Spotlight
The Petrodollar Pitch
Manchester City pioneered two new models for soccer: Gulf state-backed ownership and the global multiclub network. The verdict against the club, coming as war with Iran squeezes Arab economies, may end both.
Balancing Books
Long considered the literary center of the Arab world, Egypt has witnessed the cost of book printing, distribution and publishing rise steadily since the onset of its currency crisis in 2022. Now, many of the institutions behind Egypt’s literary culture face an uncertain future.
Southern Separatist Fighters Are Driving Saudi Gains Against the Houthis
Saudi Arabia's latest military achievements in Yemen followed an unusual Saudi-Emirati meeting in Riyadh and relied heavily on the UAE-backed Giants Brigades, whose southern separatist loyalties complicate who benefits from the win.
How Military Service Exemptions Shape South Korean Soccer
Since 1973, South Korean athletes who win Olympic medals or Asian Games gold have been spared most of their military service, a reward that has put unusual pressure on Korean soccer and shaped the careers of stars like Son Heung-min.
How France’s Religious Nationalists Hijacked the Pope’s Visit
From far-right billionaires to ultraconservative TikTok influencers, a who’s who of France’s identitarian Catholics played a role in the pope’s first visit to France since his election, and left Easter eggs all along his route for their followers to see.
In Defense of Egyptian Food
Egyptian food has long had a bad reputation, but it’s time to reassess what you think you know about mahshy, molokhia in duck stock, koshary — and tamiyya versus falafel.
Syria Hands Down Sentences in 2025 Coastal Massacres Trial
A Syrian court has delivered its first verdicts over the March 2025 violence: a death sentence, a life term, an acquittal and 20 years for a soldier whose case file included a video of a kneeling man being shot.