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
Morocco’s Amazighs still feel marginalized It has been four years since the Amazigh language was officially recognized by the Moroccan Constitution, but there is still no law in place to guarantee the cultural minority’s rights. Morocco
Morocco battles Islamic State cells After attacks in neighboring Tunisia, Morocco is doing all it can to crack down on Islamic State sympathizers. United Arab Emirates
Morocco, Algeria compete over Libya Morocco may be exploiting Algerian weaknesses to raise the stature of its foreign diplomacy by hosting the UN-sponsored dialogue between the conflicting Libyan parties. North Africa
Is Hillary Clinton taking 'blood phosphate' money from Morocco? Critics of a $1 million Clinton Foundation gift see a ploy to build support for illegal exploitation of the "last colony in Africa." Morocco
Russia shows interest in Western Sahara Russia's desire to play an active role in the Middle East extends beyond Cairo and Damascus to longstanding issues further south. Algeria
10 Middle East artists to watch Many female artists in the Middle East and North Africa are redefining their mediums. Bahrain
Why did Iran, Morocco resume relations? Economics, Iran's desire for greater international standing, the Islamic State and Western Sahara may be factors in Iran naming an ambassador to Morocco after a nearly six-year break in ties. Legacy: Gulf
Tensions increase between Egypt, Morocco Cordial relations between Egypt and Morocco have been hampered by a media brawl between both countries’ official TV channels, as Egypt moves closer to Algeria. Egypt
Erdogan’s heavy hand in Turkish media Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s personal call to a TV station to immediately stop a news scroll reveals the extent of the restrictions on press freedom in Turkey. Turkey
Israeli criminals make their way to Morocco Lacking an extradition treaty with Israel, Morocco has become an unlikely sanctuary for Israeli mobsters looking to make money or avoid police investigations. Israel
Jews from Arab countries: the forgotten refugees A UN conference addresses the status of Jews from Arab states who were expelled from their homeland after the creation of the state of Israel. Palestine
