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
Young Moroccan activists rally for climate action Morocco is already taking big steps to combat climate change, but young people want their country to do more, starting with addressing the local problems that limit public engagement. Morocco
Moroccan sex 'outlaws' protest criminalization of sex outside marriage Following a Moroccan journalist's arrest for an alleged abortion and extramarital sex, thousands have signed an online petition to end the state's criminalization of sex outside marriage. Morocco
Moroccan king announces plan to promote social, economic equality As Morocco's king marks 20 years on the throne, he's preparing a plan designed to aid the poor, largely through education. Morocco
Geopolitics delay action while climate change threatens to parch Mideast The Middle East and North Africa region faces serious water risks, but experts say the collective action needed to address the problem is still far off. Oman
Moroccan medical students protest privatization of medical education The government’s decision to privatize medical education has caused protests among medical students in public schools that have been ongoing since late March. Morocco
Morocco's been busy muzzling anti-regime voices this year Morocco has stepped up its campaign against political and civil activists, raising concerns among local and international rights organizations. Morocco
Coding academy opens new opportunities for Moroccan youth 3W Academy Maroc aims at addressing youth unemployment in Morocco through accessible tech education. Morocco
Saudis’ troubled ties in region threaten Trump's anti-Iran agenda The Trump administration is tightening the screws on Iran, but Saudi Arabia, Iran's archnemesis, may not be of help drumming up support for the US policy given the state of its current relations in the Arab world. Legacy: Gulf
Nervous Riyadh anxious about Algiers The Saudi Kingdom watches cautiously as Algerian protesters bring back the 2019 version of the Arab Spring to demand an open political system. Saudi Arabia
Eight years on, how is Morocco recovering from Arab Spring? The popular protests demanding political reforms eight years ago in Morocco have turned into social movements. Morocco
Russia keeps plugging away at cooperation with North Africa During his tour around the Maghreb, Foreign Minister Lavrov showed Russia has a genuine interest in developing stronger ties with regional states, but the number of roadblocks in the way raise questions about Moscow's ability to go past "strategic declarations" anytime soon. Egypt
Congress cuts deal on Middle East aid package The latest spending bill contains big wins for Egypt and Turkey while shunning Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
