'Hymen reconstruction fatwa' stirs controversy in Egypt A fatwa by a senior Muslim scholar permitting hymen repair in certain circumstances has sparked controversy on social media, with critics fearing it may encourage girls to engage in sex out of wedlock. Egypt
Egypt to announce opening of world’s largest open museum in Luxor governorate As part of Egypt’s efforts to boost tourism, the Ministry of Antiquities bets on the restoration of El-Kebash Road in Luxor, which is one of the biggest open-air archaeological sites in the world. Culture
Israeli parents protest children of migrants in Tel Aviv schools Some Israeli parents are demanding the Tel Aviv municipality keep the children of illegal immigrants concentrated in one school in the south of the city. Israel
Straight talk from Israel's Lapid includes criticism of US Foreign Minister Yair Lapid does not stop for a minute, including controversial remarks on Poland, on the US Consulate in Jerusalem and on Afghanistan. Israel
Protesters accuse IDF of tying soldiers' hands after deadly clash In the wake of the death of IDF soldier Barel Hadaria Shmueli, hundreds of Israeli service members have been demanding the rules for live fire engagement be loosened. Israel
Nile dam dispute remains stalled as Egypt, Sudan run out of options The dispute over the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam remains unresolved between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, with the latter attempting to revive the Nile water sharing agreement. Egypt
Israel allows construction materials into Gaza without prisoner exchange Israel seems to have let go of its demand for a prisoner release in exchange for reconstruction, allowing the entry of some building materials into the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Clashes in Libya’s capital raise concerns over stability ahead of elections The UN's assistance mission to Libya expressed "grave concern" over the heaviest fighting in months. Libya
US sanctions four Iranians over plot to kidnap New York activist The newly designated Iranian intelligence operatives were charged in July with conspiring to kidnap a New York-based activist and journalist. Iran
Can Russia maintain status quo in Syria's Daraa despite Assad, Iran? The Russian-brokered cease-fire agreement is evidence of Moscow's complex positioning in southwest Syria. Russia
Boxed in: Bennett, Abbas can’t win despite ‘goodwill gestures’ Domestic politics are complicating any moves toward better ties, and Hamas is seeking an advantage by stoking resistance. Israel
Iranians set records at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Iran is currently leading Middle Eastern states in medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Iran
Amnesty calls for Tunisian authorities to 'come clean' over role in illegal rendition of Algerian activist There is speculation that Slimane Bouhafs was traded for former Tunisian presidential candidate and media magnate Nabil Karoui. North Africa
Norway police seize nearly 100 artifacts reportedly missing from Iraq The cuneiform tablets and other artifacts were reportedly recovered from a private collection in Norway. Iraq
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
Islamic State 'Beatles' member pleads guilty in US hostage-taking case British-born Alexanda Kotey was part of an Islamic State cell that the US government has linked to the hostage-taking and deaths of Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. United States
