MP says Iran shuttered embassies over lack of funding

According to one Iranian parliamentarian, financial issues were behind Iran's closing of a number of embassies, for which the Foreign Ministry has long complained of a lack of funding.

Saudi Arabia

Egyptian state takes on independent trade unions

After Egypt recently declared independent trade unions invalid, many groups said they will fight the decision on the grounds that it violates the constitution.

Egypt

Has there been a breakthrough in Hamas-Egypt ties?

A Hamas visit to Egypt ended on a positive note, which might push the Egyptians to stop the incitement campaign against the movement.

Palestine

Egypt's NGOs face 'orchestrated, escalating' assault from authorities

A widening security crackdown on civil society organizations and activists has left many in Egypt pessimistic about the future.

Egypt

Is Israel key to solving Renaissance Dam crisis?

Ousted parliamentarian Tawfik Okasha still faces fierce criticism from his government for getting too close to Israel, in the ongoing Renaissance Dam saga — but could Egypt need Israel more than they are willing to admit?

Egypt

Why was Egypt's justice minister really fired?

Egyptian Justice Minister Ahmed al-Zind was removed from his post following remarks deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad — but politics may be the real culprit.

Egypt

New campaign against face veil sparks controversy in Egypt

Mohamed Attiya, the founder of the "Ban the niqab" campaign, speaks to Al-Monitor about why he supports banning niqabs in state institutions despite the criticism the campaign has received.

Egypt

Vessels willing to go the distance to avoid Suez canal tariffs

Egyptian authorities, who recently inaugurated the East Port Said side channel of the Suez Canal project, say they’re not concerned by reports of vessels using alternate routes.

Egypt

Leader of Egypt's Kefaya movement laments state of human rights

George Isaac, founder of the Kefaya movement and a member of the National Council for Human Rights, speaks to Al-Monitor about human rights in Egypt and his views on reform.

Egypt

Will border region dispute threaten Egyptian-Sudanese ties?

In an interview with Al-Monitor, new Halayeb-Shalateen parliamentarian Mamdouh Amara spoke about the dispute between Cairo and Khartoum over the area, as well as the main problems facing development in remote regions.

Egypt

Will Riyadh cancel aid to Egypt?

Saudi Arabia might be using the promise of aid or the threat of withdrawing aid to get Egypt to toe the line politically in regard to Syria.

Saudi Arabia

Will Egypt renew ties with Hamas?

After Egypt accused Hamas of assassinating its attorney-general, a Hamas delegation went to Cairo to try and patch things up with the new regime in Egypt.

Palestine