Analysis What's at stake as Libya's eastern parliament approves Turkey maritime deal Libya's eastern-based parliament's approval of a long-disputed maritime deal with Turkey marks a strategic win for Ankara as Saddam Hifter seeks Turkish backing for his presidential ambitions, according to analysts. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Sisi says Egypt has no ‘territorial ambitions’ after Israel’s Smotrich threatens Sinai The Egyptian president’s remarks follow a warning from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that Israel would seize the Sinai Peninsula if Egypt attacks. Egypt
Analysis Why renewed Egypt-Ethiopia tensions are a problem for China For Beijing, the renewed Egypt-Ethiopia standoff is a zero-sum bind that threatens vital strategic interests on both sides of the Nile. By Joyce Karam
Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan hold summit amid Ethiopia tensions All four countries have increasingly tense relations with Ethiopia, driven by disputes over the Nile, Red Sea access and security. Egypt
Tension keeps rising in Cairo over Turkey-Sudan island pact The Turkish-Sudanese deal over Suakin Island has sparked angry reactions to the possibility of Turkey building a military base on the island, posing a threat to Egypt’s national security. Egypt
Egypt moves to tame lawless e-commerce sector While Egypt's e-commerce activities witnessed significant growth in 2017, laws governing electronic sales and purchases are expected to further boost the sector. Egypt
Young designer aims to promote Egyptians' African roots A young Egyptian fashion designer strives to launch the Afropunk Festival in Egypt to promote African identity and fashion. Egypt
'Water war' escalates between Egypt, Sudan Amid ongoing disputes over Nile water supply, tensions between Cairo and Khartoum escalated after the latter hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and handed Ankara control of a Red Sea island. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt tightens leash on TV dramas A new committee in Egypt designed to monitor TV series to make sure they abide by customs and traditions has been met with mixed reactions. Egypt
Child poverty increases in Egypt as critical support languishes As independent organizations work to alleviate poverty and ensure access to education for Egypt’s children, the government’s NGO law is backfiring, hindering such attempts. Egypt
Trump’s peace deal: A Gaza-centered Palestine The Trump administration is elaborating on a Mideast peace plan of trilateral or even quadruple land swaps, involving Israel, the Palestinians, Egypt and, possibly, Jordan. Saudi Arabia
Israel seeks to revive long abandoned railway to Gulf Israel is currently discussing a project to reopen the old Hejaz railway to connect it with Saudi Arabia, though many Egyptians are concerned about its impact on trade through the Suez Canal. Egypt
Cinema bloggers of the Middle East boast free, unbiased voice Middle Eastern cinema bloggers gain popularity on social media, critiquing films on numerous Arabic-language blogs. Saudi Arabia
Egypt eyes extensive role in Syria reconstruction efforts Egyptian companies are seeking to participate in the reconstruction of Syria and communicating with the concerned Syrian parties to discuss their involvement. Egypt
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