Latest news with #GERD
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Trump intervenes on the GERD - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Could Trump's apparent willingness to resolve the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam restart negotiations, asks Doaa El-Bey The possibility of the US intervening to resolve the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was brought up by US President Donald Trump, who told reporters earlier this week that his administration is 'going to have that [issue] solved very quickly'. 'If I am Egypt, I want to have water in the Nile, and we are working on that,' Trump stated during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte last week in Washington. While Trump's proposal to intervene in the dispute over the GERD may appear as a positive step to resolve the controversial issue, it has raised questions over what the US wants in return. Ahmed Youssef, a professor of political science at Cairo University, noted that it is not the first time that Trump has proposed to intervene, even as his statements raise questions as to his motivation. Egypt had not asked Trump to mediate in the dispute, and Trump's offer had come at a time when Egypt is taking part with the US and Qatar in negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire plan, Youssef said, pointing to the many differences between Cairo and Washington on that matter. Trump's statement raises questions as to whether his proposal comes because he is fond of making deals and wants to strike another one or because he wants Egypt to make concessions on the Gaza issue, such as accepting the displacement of the Palestinians to Rafah, in return, he added. 'Time will tell whether Trump genuinely aims to resolve the issue or whether he is after another deal or more concessions on Gaza.' Cairo cannot accept the Gaza displacement plan, various political commentators stated this week, because displacing Gaza's people towards Rafah would inevitably lead to direct confrontation between Egypt and Israel. Tarek Fahmi, a political science professor at Cairo University, noted that the US administration is pragmatic and will want something in return for its mediation. 'Does it want privileges in return, such as on the Suez Canal, for instance? Or will it press Egypt to change its stand with regards to Gaza,' he asked. Egypt's stand regarding any attempt to displace the Palestinians is firm and will not change, as it is an issue of national security and a pillar of Egyptian foreign policy, he added. In his statement, Trump not only called the Nile 'a very important source of income and life' for Egypt but also emphasised Egypt's heavy dependence on the Nile, which provides about 97 per cent of the country's water. In response to Trump's statement, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi said on social media this week that he 'appreciates President Trump's keenness on reaching a just agreement that safeguards the interests of all parties involved in the dispute over the Ethiopian Dam, as well as his recognition of the Nile as a source of life for Egypt.' President Al-Sisi also highlighted the importance of the Nile River to Egypt's national security during this week's meeting with Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) General Michael Kurilla in Cairo. This week's statement was not the first time that Trump has criticised the building of the GERD without an agreement. During his first term in office, Trump said the GERD could be 'blown up'. 'They [Egypt] will end up blowing up the Dam,' Trump said. 'And I said it, and I say it loud and clear… they'll blow up that dam. They have to do something.' Commenting on Trump's motives, Abbas Sharaki, professor of geology and water resources at Cairo University, said that he could see the GERD as a way towards a Nobel Prize. Trump has brought up the GERD twice in three weeks, Sharaki pointed out, explaining that he has said that the GERD crisis is reaching its peak and that he will seek to resolve it quickly. 'Trump frequently mentions that he ended the wars between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, Congo and Rwanda, and Iran and Israel, and that he may even halt Israel's war on Gaza,' Sharaki said. He pointed to Trump's claim that the US 'foolishly financed the dam' as primarily intended to blame the previous administration. Fahmi disagreed with the statement that the US was the most influential party in financing the dam. 'There are other international and Arab parties that took part in the building and financing of the dam until it reached its final stages, namely China, European states like Italy, France, and the UK, and some Arab states,' he said. Egypt and Sudan, as downstream countries on the Nile, have long pushed for a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia on the filling and operation of the GERD, especially during periods of drought and severe drought, to secure their share of Nile water. Ethiopia says the dam is essential for the country's development and has repeatedly vowed not to harm downstream nations, even as it has declined to commit itself to an agreement. Between 2020 and 2024, Ethiopia unilaterally completed the dam's five-stage filling and began operating its turbines without an agreement on the filling or operations with Egypt and Sudan. Earlier this month, Ethiopia announced the completion of the GERD, saying that the official inauguration will be in September. Returning to the negotiating table as soon as possible remains Egypt's pragmatic option, according to Sharaki. Trump could invite all three parties to reach an agreement in less than a week, he explained. Conditions are better than they were before, thanks to the completion of the filling of the dam's reservoir, which was a major point of contention in previous negotiations over the number of years that this would take. 'This option could encourage reaching an agreement that would regulate the repeated filling and subsequent operation, and, if possible, reduce the storage capacity of the reservoir, which poses a significant threat to the water security of Sudan and Egypt,' he said. To test Trump's seriousness, Fahmi added, his words must be translated on the ground by direct mediation. 'There is an old agreement [reached in 2020] that we can build on, and there also must be a clear path that all parties can follow,' he said. In 2020, Washington sponsored talks on GERD between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. In the final session of the talks, however, Ethiopia failed to show up to sign an agreement on the dam. * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Sleeping on your side vs sleeping on your back: Which is better for health?
Sleep position is one of those seemingly small details that can have a big impact on your overall health. Whether you're someone who curls up on your side or lies flat on your back, the way you sleep may influence everything from spinal alignment to digestion and even the quality of your breathing. While back sleeping is often promoted for optimal neck and spine support, side sleeping has been linked to better digestion and may reduce the risk of snoring or acid reflux. But which is actually better for long-term health — and does the 'best' position vary from person to person? Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist, Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Center, Delhi, tells 'Both side and back sleeping have their own benefits and drawbacks. Side sleeping is the most popular and generally healthiest position for most people. It helps reduce snoring, supports spinal alignment when done with proper pillow support, and is especially good for people with sleep apnea and acid reflux. However, it may cause shoulder or hip pressure and wrinkles on the face over time.' He continues, 'Back sleeping, on the other hand, keeps the head, neck, and spine in a neutral position and can help reduce pressure on joints. It may also prevent facial wrinkles. However, it can worsen snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in some individuals. It's also not recommended for pregnant women, especially in later stages, as it can reduce blood flow to the baby.' Dr Mittal says, 'Yes, the side we sleep on can make a difference.' He adds that sleeping on the left side is often recommended for better digestion and acid reflux relief. 'This position allows gravity to help move waste through the colon and keeps stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. It's also believed to be better during pregnancy, as it improves blood flow to the heart and foetus.' Sleeping on the right side, Dr Mittal states, while still beneficial in some cases, may increase acid reflux and can put slightly more pressure on internal organs like the liver. 'However, some people with heart conditions might feel more comfortable on their right side. Individual comfort and medical conditions should guide the choice. According to Dr Mittal, sleeping position can significantly affect people with certain conditions. People with sleep apnea are generally advised to avoid back sleeping, as it can worsen airway obstruction. GERD (acid reflux) patients are encouraged to sleep on their left side to minimise symptoms. Pregnant women should also avoid back sleeping in the second and third trimesters. People with chronic shoulder or hip pain may struggle with side sleeping unless they use proper support pillows. 'In all cases, using the right mattress and pillow can make a big difference in comfort and symptom control,' concludes the doctor.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Early Diagnosis Of GERD & Lifestyle Changes Can Help In Management; Here's How
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile frequently flows back into the oesophagus, irritating its lining. This backward flow, known as acid reflux, causes symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. If left unmanaged, GERD can lead to more serious complications. In many cases, adopting targeted lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms and help manage GERD more effectively alongside or even in place of medications. Below we share lifestyle changes to better manage GERD. 10 Lifestyle changes to help manage GERD 1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals Large meals can put pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), making reflux more likely. Instead of three heavy meals, aim for smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day. This approach helps reduce stomach pressure and supports better digestion, which can lower the chances of acid backing up. 2. Avoid trigger foods and beverages Certain foods such as spicy dishes, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks can aggravate GERD symptoms. Identifying and eliminating personal triggers can provide significant relief and reduce flare-ups. 3. Don't Lie down after eating Lying down immediately after a meal can allow stomach acid to easily move up into the oesophagus. It's best to wait at least 2–3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. Staying upright helps gravity do its part in digestion and reduces reflux episodes. 4. Elevate the head of your bed Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent nighttime reflux. This angle uses gravity to keep acid in the stomach while you sleep. Special bed wedges or foam pillows can also help achieve the right elevation. 5. Maintain a healthy weight Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, increases pressure on the stomach and LES, contributing to acid reflux. Losing even a small amount of weight can ease symptoms and improve the effectiveness of other lifestyle measures. 6. Quit smoking Smoking weakens the LES, allowing acid to escape more easily into the oesophagus. Quitting smoking not only improves GERD symptoms but also offers countless other health benefits, including better lung and heart health. 7. Limit alcohol consumption Alcohol relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid production. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can reduce reflux episodes and irritation of the oesophagus lining. 8. Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly Eating too quickly can lead to overeating and poor digestion, both of which increase the risk of GERD. Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly allows the digestive system to work more efficiently and prevents excessive stomach pressure. 9. Wear loose-fitting clothes Tight clothing around the waist, such as belts or shape wear, can squeeze the stomach and push acid upward. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to reduce pressure on the abdomen and lower oesophagus. 10. Manage stress levels Stress doesn't directly cause GERD but can worsen symptoms by affecting digestion and increasing stomach acid production. Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or even light walks can significantly help manage stress-related reflux triggers. By combining these lifestyle changes with medical guidance, individuals with GERD can often manage their condition effectively and improve their overall quality of life.
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Ethiopia–Egypt dispute escalates after Trump's controversial remarks on $5 billion GERD project
The long-standing tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) escalated recently following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that many Ethiopians have condemned as inflammatory and one-sided. Tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have intensified recently. Remarks by former U.S. President Trump favoring Egypt's stance on the dam have exacerbated the situation. Despite prolonged negotiations, Ethiopia and Egypt have yet to reach a consensus on the dam's operation and water-sharing guidelines. Speaking during a meeting with NATO officials in Washington, Trump appeared to align himself with Egypt in the ongoing dispute over the $5 billion hydropower project being built on the Blue Nile, one of the Nile River's primary tributaries. Referring to the dam, Trump said it was ' closing up water going to the Nile,' which he described as 'a very important source of income and life … to take that away is pretty incredible. But we think we are going to have that solved very quickly.' He added, ' I think if I am Egypt, I want to have water in the Nile and we are working on that.' A similar incident occurred in 2020 when Trump suggested that the dam should be blown up by Egypt. In a telephone conversation with Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, Trump remarked that Egypt " will end up blowing up the dam" if no agreement was reached. The comments have provoked strong backlash among Ethiopians both at home and abroad, who view GERD as a critical piece of national infrastructure central to efforts to expand energy access, boost industrial growth, and lift millions out of poverty. Ethiopians reject Trump's position Ethiopian officials and civil society groups argue that President Trump's remarks not only undermine Ethiopia's sovereign right to utilize its natural resources but also risk aggravating an already fragile diplomatic situation. Experts like Fekahmed Negash, former executive director at the Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO) of the Nile Basin Initiative, view Trump's comments as too incendiary to be dismissed While responding to questions from The Reporter, he described the U.S. President's remarks as a clearly partisan intervention, albeit unsurprising, given Trump's populist posture. ' President Trump held grudges against Ethiopia for not adhering to his self-styled mediation efforts between Ethiopia and Egypt eight years ago during his first presidency, ' said Fekahmed, who also served as director of Transboundary Rivers Affairs at Ethiopia's Ministry of Water. ' The Egyptians got the better of him to take a stand that Ethiopia should sign a binding treaty with Egypt and Sudan regarding the GERD.' Fekahmed's comments echo a broader sentiment in Ethiopia: that Trump's rhetoric not only reveals bias but also revives unresolved diplomatic tensions rooted in earlier U.S. attempts to broker a deal, efforts which Ethiopia viewed as favoring Egypt's demands. The GERD Project The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), nearing completion on the Blue Nile near Sudan, is Africa's largest hydropower project and a centerpiece of Ethiopia's development agenda. Valued at $5 billion, it is expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, doubling Ethiopia's power output and enabling it to export energy across the region. While Ethiopia sees the dam as vital for poverty reduction and economic growth, Egypt fears it could threaten its water security. With nearly 90 percent of its population dependent on the Nile, Egypt argues the GERD could significantly reduce the river's flow during critical periods. The dispute has become a regional flashpoint. Both Ethiopia and Egypt have sought international backing, and the involvement of global powers has added diplomatic weight. President Donald Trump's remarks appearing to support Egypt have been criticized in Ethiopia as undermining its sovereignty and risking greater tension. Despite repeated negotiations, the parties remain divided over how the dam should be filled and operated.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Why the Nile dam crisis demands action and accountability
The dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has become one of the world's major water conflicts. In recent weeks, it has gained renewed international attention, particularly after remarks from US President Donald Trump and a declaration by Ethiopia. As Ethiopia celebrates the 'completion' of the dam, Egypt views the announcement as a direct challenge to international law and a threat to the foundation of its national security. With its inauguration set for September, the question remains: will diplomacy prevail or will unilateralism triumph over cooperation? The GERD is Africa's largest hydroelectric power project, constructed by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, the main tributary of the Nile River. Launched in 2011, the dam is expected to generate more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity. While it promises much-needed energy for Ethiopia's population, the project has been controversial from the start. Egypt depends on the Nile for 97 percent of its freshwater needs. For more than a century, its water rights were guaranteed by treaties and its downstream position. But the GERD, located just a few kilometers from the Sudanese border, threatens to disrupt that balance. In Cairo, the concern is existential. Despite years of negotiations and a 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, Addis Ababa has pressed ahead with construction and the phased filling of the dam's reservoir without a binding legal agreement on its operation. Cairo has repeatedly warned that such actions violate international norms governing transboundary watercourses. Ethiopia, however, has largely ignored these warnings, framing the GERD as a sovereign project. Trump this month broke the American diplomatic silence that had defined the Biden years, issuing frank statements about the dam. Speaking at a press conference, Trump described the Nile as the 'lifeline' of the Egyptian people, a description that aligns precisely with Cairo's long-standing argument. He also criticized the American role in having, as he put it, 'stupidly funded' the dam without adequately addressing its consequences. 'I do not know why they didn't solve the problem before they built the dam,' Trump said. For Egypt, these remarks were not only long overdue, but they were also a validation. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed the comments, praising Trump's stance. Egyptian diplomats saw the US president's statements as a diplomatic turning point, bringing renewed pressure to bear on Ethiopia's unilateralism. From Ethiopia's side, the response was defensive and dismissive. Officials said the dam was funded domestically and some even portrayed Trump's comments as an insult to Ethiopia's sovereignty. But the broader reality is hard to ignore: the GERD has become a global concern and Ethiopia's dismissiveness only reinforces the perception that it is acting outside the bounds of international consensus. Days before Trump's remarks, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that all construction on the GERD had been completed. He declared that the dam would be officially inaugurated in September, calling it a victory for Ethiopia and inviting neighboring countries to join in the celebration. Trump this month broke the American diplomatic silence, issuing frank statements about the dam. Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy But in Egypt, this announcement was met with alarm. Cairo immediately condemned the move as a 'flagrant violation of international law' and an act of provocation. The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources issued a statement calling Ethiopia's behavior 'destabilizing,' arguing that the move to operate the dam unilaterally undermines every principle of cooperation and trust in international water governance. The Ethiopian government claims that the dam will not reduce water flow downstream and that Egypt's concerns are exaggerated. But these assurances ring hollow, as experts note that the GERD's reservoir can hold 74 billion cubic meters of water, almost the entire annual flow of the Blue Nile. Egypt, already below the global water poverty line, cannot gamble on goodwill. Ethiopia has repeatedly rejected calls to sign a legally binding agreement governing how the dam is filled and managed during droughts. This refusal alone should cause alarm in the international community. What nation would accept such unilateral control over its primary source of life? Sudan, Egypt's southern neighbor and fellow downstream country, has long had an ambivalent position on the GERD. At times, it saw possible benefits, such as regulated water flow and access to cheap electricity. But in recent years, Khartoum has leaned closer to Cairo's position, especially after experiencing erratic water releases and infrastructure concerns. Today, Sudan is wracked by internal conflict and thus largely sidelined in the GERD diplomacy. However, the interim leadership has reaffirmed its opposition to any unilateral action by Ethiopia. In a meeting with El-Sisi last month, Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan stressed the need for a coordinated solution and joint safeguards. More broadly, the GERD dispute could destabilize the region. It threatens to fracture regional relations, provoke proxy conflicts and fuel instability in a region already grappling with conflict, economic crisis and foreign intervention. Under international law, the use of shared rivers is governed by two core principles: equitable and reasonable use, and the obligation not to cause significant harm. Egypt has abided by these rules and has called, again and again, for negotiations to reach a fair agreement. Ethiopia has adopted a narrow definition of sovereignty that places its national interests above regional stability. While no one denies Ethiopia's right to development, that right must be exercised within a framework of shared responsibility. It cannot come at the expense of 100 million Egyptians and the security of an entire region. The GERD is not a local dam. It is a regional project with continental consequences. Its success or failure will signal whether powerful upstream states can impose their will on downstream neighbors without consequence, or whether diplomacy, legality and fairness can still shape international outcomes. With the dam's inauguration looming and the US now taking a more decisive tone, the coming months will determine the future of one of the most important rivers on Earth. Trump's words, if backed by action, could revive negotiations and pressure Ethiopia to concede. But the international community must act decisively. Ethiopia's unilateralism cannot become the new norm. Letting one country control another's lifeline — without oversight, agreement or accountability — sets a dangerous precedent not just for Africa but for all transboundary river systems around the world.
