Egyptian preacher's fatwa against bodybuilding stirs controversy After Egyptian bodybuilder Big Ramy won the Mr. Olympia 2021 championship, cleric Abdullah Rushdy issued a fatwa prohibiting men from participating in the sport because it reveals intimate parts of the body. Egypt
In Dubai, Israel sees normalization as bridge to business in India, Japan The Abraham Accords offer Israel an economic peace, which means in turn also deeper economic ties with India, Japan and perhaps even Saudi Arabia. Israel
Iran’s new brigade infiltrates tribes in east Syria Iran is working on controlling and infiltrating the Syrian community by supporting local leaders affiliated with it, forming tribal councils and appointing new sheikhs from small clans and families to spread Shiism in its areas of control in east Syria. Syria
Turkish-backed Syrian groups pursue drug operations in Aleppo The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army is reportedly cracking down on drug dealers in the Aleppo countryside. Syria
Palestinian olive season begins with settler attacks, arson Palestinians are once again having to defend their own olive trees during harvesting season from Israeli settler vigilantism while Israeli soldiers stand by. Palestine
Despite reaching all-time high, Egypt’s external debt is within safe levels Inflows of foreign currency debt were spent on infrastructure, health care and overhaul of shantytowns across the country. However, Egyptian banks’ net foreign liability position stands out as a risk. Egypt
France calls on Iran to curb nuclear activity as talks remain stalled European diplomats have stepped up efforts to bring back talks between the United States and Iran on the nuclear deal. News Brief
With Nile talks stalled, Ethiopia plans to fill dam, buy Turkish drones Meanwhile, Sudan’s democratic transition faces ‘worst and most dangerous’ crisis. Egypt
Reports: Iraqi fish dying from highly contagious disease Koi Herpesvirus is deadly for carp, which are a staple of Iraqi cuisine. News Brief
'Big disappointment': Syrian constitutional negotiations fail again UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen said the Syrian government's side did not present a new proposal as previously agreed. Syria
Turkey sends mixed signals over Syrian mercenaries in Libya Turkey’s withdrawal of a limited number of Syrian militia from Libya is aiming to sidestep potential accusations of spoiling the election process in the war-torn nation as December elections near. Turkey
Palestinian Islamic Jihad announces end to hunger strike Israeli officials are disputing the militant group's claim that prison authorities have met the Palestinians' demands. Israel
Turkey calls designation from global finance watchdog ‘unwarranted’ The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force added Turkey to its “grey list,” which indicates concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
Iran's state broadcaster veers further right under IRGC control Iran's already conservative, state-funded broadcaster appears ready to pursue an even more ideological approach under its new IRGC-linked director. Iran
Bennett meets Putin in Sochi to discuss Iran, Syria The meeting in Sochi between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Russian President Vladimir Putin covered a large range of strategic and economic issues, focusing on Israeli concerns over Iranian military entrenchment in Syria and the Iran nuclear talks. Israel
