The BBC conducted an undercover investigation in Kadhimiya, Iraq, revealing the widespread practice of mutaa marriages, a form of temporary marriage under Sharia law. Despite being illegal in Iraq, clerics were found to be facilitating these marriages, with some even offering girls as young as nine. The investigation highlighted clerics like Sayyed Raad, who offered to arrange such marriages for an undercover reporter, even suggesting alternatives to preserve a young girl's virginity. The report also touched on the societal implications and the exploitation of women and girls, with personal accounts from individuals like Mona, who faced severe consequences after being coerced into a mutaa marriage. The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani condemned the practice when presented with the evidence. The Iraqi government acknowledged the difficulty in addressing the issue without complaints from victims. The investigation suggests that mutaa marriages have become more common since the US-led invasion in 2003, which shifted the balance of power towards the Shia majority in Iraq.

The article discusses the plight of a four-year-old boy named Shuaib, who is suffering from diarrhoea and fever. His grandfather has borrowed money to take him to the hospital, only to be informed by the doctors that they are unable to treat the boy. The hospital manager explains that the antibiotics available are ineffective against the bacteria causing Shuaib's illness. This situation highlights a potentially larger issue of antibiotic resistance or lack of medical resources.

Journalists Peter Oborne and Nawal al-Maghafi report from Houthi-controlled Yemen, providing insights into the alliance between Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who were once enemies. The Houthi insurgency and the coalition government with Saleh are discussed, as well as the impact of Saudi-led bombings, which have increased Houthi popularity despite the humanitarian crisis. The article also touches on the alleged Iranian support for the Houthis, which some experts believe is exaggerated. The legitimacy of the Houthi/Saleh government is contested by the internationally recognized government led by exiled president Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. The article concludes with the grim reality of civilian suffering in Yemen, including children, due to the ongoing conflict.

The BBC Newsnight investigation revealed that the Polish Embassy in London partially funded a book fair in Slough in 2017, which featured far-right Polish speakers known for hate speech. One of the speakers, Marcin Rola, who runs a far-right online TV station called Wrealu24, has made several controversial statements. Despite criticism, the embassy stated the funding followed an appropriate assessment by Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was organized by Polska Niepodlegla, a UK-based far-right group. Experts and anti-extremism organizations like Faith Matters expressed concern over the radicalization of Polish communities in the UK through such events. The Home Office declined to comment on the specific case of Marcin Rola, who attended another book fair in Leeds not funded by the embassy.

The Yemen peace talks in Switzerland are on the verge of collapse due to disagreements over the release of prisoners held by the Houthis. The Hadi government demands the release of officials, including the defence minister and President Hadi’s brother, but the Houthis want a formal end to the Saudi-led bombing campaign first. UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed's attempts to negotiate a phased release were rejected. Despite these tensions, an agreement was reached to resume humanitarian aid into Taiz, but it was quickly disputed by the Saleh delegation. The ceasefire in Yemen is fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. A military committee was formed to oversee the ceasefire, and the UN talks aim to address a range of issues including a sustainable ceasefire and the resumption of political dialogue. The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire, with a majority of the population needing assistance. International pressure is mounting on Saudi Arabia to resolve the conflict diplomatically, especially after reports of potential war crimes using Western weaponry. The talks are seen as a step forward, but doubts remain about the influence of the delegates and whether direct talks between Saudi and Iranian representatives would be more effective.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a missile from Yemen, despite recent peace talks in Switzerland ending without a ceasefire renewal. The Saudi-led coalition destroyed the launch pad in Yemen following the missile interception. The missile was aimed at the Jazan district but was stopped by Saudi's Patriot missile batteries. The peace talks involved Yemen's government and the Iran-backed Houthis but concluded without significant progress. A ceasefire had been in place but was marred by continued fighting, and a new round of talks is scheduled for January 14. The conflict has resulted in over 5,800 deaths and 27,000 injuries since March, as per UN data.

Following a reported attack in Syria, Russian military specialists claimed that they did not find any evidence of chlorine or other chemical agents in the affected flats. The Russian government has accused the opposition and the UK of staging the incident, an allegation that the British government has strongly denied, labeling it as 'grotesque and absurd'.

The article discusses the phenomenon of Syrian refugees in Europe who are choosing to return to their home countries, despite the risks and uncertainties. These refugees, who once sought asylum and security in European nations, are now selling their official documents and passports to fund their journey back to Turkey or Syria. The narrative captures a scene where refugees, including families and young men, are seen embarking on their reverse migration during the night, laden with their belongings and filled with apprehension about being apprehended. This reverse flow indicates a shift in the refugee crisis, with some opting to leave the perceived safety of Europe for various reasons, including the desire to return to their homeland or the challenges faced while in asylum.

The article features an interview with an unnamed individual, presumably a former leader or influential figure in Yemen, discussing the aftermath of the Arab Spring and a mosque attack. The individual expresses confidence that despite the public outcry and calls for his overthrow during the Arab Spring, there will come a time when the Yemeni people will wish for his return to power. The tone suggests a reflection on political unrest and the changing sentiments of the populace in Yemen.

The article recounts the journalist's experiences and observations of the Houthi movement's rise to power in Yemen, from their early days in 2011 to their control over northern Yemen by 2015. It details the journalist's encounters with Ali Al-Emad, a Houthi member, and the transformation of the Houthis from a group fighting against the government to a significant political force. The journalist reflects on the Houthis' military prowess, their struggle for power, and the public's changing perception towards them amid ongoing conflict and governance challenges. The article also touches on the complex alliances and political dynamics in Yemen, including the roles of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Islah party, and external influences such as Saudi Arabia and the United States.