MENASource

EconSource: Saudi Government to Focus on Raising Efficiency of Public Spending

By EconSource

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman said on Wednesday that the government’s economic vision would focus on increasing the efficiency of government spending and raising returns on investments.

Student Elections in Egypt: A Potential Step Forward

By Mohamed Abdel Salam

In December 2015, the Student Union of Egypt held annual elections for the first time in over two years. The Supreme Council of Universities suspended elections in March 2013, and continued to postpone them until now. University students blamed the government for the decision, accusing it of attempting to control a volatile, anti-government student movement.

Top News: Iraqi Troops Storm ISIS-held Ramadi

Iraqi security forces advanced Tuesday into the center of Ramadi for a final push aimed at retaking the city they lost to the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) in May.

EconSource: Qatar National Bank to Buy Turkey’s Finansbank for $2.95 Billion

By EconSource

The Gulf Arab region’s largest bank Qatar National Bank (QNB) has agreed to buy Turkey’s Finansbank from National Bank of Greece (NBG) for 2.7 billion euros ($2.95 billion).

The Five Key Challenges to a Sustainable Peace in Libya

By Mohamed Eljarh

Libya’s political factions met in Skhirat, Morocco on December 17 to sign the UN-facilitated political agreement after more than 15 months of dialogue. This agreement represents the best hope for Libya’s reconstruction after a long political and armed struggle over power and resources.

Top News: UN Endorses Peace Process for Syria

The UN Security Council’s (UNSC) unanimous support of a peace process for Syria that is set to begin next month with government-opposition talks and a ceasefire represents its strongest gesture yet in support of a solution to the civil war.

Top News: Esraa al-Taweel Released for Medical Reasons After Seven Months Detention

By EgyptSource

Cairo Criminal Court ordered the release Saturday of Egyptian photographer Esraa al-Taweel after nearly seven months in detention pending trial. Judge Hassan Farid said Taweel was released because of her medical condition and her need for to receive treatment outside prison.

EconSource: Saudi Arabia Plans Major Economic Shakeup Amid Oil Slump

By EconSource

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately outlined plans to reshape the economy to withstand low oil prices. The strategy, which includes state spending reforms and privatizations, was presented at a meeting this week with senior officials, businessmen, and economists.

Does Egypt Believe in its Parliament?

By Yussef Auf

After a three and a half year absence, the Egyptian parliament is back in business as the final rounds of election are coming to an end. A revote for thirteen seats is taking place in four constituencies, after which all seats in the parliament will be filled. Since the Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) dissolved the […]

Social Media in Egypt: A Catapult for Change

By Omar Halawa

Zeinab Mohamed, an Egyptian blogger who joined twitter in January 2007, never imagined social media websites could come to represent Egypt’s “virtual political spectrum.” Not only has social media become a platform for political expression, it is also a tool for spreading awareness, and at times, for exerting pressure.