Lebanon’s citizenship offer for FIFA head sparks debate over equal rights Lebanon’s president has announced he will grant citizenship to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sparking a wave of outrage. Lebanon
Culture Match-fixing probe shakes Turkey's football as referees, executives detained The football scandal expanded after the Turkish Football Federation's suspension of referees and assistants amid a nationwide betting probe. Turkey
NFL star Antonio Brown extradited from Dubai: What to know The US and the UAE do not have an extradition treaty, a factor that affected the proceedings against Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. United Arab Emirates
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans barred from UK soccer game over safety concerns Antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents are on the rise in the UK, with a recent report accusing British authorities of failing to address discrimination. Israel
Al-Azhar rhetoric alarms LGBTQ community Al-Azhar has in recent days stepped up its anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, following anti-gay comments by a prominent retired soccer star. Egypt
British F1 driver Hamilton not 'comfortable' in Saudi Arabia Lewis Hamilton cited the kingdom's human rights record and 'pretty terrifying' LGBTQ laws before it hosts its first Grand Prix race. Saudi Arabia
Egyptians breathe easy in first open-air gym Egypt has opened its first open-air gym to encourage citizens to work out in open spaces. Egypt
Qatar releases two Norwegian journalists after detention Qatari security forces detained two journalists working for Norway's state broadcaster whom Doha accused of trespassing on private property. Qatar
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Khashoggi's fiancee urges Justin Beiber to cancel Saudi performance Hatice Cengiz called on the Canadian pop star to choose "justice and freedom over money." Saudi Arabia
Girls feel empowered at skate parks in Gaza Gazan girls are encouraged to practice roller-skating and skateboarding at skate parks in the Gaza Strip, despite the lack of equipment and societal disapproval. Culture
The Takeaway: Sudan’s fragile economic stability at risk after military takeover Saudi Arabia’s plan for “net-zero”; Turkey’s spy busts; Syria’s rebel factions; Egypt’s robot detention; fatwas on marital sex and bodybuilding; fishing for plastic in the Nile … all in about 1,500 words! Sudan
Israelis fed up with racist, anti-Muslim behavior of soccer fans Most Beitar Jerusalem soccer team supporters have had enough of the racist and anti-Muslim behavior of La Familia fan club. Israel
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
The Takeaway: Iraq shadowed Colin Powell, but his character showed through even then Pinkwashing in Tunisia?; Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus; Breast reconstruction surgery still taboo in Gaza; Wheelchair basketball scores — all in less than 1,500 words! Iraq
Gazan women find haven at ladies-only pools More resorts in the Gaza Strip are offering ladies-only swimming pools, allowing women to relax and enjoy the sun away from public eyes. Palestine
