The Gateway to the East

From 20 November to 18 December, the emirate hosts the top football competition.Female referees for teh first time in an Islamic nation. Controversy over the exploitation, and deaths, of migrant workers in the construction of facilities. Civil rights and environmental issues in focus. Bishop Hinder: a country that has developed in "competition" with others in the region.

The story of a family in Ghouta, from the suffering of the conflict to hunger-induced despair. People are caught in a 'collective depression' and resort to increasing use (and abuse) of drugs. According to some estimates, 70% of the drugs sold last year were psychotropic. A demand that fuels the black market.

The decision by some Arab parties to run alone might give the former prime minister an edge in Israel’s upcoming election. Turnout among Israeli Arabs might prove crucial one way or the other. However, Israeli Arabs are dissatisfied and surveys indicate that only 40 per cent plan to vote.

The mediation work of US envoy Amos Hochstein continues to resolve disputed lines and strategic interests of the two countries. Washington wants to retain control of hydrocarbons in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean to the exclusion of China and Russia. The internal struggle ahead of the elections in Israel and the role of Hezbollah.

After two years of closures and virtual learning, a new chapter opens for the Christian institutes in the Strip. Most of their students are Muslim, with respect for 'values and identity'. Palestinians cling to education as the path to redemption. The lockdown has resulted in increased agressivity and violence among young people, which can only be countered by rebuilding socialisation.

The bishops meeting with Patriarch Sako is being held in Baghdad from August 21 to 27. The opening address is a new cry of alarm about the future of the community. Islamic heritage makes Christians 'second-class citizens'. An appeal to the political class for a new executive capable of responding to the country's challenges. A call for an examination of conscience on the exercise of authority even in the Church: "The concept of leadership in the East does not help to spread the culture of asking for forgiveness".

Hadi Matar's parents hail from the southern border village of Yaroun, a Hezbollah-controlled area from which they emigrated 30 years ago. Their adherence to extreme Islam occurred (perhaps) during a sojourn in 2018. The U.S. investigation and the implications for the Middle East region. Khamenei recalls that the fatwa against the writer is "solid and irrevocable".

The prelate recounts a city struggling to be reborn, where extremist ideology still permeates part of society. The memory of Christian homes branded with the letter "N", today a source of pride and belonging. The pope's visit planted a seed of hope for rebuilding of society. Through education "we can fight ignorance".

On Monday 25 July Tunisians will vote in a referendum on the new charter, which would centralise all powers in the hands of President Saïed. Islam is not defined as the national religion, but it is said that the country 'belongs to the Islamic nation (Ummah)' and that the State must work to achieve 'the five goals of pure Islam'. Opposition and civil society protest but the electorate, weakened by the economic crisis, may support the head of state.

The changes caused by the pandemic in education will not 'disappear'. Online classes, a necessity in the early stages, are now "part of the educational environment". But families and teachers much prefer in person classes, which allows for better pupil development especially at a young age. Fr. Twal: learning 'from experience' by valuing alternative methods.

A 'vision' aimed at 'modernising' the country, relaunching the economy and guaranteeing employment (especially for young people). Under consideration are free market reforms and the fight against public debt. Fr. Rifat Bader: huge Saudi investment in the health sector of 400 million. The aim is to leave behind the dark period of the (economic) crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

In recent days a church has been inaugurated in the capital, recalling the only episode of Christian martyrdom in the Koran. Catholics, a migrant reality with a "strong community spirit". Mascate remains a model of diplomacy and balance between Sunni (Riyadh, Abu Dhabi) and Shiite (Tehran) powers. Tourism - and oil - fuel the recovery.