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
Sahrawi protesters recount recent abuses The people of Western Sahara have been seeking independence for decades and still suffer for their efforts. Algeria
Trips offer respite to Sahrawi refugee children Sahrawi children live in difficult conditions year-round, with the exception of those children lucky enough to take "peace vacations" in Spain. Algeria
Morocco hoping for Olympic gold in boxing, track and field Morocco is sending a number of exceptional athletes to the Rio Olympics, namely, middle-distance runner Abdalaati Iguider, boxer Mohammed Rabii and equestrian jumper Abdelkebir Ouaddar. Morocco
Why Morocco really wants back in the African Union The king of Morocco's recent declaration that his country wants to return to the African Union after a 32-year absence appears to be a political maneuver to gain ground in the Western Sahara dispute. Egypt
Sahrawis, EU in standoff over Moroccan trade agreement The Polisario Front criticizes the EU’s farm trade agreement with Morocco because it also applies to the disputed territory of the Western Sahara; by bringing this agreement before the EU’s highest court, the Polisario Front puts its claim for independence back on the agenda. Morocco
Algeria rips House appropriators over Sahara coercion Algiers is furious at pro-Moroccan language in the annual foreign aid bill. Algeria
Western Sahara's Polisario Front elects leader The Sahrawi people have a new chief and a persistent determination to establish recognition from Morocco, one way or the other. Algeria
Why Sahrawi refugees don't count on census to provide relief Some international parties are pushing for an independent census regarding the number of Sahrawi refugees in Algeria, but some in the camps say they have reasons to be opposed. Algeria
What's next in Western Sahara dispute after death of Polisario leader? Late Polisario Front leader Mohamed Abdelaziz kept the dispute over Western Sahara peaceful, but a fruitless, 25-year-long cease-fire with Morocco has young Sahrawis impatient. Morocco
Amid decreasing aid, Sahrawis seek self-sufficiency A Sahrawi woman's successful business of producing traditional garments is helping other Western Sahara refugees support themselves in Algeria after decades of dependency on aid organizations. Algeria
Israel's Arab Jews officially recognized as victims of Holocaust Roughly 1,000 of Israel's North African and Iraqi Jews have requested to receive a one-time compensation grant that recognizes the suffering of those communities under the Nazi regime. Iraq
