The political situation in Egypt

Russia promises grain to Egypt – may be about circumventing sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin promises to help Egypt with grain during the country's economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the war in Iran, writes The New Arab.

Over 60 million people in Egypt are covered by the state food program, which consists of subsidized bread, and the country imports large amounts of wheat flour every year.

However, critics say that Russia may plan to use its support program as a way to get its products into markets that would otherwise be closed.

– By using Egypt as a stopover for its wheat and energy products on their way to international markets, Russia can circumvent economic sanctions, says Khaled al-Shafie at the Egyptian think tank Capital Centre for Economic and Strategic Studies.

According to Reuters, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that Russia has "many interesting ideas", but did not want to confirm whether it had accepted the offer of aid shipments.

Egypt turns off lights at nine: “Not our Cairo”

Cairo, previously known for its late-night habits, is now turning off its lights at nine in the evening, writes AFP.

Since last week, it has been illegal for shops and cafes to stay open after that, as part of the country’s extensive savings due to soaring energy prices.

“I used to sit here until two in the morning,” says a visitor to a cafe in the Egyptian capital.

“Now I get home at eleven at the latest and just watch the news. This is not our Cairo.”

According to Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, the cost of the country’s energy imports has more than doubled since the US and Israel started the war in Iran. The government believes the emergency measures are absolutely necessary.