The Saudi coalition offensive to conquer the port of Hudaydah continues. Dozens of victims, and aid at risk. Msgr. Hinder: the pontiff calls to dialogue "important". But the situation is worrying, the danger of an "even greater catastrophe". Pessimism shrouds dialogue.
An Iranian government spokesman warns that Washington could pull out of any deal as it did with the Iranian nuclear agreement. State TV expresses scepticism and doubts. Online some people are more positive, praising the two leaders for their "courage". Others note that nuclear bombs do not fill the stomachs of the people.
For the end of Ramadan festival, Mar Sako addresses a message of good wishes to Muslim brothers and sisters. He expresses hopes that winning parties in the recent elections will take responsibility, overcome allegations of fraud and promote unity for an executive that moves towards reconciliation, peace, stability and reconstruction.
The incident occurred in Suruc, a town near the border with Syria with a Kurdish majority. The government accuses the Kurdish HDP party and the PKK militias. Local media instead report the bodyguards of the politician opened fire because of "hostile" reception. At least ten people are arrested.
The area is of strategic importance. It is the main entry point for humanitarian aid. Up to seven million people rely on external assistance to survive. An urgent meeting of the UN Security Council is scheduled today. Appeals for moderation and dialogue.
The 21st World Cup starts tomorrow with the host nation playing against Saudi Arabia. Asian teams have little chance of winning, but Asian businesses are swooping up sponsorship deals. Nike denies Iran boots as a result of Trump’s sanctions. Child labour used in making World Cup goods emerges as an issue.
The nationalist leader has unexpectedly announced an alliance with the blockade that led the fight against ISIS. A move that marginalizes outgoing premier al-Abadi. Al-Sadr's goal is to form an executive "far from any confessionalism". A commission charged with writing the government contract is being examined.
The presidential decree issued secretly gives Lebanese citizenship to 375 foreigners, including Syrians and Iraqis, Christians and Muslims. Some of them are under suspicion for iffy connections. For Card Al-Rahi, they do not honour "Lebanese nationality". The life of the country itself is in danger. Maronite bishops meet to discuss Church, social and pastoral issues.
The confirmation comes from a UN body and an international NGO. To date, 477 deaths in violent attacks, compared to 2,014 in 2017 (down 76.3%). The collapse in violence also confirmed by peaceful Ramadan, plagued by bloody attacks in the past. Four people were arrested for setting fire to ballot storage warehouse ahead of vote recount.
More women activists have been arrested in the past few days. Mayaa al-Zahrani was arrested for defending on social media Nouf Abdulaziz al-Jerawi who is already in detention. For advocacy group, the authorities “are keen to suppress all activists, and all sympathy with them”. Contacts with lawyers and families have been banned.
About half of the votes were kept within the structure. The Ministry of the Interior states that no ballot box has been destroyed. The outgoing premier speaks of "plot" targeting democracy and announces an "iron fist". The incident feeds calls for re-run of election.
For Amer Al Sabaileh, the protests are not only about taxes but touch the whole state, monarchy included. Extremist infiltrations from Iraq and Syria are a possibility and could fuel street violence. To overcome the crisis, focus must be on fighting corruption and promoting development and innovation.
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