Humanitarian crises

People cheers as Sudan's de facto leader, armed forces chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrives at the market in Port Sudan on December 29, 2024. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Sudan’s Burhan arrives in Turkey on heels of Eritrea visit, key victories

The talks come after a major military victory for the Sudanese army in Khartoum against the Rapid Support Forces, who are currently attempting to cement their stronghold in Darfur.

A fighter loyal to the army patrols a market area in Khartoum on March 24, 2025.

Analysis

As Sudan's genocide case against UAE opens at ICJ, legal shield under fire

The war in Sudan has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 14.6 million people displaced and 30.4 million in need of aid, according to the International Rescue Committee.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Palestinians gather for a communal iftar.

Israel expands Gaza buffer zone to 20% as humanitarian situation deteriorates

Israel’s expanded buffer zone will cut off Gaza from Egypt and further partition the Strip, as the humanitarian crisis in the territory deepens.

The heavily damaged Shahid (Martyr) Mosque is pictured in Khartoum's Muqrin neighbourhood on March 22, 2025. Sudan's army and allied armed groups seized the country's presidential palace on March 21 in the ongoing war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries, which the RSF had used since the start of the war to house elite forces and stockpile ammunition. The military has since launched a clearing operation to push the RSF out of the city centre, retaking on March 22 several strategic state ins

Khartoum accuses RSF of looting and destroying Sudan's heritage: What to know

The Sudanese government accused the Rapid Support Forces of looting and destroying cultural heritage sites, including the Sudan National Museum, during their occupation of Khartoum, calling the actions war crimes and pledging to work with UNESCO and Interpol to recover stolen artifacts.

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Analysis

Khartoum’s advances 'watershed moment’ in Sudan war as pressure builds on RSF, foreign backers

Fighters loyal to the army patrol a market area in Khartoum on March 24, 2025.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Sudan army closes in on Khartoum's presidential palace in blow to RSF

Khartoum

Sudan brings genocide case against UAE at International Court of Justice

AFP via Getty Images

US formally rebrands Yemen's Houthis as foreign terrorist organization

US President Donald Trump shows an executive order withdrawing his country from a number of United Nations bodies in the Oval Office of the White House on February 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order withdrawing his country from a number of United Nations bodies, including its Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and setting up a broader review of US funding for the multilateral organization. The executive order said it withdrew Washington from UNHRC and the main UN relief agency

Lavrov and Thani

In Qatar, Russia's Lavrov rejects European force in Ukraine, pushes for Syria access

During the visit, Russia and Qatar agreed to step up cooperation via a gas forum and their sovereign wealth funds and discussed the political transitions in Syria and Lebanon.

France's President Emmanuel Macron (C), Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (R) and Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani pose for a group photograph during the International Conference on Syria at the Ministerial Conference Center, in Paris on February 13, 2025. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

France sees opening in Trump's USAID cuts to lead Syria humanitarian aid

The Paris conference on Syria positions France at the forefront of international efforts to support the interim regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

Feature

Trump's aid freeze forces war-battered Syrian hospitals to halt services

As Syria emerges from its grueling civil war, the doctors who survived the regime’s deliberate bombardment of medical facilities are confronting a new threat: the suspension of American aid.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Shaibani

At Dubai summit, Syrian FM expresses interest in Baghdad visit

On his second trip to the United Arab Emirates since assuming his role, new Syria Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stressed the need for good neighborly relations, lifting of sanctions and guaranteed rights for minorities in the country.

Israeli hostages stand on stage flanked by Hamas militants during the official handover in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on February 8, 2025. Hamas hands over three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross as part of ongoing negotiations. (Photo by Youssef Alzanoun / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by YOUSSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters?

Israel is considering introducing a transitional phase to salvage the deal and ensure the continued release of hostages. However, for this to proceed, Hamas must adhere to the agreed-upon terms by Saturday.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

A banner lists the countries funding the World Food Program at a food distribution point run by the Ukrainian charity Angels of Salvation (AOS), on Feb. 7, 2025, in Druzhkivka, Ukraine.

Norwegian Refugee Council halts aid in over 20 countries after USAID cuts

The Norwegian Refugee Council warned that it would have to halt life-saving programs if US government payments are not resumed.

Staff Writer

By Staff Writer

“CLOSE IT DOWN!” Mr. Trump wrote of U.S.A.I.D. on Truth Social,

Analysis

US aid freeze threatens Sudan’s lifeline as USAID support hangs in balance

As the Trump administration dissolves the US' largest aid agency, Sudan, embroiled in conflict and a humanitarian crisis, could soon suffer the consequences.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) speaks at a press conference outside of USAID headquarters on Feb. 03, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Democrats warn Trump’s USAID freeze may fuel Middle East instability

Lawmakers vowed to challenge the takeover of the agency, with or without the support of Republicans members of Congress.

Sudanese army soldiers patrol an area in Khartoum North, on Nov. 3, 2024.

Battle for Khartoum at tipping point as Sudan military advances

After years of fighting between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, the two groups’ battle for the capital city of Khartoum could be coming to a head.

Hamas militants escort Isreali hostage Agam Berger (C) before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on January 30, 2025

Israel suspends next Palestinian prisoner release after chaotic Hamas handover of hostages

Another three Israelis and five Thai nationals have been freed from captivity in Gaza.

SAEED JARAS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Netanyahu teeters between Trump’s demand to end war, coalition threats

The Israeli right says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caved to Hamas by allowing hundreds of thousands of Gazans to return to the north.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

People walk along Gaza's coastal al-Rashid Street to cross the Netzarim corridor from the southern Gaza Strip into the north on Jan. 27, 2025.

Israel reopens north Gaza passage after Hamas pledges to release 3 more hostages

Hamas agreed to release three more hostages on Thursday, after it failed to release civilian Arbel Yehud on Saturday, in exchange for Israel opening Monday morning the passage to northern Gaza.