MENASource

The Politics of Water: What We Know About the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

By Margaret Suter

The end of 2015 saw the completion of a new round of negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project (GERD), with all participating countries reaching an agreement on the technical studies to be completed on the dam. As Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan start a fresh round of talks, EgyptSource […]

Top News: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Says Reported Number of Political Prisoners Is A ‘Lie’

By EgyptSource

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Monday in an interview with Foreign Policy that the circulated figure of 40,000 political prisoners in Egypt is a lie. Shoukry–in Washington since Sunday for a three-day visit–dismissed criticism of arrests made by Egyptian security forces following Morsi’s ouster, saying the figure was repeatedly reported until it became regarded as a […]

EconSource: UAE Plans to Trim Ministries, Outsource Most Government Services

By EconSource

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to outsource most government tasks to the private sector and cut the number of ministries, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said Monday.

The PKK’s Urban Warfare Tactics

By Noah Blaser and Aaron Stein

Seven months after violence between Turkey and the PKK began anew, the dynamics underpinning the conflict show no sign of abating. Even as the PKK is rolled back by a determined military push in cities across the region, it is adapting to the new, urban dimensions of a conflict once confined to the mountains of […]

Top News: As Syria rebels face rout, allies, Saudi, Turkey may send troops

By MENASource

With rebel forces facing the prospect of a crushing defeat by Syria’s Russian-backed regime, their allies Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Turkey may send in limited numbers of ground troops, analysts say.

Top News: Egypt’s Foreign Minister in Three-Day Visit to US for International, Regional Talks

By EgyptSource

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry began a three-day trip to Washington on Sunday, where he is set to meet with his American counterpart, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said. Shoukry’s visit targets bolstering bilateral ties and will include important meetings, Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid added in a statement.

EconSource: Saudi Power Projects Will Need $133 Billion Investment Over 10 Years

By EconSource

Saudi Arabia will need to invest $133.3 billion in electricity projects over the next ten years to cope with rising power demand, its Electricity and Water Minister Abdullah al-Hussayen said Sunday.

What Happened to Giulio Regeni?

Circumstances surrounding the death of an Italian national in Egypt remain vague, two days after his body was discovered on the outskirts of Cairo. Egyptian Public Prosecutor Ahmed Nagi told AP that Giulio Regeni was found dead on Wednesday in an empty lot in the 6th of October suburb. His body was transferred to Cairo’s […]

Top News: Libya loses voting rights at UN General Assembly over non-payment of dues

By MENASource

Libya has had its voting rights United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) suspended because it has not paid its UN membership dues. In a letter to the UNGA a fortnight ago, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that to have the ban lifted, Libya would have to pay a minimum of $1,369,638 towards reducing its debt.

Top News: Egypt’s Top Prosecutor Orders Striking Doctors at Matariya Hospital Back to Work

By EgyptSource

Egypt’s top prosecutor ordered the immediate reopening of Matariya Hospital on Thursday so that medical care can resume after doctors launched a strike over an assault by a group of policemen last week.