Starbucks, Coke Boycotts Over Gaza War Boost Middle East Rivals

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, Nayera Ahmed, a 19-year-old mass communications student in Cairo, has stopped hanging out at her local Starbucks. The American coffee chain has appeared on several consumer boycott lists being circulated on Egyptian social media.

“Me and my friends, we used to go to Starbucks all the time, now it’s a shame if you’re seen at one of those,” Ahmed said. “It’s the least we can do. Why would I buy from these Western companies?”

It’s a trend playing out in parts of the Middle East and even beyond. Driven by a wellspring of anger ...