EGYPT: Relief and Reservations Over Withdrawal

Egyptians are still trying to make sense of the political implications of the dramatic evacuation of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip.

EGYPT: Tourism Industry Braces for Fallout

The local tourism industry is scrambling to assess the economic fallout in the wake of the triple bomb attacks that wrecked the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh July 23, killing more than 80 people including a number of foreign tourists.

MEDIA-EGYPT: By Law, Some Editors Retire At Last

In what has been called the biggest shake-up to Egypt's state-run print media in recent history, the Higher Press Council in early July appointed a host of new chairmen to the biggest government-owned publishing houses, and replaced longstanding editors-in-chief of the most widely distributed national newspapers.

EGYPT: Gas Deal Cements Rapprochement With Israel

A recent deal to sell Egyptian natural gas to Israel, while unpopular with the general public here, marks steadily improving diplomatic relations between the historical antagonists.

MIDEAST: Disputes Arise Over Passage to Peace

Less than two months before Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Cairo and Tel Aviv are still hashing out security arrangements that will govern the so-called 'Philadelphi Corridor', the 13km long border road between Egypt and Israel.

EGYPT: Tourism Lifeline Feels the Strain

The tourism industry in Egypt is keeping a close eye on business following two recent attacks that appeared directed at Westerners.

EGYPT: Tourists Keep Up the Lifeline

Despite the initial apprehension of local hotels and travel agencies following the April 7 attack on tourists in Cairo's historic al-Azhar district, the effect on Egypt's vital tourism industry has been slight.

EGYPT: Uneasy Warmth Grows with Israel

In another reflection of warming diplomatic ties, Israeli foreign minister Silvan Shalom - a member of Israel's right-wing Likud Party - visited Cairo Tuesday to hold discussions with President Hosni Mubarak.

EGYPT: Uneasy Warmth Grows with Israel

In another reflection of warming diplomatic ties, Israeli foreign minister Silvan Shalom - a member of Israel's right-wing Likud Party - visited Cairo Tuesday to hold discussions with President Hosni Mubarak, his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Aboul Gheit and intelligence chief Omar Suleiman.

EGYPT: Opposition Waits for Democracy, Cynically

Ever since President Hosni Mubarak asked parliament for a constitutional amendment allowing multi-candidate presidential elections, speculation has grown around prospective contenders.

EGYPT: Christian-Muslim Rift Widens

Tension is simmering between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities after allegations of forced conversions to Islam.

CHALLENGES 2004-2005: U.S. Turns Away from Arab Reforms

After a year of tough talk from U.S. policymakers about the inevitable 'democratization' of the Middle East, Washington appears to be backtracking, along with its Arab friends in the region.

EGYPT: Religious Tension Rises After Years of Calm

Muslim-Christian relations in Egypt burst onto the public stage last week after allegations by Coptic Christians of forced conversion to Islam triggered demonstrations in Cairo. Sectarian friction was also reported in provinces of Upper Egypt.

ECONOMY-EGYPT: Beaches Are Stronger than History

Since time immemorial, the pyramids and temples of Egypt have drawn visitors from the farthest corners of the globe. But in the last couple of years the numbers of tourists visiting ancient monuments has fallen, while vacationers have flocked to Red Sea resort destinations in record numbers.

IRAQ: Doubtful Democracy Will Not Inspire Others

While Cairo officially stands behind U.S. plans to hold elections in Iraq early next year, many observers here question the sincerity of Washington-style 'democratization', and the notion that legitimate elections can be held under occupation.