Security expert: Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis 'gasping for breath'

As Egyptian terrorist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis swore allegiance to the Islamic State, several Egyptian security experts dismissed its significance, citing strong gains by the army against the Sinai-based group.

Egypt

Islamic State pledge in Sinai raises stakes for Egypt

Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis’ decision to declare allegiance to the Islamic State undercuts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s efforts to reassure the Egyptian public that his government is winning the war on terror in the Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt

3,500 Palestinians stuck outside Gaza

The author interviews several Gazans stuck in Egypt and other countries, herself included, who are unable to return to the Gaza Strip following the terrorist attack in Sinai and the subsequent closure of the Rafah crossing.

Palestine

Congress weighs easing restrictions on military aid to Egypt

Lawmakers are debating whether to give the Obama administration the power to sidestep legal obstacles to the $1.3 billion annual aid package

Egypt

Contaminated water delays Sinai canal

Despite demands to accelerate development and land reclamation projects in the Sinai Peninsula, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi postpones plans for a crucial canal due to health concerns.

Egypt

Despite isolation, Gaza drug smuggling continues

Even with the closure of most tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, drugs such as Tramadol are still finding their way onto Gaza’s streets.

Palestine

Military trials in Egypt undermine civil law

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a new law, whereby the perpetrators of assaults against public and government facilities shall be referred to military courts.

Egypt

Egypt farmers call for aid, threaten strike

Egyptian farmers are threatening to halt cultivation of certain crops to call attention to the need for state action to support and protect the industry.

Egypt

Is Algeria's dialogue initiative for Libya still viable?

Algeria had announced a dialogue initiative bringing together Libya’s rival factions to be held in October, but the month passed without a meeting being held.

Egypt

Egypt’s Islamists try to distance themselves from IS

As Egypt’s Islamist groups fail to take a common stance on domestic politics, they agree at least that the Islamic State is giving political Islam, as a movement, a bad reputation.

Egypt

Ethiopian minister upbeat about dam talks with Egypt

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy Alemayehu Tenegu says negotiations with Egypt and Sudan over the Renaissance Dam are improving.

Egypt

Egypt's youth turn to Islamic State

The security restrictions imposed by the authorities in Egypt on its youth are pushing many to believe in the ideology of the Islamic State (IS) and become actively involved in IS cells in Egyptian society.

Egypt