that bears fruit".
A writer and scholar, the woman has spent a long time in prison in the past for the right to drive and to vote in municipal elections. She has not been heard from for days. Government media: detentions "affect the traitors who act for foreign embassies." UN appeal: "Facts that contrast with the campaigns for greater openness, free the arrested".
The White House is pressuring allies (and others) to stop buying Iranian oil. China and India are also targeted. The US wants to “isolate streams of Iranian funding,” official says. Tokyo, Seoul and New Delhi are looking at ways to save trading arrangements. Tehran is looking to Beijing to overcome the crisis.
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