Podcast: Beyond the Headlines

US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus (C) raises her hand to veto a draft resolution during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York on September 18, 2025. The UN Security Council is slated to vote on the latest call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to Gaza, a move supported by a majority seeking to act despite repeated US vetoes. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

Is it time for serious reform of the UN and humanitarian law?

Experts argue that outdated systems must adapt to manage power imbalance at the UN and restrict modern warfare

Jared Kushner speaking at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. AFP

How Jared Kushner’s plan for Gaza could affect Palestinians

What happens next after Syria's army offensive against the SDF?

What options does Iran have as pressure builds?

Egypt

Khufu's, overlooking Giza's Pyramids, offers Egyptian cuisine with a modern twist. Khufu's / Instagram

Masterminds of Khufu's Egyptian restaurant celebrate being named Mena's best

Duo behind Giza restaurant celebrate industry award, share their admiration of Dubai's Orfali Bros and champion food's power to unite

Lifestyle

Egypt and Turkey to upgrade relations to 'strategic' level during Erdogan visit

MENA

AD Ports secures $115m financing for Egypt's Safaga terminal

Economy

Israel blocks majority of Gazans seeking return home as Rafah crossing reopens

MENA

Lebanon

Wafic Safa survived an Israeli assassination attempt in October 2024

Hezbollah's 'defence minister' Wafic Safa resigns

Unusual move comes as Lebanese armed group carries out 'restructuring'

MENA

France warns Lebanon against being pulled into US–Iran tensions

MENA

US divided over Lebanese army’s stance on Hezbollah

MENA

Lebanon and Syria sign deal to repatriate more than 300 prisoners to Damascus

MENA

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