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
Europe seeks diplomatic next steps on Iran Warning about the resumption of enrichment at Iran’s underground Fordow facility, Europeans look for a diplomatic path that could get the United States and Iran back to the table, and keep the deal alive through 2020 US elections. United States
Ancient Kurdish festival offers taste of enduring love, mysticism Mythology, mysticism and tributes to love dominate the Pir-Shalyar wedding festival in a rocky Kurdish village in western Iran. Iran
Democrats fight Trump stonewall over Lebanon military aid freeze Democratic leaders are pushing the White House for answers over its hold on $105 million in foreign military aid to Lebanon after the US administration refused to respond to questions about the decision from Congress. Originals
Iran debates end of confession broadcasts An outspoken Iranian lawmaker is pushing legislation that would abolish the state broadcaster's controversial tradition of airing forced confessions. Iran
Amr Moussa: In five years, 'you will not recognize' Mideast In an interview, the former Egyptian foreign minister and secretary general of the Arab League reflected on the changes taking place in the region. Iraq
Tunisia’s Ennahda faces critical choices as it seeks to form new government Ennahda is still grappling with how, and if, to form a parliamentary coalition in Tunisia. Tunisia
Egypt's Sephardim explore Jewish roots in quest for Spanish citizenship Egypt's minuscule Jewish community has taken advantage of a chance to gain Spanish nationality, though will stay in Egypt if they get it. Egypt
In Egypt, penalties proposed for those not wearing decent clothes in public places Egyptian activists denounce a new bill that would oblige citizens to wear decent clothes under pain of financial penalties and say the proposed law is extremely conservative and involves serious constitutional violations. Egypt
How Russia sees protests in Lebanon, Iraq Russian officials have adopted a wait and see approach to the ongoing protests in Lebanon and Iraq, but the stance has some principles Moscow follows. Iraq
Syrian Kurds OK US-led oil mission The commander of the Pentagon-backed Syrian Democratic Forces has signed off to help the Donald Trump administration protect the war-torn country’s oil fields, even amid an ongoing Turkish incursion the group has lobbied the United States to stop. Syria
Russia, Egypt look to boost military ties Russia and Egypt held military exercises as a token of Moscow's increased interest in expanding cooperation with Cairo. Egypt