Egypt in the News on 18 October 2020
Topping coverage of Egypt in the foreign press: A CNN report claiming the FBI investigated whether an unnamed Egyptian state bank backed a USD 10 mn donation Donald Trump made to his own 2016 election campaign, in what would be a contravention of the US’ campaign finance law. The bureau investigated the case for three years but ultimately closed it this summer without filing charges.
GERD is also in the spotlight as the Washington Post looks at how Egyptians and Ethiopians feel about the dam and the current state of play in the high-stakes negotiations.
Elsewhere: National Geographic has a historical account of Egypt’s last pharaoh — allegedly Cleopatra and Julius Caesar’s child — who was murdered at age 17, ending Ptolemaic rule in Egypt. The cancellation of Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred’s planned concert in Egypt following social media outcry over numerous allegations of [redacted] assault reflects “a growing resolve to speak out,” Reuters says. The newswire also profiles Egyptian tailor Ashgan El Abhar, who created a clothing line for individuals with disabilities.