Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Congress loosens pressure on Egypt just as new anti-Sisi protests emerge

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Tuesday, September 24 | Daily Briefing [By: Bryant Harris on Monday, Sep. 23, 2019]( Washington 1 [Congress loosens pressure on Egypt just as new anti-Sisi protests emerge]( Key senators have abandoned efforts to cut Egyptian military aid just as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government clamps down on new protests. Washington 2 [Former diplomat: Iran attacks create opportunity for talks]( The Donald Trump administration should use the investigation into suspected Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities to de-escalate regional tensions, a former top US diplomat said at an Al-Monitor event Sept. 24. Egypt 3 [Ethiopia again rejects Egypt’s vision for Renaissance Dam]( After more than a year of stalled negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Egypt’s diplomatic moves at the regional and international levels seem to have led nowhere. Israel 4 [Israel’s center-left needs Arab parties more than ever]( If Blue and White leader Benny Gantz neglects to reward the Arab sector for its crucial role in bringing down the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, he will find himself back in the opposition. Israel 5 [Arab party torn over integration in Israeli society]( Leaders of the Arab Joint List qualified their recommendation of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to compose the next government as historic — that is, until the Balad faction withdrew from the recommendation. Washington 6 [US faces uneasy choice between Lebanese Christians and Syrian refugees]( Lebanese Christians are making a religious case for the Trump administration to back the repatriation of refugees to Syria 7 [Moroccan sex 'outlaws' protest criminalization of sex outside marriage]( Following a Moroccan journalist's arrest for an alleged abortion and extramarital sex, thousands have signed an online petition to end the state's criminalization of sex outside marriage. 8 [Petra bus attack exposes divisions within local Jordanian community]( A recent attack on a tourist bus in Petra seems linked to ongoing tensions between the Bdoul and Layathna tribes, who compete with each other for revenues in Petra’s souvenir and tourism hospitality economy. Israel 9 [Will Israel’s gatekeepers block Netanyahu?]( Now more than ever before, Israel’s gatekeepers must protect the country from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Egypt 10 [Is Sisi overstepping the judiciary?]( President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has appointed a new public prosecutor, without referring to the Supreme Judicial Council, as per constitutional amendments recently approved, which raised the anger of the country's judiciary. Israel 11 [Israel’s Liberman tries instigating a secular revolution]( The very fact that matters of religion and state became the main issues in the Sept. 17 election could help to resolve them. Egypt 12 [Taxing use of Egypt's beaches stirs wave of controversy]( Egypt announced a plan to impose a tax fee on resorts and tourist facilities on public beaches, stirring controversy. Palestine 13 [Was Netanyahu’s controversial visit to Hebron worth election efforts?]( Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a rare visit to the West Bank city of Hebron, drawing anger among Palestinians who warn against Israel’s efforts to extend sovereignty over Hebron’s Old City. Lebanon 14 [Artists take a look at lost history and bright future in Beirut]( Beirut's annual art and design fairs focus this year on past and future through the eyes of modern artists. STAY CONNECTED [fb_icon_footer]( [twitter_icon_footer]( [instagram_icon_footer]( [rss_icon_footer]( CONTACT US [Support & Contact]( [Advertise](mailto:advertise@al-monitor.com) NEWSLETTERS [Subscribe]( TERMS OF USE [Visitor Agreement]( [Privacy Policy]( © 2019 Al-Monitor. All Rights Reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you may [unsubscribe or manage your preferences]( at any time. Al-Monitor · 1850 K St NW · Suite 1225 · Washington, DC 20006 · USA