Middle East developments rattle sidelined Ankara

Some argue that Ankara has to return to its former position of active neutrality if it is to regain lost influence in the region and contribute to stability.

Saudi Arabia

Egyptian judges forced into military re-education classes

In a lecture series reminiscent of Gamal Abdel Nasser's socialist indoctrination program, the Egyptian government is forcing judges and other members of the judiciary to undergo training in "strategic and national security studies."

Egypt

Lebanese artists voice social concerns

Yasmine Hamdan, who, along with Mashrou' Leila, is known abroad as one of the most polıticized singers of Lebanon, says her music forms an archive of the changes and challenges that confront her country.

Egypt

Israeli police turn up heat on Netanyahu

The detention of Yitzhak Molcho, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal envoy and closest associate, sends shock waves through Israel’s security and political arenas.

Egypt

Egyptian proposal to protect formal Arabic has journalists worried

Critics say a draft law intended to preserve traditional, formal Arabic and discourage the use of the modern Egyptian dialect threatens the freedom of the press.

Egypt

Egypt takes action to investigate notorious prison

The Egyptian government has promised to investigate the conditions at the Tora Maximum Security Prison following complaints by prisoners’ families and nongovernmental organizations.

Egypt

Palestinian Authority showing Dahlan-era officers the door

Security-related issues could challenge the Palestinian reconciliation if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas continues purging security force members who were appointed by rival Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan.

Palestine

Culture Alert: November the month for contemporary art, photography

Several major art events are entering their final weeks and months in the region.

Egypt

Egypt’s pardoned prisoners still shackled

The Detained Youth Committee for Presidential Pardon has launched an initiative to examine reintegrating and rehabilitating pardoned prisoners to address the difficulties they face after their release.

Egypt

Egyptians highlight human rights abuses as government campaign backfires

After the Egyptian government encouraged World Youth Forum participants to engage with one another ahead of the conference using the hashtag #WeNeedToTalk, many citizens took the opportunity to call out alleged human rights abuses.

Egypt

Hamas serious about Palestinian reconciliation deal

The tough economic sanctions carried out by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas against Hamas may have been the final straw to convince Hamas to finally see out a reconciliation agreement.

Palestine

Alexandria’s France Street still living in its golden age

Alexandria's cherished gold district is nestled into an ancient corner where the city's rich heritage and multicultural past is still vibrant.

Egypt