US waives human rights rules to send military aid to Egypt

The State Department has authorized the release of $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt despite human rights concerns from US lawmakers, Al-Monitor has learned.

Egypt

Despite appeal by Abbas, Egypt keeps Palestinian official's son in jail

The family of Ramy Shaath — the son of Fatah official and former Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil Shaath — has had no luck getting him released since he was arrested in July on what the family says are trumped-up terrorism charges.

Palestine

Why is Hamas reshuffling its security apparatus in Gaza?

Hamas sources have told Al-Monitor that operations against Israel by individuals operating independently are what led the movement to make major changes in the ranks of its security forces in Gaza.

Palestine

Egypt’s rate cut to boost property, gold and stock markets

Egypt’s central bank recently slashed key interest rates by 1.5%, triggering public concerns about a possible depreciation of the local currency.

Egypt

Digital taxation push raises eyebrows in Egypt

The Egyptian Ministry of Finance is working on a bill that will tax digital ads in Egypt, much to the concern of e-commerce enterprises.

Egypt

What’s behind strained relations between Egypt and Libya’s GNA?

Relations between the Libyan Government of National Accord and the Egyptian regime are degenerating as the two sides exchange accusations.

Egypt

Why Sufis let Alexandria mosque be destroyed

The Egyptian government faced little opposition as it demolished a Sufi mosque in Alexandria to conclude a major road project, suggesting Sufis’ need for political protection may outweigh their reverence for shrines.

Egypt

Will Egypt's greenhouse project mark a leap in agricultural sector?

The Egyptian army is behind a project to build thousands of greenhouses nationwide, which raised criticism over the army’s role in the agricultural sector.

Egypt

Brotherhood detainees feel their leaders abandoned them

A group of Muslim Brotherhood detainees have signed a letter from inside prison, asking the authorities to pardon them as they are ready to quit political work after feeling abandoned by the group’s leadership.

Egypt

Israel, Egypt, Hamas against global jihad

Egypt considers Hamas to be a vital and integral partner in the war that it is waging with Israel against the international jihadist movement, its branches in the Sinai Peninsula and the Salafist cells that started flourishing in the Gaza Strip recently.

Palestine

Skepticism looms over Egypt’s plan to develop Sinai

The Egyptian minister of planning announced $316 million worth of investments in the Sinai Peninsula for fiscal year 2020, but observers are skeptical in light of the threats posed by the Islamic State in Sinai.

Egypt

Egyptians revive Pharaonic beauty, health secrets

Ancient Egyptian remedies and practices are making a comeback in the form of natural beauty products and pharaonic medicine.

Egypt