Developed by Iran for 20 years as a deterrent, the "Axis of Resistance" is keeping a low profile in this war. From the Iraqi prime minister to the religious leader al-Sadr, the order is to "silence" the "reckless voices" that want to start a war. At least 20 Muslim and Arab nations sign a statement for a nuclear-free Middle East "without exceptions" (a reference to Israel).
On the eve of the Eid al-Adha holiday, Israel launched one of its most impressive attacks. Aoun tried in vain to stop the military operation while Israel’s Defence Minister issued new threats. Hezbollah is using Iranian-style "slow diplomacy". Impatience is growing in Israel over US policies in the region.
Jomana Solman, project manager for the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, told AsiaNews that no remains have been found where the Italian priest was abducted in 2013. The organisation continues to work on mass graves in northeastern Syria, but identifying remains is complex and expensive. A recent spate of fake news has fuelled hope among the families of the missing.
At present, nothing is certain, the apostolic nuncio to Syria told AsiaNews after some reports began circulating regarding the possible discovery of a body in a mass grave near Raqqa, dressed in religious clothing like those of the Jesuit clergyman. Even the family has doubts. For Bishop Mourad, “There is nothing certain, except that the figure of Fr Paolo is still very important and alive among Syrian Christians.”
Trump’s announcement could trigger economic “detente” and encourage the return of Syrian refugees. Reconstruction, trade and banking links between Beirut and Damascus could be revived. In the background looms the possibility of normalisation with Israel. Walid Joumblatt reminds us of the Arab world’s key condition: “Peace in exchange for territory.”
People in Syria celebrate with fireworks the announcement by the US president. The new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who met Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is seeking international legitimacy, while countries in the region are increasingly interested in restarting trade. But more than 10 years of embargo have left deep economic and social scars that will be hard to heal.
