London — President Donald Trump President Donald Trump painted a simplistic picture for the US operation in Venezuela: go in, get the oil and start exporting. But the post-invasion fallout in Iraq offers valuable lessons for oil companies considering entering Venezuela. Scott Nelson/Getty ImagesIraq’s oil industry had been nationalized and closed off from Western oil companies since the 1970s. He said the contracts effectively invited foreign firms into Iraq as contractors rather than allowing them ownership rights over the oil reserves. The security situation inside Iraq rapidly deteriorated after the invasion, aided in large part by a power vacuum.

The Associate Professor in the Department of Criticism and Dramatic Literature at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, Nermin al-Houti, discussed why the late Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz remains an enduring icon of Arabic literature. Al-Houti took part in a wide-ranging intellectual symposium titled Identity in the Literature of Naguib Mahfouz, held as part of the Fair Personality program. Al-Houti observed that Mahfouz successfully projected Egyptian national identity onto the global stage through his depiction of the “Al-Hara” (a traditional alleyway). During the symposium, al-Houti outlined four primary pillars for studying identity in Mahfouz’s literature, beginning with the documentation of social and political transformations across Egypt and the Arab world. Often referred to as the “Balzac of the Arabs,” he is credited with maturing the novel form within Arabic literature and bringing it to a global audience.

Beijing — Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s decision to place the country’s Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s decision to place the country’s top-ranking general under investigation is a stunning move that leaves Xi virtually alone at the top of the military hierarchy – raising deep questions about the implications for the world’s largest armed forces, as well as Beijing’s ambitions to take control of Taiwan. Tingshu Wang/ReutersXi’s ‘unassailable position’The circumstances around Zhang’s investigation remain unclear likely not only to those outside but also within the black box of China’s military, a massive and opaque entity even by China’s usual standards. It’s also one that is closely linked to the organization of China’s military, which is controlled by the party, not the state. ‘State of disarray’The latest move now leaves Xi virtually alone at the top of China’s military hierarchy. High-level ousters have left the PLA leadership “in a state of disarray right now,” said Thomas at the Asia Society.

The meeting underscored the depth of the historical, cultural, and religious ties that bind Egypt and Tunisia, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and communication between religious institutions in the two countries. During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty affirmed the deep fraternal and historical bonds between Egypt and Tunisia, as well as the civilizational and cultural affinity that characterizes relations between the two brotherly nations. Abdelatty further expressed his aspiration to strengthen communication between institutions concerned with religious affairs in both countries in a way that contributes to addressing current intellectual challenges. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Grand Mufti of Tunisia expressed his appreciation for the fraternal relations between Egypt and Tunisia, commending Egypt’s role in supporting the values of moderation and tolerance. He also affirmed the Tunisian side’s keenness to continue coordination and cooperation with Egypt in intellectual and religious fields in a way that strengthens the bonds of cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

The House of Representatives announced on Sunday, January 25, 2026, plans to introduce a legislation regulating children’s use of social media networks. This came in a statement issued by the House concerning the state’s plans to draft a law outlining controls on children’s use of social media. The parliament hailed the state’s plans to draft such a law regulating children’s use of social media applications, like several countries that have implemented measures such as banning the use of mobile phones for children. The House emphasized that this move reflects the state’s awareness of challenges facing Egyptian children, including psychological and behavioral risks resulting from excessive use of social media, which can reach the point of digital addiction. The House of Representatives intends to take all serious steps required, within the framework of the Constitution and the executive parliamentary regulations, to study and pass the legislation that organizes this matter and puts an end to the digital chaos facing children, the statement read.

This came during a meeting between Abdelatty and Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, on the sidelines of their presence in Tunisia. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. Minister Abdelatty praised the notable development witnessed in relations of cooperation and coordination between the two countries, stressing the importance of continuing consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Regarding the situation in Libya, the two ministers exchanged views on recent developments in the Libyan scene. Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the political settlement track in a manner that preserves Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and ensures that the political process remains exclusively Libyan-owned.

Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment in Egypt, Manal Awad, announced on Sunday the arrest of a group of fishermen involved in the capture of a whale shark, a rare and endangered marine creature. This came after Environment Ministry monitored videos circulating on social media documenting the capture of the whale shark and its inhumane treatment, sparking outrage online. Awad emphasized that the accused will be referred to the competent legal authorities after their involvement in catching a rare and endangered marine species was proven. This action is part of ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and marine life in Egypt and to enforce the law. The Ministry of Environment emphasized the importance of cooperation and community participation in protecting rare marine life, urging citizens to report any practices that threaten marine life.

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said Sunday she has had “enough” of Washington’s orders, as she works to unite the country after the US capture of its former leader Nicolás Maduro. CNN has contacted the White House for comment on Rodríguez’s latest statement. Law enforcement officials move captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, second from left, out of the helicopter in New York on January 5. A fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Luis Jaimes/AFP/Getty ImagesRodríguez was also expected to prioritize the Trump administration and US oil companies for future oil sales.

Dozens of settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday, under the protection of Israeli forces. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that dozens of settlers entered the compound in groups, conducted tours, and performed Talmudic rituals, all under the protection of the Israeli forces. The Jerusalem Governorate stated that settlers chased the shepherds and forced them to leave their land at gunpoint. In Masafer Yatta, West Bank, settlers continued their attacks on Palestinians, detaining several residents and attempting to steal their livestock. Towns raidedPalestinian media reported that settlers wearing Israeli military uniforms detained six Palestinians near Khirbet al-Fakhit in Masafer Yatta, abusing them before releasing them.

Two Palestinian boys have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza while collecting firewood, according to their families. The boys’ uncle insisted they were far away from the Yellow Line, “almost at the entrance of Kamal Adwan hospital. It’s not the first time that children in Gaza out looking for firewood have been killed. OPT said the killing of the three men brought the number of journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 2023 to 292. OPT said three incidents that same day took place near the Yellow Line, and two 13-year old boys were among those killed.

Egyptian Member of Parliament submitted an urgent inquiry on Sunday to the Prime Minister and several ministers regarding the Roblox online gaming platform, deeming it a “threat” to national security. Othman explained that the warnings concern the presence of content unsuitable for young children, the risks of exploitation, harassment, cyberbullying, and the negative impact on societal values, in addition to cases of addiction, social isolation, and psychological and behavioral disorders. The MP added that these risks constitute a clear violation of Article 80 of the Egyptian Constitution, which obligates the state to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, or exploitation, as well as a violation of the Child Law, which mandates providing a safe and healthy environment for children’s upbringing. She noted that several countries are moving towards banning, restricting, or strictly regulating this platform. The MP called on the government to clarify its position on Roblox, outline the role of relevant ministries and agencies in protecting children, consider restricting or blocking the platform or its riskier features, and launch national awareness campaigns for families.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, center, speaks during a storm briefing at the New York City Emergency Management center in Brooklyn, New York on Friday. New York City is poised to get pummeled with more than a foot of snow this weekend. Adam Gray/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Trucks and shipping containers at the Port of Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, on January 22, 2026. Canada is scheduled to release gross domestic product (GDP) figures on January 30. Graham Hughes/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) hosted a delegation of Canadian business leaders from the Canada–Egypt Business Council (CEBC) to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between Egypt and Canada. During the meeting, GAFI delivered a comprehensive presentation on Egypt’s investment climate, highlighting the competitive advantages of the Egyptian economy, its strategic geographic location, and priority sectors for investment. The authority also showcased the Investment Map, which features a wide range of investment opportunities across multiple sectors. Discussions also covered Egypt’s various investment frameworks, including Free Zones, Investment Zones, Technological Zones and Special Economic Zones, alongside the incentives and facilitation measures available to foreign investors. Members of the Canadian delegation raised several questions regarding Egypt’s investment regulatory framework, including the Golden License mechanism and company incorporation procedures.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as one of the top 10 export destinations for Egyptian processed food products, with exports valued at $196m in 2024, reflecting the growing presence and competitiveness of Egyptian food manufacturers in Gulf markets, according to the Food Export Council of Egypt. The event offers Egyptian exporters direct access not only to the UAE and GCC markets, but also to buyers from East Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. During a presentation at the seminar, the Food Export Council revealed that Egypt’s processed food exports reached $6.3bn between January and November 2025, exceeding total exports recorded in 2024 by more than $200m. Focusing on the UAE market, the council said Egyptian processed food exports to the Emirates totalled $196m in 2024, posting annual growth of 11%. A total of 29 Egyptian companies recorded exports exceeding $1m each, together accounting for nearly $132m, or 68% of total exports to the UAE.