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
Trump announces sanctions against Turkey The Treasury Department sanctions Turkey's defense, energy, and interior ministers over Turkey's incursion into northern Syria. Syria
Translation project offers Israelis look into Palestinian literature Translation into Hebrew of Palestinian and Arab novels and short stories opens a literary window for Israeli readers. Palestine
US lobbying creates headaches for candidates back home An increasingly globalized political influence industry is triggering a global backlash. Tunisia
Pentagon blames Turkey for strikes near US troops in Syria The Pentagon held Turkey responsible for shelling American units in the Syrian city of Kobani on Friday, in spite of denials from Ankara. Turkey
Iranian women cheer at soccer game, finally For the first time since 1981, Iranian women got unrestricted access to a soccer stadium as they watch the national team beat Cambodia 14-0. Iran
A look at what’s going on in eastern Syria Tens of thousands in Hasakah province are already displaced by Erdogan’s freshly launched Operation Spring of Peace. Syria
Can Egypt sweeten deal for small beekeepers? Egypt organizes its first beekeepers festival, but small producers wonder whether their presence will make a buzz. Egypt
Going it alone: Saudi Arabia’s economic realities after oil attacks The energy sector is Saudi Arabia's lifeline, but it is more often a honey pot of domestic spending than a resource for future development. Saudi Arabia
What to expect from Putin's visit to Saudi Arabia Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Saudi Arabia on Oct. 14 with a set of economic and security issues on the agenda. Saudi Arabia
Why these Egyptian artists are telling Cairens to take deep breath At the "Tea Time with My Lungs" exhibition, three young artists explain with art the importance of just taking a deep breath. Egypt
Intel: What’s in Congress’ new Turkey sanctions package Infuriated with President Donald Trump for greenlighting Turkey’s offensive against the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units, Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., are turning to sanctions legislation. Syria