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

The Egyptian Pound is weak, and the country is losing income from Houthi missiles, causing ships to avoid the Suez Canal. The timing is bad, as Cairo asks the IMF for $750mn in loans.

Looming elections and populist politics seem to be behind the impasse over talks to agree reforms to unlock much-needed funds. Tunisia's credibility is being hurt by divisions within the government.

The IMF's stark failure to warn of a looming crisis in Lebanon reveals why it has long been controversial, alongside the characteristic shortcomings as the lender of last resort

Egypt, the world's second-largest IMF borrower, has managed to reach several agreements, yet failed to achieve reform goals in the process. Now, Egyptians are bearing the brunt.

Marrakech is hosting the annual meetings of the Bretton Woods institutions in October. This is after being unable to convene in Morocco in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.