Sightline with Tim Marshall: Egypt votes on possible intervention in Libya


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It is close to decision time for Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

His army has spent weeks on exercise, preparing for the possibility of crossing the border into Libya in defence of its national security and of the port town of Sirte.

Libya’s Government of National Accord has pushed the rival government's Libya National Army forces further east.

Now, the GNA has moved fighters closer to Sirte, a gateway to Libya’s main oil terminals and ports, which it says it plans to recapture from the eastern-based LNA.

Mr El Sisi has said he will intervene if the GNA moves to take the city. But with Turkey and Qatar supporting the GNA, how far will Egypt go to back the LNA?

Tim Marshall investigates in this week’s episode of Sightline.

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Company name: Spare

Started: March 2018

Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah

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Sector: FinTech

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Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company

The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.

He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.

“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.

“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.

HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon. 

With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.

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Company profile: buybackbazaar.com

Name: buybackbazaar.com

Started: January 2018

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