What claim is an example of a controversial argument?

First, Africa and the Middle East are very culturally diverse places, so certain things which are controversial in one place are far less so in others.

Second, there are two understandings of "controversial". There is the first understanding that if you were in Africa or the Middle East, there are a large number of people who believe x and a similarly large numbr of people who believe not-x. For example, in Egypt, the subject of religious involvement in the state is very contentious and controversial among Egyptians. This is why there are numerous altercations in the streets between Secularists and Islamists. There is the second understanding is that a foreigner's perspective would clash strongly with the overwhelmingly dominant perspecitive in Africa or the Middle East. In Uganda, homosexuality is almost universally condemned and Ugandans have the death penalty for homosexuals which has tremendous support. A Westerner would find this controversial because he would vehemently oppose such an action, but would find little local support.

In terms of general conversation, the same topics are controversial in Africa and the Middle East that are controversial elsewhere (such as religion, sex, politics, money, etc.). In terms of any particular issues, you would have to specify the country.