China holds second air drill with Egypt: What to know China is seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt and Gulf states, including via joint air drills. Egypt
Culture Beyond King Tut: Cairo’s Egyptian Museum looks to reinvent itself With Cairo's Egyptian Museum approaching its 125th anniversary, efforts are underway to reposition it on the cultural map in light of competition from newer, glitzier museums. Egypt
After meeting Netanyahu, Kushner agrees Hamas disarmament precedes Israel's withdrawal Israel and the Gaza Board of Peace have agreed that the Israeli military will begin withdrawing from the Gaza Strip after Hamas disarms. Israel
Analysis How Israel's rivalry, defense deals prompted Turkey to join Mecca pact Turkey’s growing rivalry with Israel and mounting regional instability are driving its defense alignment with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, despite risks of strategic entanglement and friction with NATO partners. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel moves against West Bank settlers after Huckabee criticism By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egyptian producers turn to best-sellers to boost Ramadan ratings Two of Egypt’s recent soap operas are based on the country's well-known novels whose sales have increased in turn due to TV drama. Egypt
Despite taboo, Hebrew classes open doors for young Egyptians More Egyptian university students are learning Hebrew, though social and political prejudices can still make things difficult. Egypt
Hamas hedging its bets in region Hamas appears to have adopted a new regional policy of avoiding taking sides and nurturing good relations with anyone willing to accept the group. Qatar
Popular anger at islands transfer highlights Egypt’s polarized society Cairo erupts in protests over the proposed handover of two Egyptian Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia as protesters question the Egyptian government's intentions behind the deal. Saudi Arabia
New app helps Egypt's Nubians retain traditional tongue Nubi, an app conceived by a young Egyptian entrepreneur, offers a fun way for young Nubians to keep two of their heritage languages alive. Egypt
Qatari crisis risks sparking new Israeli-Hamas confrontation The Qatar crisis might lead to a showdown between Israel and Hamas, with key Arab states dismissing the Islamist movement as a terrorist organization, leaving it vulnerable to Israeli attack and pressuring Qatar to drop support for it. Legacy: Gulf
Power failure can't stop World Music Day in Egypt The French-sponsored Fete de la Musique fuses traditional, electronic and other genres of music, drawing large audiences in the Middle East. Countries
Enterprising young Egyptians seize Ramadan business opportunities The festive atmosphere and nightly feasts of Ramadan represent a unique commercial window for young Egyptian entrepreneurs. Egypt
Qatar-GCC crisis unsettles Sudan The government in Khartoum is caught in the middle of the bitter dispute between Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt launches initiative to save nature reserves An Egyptian NGO is set to take the lead in protecting the country's nature reserves and failing tourism industry. Egypt
Egyptian court hands down surprise victory for press freedom Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court has struck down a restriction on launching newspapers, but a replacement law that parliament is considering is an unknown entity. Egypt
Egypt's legislature thumbs nose at court, approves islands deal Egypt’s parliament shoved through approval of a deal to transfer Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia, but experts say the move violates the constitution and is likely to fuel public resentment. Saudi Arabia
