Saudi Arabia is at the crossroads of several global issues, from the war in Ukraine to the future of the Gaza Strip and Iranian nuclear power. Under the leadership of bin Salman, the kingdom has strengthened relations with Trump and defused tensions with Tehran. The game of normalisation with Israel and the internal challenge with the United Arab Emirates for hegemony in the Gulf.
Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, 19, was stabbed by "muggers" last week near the campus of the University of Tehran, triggering protests against insecurity and university administrators. The government denied rumours that protesters were arrested. To mark the anniversary of Iran’s Islamic revolution, two journalists who had uncovered Mahsa Amini’s killing were pardoned.
The latest case in recent days, a 30-year-old woman killed by her husband for wanting to leave over constant domestic violence. Another young woman shot by her father and brother while she was holding her small child in her arms. According to some studies, more than 130 women have been killed since last March. At least 74,000 reports of abuse and violence have been filed, but the real number could be 100 times higher.
A six-fold increase from 2023 amid a growing crackdown that has seen 96 worshippers sentenced. This is what emerges from a study published by activist groups and titled “The Tip of the Iceberg.” Because, in reality, violations of practise of worship are far more widespread than the published data. The role of services and the search for contacts or funds from abroad.
Pharmacists in the capital "advise" customers not to get sick or to take preventive steps like during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks and keeping distances. Western sanctions and critical issues in domestic production are emptying the shelves. For the Minister of Health, there are no emergencies but he scraps special tariffs in foreign currencies.
Enthusiasm in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon over the ceasefire agreement in the Strip between Israel and Hamas. Nawaf Salam, former president of the International Criminal Court, elected new prime minister. Macron expected in Beirut. The Maronite Church applauds Lebanon's adoption of the principle of ‘positive neutrality’ in foreign policy. President Aoun's first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia.
