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
Why young Sahrawis are joining military movement against Morocco Sahrawi youth have grown tired of waiting for the United Nations to break the stalemate between Western Sahara and Morocco. Algeria
Why some in Western Sahara oppose $1 million US grant The Obama administration is planning to approve a $1 million grant for civil society organizations in Western Sahara, but many Sahrawis have concerns about the move. Algeria
Obama administration steps into Western Sahara minefield The agency is close to awarding a $1 million grant for the Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara. North Africa
Tensions flare in Western Sahara dispute One word used by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was all it took to reignite tensions over disputed territory in northwest Africa. Morocco
Why canceled Arab League summit should worry Israelis Morocco’s decision not to host the Arab League summit has unexpected implications for Israel. Saudi Arabia
Congress seeks to punish countries that fail to hinder foreign fighters The House Foreign Affairs panel will vote this week on a plan to combat international travel by terrorists. Jordan
Who kidnapped Hannibal Gadhafi, and why? The mysterious kidnapping of Hannibal Gadhafi in Lebanon has raised numerous scenarios about the motives behind the operation. Egypt
Moroccan anger over Western Sahara baffles Sweden The Moroccan government has called for an economic boycott against Sweden for allegedly changing its position to back Western Saharan independence. North Africa
Moroccan cartoonists fight for their right to express themselves It doesn’t seem like Morocco is the perfect place to be for daring caricaturists and satirical writers, but despite restrictions, some are still fighting for freedom of expression. Morocco
Lobbying 2015: Morocco courts US backing in Sahara dispute Morocco is spending upwards of $3 million a year to convince US politicians – including presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton – to back its claims over the disputed Western Sahara. So far, it’s working. Morocco
How Morocco plans to contain its Salafists Several prominent Salafists in Morocco have surprised the nation by joining mainstream political parties. Syria
