The FT’s Big Read goes long on Egypt’s economy + human rights and COP27 are still leading the conversation in the mainstream press
Human rights + COP27 are still topping headlines on Egypt in the foreign press after Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg yesterday criticized the global summit and the decision to hold it in Egypt (more on this in this morning’s What We’re Tracking Today, above). Meanwhile, the Guardian has a critical take on the government’s pledge to allow protests at the summit.
Abdel Fattah to start full hunger strike: The family of detained political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah said yesterday that he will launch a full hunger strike ahead of the summit, AFP reports. The activist has been engaged in a partial hunger strike for more than 200 days.
MEANWHILE- Will the IMF loan result in more private-sector involvement in the economy? The Financial Times’ Andrew England talks to analysts and (unnamed) business leaders about whether the government will reduce the military’s economic footprint and increase the role of the private sector in the wake of the recently-agreed IMF loan. It’s the FT’s Big Read this morning.
Also making headlines:
- Water scarcity = social tensions: Farmers and climate change experts fear that rising water shortages could lead to social instability. (Reuters)
- Female podcasters on the rise: Feminist-leaning podcasts by female podcasters in Egypt are gaining momentum, according to a study. (The Conversation)