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
New name, same old problems: Syria talks kick off in Kazakh capital The name of the venue for the Syria peace talks may have changed from Astana to Nursultan, but the challenges the participants faced were familiar ones. Jordan
Algeria officials show growing signs of desperation as protests push on Protests continue in Algeria, where the regime hopes its selective culling of the political elite will appease the demonstrators. Algeria
Zarif says 'negotiating table is there' Speaking to journalists at the Iranian mission to the UN, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif revealed details about correspondence with the Donald Trump administration over a potential prisoner exchange. United States
Syria drawdown raises security risks for US troops The Donald Trump administration’s drawdown in Syria threatens to disrupt a fragile balance where US troops trade military power for Kurdish protection. Syria
Biden’s pro-Israel record could help with defense of Iran nuclear deal The former vice president’s foreign policy experience and pro-Israel credentials could make him an effective supporter of the Iran deal but open him up to attacks from the left. United States
Qatar brings Gaza beaches back to life The Gaza Electricity Distribution Co. completed April 18 a Qatar-funded project designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the wastewater treatment plants, which will subsequently stop seawater pollution and revitalize the beaches. Palestine
Israelis crazy for mass singings The Koolulam mass singing phenomenon has swept up thousands of Israelis in an effort to bring harmony to a divided society. Israel
From Palestine with love: Designer explores postcard power A young Palestinian graphic designer combines old photos with modern designs to show a different side of her country. Palestine
Syria opposition receives military training from Turkey ahead of potential battle against SDF Free Syrian Army factions in northern Syria are receiving military training under Turkish army supervision in preparation for an imminent battle against the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Bookworms entice Jordanians to read by handing out sweets Despite campaigns to popularize reading by locals and UNESCO, the high price of books puts them out of many Jordanians' reach. Jordan
US offers cautious response to Zarif call for prisoner swap The State Department's measured response to Iran's call for a prisoner swap is a departure from its "maximum pressure" campaign against the country. United States
Qatar’s first elections since 2017 reveal unexpected impact of GCC crisis Turnout in the Qatari municipal elections has declined, suggesting a Qatari citizenry that is slightly less engaged in the formal political process in the wake of the GCC crisis. Saudi Arabia