Mr. Olympia Big Ramy's second marriage sparks debate over polygamy in Egypt The news of Mr. Olympia, otherwise known as Big Ramy, marrying for the second time without the knowledge of his first wife sparked controversy in Egypt, especially in the wake of statements whereby an Islamic preacher denied a woman’s right to ask for divorce when her husband marries another. Egypt
Saudi Arabia confirms first case of Omicron variant The detection of Omicron in Saudi Arabia comes days after the kingdom suspended flights to 14 African countries. Saudi Arabia
Europe seeking to end latest round of Iran nuclear talks According to sources quoted in Iranian media, the European delegation is seeking to end the current talks and consult with the United States. Iran
HTS subsidizes bread in Idlib as part of attempt to govern Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani is subsidizing the rapidly increasing cost of bread in Idlib in response to growing resentment against his organization. Syria
The Takeaway: Israel’s military threats shadow Iran nuclear talks Erdogan digs in on lira; Egypt, Ethiopia tensions rise again over Nile Dam; Assassins "carefully planned" attack on Iraqi PM; Iraqi Shiite scholars ponder post-Sistani era; Children become breadwinners in besieged Idlib; The return of Mohammed Ali Pasha’s palace … all in less than 1,200 words. Israel
Israeli lawmakers object to tracking virus via phones Politicians from both the coalition and the opposition, together with human rights activists, are unhappy with the Bennett government deciding to enable the Shin Bet to track the phones of people infected with the omicron variant. Israel
Archaeologists make new discoveries in ancient Iraqi cities Foreign missions continue their survey and excavation operations in the central and southern regions of Iraq, while also training native Iraqis in the latest standards of professional archaeology. Iraq
Israeli ultra-Orthodox rabbis make case to keep 'kosher' mobile phones A delegation of the most senior ultra-Orthodox rabbis met with Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel to express their concerns over his panned communication reform. Israel
Gulf rethinks climate diplomacy Calls to build a "strong economic case for climate action" are gaining ground among oil-rich Gulf states. Gulf
Women face obstacles in bid for Libyan presidency Libyans are going to the polls in less than a month to elect their first-ever president, and two women are in the running. North Africa
