Culture Alert: Art mingles with diplomacy, feminism and sport

The Middle East's cultural scene at the start of 2018 is almost as lively as its political landscape, as art flirts with feminism, diplomacy and sport.

Egypt

Is Sisi's security reshuffle actually election strategy?

People are scrutinizing moves by the Egyptian government and military for possible connections to the upcoming presidential elections.

Egypt

Egypt's top felines take to catwalk

As they were in ancient times, Egypt's cats today are still being worshipped — this time in organized beauty contests.

Egypt

In rural Egypt, women seek fertility help from the dead

Desperate women in Upper Egypt turn to ancient superstitions to boost their fertility with practices that can be both grisly and dangerous.

Egypt

Egypt's progressive parties unite to push for reforms

A new liberal political alliance hopes to open up Egypt's government to fresh ideas, candidates and human rights efforts.

Egypt

Egypt’s government works to boost human rights image

The Egyptian government decided to establish human rights departments in all ministries and governorates in a bid to restore its human rights record following international criticism.

Egypt

Egypt’s parliament in bid to ban atheism

As Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hopes to appease the ultraconservative Salafists who helped get him elected, blasphemy convictions have intensified under his presidency.

Egypt

Qatar returns to Gaza scene

Despite the rocky relationship between Hamas and Qatar, Doha is trying to make a comeback on the Palestinian scene in the Gaza Strip as tensions with Egypt continue to grow.

Qatar

Was 2017 really the 'year of Egyptian women'?

Despite the issuance of several laws related to improving the status of women in Egypt, there is still a long way to go.

Egypt

Egypt's new health insurance law to give Sisi pre-election boost

Egypt's parliament passed a comprehensive health insurance law in early December, but many doubt it will lead to better health services.

Egypt

Egypt's student elections see lack of candidates, voters

The recent student elections held in Egypt have raised several questions about the relation between university students and the ruling authority.

Egypt

Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field

In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices.

Egypt