Today's headlines: Three Palestinians killed in Nablus in Israeli security forces operation; Delhi, with Beijing, wants roadmaps - not fixed deadlines - for reducing carbon emissions; Burmese court rejects appeal by Christian leader convicted of terrorism; Elective seats on district councils in Hong Kong reduced to 20%, strict controls on candidates; Islamic finance forecast 10% growth.
Fighting in the African country has not stopped despite calls for a truce. The UN warns of 800,000 new, potential refugees. The Saudis evacuate scores of trapped Iranians, from Port Sudan to Tehran via Jeddah. The United Arab Emirates and its web of ties and interests cast a shadow over the region’s wars.
The loosening of the ideological-religious divide could free up great resources and Tajikistan seeks to position itself at the forefront of future scenarios. A greater economic engagement of Riyadh and Tehran in the Muslim countries of Central Asia would not hinder Beijing, which wants above all to contain Ankara's expansionism.
Rising crude oil prices, linked to production cuts by the OPEC+ countries, had an impact. In Saudi Arabia, growth should drop to 3.2 per cent in 2023, down from 8.7 per cent last year. The UAE’s growth should also decline from 7.6 per cent to 3.7 per cent. Inflation also weighs in.
The kingdom wants to become the region's main digital and technological hub. Bin Salman's nationalism has supplanted religious Wahhabism. Entertainment and modernity, but only with a concession from the state. The node of infrastructure and fibre optics. Social changes are reflected in the real estate market.
Most Sunni Muslims mark the end of Ramadan today. In Iran, as in Pakistan and Oman, people will have to wait until tomorrow. In Indonesia more than 120 million people are on the move, Saudi Arabia boosts security as almost 21,000 mosques and areas of prayer get ready for the festival. This Eid is the first since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted allowing communal gatherings.
