Rice export ban ends in October
CAIRO: By the time Egypt's rice export ban is over, it will have lasted at least three times longer than was first announced. This week, the Ministry of Trade and…
Big unknown: Cannes festival contenders
Two months before the curtain goes up on the Cannes film festival, the movie world is swirling with rumors on the films that will line up for the event s…
INTERVIEW: Al Khan author celebrates book launch
It's common knowledge among Tarek Shahin's friends that Omar, the protagonist of Al Khan, the daily comic strip Shahin authors, is his alter-ego. Omar has left a banking career in…
Egypt asks US to return 'illegal' sarcophagus
CAIRO: Egypt has asked the United States to return an ornately painted Pharaonic coffin that was smuggled out of the country more than 125 years ago, the Supreme Council of…
The good, the bad and the ugly
American engagement with Syria has started and there are positive signs. Rogue state and axis of evil have been replaced by encouraging developments, including the meeting between the Syrian ambassador…
Will Obama go beyond the superficial?
In his first interview with an Arab television network soon after his inauguration, US President Barack Obama confirmed his intention to engage right away with all the major parties involved…
Washington and Damascus: a new strategic alignment?
In his January 20 inauguration speech and in subsequent statements, US President Barack Obama has called for establishing new relations with the Muslim world based on common interests and mutual…
Farmers say eviction verdict 'forged'
CAIRO: Farmers from the village of Behout in the Delta province of Daqahleya, under threat of eviction, have alleged that a court verdict was forged by individuals who are claiming…
Recession hits Egypt's modest spare parts market
CAIRO: Thousands of pounds are being lost daily at El-Herafeyeen, a spare parts market in northern Cairo. Several shops have shut their doors and the rest are struggling to weather…
Egypt has demanded Mamdouh Ismail's extradition, say reports
CAIRO: While local press reports claim that Egypt has filed an official extradition order for businessman Mamdouh Ismail, the British ambassador repeatedly denied that this is true. In the notorious…