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
Iranian film on US porn star causes stir at home "Xsunami: Memories of a Porn Star," produced by hard-line filmmakers, aims to expose "sexual decadence" in the United States but has yet to get screening permission from Iran's Ministry of Culture. Iran
Saudi and Israeli tourism campaigns offer stark contrast in transparency Public relations firms working to promote travel to foreign countries are all over the map when it comes to lobbying and PR disclosures. Saudi Arabia
Through Fatima's eyes: Jordanians take to streets against domestic violence The blinding of Fatima, a mother of three, by her abusive husband has disgusted and outraged Jordanians because of the lack of protection available for women experiencing domestic violence. Jordan
East Yemen former ruling dynasty calls to revive Mahra Sultanate Amid Saudi Arabia’s growing military influence over the easternmost corner of Yemen, Al Mahrah’s former ruling dynasty wants independence. Saudi Arabia
Report: Iran likely to buy Russian and Chinese arms Tehran will likely look to Russia and China to purchase advanced weapons when a UN arms embargo against the country expires next year, a senior defense intelligence official said Nov. 19. United States
Democrats plan legislative response to Trump’s new Israeli settlement policy House Democratic leaders vow to vote on a resolution backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Donald Trump administration’s new settlement policy. Palestine
Trump blows off Congress inquiry on Lebanon aid freeze The White House has missed a deadline to justify freezing $105 million in military aid to Lebanon, two congressional aides told Al-Monitor. Lebanon
Rep. Elissa Slotkin praises Iraq protests, warns against Iran missiles at Al-Monitor breakfast Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., discussed Iraq and Syria at Al-Monitor’s Middle East Mornings breakfast. Iraq
US says Israeli settlements not necessarily illegal A US shift on settlements comes after European court decision on labeling settlement products. Palestine
Queen of Lebanese hip-hop raps on revolution Veteran Middle Eastern hip-hop artist Malikah's new release at the height of the Lebanese protests marks a shift in her music and views on Lebanon. Lebanon
Anti-Iran advocacy group FDD registers to lobby The hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an influential Washington think tank, has registered to lobby US lawmakers. Israel
Congress moves to sanction Russians for mercenary surge in Libya The US National Security Council has begun a review of US policy involving Libya as a congressional bill seeks to sanction Russian mercenaries who have undertaken operations in the war-torn North African country. Libya