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
Iranian photographer reclaims iconic image used in controversial Trump tweet Iranians react against harsh messages by officials in the United States on the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. United States
Tunisians celebrate landmark ruling against president Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has lost his legal case against a citizen, a decision being hailed as a first for civil rights progress there. Tunisia
Why Egyptian farmers' sons would rather migrate than work in fields Agriculture in the Egyptian countryside is in decline as farmers' offspring would rather move abroad than stay at family farms. Egypt
Navy's reversal on 355-ship goal raises doubts on countering Iran The US Navy will re-evaluate plans to grow its force to 355 ships, a move that could upset the Fifth Fleet’s Middle East strategy. Gulf
Thailand buckles to global pressure, frees Bahraini soccer player Thailand released Bahraini soccer player and refugee Hakeem al-Araibi from prison, though Bahrain has warned that it still seeks to pursue legal action against him. Bahrain
New generation of Iraqi archaeologists follows in mentor's footsteps Iraq's young archaeologists are remembering their inspiration and frequent mentor Lamia Gailani, who worked hard to restore her country's lost heritage and encourage new scientists to explore the field. Iraq
Saudi Arabia seeks to entice visitors with pre-Islamic sites Following last year's $20 billion French-Saudi deal to accelerate al-Ula’s development, there are more international archaeologists on the ground than ever before. Saudi Arabia
Ankara, Moscow demand 'decisive measures' in Syria ahead of Sochi summit Turkey's defense minister hosted his Russian counterpart for a preparatory meeting for next week's summit on Syria in a show of the deepening friendship and security ties between the Black Sea powers. Syria
Lebanese youth open zero-waste market Active during the 2015 trash crisis, Lebanon’s younger generation are pushing for environmentally friendly products, seen in the opening of Recycle Lebanon’s EcoSouk. Lebanon
Are Metro suicides sign that Egyptians are losing hope? A spate of metro suicides in Egypt has been a wake-up call for the authorities, alerting them to the growing discontent in the country. Egypt
What fate awaits Tunisia's returning jihadis? As one of the top countries of origin for foreign IS recruits, Tunisia has struggled to address domestic threats of returning jihadis and how to de-radicalize these youths. Syria
Riyadh woos Iraqis with security talks, economic projects Saudi Arabia is working to reconcile with Iraq to reduce Iranian influence in the country. Saudi Arabia