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
Kuwait asks Saudi Arabia to release Palestinian detainees Kuwait is negotiating to secure the release of dozens of Hamas members who have spent months in Saudi Arabian prisons with no explanation provided. Saudi Arabia
The shows go on amid tensions this festival season in Lebanon Music, art, and religious festivals, large and small, have become summertime staples in Lebanon, providing entertainment and generating tourist dollars. Lebanon
Interview Oman minister describes role as 'facilitator' of diplomacy in turbulent region In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s minister responsible for foreign affairs, describes his country's role as facilitator, not mediator, to resolve the region's conflicts, including Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yemen, and the embargo of Qatar. With Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman
US and world powers continue to talk past each other on Iran at UN While the remaining parties to the nuclear deal tried to restart diplomacy with Iran, the United States punished one of them for links to Tehran. United States
Would Israel limit use of plastic disposable tableware? Israel's Finance Ministry is considering taxation of disposable dishes and tableware to curb the enormous use of plastic in the country. Israel
Iran hawks cement ties to former US-designated terrorist group United Against Nuclear Iran's CEO embraces the MEK as his group prepared to host Pompeo. United States
Syria panel calls for Trump to halt pullout A bipartisan panel of experts appointed by Congress is calling on President Donald Trump to stop the US pullout from Syria. Syria
Former diplomat: Iran attacks create opportunity for talks The Donald Trump administration should use the investigation into suspected Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities to de-escalate regional tensions, a former top US diplomat said at an Al-Monitor event Sept. 24. Saudi Arabia
Meet the rocker whose music revives Turkey's quirky history Taner Ongur's music explores curious incidents from the dusty pages of modern Turkish history. Turkey
US faces uneasy choice between Lebanese Christians and Syrian refugees Lebanese Christians are making a religious case for the Trump administration to back the repatriation of refugees to Syria Lebanon
Congress loosens pressure on Egypt just as new anti-Sisi protests emerge Key senators have abandoned efforts to cut Egyptian military aid just as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government clamps down on new protests. Egypt
Does Russia benefit from attack on Saudi oil facility? The attacks on Saudi oil production facilities may bring Russia some short-term benefits, but the picture becomes more complicated in the long run. Gulf