Newsletter: China-Middle East China adjusts to Middle East turbulence in 2025, faces challenges in Iran, Yemen While evading new US sanctions on Iran, adjusting to changes in Syria and expanding military footprint with key Arab partners especially Egypt, China closes 2025 with gains in the Middle East but confronts new challenges with UAE-Saudi rupture in Yemen and Sudan. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Analysis From Sputnik to satellites: How China is pulling Egypt and Gulf into its space orbit Beijing is emerging as a key partner for Middle Eastern and North African states seeking to develop satellites, navigation services and space industries of their own. By Dale Aluf In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East
Analysis Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Young Chadian leader sees partner, role model in Sisi Mahamat ibn Idriss Deby Itno is seeking Cairo's support to manage the country's transition. Egypt
Egyptian rights group suspends operations after 'hostile' targeting of staff The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said the decision to close its doors came after "many strenuous attempts to continue to operate, despite the difficult conditions.” Egypt
Sudan's uncertain course after Hamdok resignation Sudan’s prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok, has resigned amid fears of a civil war owing to a severe political deadlock. Egypt
Ethiopia to generate electricity from GERD amid negotiations deadlock Ethiopia will produce energy from the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in a move likely to heighten existing tensions with Egypt and Sudan. Egypt
Egyptian Church takes initiative on climate ahead of COP27 The Egyptian Coptic Church launched an initiative to plant trees in the grounds of all its affiliated churches and parishes to raise awareness of the issue of climate change, in preparation for Egypt hosting COP27. Egypt
Nubians demand repatriation during Sisi visit Nubians in Upper Egypt still seek return to the land of their ancestors, after years of forced displacement, amid complaints of political and cultural marginalization. Egypt
Egypt revives Western Desert agricultural project Egypt has breathed new life into an old agricultural project in its Western Desert, hoping it will increase food production and reduce imports. Egypt
Soccer adds to Egypt-Sudan-Ethiopia tensions Soccer politics is at play as Sudan's Al-Merrikh Club insists to play its match against Egypt's Al-Ahly in CAF's Champions League in Ethiopia, giving rise to fears in Egypt from possible fan violence. Egypt
Sinai tribes participate in military action against jihadi organizations Over the past few days, the Sinai Tribes Union has issued statements on confrontations between tribesmen and members of the IS-affiliated Sinai Province organization. Egypt
Egypt aims to localize car industry with Emirati support Egypt is trying its best to deliver its plan to localize the automobile industry, as it cooperates with Abu Dhabi to produce and manufacture a specific car in Egyptian factories to meet the needs of the Egyptian local market on the one hand and export it to African countries on the other. Egypt
Artist's retirement prompts debate in Egypt: is singing allowed or against religion? Jordanian artist Adham Nabulsi has retired from singing so he can “worship God and obey his commands,” sparking controversy over whether or not singing and acting are considered haram. Egypt
New Egyptian engineering efforts protect South Sinai from floods Egypt is working on establishing dams, artificial lakes and reservoirs to counter the torrential rains in South Sinai. Egypt
