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
'Eggupation' breeds revolutionary thinking in Beirut The reputation of the Egg, a cinema in downtown Beirut, has gone from an eyesore to an incubator for new thinking. Lebanon
Israel’s culture minister offers settlers own propaganda film fund The new initiative of Culture Minister Miri Regev for the establishment of three film funds hides her true purpose — to offer the settlers their own propaganda film fund. Israel
Tulsi Gabbard lays groundwork to force divisive vote on Syria withdrawal Presidential hopeful Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, could trigger a House vote forcing President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria — but it’s dividing the anti-war movement. Syria
Trump defender Dershowitz signs on as lobbyist for Israeli billionaire accused of looting Africa The civil liberties lawyer is close to both US and Israeli leaders. Israel
Oman’s national unity racks up high cultural costs as local languages fall silent Oman's rich linguistic diversity is dwindling after fifty years of domination by Arabic as the language of education, trade and official correspondence. Oman
Are silk and saffron the future of this Anatolian town? The first female mayor of Safranbolu, a town dating to the 11th century, is eager to put her UNESCO-protected city on Turkey's tourism map. Turkey
A very long engagement, Yemeni-style A young medical student in Yemen is using social media to force the release of her fiance detained three years ago. Yemen
The UAE still has military ambitions in Yemen despite ‘withdrawal’ The United Arab Emirates seems to be staging a withdrawal from Yemen’s southern city of Aden while increasing its influence elsewhere in the southern provinces. Saudi Arabia
National security officials fear White House reversal on Syria As a residual US troop presence arrives in Syria, some Donald Trump administration officials are worried that the president himself may once again reverse his decision to leave troops in the country. Syria
Saudi financial forum visit pays off for India Riyadh and New Delhi were productive during the Indian prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia last week. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon's revolutionary art flourishes despite culture sector strike Since the start of Lebanon’s protests on Oct. 17, street artists have mobilized to add their marks to the massive movement that has swept across Lebanon. Lebanon
US mum on Iran prisoner swap dangle The United States government is saying little about Iran’s recent announcement it is sending a list of names for a possible prisoner swap, but there are signs of possible movement behind the scenes. United States