Luca Galantini

The referendum set for 25 September calls for the region’s independence from Iraq. All major powers as well as Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq oppose it. The dream of a Kurdish nation state emerged at the end of the Ottoman Empire. Now many fear a domino effect across the Middle East.

The law condemns all forms of violence and discrimination even in the home. Nearly 50% of Tunisian women are victims of domestic violence. There is no punishment for rapists. Equal rights at work. Together with Morocco, Tunisia wants to advance in the development of civil rights and freedoms, safeguarding its Islamic identity.

The fall of Mosul opens a new chapter. On the back of its experience in the former Yugoslavia, the EU should seek to encourage the reconciliation process through medium to long-term diplomatic initiatives that can involve all local and central political and social institutions in order to avoid the risk of fragmentation that would fuel sectarianism And contrasts.

Despite the economic rivalry, Indo-US friendship turns into a military alliance against the Pakistan-China axis and the development of the New Silk Road. Washington will sell weapons to Delhi and allow the manufacturing of F-16 in India.

The rare stand taken by the German ambassador Michael Clauss for the release of Msgr. Peter Shao Zhumin and Freedom of Commerce on the New Silk Road, under the shadow of the Chinese monopoly. The silence surrounding the fragmentation of the international legal system. Instead of democracies, there are autocratic regimes, violent nationalisms, oriental satrapies. And Trump sells arms to Saudi Arabia.

Attacks in European capitals are meant to destabilise the foreign policy of countries like Great Britain, Germany, and France. Even Italy’s "neutral" position does not guarantee immunity. Dealing with immigration must be part of a long-term coexistence strategy. Working on economic and political development in countries of origin is also necessary. In ‘Caritas in Veritate’, Benedict XVI had prophetic words.

The stand-off between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is generating a wave of tension in the Middle East. And among Sunnis and Shiites for primacy in Islam. Riyadh’s aggressive policy supported by Trump for economic reasons. Brussels incapable of favoring the recognition of political, social and religious pluralism.

The project’s pharaonic prospects reveal China’s desire to redefine the entire international geopolitical framework, to become the economic and political center of the Eurasian industry and trade sectors. Indian opposition; Russian fears; European skepticism. And the problems of the Uighurs, Central Asia, Iran and the South China Sea. China caught between national interests and the desire to distribute wealth.

On May 19, Iran will choose its president. But power is always in the hands of the Ali Khamenei and the Guardians of the Constitution. The population and above all the young people want reforms and openings to the world.

The first 100 days of the new US president's foreign policy in Asia have been characterised by continuity with past democratic and republican administrations, and new threats to Syria, Iran, and North Korea. This has marginalised the UN and boosted arms sales.

Erdogan wants to become the new "Caesar" and make his country leader of the Middle East. Emphasis on nationalism and organized "terror" with the control of the media and society. Doubts within the AKP itself. The resistance of the Kurdish minority and the Kemalist party.

A few weeks ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt, the most influential Sunni university has defended equal rights for Christians and Muslims. But in the Arab-Islamic world, religious minorities suffer. All Constitutions impose restrictions: prohibition of community gatherings; to change one's religion; to assume high government office. Marginalization is leading to the flight of Christians from the Middle East.