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
Plan to charge allies for US troop presence carries risks for Americans in North Africa US President Donald Trump’s reported plan to charge allies for US military bases could make it harder to protect diplomats and embassies throughout Africa. Libya
Turkey’s WomanTV offers new voice on women’s issues A new TV station is taking on femicide, glass ceilings and violence, as well as sharing success stories of women in Turkey. Turkey
Women break their silence at Lebanon's monodrama festival The Lebanon International Women Monodrama Festival, which opens on International Women's Day, provides a platform for female voices to be heard without interruption or suppression. Lebanon
How did Lavrov do on his Gulf tour? During his tour of the Gulf, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov treaded carefully around politics, opting to speak publicly about a safer topic, economics. Gulf
Lebanese architect blazes new path For Beirut-born architect Amale Andraos, it is still surprisingly difficult to operate as a woman in architecture. Lebanon
Saudi investment fund hires US PR firm to create distance from crown prince New York-based Karv Communications will be paid $120,000 a month to “create a clear distinction” between the $200 billion fund and its embattled chairman. Saudi Arabia
US struggles to get European troops for Syria European allies are wary of committing troops for a Syria mission when the Donald Trump administration has given conflicting signals about its engagement in Syria. Syria
US government no longer excludes MEK as leadership option for Iran The group, once on a State Department list of terrorist organizations, has influential supporters in the Donald Trump administration. United States
How this mother-daughter duo became partners in art Amneh Baagour, who grew up in Lebanon's Beddawi refugee camp, became her artist daughter's best student. Palestine
Kuwait’s steady hand in Gulf affairs Amid disputes among the GCC states and beyond, Kuwait's efforts to bridge regional and international approaches to diplomacy remain vital. Gulf
Start-up nation Israel: Where women are the future More and more women are starting high-tech businesses in Israel, site of the second-largest technology hub in the world. Israel