Pentagon leaks about Egypt, Russia suggest Cairo's ambivalence Pro-Russian analysts did not rule out the possibility mentioned in the Pentagon document of Egypt armament of Russia, but lack of military exercises between the two nations suggests Cairo is playing it cautious. Egypt
Brazil signs $12.65 billion in deals with UAE, China amid struggling economy Brazil signed agreements worth $2.53 billion with the UAE and $10.12 billion with China. Gulf
Syria FM visits Tunisia in latest Arab embrace of Assad Mekdad's three-day visit to Tunis marks the first by a Syrian official since the North African country cut ties with the Syrian regime in February 2012 over its brutal crackdown against peaceful protests. Syria
UAE, Qatar to reopen embassies within weeks UAE-Qatar embassies are expected to reopen with new ambassadors in their posts within weeks or by mid-June latest, according to Reuters sources. Gulf
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Syria, meets Assad The visit is Prince Faisal bin Farhan's first since the start of the civil war and follows the Syrian foreign minister's trip to Saudi Arabia last week. Gulf
Analysis Saudi-Israeli normalization drifts further away as Riyadh courts Iran The planned visit by a Hamas delegation to Riyadh reflects Saudi Arabia's new diplomatic priorities, which do not include normalization with Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US convoy attacked as rival forces clash in Sudan Following an attack on the EU ambassador in Khartoum and a US diplomatic convoy, the United States called on the parties to the current conflict to secure the safety of diplomatic personnel. Sudan
Egypt archaeologists refute Ramses II-Exodus connection The display of the sarcophagus of Ramses II at an exhibition organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism in Paris has revived the debate of whether the Exodus occurred during the era of the king. Egypt
Alarm in Washington as Sudan slips into chaos More than 180 people are dead after three days of heavy fighting between the Sudanese army and a rival paramilitary force. The Horn of Africa
