Why Turkey is striking out on the diplomatic field

Despite some diplomatic gestures by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his new prime minister, it appears Turkey's isolation and desperation in foreign policy will continue.

Egypt

Egypt condemns Orlando attack, yet continues crackdown on LGBT citizens

Egypt's LGBT activists, who once had high hopes that the January 25 Revolution would bring about a greater openness for gays in Egypt, have been sorely disappointed by the actions against them under the Sisi administration.

Egypt

How Egypt plans to address its growing water crisis

As Egypt faces its worst water crisis in 100 years, farmers are stuck between their need to cultivate cash-generating crops that require a lot of water and the Egyptian state's ban on water-thirsty crops.

Egypt

Former Egypt FM says US election outcome won't dictate US-Arab ties

In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy says that "the future of Arab-American affairs is 70% controlled by the Arab world and 30% in the hands of the United States," and hence does not depend on the next US president.

Saudi Arabia

Will Egypt stop listing religion on official IDs?

The draft bill to remove the religion field from national IDs and official documents sparked a debate among Egyptians, with some supporting the decision as it would eliminate discrimination and others arguing that it would further entrench sectarian tension.

Egypt

Egypt launches new initiative to control goods prices during Ramadan

In light of the difficult economic situation in Egypt, the Ministry of Supply announced May 20 the implementation of the initiative known as “Ahlan Ramadan,” offering goods at low prices.

Egypt

Will this mobile library drive Egyptian kids to read?

An Egyptian teacher has been roaming the villages of Egypt in his vehicle, distributing books and telling stories, in a bid to bridge the cultural gap between the villages and cities.

Egypt

Will Arab-American voters rally around Clinton?

Arab-Americans tend to vote Democratic in presidential elections, but will the community coalesce around Hillary Clinton despite the attraction of Bernie Sanders’ views on the Middle East?

Palestine

Will Egypt's Copts get to build more churches?

Egypt finalizes the long overdue law governing the construction of churches, while some still hope for a unified law for mosques and churches.

Egypt

From Cairo to California: Meet the Arab world’s super-agent

By establishing talent agency CAT, Egyptian producer and film director Amr Koura hopes to bridge the cultural gap between the Arab world and the West.

Near East

New legislation to bolster services for Egypt's disabled

The Egyptian parliament is discussing a groundbreaking bill to guarantee the rights of Egypt's disabled population, addressing some but not all of the obstacles that have impeded the constitutional provisions in this matter so far.

Egypt

Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute

Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise.

Saudi Arabia