Culture Who is Fatima El Mansouri, Morocco’s first woman prime minister? Her appointment marks the first time a woman has served as Morocco’s head of government and the second time a woman has held the position in the Arab world. Morocco
Israel, Morocco agree to exchange ambassadors, open embassies The move will mark the first time Morocco and Israel have exchanged ambassadors. Morocco
Explainer Fueled by regional rivalries, Algeria severs diplomatic ties with UAE Algiers accused Abu Dhabi of increasingly “provocative and hostile actions” after years of friction over Morocco, Western Sahara and competing regional interests. Algeria
Analysis FIFA in turmoil: Middle East takes center stage as Infantino fights to stay in power Amid the backlash to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial investment plan, upcoming World Cup hosts Morocco and Saudi Arabia have starring roles in the drama. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hamas says Israel must withdraw first after Trump announces Gaza deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Why Morocco's Islamists struggle to manage economy A stagnant economy, due to a decline in tourism, agriculture and phosphate earnings, is frustrating voters in a country where the long-term economic trend has not been positive. Morocco
Soccer club gives Sahrawi kids a workout — and hope Refugee camps have little to offer children, but dozens of kids are taking advantage of a new soccer club that provides training and helps them hone other skills as well. Algeria
Morocco takes lead in climate change fight, but at what cost? Morocco is pushing forward with an ambitious renewable energy sector, but its policies may be doing more harm than good. Morocco
Will Benkirane be able to form new Moroccan government? Morocco's recently reappointed prime minister needs to overcome huge challenges to reach a consensus and form a government, as the partisan bloc that is close to the royal palace has set conditions for taking part in a government led by Islamists. Morocco
What you need to know about Morocco's recent protests Protests in Morocco are about more than the death of a fish vendor — they are about social and economic justice. Morocco
Arabs seek new partnership with next US president A new poll shows widespread distrust but reliance on the United States. Saudi Arabia
Will warming ties with Iran impact Morocco’s relationship with Saudi Arabia? Morocco announced the appointment of an ambassador to Tehran, ending a seven-year break in diplomatic ties. But concerns are emerging about the reaction of Saudi Arabia, an ally to the kingdom and enemy of Iran. Saudi Arabia
Festival feeds growing success of Sahrawi filmmakers The world’s most remote film festival featured a number of Sahrawi-made movies, encouraging young artists there and drawing attention to the Sahrawis' plight. Algeria
Meet Nabila Mounib, an outsider in Morocco's parliamentary elections In an interview with Al-Monitor, Nabila Mounib, the secretary-general of the United Socialist Party, discussed her party’s political program. Morocco
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