If Israel wins, it will likely move ahead with implementing its plan to push Palestinians out of Gaza, which could lead to a war with Egypt. If Iran wins, its proxies could further divide the region.
After dramatic action from the central bank, an $8bn IMF loan and a $35bn development deal, Cairo aims to bounce back in the new year, but faces both familiar and new problems first
There are positives within the latest review of Cairo's progress toward a further $1.3bn financial lifeline, but they come amid deepening economic problems at home, where the cost of living is rising
Cairo wants to regenerate its shipbuilding capabilities to boost its maritime fleet, but experts say this is a long-term plan requiring lots of investment. Can Egypt hope to compete?
Many regional and international stakeholders believe that the cost of rescuing Egypt's economy pales in comparison to the steep price everyone might pay if it were to descend into chaos
A bigger IMF loan agreement and more support from the EU is expected as Cairo gets help from its allies to offset the impact of the Gaza war, amid hope among experts for fewer conditions
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.
Economic reform is key to the future of a region which needs to diversify away from dependency on oil, or a reliance on international funding. There has been both resistance and progress so far.
An axis comprising Israel, Ethiopia, and Somaliland appears to be emerging, which has the potential to polarise the Horn of Africa and rapidly accelerate its militarisation
For those who look closely, there were recurring cultural themes over the past 12 months, whether in cinema, music, art, or literature. There were also common threats and shared opportunities.
London is making it clear that it expects more than just symbolic gestures from Damascus when it comes to holding security forces accountable for atrocities