News stories by Cam McGrath, page 11

Abolition movements are gaining momentum in North Africa, but authoritarian regimes appear reluctant to remove capital punishment from the penal code.

Egypt's Red Sea resort cities have grown up in the shadow of oil development, but with tourism booming and the country's oil reserves drying up, many stakeholders think it is time to exorcise the oil spectre.

Anti-corruption watchdogs have shown their teeth, but Egypt's fat cats appear safe from prosecution as long as they stay in favour with the regime.

Saeed El-Masry was born poor, raised poor and, unless he can get ‘kosa,’ will probably die poor. Kosa is the Arabic word for zucchini, but it also means someone in a position of power who can open doors to gainful employment.

Europe's appetite for renewable energy and a shifting tide in domestic energy policies could turn North Africa into major exporter of solar power by the end of the decade.

Egyptians find it hard to see past Mahrousa Salem's wheelchair, so they look away.

Egyptian courts are handing down death sentences with 'alarming frequency' as the state attempts to use capital punishment to stem rising crime rates.

Egypt's ruling party is taking measures to restrict the work of non-governmental organisations ahead of crucial parliamentary elections.

Literacy programmes are teaching millions of Egyptians to read, but are struggling to keep up with the country's high population growth.

Arab governments have stepped up efforts to curtail tobacco use, but initiatives have met stiff resistance from the region's smokers.