Middle East

The health system has gone through a profound crisis because of the emigration of medical personnel. Now comes a small sign of hope, although difficulties remain: out of the 100,000 medical and paramedical workers needed, there are only 16,000.

Maronite patriarch says the country’s democratic life should be reactivated and its social services revived for they guarantee peace. He adds that “inter-confessional parties” are needed.

The Saudi Human Rights Commission is calling for a "clear and unambiguous position" from the government on these marriages, which "violate human rights by depriving a girl of her childhood". The Grand Mufti has also spoken out against those who force their daughters to marry against their will, or give them to elderly men.

The release coincides with the arrival in Jerusalem of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Two convicted killers of Israelis are among the freed prisoners, a choice that sparked dissent within the Israeli cabinet.

Benedict XVI calls for an end to ‘nationalist contrapositions”, pushes for a dialogue on “territorial integrity and the self-determination of peoples.” His reference is to the war between Georgia and Russia and many other situations of conflict like India-Pakistan, Tibet-China, Africa, etc. He says: “Help me with prayers” in the ministry of Peter to serve the Church and the world.

For China the Olympic Games were the most important event of the last few decades, a showcase for its organisational capacities and proof of its athletes’ physical prowess as they triumphed in the medal count. It was a show that the government in Beijing wanted “free of politics” but which itself “politicised” first. Here is an analysis by Li Datong, a Chinese journalist fired for criticising censorship.

The Olympiad’s legacy of brotherhood, friendship and mutual understanding among peoples is the main focus of the closing ceremony. The Games were “exceptional” according to Jacques Rogge with dividends out of this world. China becomes a “superpower” in the medal count, but remains a backwater in terms of human rights. A civil war cannot be excluded.

US forces should start pulling leave Iraqi cities in June 2009 and from the entire country in 2011, but only if “conditions on the ground” allow it. Today the Political Council for National Security will vet the proposal for approval.

The two prime ministers want to jumpstart Lebanese investments. A joint group to boost cooperation in the field is created. US Secretary Rice makes an unannounced visit to Iraq.

Food prices have jumped by up to 100 per cent over last year with the poor and wage earners as the most affected. Families are preparing more frugal iftars. Governments appeal for lower prices during the holy month; analysts blame the pegging of local currencies to the US dollar for high inflation.

For Yahya Al Najar, from the Yemeni scholars association, vigilante groups that roam the streets wielding sticks to force people to conform to strict Islamic rule are illegitimate. Saudi Arabia’s model of “Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice” could spread.

In Iraqi Kurdistan Christian, Sunni, Shia and Kurdish leaders pray together in the Sunni al-Rashid Mosque, calling for an “end to violence.” There are signs of hope showing that a will to rebuild the country exists despite ongoing attacks and targeted murders.