Newsletter: Business & Tech World Cup spending boosts Morocco stocks This week, Morocco’s stock market surged on 2030 World Cup hype, Egypt secured its first Qatari industrial investment in sustainable aviation fuel, Yemen’s oil-rich south saw renewed conflict, and AI-driven robots are helping the UAE meet construction demands. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Morocco’s markets rise as World Cup spending fuels largest IPO in decades Shares in SGTM jumped by 10% on Dec. 16 after the construction firm raised roughly $550 million from its IPO, underscoring demand in a market that has featured few new listings in recent years. Morocco
Culture World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes. Iran
Spain, Morocco dismantle drone network flying hashish across border Spanish authorities seized more than 150 kilograms of hashish and more than 320,000 euros ($371,820) in cash in searches across southern Spain. Morocco
Analysis Morocco's UN-backed Western Sahara plan offers investors some reassurance By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Feature Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
What Moroccan government’s shortcomings mean for post-election coalitions As Moroccans prepare to head to the polls Oct. 7 to elect members of the lower house of parliament, a current lack of cohesion among government parties may indicate a post-poll realignment. Morocco
Why Sahrawis see more hope in war than in peace Sahrawi leaders are growing ever-more impatient — and becoming more vocal about it — as little has been accomplished in the 25 years they have waited peacefully for change. Algeria
Democracy in Morocco will require collective effort Morocco’s deep state is worming its way into pre-election machinations. Morocco
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
