New archaeological discoveries are leading the conversation on Egypt this morning: Some 2k mummified ram heads have been excavated by archaeologists at the temple of Ramses II in Abydos in Upper Egypt, the Tourism Ministry said Saturday. Rams were worshiped in Abydos during the Ptolemaic period and the heads are thought to have been left as offerings to Ramses II. Meanwhile, archaeologists have uncovered pharaoh-sphinx statue fragments depicting ancient royals including Ramses II at Heliopolis sun temple. (Reuters | AFP | Business Insider | Live Science)

Also making headlines:

  • More on potential reconciliation with Ankara: Despiteencouraging signs, Egypt and Turkey are unlikely to restore relations before Turkish elections in May. (Al Monitor)
  • Warming Egypt-Russia ties: Signs of stronger relations include a boost in bilateral trade last year and plans to offer Russian as a second language at Egyptian schools and universities. (The National)
  • Soaring food costs have endangered charity iftars, a longstanding custom during Ramadan in Egypt, and left many facing food insecurity. (Al Monitor)
  • The Washington Post and the Associated Press highlight alleged targeting of members of the LGBTQ community.
  • Plays tackle harassment:It’s Not Your Faultis a collection of original plays about women’s experiences of harassment and assault in Egypt, published by the American University in Cairo Press. (The National)
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