Rights advocates question Egypt’s decision to extend state of emergency

Critics of the Egyptian government fear that a three-month extension of the state of emergency will be used to crack down on them.

Egypt

Egypt's economists praise decision to lift caps on money transfers

The Central Bank of Egypt is hoping to stabilize the country’s economy with its decision to lift caps on foreign exchange transfers.

Egypt

IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt

The Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks against Copts in different Egyptian governorates, raising questions about anti-terrorism laws and the efficiency of the security services.

Egypt

Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis

Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved.

Legacy: Gulf

Iraq’s PM concludes tightrope regional tour

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's tour — which spanned Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait — aimed to maintain regional balances amid discussions on post-IS preparations and regional aid to Iraq.

Saudi Arabia

Gaza becoming unexpected destination for Egyptian jobseekers

After the pound's depreciation against the US dollar, some Egyptian workers are fleeing the difficult economic conditions in their country to work in the Gaza Strip so they can send money to their families back home.

Palestine

Gazans denounce claims Hamas is training extremists in Libya

Accusations by the spokesman of the forces of retired Maj. Gen. Khalifa Hifter that Hamas has provided technical support to some armed groups in Libya are rebutted and mocked by Palestinians amid a lack of evidence of Hamas’ involvement in the North African country.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf-Qatar crisis leaves its mark on sports

Amid the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Qatar and a number of major Arab nations, the Qatari sports channel beIN has been banned in several countries.

Legacy: Gulf

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