It was a politics and diplomacy heavy evening on the airwaves, with the rebel advance in Syria and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s visit to Denmark dominating the airwaves.

“Syria is facing unprecedented complexities, becoming a battleground for the US-Russia rivalry,” former Assistant Foreign Minister Mohamed Hegazy told Ahmed Moussa (watch, runtime: 14:46). He noted that the US wants to curb Iranian influence, while Russia’s focus on Ukraine has weakened its presence in Syria, opening the door for Turkey, backed by Washington.

A political solution will need to see the departure of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, said Hegazy, who explained that “The next phase in Syria will require a political solution between the government and legitimate opposition, with no role for President Bashar Al-Assad in the future.” Amr Adib also dedicated a significant portion of El Hekaya to discussing the war in Syria (watch, runtime: 37:37).

ALSO- President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s visit to Denmark marks a "turning point" in bilateral relations and is expected to boost and diversify Egypt's economy, Hegazy said (watch, runtime: 25:17). Higazy called the timing ideal, noting the warm reception for El Sisi reflects Denmark’s recognition of Egypt’s pivotal role in the region and Africa. Check out our diplomacy section for more on the president’s visit.

AND- Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar’s decision to limit subsidized infant formula to specific cases sparked debate on the airwaves, with the decision restricting the distribution to cases including the death of the mother, illnesses affecting breastfeeding, or the birth of twins. “The decision reduces the categories eligible for subsidized formula and overlooks critical conditions that prevent natural breastfeeding, such as hormonal disorders, thyroid issues, ovarian cysts, postpartum inflammation, and malnutrition,” MP Irene Saeed told Amr Adib (watch, runtime: 14:54). “The current economic climate doesn’t allow poor families to spend EGP 4k per month on formula,” she said, adding that health units have already begun withholding formulas.

In response, Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the decision aims to encourage natural breastfeeding, stressing that no formula matches the benefits of breast milk.

PLUS- Amr Adib didn’t hold back in criticizing telecom companies for raising internet and mobile recharge prices. “The Internet isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. If you’re going to charge more, at least provide decent service,” he said on El Hekaya (watch, runtime: 8:01). “The new price hikes come in light of rising operational costs for companies, which would have otherwise slowed investments and lowered the quality of services provided to citizens,” said National Telecom Regulatory Authority official Mohamed Ibrahim during a phone call with Adib. “The regulator approved the price increases to avoid these issues and to ensure the continued quality of services,” Ibrahim explained.

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