Polygamy, and all too common first-cousin marriage are behind many problems, especially in the south. First-cousin marriage leads to an increase in birth defects, which pose a burden on both the family and the state. Polygamy and high fertility per wife leads to rapid population growth, which leads not just to widespread poverty but increased pressure on land. Indeed, the widespread seizure of state land and the myriad "unrecognized villages" is a direct consequence of that exploding population.

Given the associated and obvious problems, it's been disheartening to see the problem ignored for so long. So a few convictions, should they come, will be a sign the state is finally getting serious.

Send haredis and other of the same kind to be scout in the desert