MENASource

January 25: The Anniversaries [Video]

Each year, the anniversary of the January 25 uprising has simultaneously been cause for celebration by some, and has been marked by violence and death for others.

EconSource: Gulf Ministers Say Low Oil Price is Opportunity for Reforms

By EconSource

The sharp drop in the price of oil is an opportunity to end subsidies and introduce reforms, Gulf ministers said Friday. “With low prices… it is the right time” to cut subsidies on oil products, Kuwait’s Finance Minister and Acting Oil Minister Anas al-Saleh said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Aramco’s IPO a Test of Saudi Transparency

By Haytham Tabesh

When Saudi Arabia decided to launch its economic reform plan, no one thought the Arab American Oil Company (Aramco) would be on the list of government-controlled companies slated for privatization. Surprisingly, Deputy Crown Prince Mohamad Bin Salman told The Economist the kingdom was considering floating shares and that he was enthusiastic about it.

Top News: Turkey suspects Russia building airbase near border with Syria

By MENASource

Turkish authorities reportedly have intelligence suggesting that Russia might be preparing to establish an airbase near Turkey’s border with Syria, a step likely to deepen tensions between the two countries that flared after Turkish warplanes downed a Russian fighter jet in November.

Top News: Two Groups Claim Responsibility for Blast in Giza Apartment that Killed Ten

By EgyptSource

An affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) and another militant group in Egypt both claimed responsibility for a bombing that took place in Giza governorate’s Haram district on Thursday, killing at least ten.

Top News: Parliament Rejects Civil Service Law, Approves Law Shielding State Deals

By EgyptSource

Egypt’s parliament rejected on Wednesday the controversial Civil Service Law after 332 MPs out of 468 voted against it. The law, which regulates appointment criteria, payments, retirements and promotions for civil workers in government agencies, was met with widespread criticism by many state employees, labor unions and labor rights activists.

Top News: Turkey plans operation in Syria as part of international movement to dismantle ISIS

By MENASource

Turkish sources stated that Ankara is preparing for a ground operation in Jarabulus, near the Syrian-Turkish borders and under the control of ISIS, in the next few days.

EconSource: China Offers Financial Support to Egypt During President’s Visit

By EconSource

China signed a number of economic deals with Egypt during a visit by President Xi Jinping on Thursday and agreed to a $1 billion financing agreement with the Central Bank of Egypt and $700 million in loans to the National Bank of Egypt.

How Might the FED’s Policy Affect the Middle East?

By M. Hande Akmehmet

The US Federal Reserve (FED) announced its most anticipated policy change in December 2015: the long-awaited modest increase in short-term interest rates, which formally marked the beginning of a “Strong Dollar” period in the global economy. Coupled with the upcoming rate hikes in 2016, this policy will not only impact the US economy, but will […]

The January 25 Anniversary: A Well-Rehearsed Script

By Khaled Dawoud

Over the past four years, the anniversary of the January 25 revolution has not been a welcomed occasion—whether under SCAF, former president Mohamed Morsi, former interim president Adly Mansour, or President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Activists who took part in the 18-day revolution against Mubarak, and continue to defend it as one of the most significant […]