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
Meet the actor who won Turkey's first Emmy Award for best performance Haluk Bilginer, a veteran actor whose roles range from King Lear to drifters, received an Emmy Award for best acting performance. Turkey
Pentagon rethinks how to protect diplomats, aid workers in Mideast war zones The Pentagon's push for more authority to provide security to diplomats and aid workers in conflict zones could allow US aid to penetrate deeper into war zones. Yemen
Turkish-Saudi animosity spills over into cultural sphere A new multimillion-dollar series on a Saudi TV channel broadcast across the Middle East depicts Ottomans as tyrants who ravaged the Arab world. Saudi Arabia
Who helps former ultra-Orthodox integrate into Israeli way of life? Israelis who leave the ultra-Orthodox way of life find themselves without basic education, psychological support or career prospects. Israel
Russia, Palestine seek to upgrade relationship While commemorating over four decades of relations, Russia seeks to strengthen cultural ties with Palestine. Palestine
Why this TV series causes high drama between Cairo, Ankara After a decade of Ottoman splendors shown in popular Turkish soap operas, "Kingdoms of Fire" casts Selim, the Grim as the villain. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians lobby for tweaks to anti-terror bill The Palestinian Authority and plaintiffs backed by an Israeli NGO are competing for lawmakers’ ears as Congress seeks to amend an anti-terror law. Palestine
Pompeo urges Iranians to expose regime abuses Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Iranians to continue sending messages exposing the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on recent widespread protests. Iraq
Jordan plans to grab excess American weapons Jordan is planning to obtain excess US fighter jets and large transport planes, part of an ongoing counterterror effort in the Arab kingdom. Jordan
Pompeo wavers on sanctions red line after Turkey tests Russian missile system Turkey started testing the S-400 missile system this week, but the Donald Trump administration is still hesitant to implement legally mandated sanctions on Ankara. Russia
US sanctions on Turkey 'inevitable' after apparent S-400 radar test US officials are expected to impose sanctions on Turkey following reports that Turkey is testing its Russian S-400 radars in Ankara. Turkey
Algeria’s government and protesters on track for collision Algerian protesters are stepping up pressure against the ruling regime as the Dec. 12 elections near, with complete rejection of the candidates. Algeria