Spotlight
Bulldozing the Sinai
Egypt’s government is pushing ahead with a massive tourism project in the Sinai Peninsula’s St. Catherine region — a sacred, UNESCO-protected site. Local Bedouin communities and experts warn that the development is destroying heritage, muzzling dissent and displacing the Jebeleya tribe.
The Prince’s Gambit
Saudi Arabia is quietly becoming a global gaming superpower, investing billions in the owners of franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. The move says a lot about the kingdom’s soft power, cultural values and potential influence on a generation raised on games.
In Syria’s Desert, Palmyra Fights for Its Life
In Palmyra, residents returning after years of war face a scorched oasis, broken infrastructure and dwindling hope. The city’s revival hinges on water, tourism and aid — of which it has seen little.
The Israeli Drones Guarding Fortress Europe
Countries across the Mediterranean rely on Israeli-made drones to police their maritime borders. Those same drones are often battle-tested on the Palestinians in Gaza.
Sudanese People Don’t Have the Luxury of Hating Elon Musk
Elon Musk has helped to gut U.S. aid to Sudan in the midst of famine and displacement on a massive scale, yet his Starlink technology has been a lifeline for many in the country.
Annobon Was Free a Century Before Haiti. Can It Find Independence Again?
Thanks to its remote location and oversight by its Portuguese and Spanish rulers, the tiny islet of Annobon governed its own affairs for almost two centuries. Now, it is trying to separate itself from the dictatorship in Equatorial Guinea, which it casts as its new overlord.
In Southern Syria, Tensions Simmer Between Druze and Bedouin Neighbors
Tensions are rising in Sweida between Druze and Bedouin communities. Clashes, attacks and mutual distrust have created a volatile situation, with villages living in fear of their neighbors.