Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
One year on Sudan’s war: 14,700 killed, 8.6M displaced, 4.9M face starvation As the war in Sudan enters its second year, the humanitarian situation is worsening by the day with no prospects of an imminent end of the hostilities. North Africa Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
As Russia mediates Syria-Turkey talks, can new Idlib truce hold? As the international spotlight was on intra-Libyan talks in Moscow, Russia mediated talks between Syria-Turkey security chiefs Syria
Intel: Why the US is expelling dozens of Saudi military trainees Washington is expected to expel more than a dozen Saudi military trainees from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Africans in Istanbul victims of unemployment, red tape "We love it," say many members of the African community in Turkey, but add that there are few jobs — at least for them. Turkey
Ottoman archives help Palestinians reclaim their land The Palestinian Authority is heavily relying on Ottoman archives to prove ownership of thousands of dunams of lands claimed by Israel in the West Bank. Palestine
Egypt launches program in search of the next Mo Salah The Egyptian government has signed a five-year agreement with a sports development company to identify and nurture youths with the potential to excel at professional sports. Egypt
Viral song spreads vivid debate on misogyny in Egypt A satirical song called "Salmonella" has stirred up public debate on misogyny and male chauvinism in Egypt. Egypt
What’s next for Oman following Sultan Qaboos’ death? Oman's new ruler Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said will work to stamp his own imprint on a nation often synonymous with its longtime leader. Originals
Israeli spyware company accused of hacking activists hires lobby firm Q Cyber Technologies has been sued by Facebook and WhatsApp and is accused of helping Saudi Arabia spy on murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi PM quietly working to keep US troops in country Iraq’s caretaker prime minister privately does not want US troops to withdraw, several American and Iraqi sources familiar with the situation told Al-Monitor. Iraq
Pakistan seeks to mitigate US-Iran tensions Pakistan, wary in part of tensions between Washington and Tehran negatively affecting the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran after the recent round of violence between them. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Democrats wade into legal gray area with Iran war powers vote The House passed a resolution 224-194 seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct future offensive military actions against Iran. United States
Intel: How Russia is helping Iraq build up its air defenses amid US-Iran escalation Following the latest hostilities between the United States and Iran inside Iraq, Baghdad has reportedly resumed negotiations with Moscow over reinforcing its air defenses. Iraq