Tunisia

Last year, the region imported more than 36 million metric tons of wheat, mostly from Russia and Ukraine. The concern is that Russia's war in Ukraine could disrupt supplies and drive up prices.

Najla Bouden Ramadhane, a university engineer with no political background, has been appointed by President Kais Saied to fill the post, which has been vacant since July.

President Kais Saied plunged the country into uncertainty after shutting down parliament and firing the prime minister as well as the country's defense and justice ministers.

Protesters erupted in celebration after President Kais Saied dismissed PM Hichem Mechichi Sunday and froze parliament's activities, following unrest over the country's pandemic and economic situation.

18-year-old Ahmed Hafnaoui seemed stunned by the result. "I just can't accept that — it is too incredible," he said after his victory in the 400 meter freestyle event.

Hopes from the Arab Spring have mostly been dashed. But the era led to "a radical change in the way people think about the authorities, the state, and about their rights," says an Egyptian journalist.

The Arab Spring uprising led to a transition to democracy in Tunisia, but young people decry widespread corruption and a lack of job opportunities. It's led to protests, including self-immolation.

Essebsi rose to power in 2014 after the Arab Spring protests. But his political career spanned 70 years.

Beji Caid Essebsi's office says the president needs the expanded powers to deal with extremists following the attack in Sousse that killed 38 foreign tourists.