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
Why Palestinian Museum received prestigious architectural award The Palestinian Museum, which has received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, combines an ecological design and harmony of landscape Palestine
Will Thomas Cook's collapse have long-term impact on Egypt's tourism sector? Egypt's tourist industry was just getting back on its feet when Thomas Cook collapsed, producing more uncertainty in the sector. Egypt
Island sheikh talks sovereignty in Yemen's war The chief sheikh of the Yemeni island of Socotra spoke to Al-Monitor about growing foreign interference on the island, which has been so far spared from the fallout of the Yemeni war. Saudi Arabia
It's off to the races in Lebanon, in drag The popularity of 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' has injected new life into Lebanon’s drag scene, whose performers bring unique cultural elements to the drag tradition. Lebanon
US pushes Iraq to integrate Iran-backed PMU militias after strikes The Donald Trump administration is calling on Iraq to demobilize Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Units after renewed rocket strikes hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad. Saudi Arabia
Russia’s future in Iran looks brighter as Europe, US fade Moscow hopes its efforts to help Iran work around US sanctions will pay off in trade, finance and politics. Russia
Interview Qatar spokesperson: Blockade 'existential threat' to GCC In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson remains optimistic that diplomacy in Afghanistan remains possible.
Bahrain would welcome 'new JCPOA' if Iran ends 'toxic' behavior In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, says his country is "not shy" about working with the United States to support peace and prosperity in the region. Saudi Arabia
Meet the boxer who blows into glass in Cairo Glassblowing dates back to pharaonic times in Egypt, but these days there's one man trying to keep the tradition alive. Egypt
Lost opportunity? Rouhani departs NY without meeting Trump A US-Iran breakthrough seems elusive after attacks on Saudi Arabia. United States
Donor countries stand by UN Palestinian refugee agency despite corruption probe The Trump administration skipped today's pledging conference co-hosted by Jordan and Sweden. Palestine