International coverage of Egypt this morning remained largely focused on the national football team’s disastrous 3-1 loss to Russia in the World Cup yesterday.

And speaking of the Ruskies, an order of Russian arms from Egypt risks triggering US sanctions, according to David Schenker, the man nominated to head the State Department’s Middle East desk. Egypt is reportedly looking to buy 46 helicopters and 50 fighter jets from Russia, an action Schenker said would be “sanctionable.” Schenker said he would warn Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia not to get into arms agreements with the Russians, says Haaretz.

Families of Egypt terror attack victims sue Qatari emir for USD 150 mn: The families of victims of terror attacks in Egypt have filed a lawsuit against Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani demanding USD 150 mn in compensation, BBC reports. The group of families are holding Qatar accountable for the death of their loved ones using as grounds judicial rulings that “confirm Qatar’s support for terrorist organizations.”

Egypt’s ambassador in DC writes to WaPo: The Washington Post’s editorial board’s most recent criticism of Egypt’s human rights record was answered by Egypt’s ambassador to DC Yasser Reda. In a letter to the editor, Reda condemned WaPo’s piece on the arrest of opposition figures as a “misrepresentation” of Egypt’s judicial system, calling the allegations “far from the truth.”

Also worth a quick skim this morning:

• Tour operators expect a 20-30% increase in tourist arrivals to Egypt throughout the rest of the year, with desert and eco-tourism being the main attractions, according to Travel Daily News.
• Advancing women’s rights in Egypt and the Arab world need a change in the culture, not just laws, Hind El Hennawy writes for the Independent.
• Journalists signed a joint statement voicing their concerns over the recently passed Press and Media Act saying it undermines freedom of expression and of the press, according to Deutsche Welle.