Leading the News:

Egypt -

On November 5th, U.S. President Barack Obama expressed his belief it was possible there was a bomb on board the Russian passenger jet that went down in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula last week. President Obama’s comments heightened the scrutiny on security measures at the airport in Sharm el-Sheikh, from which the downed flight departed. In the wake of the crash, passengers leaving Sharm el-Sheikh have only been allowed to carry hand luggage, while all checked bags have been transported separately.

On November 6th, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended all Russian flights to Egypt, pending the outcome of the investigation into last week’s deadly plane crash in the Sinai Peninsula. The decision came at the suggestion of Russian intelligence chief Alexander Bortnikov and is expected to negatively impact Egypt’s tourism industry.