Analysis North Africa’s rail race spurred by World Cup, trade and bullet trains Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are betting on high-speed rail, long-distance routes and expanded networks to improve their economic outlook and project power. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia
Morocco’s agricultural, fishing sectors plunge in 2024 amid drought, climate strain Agriculture is a pillar of the Moroccan economy, and in 2023, it amounted to more than 11% of the country’s gross domestic product. Morocco
Algeria-France crisis peaks as Algiers expels 12 diplomats: What we know A rift between Algeria and France has heated up on Monday as Algiers ordered a dozen French diplomats out of the country. Algeria
Analysis Growing arms race tests Morocco’s military tech edge, Israel ties By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Could foreign partners help revive ailing Arab film industry? The Sharm el-Sheikh Arab and European Film Festival started a debate through a seminar on joint film projects between the Arab world and Europe, over the feasibility of international co-productions. Egypt
Why Egypt is moving forward on free trade Experts consider Egypt's recent actions supporting the Agadir Agreement significant, as Egypt has the largest market among the free-trade agreement's member countries, which will enjoy greater trade and investment opportunities with the help of Egyptian labor and investment opportunities. Saudi Arabia
EU deeply divided over Western Sahara policy A European Court of Justice decision excluding Western Saharan exports from receiving preferential tariffs granted to Morocco has highlighted the need for the European Union to address the issue of who represents the people of Western Sahara. Morocco
Runners in grueling marathon persevere, as do Sahrawis Each year, runners brave the harsh conditions of the Sahara Marathon to benefit and show solidarity with the Sahrawi people. Algeria
Polisario seeks to keep Sahara dispute in spotlight By withdrawing from a Western Sahara neutral area, Morocco is courting the new UN secretary-general while getting rid of the attention the tense situation has brought to the Western Sahara plight. Mauritania
What's on Morocco's agenda as it rejoins African Union? Morocco wants to take advantage of its strong economic presence to gain political support in the Western Sahara dispute while becoming a hub for Western investments in the African continent. Morocco
What the US stands to lose by alienating Morocco After Donald Trump's election, abrupt and extreme changes in US policy threaten its relationship with longtime ally Morocco. Morocco
How these artists are working to fight extremism in the Mideast A group of artists came together at the International Artists Gathering in Fez, Morocco, to generate strategies for a counterattack that points creativity to a social purpose and fights fire with artistic expression. Morocco
Goldfinch trainers seek to spread wings beyond Gaza Palestinian trainers of singing goldfinches hope to one day take part in international competitions, but have been limited so far because of closed borders. Palestine
Why Saudi Arabia and Egypt are competing for influence in Africa Some observers fear Saudi and Egyptian differences could spread Middle Eastern conflicts to Africa. Saudi Arabia
Political Islamists brace for Trump era The president-elect and his advisers take a dim view of the Muslim Brotherhood and its cousins, but could shutting them out end up hurting America the most? Egypt
EU court decision may escalate tension with Morocco Europe's highest court ruled Dec. 21 that trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco do not apply to Western Sahara. Morocco
