Syria reports sabotage of undersea internet cable between Tartous and Alexandria: What to know The affected cable connects Syria to Egypt and is one of four cables that link to the coastal city of Tartous. Syria
Newsletter: Business & Tech Gulf investors eye payday ahead of SpaceX IPO The IPO could leave Saudi investors holding a combined stake worth well over $15 billion in one of the world’s most coveted technology companies. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Suez Canal traffic soars as Hormuz disruptions reroute energy trade The canal generated $419 million in revenue in April, up 27% year over year. Egypt
Egypt, Turkey push energy ties in Azerbaijan talks amid Hormuz crisis Egypt and Turkey are moving to deepen energy cooperation as Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts Gulf energy flows, increasing the significance of Eastern Mediterranean energy infrastructure. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran attack on Kuwait airport kills one, halts flights By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Tensions rise between Egypt, Hamas Tensions have surged between Egypt and Hamas following the deadly October attack in the Sinai Peninsula against Egyptian soldiers, which prompted an Egyptian media campaign against Hamas. Palestine
After joining IS, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis expands in Egypt Terrorist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis is developing its strategy and tactics after joining the Islamic State, and threatens to spread the violence to Egyptian cities outside Sinai. Egypt
Houthis’ advance threatens Red Sea countries Red Sea countries are sounding the alarm as to the possible Houthis takeover of Bab al-Mandeb strait, by issuing initiatives to preserve the security of these states. Yemen
Will Nubian demands for return become calls for secession? The Nubian people in Egypt are demanding their rights to return to lands from which they have been displaced multiple times through history, while some consider that they might also start calling for secession. Egypt
Sisi's deportation law creates controversy Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued another controversial law to repatriate non-Egyptians accused of committing crimes, drawing criticism that it might expand the president’s privileges over the judiciary power. Egypt
Egypt debates health care reform New legislation has been proposed to revamp Egypt’s outdated and ill-functioning health insurance system and cover all Egyptians under one universal insurance umbrella. Egypt
Obama says no plans to remove Assad Obama says no for now to regime change in Syria; Dark backs ‘freeze’ in divided Aleppo; Syrian opposition holds its own in south; Israel, Palestinians fear religious war; Is Egypt winning battle against IS-linked group? Palestine
Egypt journalists refrain from criticizing state A number of Egyptian editors issued a statement in which they pledged not to criticize the state's institutions, which some consider a nationalization of the media in Egypt by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Islamic State in Sinai poses threat to Hamas Despite Hamas denials, Islamic State cells exist in the Gaza Strip, and its declaration of a state in the Sinai may accelerate its expansion as Hamas’ grip on Gaza loosens. Palestine
Sufis look for a political role in Egypt Sufis have vowed to make an impact during Egypt’s next elections, in an attempt to push back against the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists. Egypt
Security expert: Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis 'gasping for breath' As Egyptian terrorist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis swore allegiance to the Islamic State, several Egyptian security experts dismissed its significance, citing strong gains by the army against the Sinai-based group. Egypt
Islamic State pledge in Sinai raises stakes for Egypt Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis’ decision to declare allegiance to the Islamic State undercuts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s efforts to reassure the Egyptian public that his government is winning the war on terror in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt