The smuggling industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and few alternatives exist to earn a living in the area. Border guards are trigger-happy, and calls for change are ignored.

So far, the 100,000 people displaced into the country have helped some sectors grow, and there are hopes that the lack of a significant negative impact could last. Some foreign aid has helped.

Several universities have banned their Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace chapters, two anti-Zionist student clubs, as donors and Congress ramp up pressure

Algerian author Sara Al-Nams delves deep into the downside of literary awards, the place of women in literature, and why a thousand words can't measure up to a loaf of bread in times of war.

Engaged political participation needs voters to feel they can instil change and appoint governments capable of serving the national interest. Baghdad is some ways far from that.

The World Bank says Palestine's tech sector has unrealised potential that, if appropriately harnessed, can lead to more job creation and boost economic growth

The fact that Netanyahu still insists on managing the conflict rather than resolving it should worry us all. Al Majalla looks at how Netanyahu is only hardening his stance on a two-state solution.

El-Sisi faces a number of challenges on the road. These include the current war in Gaza, threats to Egypt's share in the water of the Nile River, rising inflation and high birth rates.

The World Food Programme will have to pull its general assistance for the country in January, at a time when it is needed in the war-torn country more than ever