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
Israeli defense minister to visit Morocco in first since normalization Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz is expected to sign security cooperation agreements with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdellatif Loudiyi. Morocco
Algeria accuses Morocco of fatal attack on three truck drivers The Algerian presidency said the killing of the three Algerian truck drivers in a roadside bombing on Monday "will not go unpunished." Morocco
Morocco sentences journalist Omar Radi in trial slammed by rights groups The court on Monday sentenced Omar Radi to six years in prison on espionage and rape charges he denies. Morocco
Moroccan journalist's jailing draws rebuke from US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States is "disappointed" by a Moroccan court's five-year sentence of journalist Soulaiman Raissouni. Morocco
Moroccan PM congratulates Hamas for 'victory' against Israel Saadeddine Othmani's support for the Palestinians during the recent conflict with Israel followed Morocco and Israel agreeing to normalize relations late last year. Morocco
Tensions between Morocco, Polisario Front remain after leader's killing Polisario Front Police Chief Addah al-Bendir was murdered. And much like the long-simmering dispute between the Front and Morocco, nothing about his death is clear. North Africa
Surprising economic upside seen for Egypt, Morocco and Iran Reports this month by the IMF and the US intelligence community also underscore troubling trendlines. Egypt
Freedom House: Syria, Western Sahara worst in world for political rights The think tank also downgraded Jordan to "not free" in its 2021 democracy rankings. Jordan
Israel reopens liaison office in Morocco The mission's reopening comes a month after Israel and Morocco agreed to establish diplomatic and economic ties. United Arab Emirates
Israel’s Cabinet approves diplomatic relations with Morocco The agreement calls for "diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations" between the two governments. Israel
Young Israeli singer wins over fans with Moroccan Arabic voice Israeli artist Ron Peretz embraces the Moroccan Arabic she learned at home in hip hop music that is conquering hearts in Israel and the Arab world. Israel
Egypt denies plans to join states opening Western Sahara consulates Cairo has denied Moroccan reports that Egypt plans to inaugurate a consulate in Western Sahara, which has been disputed for decades between Morocco and the Polisario Front backed by Algeria. Egypt
