Huffington Post How Egypt Is Harming, Not Helping, The ISIS Fight Egypt's forceful response to the Islamic State's murder of Egyptian Christians in Libya this past weekend seemed to be a welcome addition to the fight against the extremist group. But observers say Egypt's actions since then indicate President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi is focusing on his own domestic politics and not on the interests of the broader fight against the Islamic State, or ISIS. Concern is growing because Egypt's tightly controlled political environment is awash with claims the Islamic State is secretly connected to Qatar and the United States, which are publicly committed to defeating the extremist group. Analysts say that although such talk threatens to damage the unity of the countries combating ISIS, it proves helpful for Sisi, as it bolsters the idea that Egypt is under threat and only he can save it. Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/20/egypt-isis-libya_n_6717382.html Forbes Kuwait Offers Vote Of Confidence with $6.8 B Egyptian Investment Offering a vote of investor confidence, Egypt's energy sector announced a $6.8 billion investment partnership plan with Kuwait this week, putting them on track to meet a sprawling $14.5 billion industry goal, announced last year. According to a Reuters report, the plan sets aside theinvestment for petrochemical projects, which have fallen short in recent years due to the country's gas shortfalls. Egypt has a long history of energy challenges, though they have grown especially daunting over the last three years. Read more: http://www.forbes.com/sites/christophercoats/2015/02/20/kuwait-offers-vote-of-confidence-with-6-8-b-egyptian-investment/ World Bulletin Egypt seizes assets of opposition figures in exile The Egyptian government has confiscated the assets of members of an opposition coalition founded by 30 Egyptian figures based overseas. In a brief statement on Thursday, a government-appointed panel tasked with managing the Muslim Brotherhoods' seized funds said it had confiscated all funds and property belonging to the 30 members of the "Egyptian Revolutionary Council." A member of the Egyptian Revolutionary Council said the body was preparing its response to the move. "The decision to confiscate the council's funds will not change our position in support of the revolution in Egypt," Abdel-Mawgood al-Dardiri, who is based overseas, told The Anadolu Agency. "Confiscating funds is nothing compared to the [Egyptian government's] confiscation of the people's freedom," al-Dardiri, whose personal assets have been confiscated six times by the Egyptian government. Read more: http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/155379/egypt-seizes-assets-of-opposition-figures-in-exile
