Israel energy minister says gas flowing to Egypt, Jordan despite shutdown reports Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Al-Monitor that despite security concerns and partial shut down of marine gas platforms, Israel continues to supply gas to Egypt, Jordan and Israeli consumers. Israel
Egypt closes stores early, Jordan bans AC as Iran war takes toll Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced Monday that the use of air conditioning and heating equipment in ministries, government departments and public institutions will now be prohibited. Egypt
Analysis Oil-rich Gulf states could face power crunch as Iran war hits energy security While the conflict fuels a global oil price shock, the Gulf states must contend with growing threats to their own energy security, from power cuts to desalinated water loss. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
How Egypt is navigating limited options in Iran war to stay neutral Egypt, so far spared from Iranian retaliatory attacks, is pushing for a diplomatic solution as the war with the US and Israel threatens its already fragile economy. Egypt
Analysis Oil crisis stokes inflation risks for Mideast as Iran war exposes importers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Qatar gas shock roils Middle East energy risk profile amid Iran war By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis UAE-Saudi fracture to test Egypt’s security-economy tradeoff By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
What will $12 billion IMF loan cost Egypt? Egypt, facing a huge budget gap, is seeking to borrow from international agencies, but doing so is likely to bring harsh financial restrictions. Egypt
Egyptians pin Olympic hopes on fencing star Egypt's celebrated fencer Alaaeldin Abouelkassem is determined to return home from Rio de Janeiro with another Olympic medal. Egypt
Will this Egyptian diplomat be UNESCO's next leader? For Moushira Khattab, Egypt's nominee to be the next head of UNESCO, the value of education is clear — it can be used to fight terrorism by immunizing the human mind against extremist thoughts. Egypt
Why Turkey and Egypt won’t reconcile anytime soon Following the failed coup attemp in Turkey, Egyptian officials have launched diplomatic assaults against the Turkish leadership, fearing that Egypt's own Islamists could re-emerge. Egypt
Why critically acclaimed Egyptian film faces backlash at home Egyptian director Mohamed Diab's "Clash" won accolades at Cannes this year, but the movie is now facing criticism after its premiere in Egypt. Egypt
New taxes have Egyptian smokers fuming As part of a new VAT bill aimed at reforming the country’s fiscal policy, the Egyptian government hikes up taxes on cigarettes and tobacco for the third year in a row, raising concern among smokers of limited income who now must choose between paying more or quitting. Egypt
Will Egypt hold popular referendum on islands transfer? In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Egyptian presidential candidate and lawyer Khalid Ali discusses the case he brought before the administrative court to challenge Cairo’s decision to transfer ownership of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Al-Qaeda affiliate’s desperate 'switch' validates US Syria policy Fear of US and Russian airstrikes on eve of Syrian offensive a sign that Jabhat al-Nusra may be feeling the heat; Turkey’s de-Gulenification campaign in context; retired Saudi general probes Israeli commitment to peace settlement. Saudi Arabia
Why are Egypt’s TV hosts migrating to Western screens? Bassem Youssef, known as “Egypt’s Jon Stewart,” is no longer in Egypt, as he and other personalities like him are finding freedom of speech in the West. Egypt
Will Hamas accept new Egypt-brokered deal with Israel? Egypt is making efforts in sealing an exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, yet observers question whether Hamas will accept it given the strained ties between the movement and Cairo. Palestine
What Saudi Arabia can offer Israel The unofficial visit by a retired Saudi general to Israel was a quiet overture that indicated Riyadh is willing to explore normalization with Israel in return for advancing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. Saudi Arabia