December 23, 2021

*) Libya’s interim prime minister resumes duties amid vote delay Libya’s interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has resumed his duties amid an expected postponement of the country’s presidential elections. A Libyan parliamentary committee said that it has become impossible to hold a long-awaited presidential vote on Friday as previously scheduled. Dozens of MPs called Libyans to take the streets after a parliamentary committee postponed the vote and suggested January 24 as a new date. *) Turkiye calls for long-term Middle East peace President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has met with members of the Turkish Jewish Community and the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States in Ankara. During the meeting, he said “constructive steps on occupied Jerusalem could contribute to security and stability in the region”. Erdogan said “we never want to see tension or conflict in this ancient geography that hosts the sacred places of all three monotheistic religions”. ​​​ *) Ethiopian government captures rebel-held Alamata Ethiopia's government has said its soldiers had recaptured Alamata in southern Tigray from Tigrayan fighters. The government marked it as the first major advance inside the war-torn region in many months, dashing hopes for peace following a rebel retreat. The Tigray People's Liberation Front rebel group, which announced its withdrawal from the Amhara region and Afar regions, has called for a ceasefire. ​​​*) China launches crackdown on celebrity tax evasion China's tax authorities have set a 10-day deadline for entertainers and social media influencers to pay overdue taxes. Tax bureaus in several entertainment hubs across the country warned that celebrities who have underreported earnings could face severe penalties if they don't refile by year end. Government campaign aims to tighten the noose on tax evasion and celebrity excesses. And finally… *) Oscar winner Mahershala Ali moves into spotlight in 'Swan Song' Double Oscar winner Mahershala Ali has finally found the right project to make his debu