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
Putin backs US-brokered security zone in Syria during Erdogan's Moscow visit Moscow has put its support behind a US-brokered security zone along the border between Turkey and Syria. Syria
Arab states slow to respond to Kashmir controversy Despite Kashmir’s predominately Muslim population, there are many possible reasons why some Arab countries have been reluctant to condemn India’s actions. Originals
Netanyahu’s worst nightmare: a Trump-Rouhani meeting The G-7 statement by US President Donald Trump about Iran changing is the worst nightmare Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have ever imagined. Israel
Moroccan king announces plan to promote social, economic equality As Morocco's king marks 20 years on the throne, he's preparing a plan designed to aid the poor, largely through education. Morocco
Art imitates life and death in war-ravaged Afrin Two Syrian artists, a sculptor and a photographer, agree that the tragedies of war have given them rich fodder for art and opportunities to speak out for life and human dignity. Syria
Trump leans into Macron's Iran diplomacy, open to meet Rouhani US President Donald Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to try to arrange a meeting between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to discuss prospects for a new deal in the coming weeks. United States
How can Russia, Turkey reach deal on Idlib? In the run-up to the Turkish president's visit to Moscow, few options may be on the table with regard to Syria's Idlib. Syria
Egyptians revive Pharaonic beauty, health secrets Ancient Egyptian remedies and practices are making a comeback in the form of natural beauty products and pharaonic medicine. Egypt
Qatar's agriculture push risks further groundwater depletion Groundwater depletion is raising environmental concerns over the long-term sustainability of Qatar’s ambitious self-sufficiency policy. Saudi Arabia
Aden standoff puts Hadi's legitimacy at stake The seizure of Aden by Yemeni separatists threatens to fracture the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia
Is Middle East's young labor boom blessing or curse? By 2040, the Middle East and North Africa will see a sharp increase in young people who enter the labor force, which could lead to disaster if areas like education aren’t improved. Lebanon
Macron to press Trump on Iran diplomacy at G-7 French President Emmanuel Macron says he will present US President Donald Trump ideas for an economic incentive package to try to advance Iran diplomacy at the G-7 summit in Biarritz this weekend. United States