In May 2009, the pontiff made a historic visit to the region. Vaticanist Franco Pisano followed for AsiaNews readers the events and meetings between Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Ratzinger a pope who "should not be looked at or listened to, but read." The "ease" with which he handled texts from St. Paul to St. Augustine. 

Regional and international (EU, UN, AL OIC GCC)) representatives met yesterday at the Dead Sea, Jordan, for the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. Close to Iran, Iraq’s new prime minister seeks balanced relations with everyone. Iran’s foreign minister talks about friendship with others, but slams those who fuel protests in his country following the death of Mahsa Amini.

In addition to lorry drivers, several businesses have closed. Protesters could shut down roads tomorrow. In the main port on the Red Sea, goods are piling up. For now, haulage to Iraq and Saudi Arabia has not been impacted. Protest is at risk of turning violent.

At the UN climate conference, the two countries signed a 'declaration of intent' on the historic river. The aim is to reduce pollution through treatment plants and improving sewage systems. The promotion of sustainable agriculture and reducing the use of pesticides. 

Yesterday saw "cordial talks" between Francis and the Hashemite monarch, the fifth meeting in less than 10 years. Their "shared concern" for the holy city and for the permanence of Christians in the Middle East region. The problem of post-pandemic poverty and unemployment and religious tourism to support the economy. 

The Swedish research body records a radical reversal in the balance of global powers, especially the US and Russia. Conventional, small arms and light weapons are growing. In addition to Israel, Turkey, Iran and to a lesser extent Jordan and Egypt are gaining ground.