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
'Majority' of US troops depart Syria A convoy of US troops departed northeast Syria today, a spokesman for the US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State told Al-Monitor. Syria
Egypt calls Luxor coffins 'greatest discovery of century' The 30 uniquely well preserved coffins recently found in Egypt's southern city of Luxor are a godsend to Egyptian tourism. Egypt
Why Lebanon’s wildfires risk is becoming more common Lebanon’s recent forest fires have raised concern about the ability to respond to extreme weather events as a result of climate change. Lebanon
Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey. Iraq
Congress puts heat on Saudis for helping fugitives flee country Congress is cracking down on Saudi Arabia for allegedly helping its citizens escape the US criminal justice system. Saudi Arabia
Why Russia isn't bothered by US-Turkey agreement on Syria Russia, which has been conducting its own whirlwind diplomacy this week, wasn't disturbed by the US-Turkey deal over northern Syria. Gulf
Pakistan hopes to ease hostility between Iran, Saudis Traveling between Riyadh and Tehran, Pakistan’s prime minister is trying to diplomatically defuse the highly charged situation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Turkey violates deal to pause Syrian fighting, officials say Shortly after Vice President Mike Pence and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a deal to allow the Kurdish People’s Protection Units to evacuate the northern Syrian battlefield, Turkey continued its offensive into northern Syria early today. Syria
Clay chairs, edible statues make Jordan's design week one to remember Experimental projects abounded at Amman Design Week. Jordan
Turkey lobbies Congress against lifting Cyprus arms embargo as tensions mount Ankara is scrambling to keep Congress from lifting a three-decade arms embargo on Cyprus as US-Turkey tensions mount. Turkey
Trump touts Syria deal as Congress advances sanctions A high-level US delegation has worked out a deal to temporarily halt Turkey’s violent weeklong offensive into northern Syria, but many in the Trump administration believe the price the Kurds are paying is too high. Syria
Putin's visit draws UAE, Russia closer The UAE's welcoming ceremony for Putin outperformed that of the Saudis but this is not the only reason why the Russian president left Abu Dhabi happy. Gulf