The Gateway to the East

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.

A new wave of street protests is sweeping the country, triggered by a hike in prices. The country’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Raisi are among protesters’ targets. Actors, athletes and intellectuals back the movement, urging the authorities to heed protesters’ demands, not crack down on them. Against this backdrop, a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme is still pending.

Independents and protest groups take votes (and seats) from traditional parties. Pro-Iranian movements lose ground. For analysts, this is “a political turning point”, but others express a word of caution. The president’s election will be a crucial test. Meanwhile, many fear clashes and tensions in the coming months.

Sandstorms follow one another with increasing frequency, causing victims and thousands of hospitalizations. Water reserves have collapsed by 50% compared to last year. By 2040 Tigris and Euphrates risk drying up. The emblematic case of Lake Sawa. Archeological sites and historical cities, from Ur to Babylon, in danger.

Doha is prudent, remaining open to dialogue while challenging regional powers on an economic level. After years of abuses and violations, conditions for migrant workers have improved. The role of women and religious freedom in the Constitution are fundamental for the country's development. From tensions with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, food autonomy and increased military spending.