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
Competition brings green to Beirut The “I Green Beirut” competition brought together designers, urban planners and artists to present ideas for transforming three areas around the city into new green spaces. Lebanon
Gaza students develop app to reduce travelers' health risks A new app, which won first place at the 2019 Arab Innovation Academy, helps travelers to identify diseases and health concerns around the world, and vaccines available. Palestine
Iran's education minister teaches lesson to country's powerful publishers Iranian education minister’s campaign against the country’s unchallenged educational book publishers seems to be getting him top marks among the public. Iran
Top Russian security officials tour Egypt, Gulf to discuss Syria, Libya Over the space of a week, top officials in the Russian security apparatus toured Saudia Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt with some intriguing proposals on Syria and Libya. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Why Trump’s Iran policy is sparking Iraqi outrage President Donald Trump’s pledge to use a US base in Iraq to “watch” Iran has triggered a furious reaction from Baghdad. Originals
Gadhafi-linked Libyan oil tycoon enters Washington lobbying fray Libyan oil tycoon Hassan Tatanaki has begun lobbying in the US in an effort to get the Donald Trump administration to get behind the push for fresh elections in the war-torn country. Libya
Numbers of Turkish universities soar, but quality falls Quality in education hasn't kept pace with the phenomenal increase in enrollment and facilities in Turkey's university system. Turkey
Palestinian students stripped of US scholarships Palestinian students studying abroad on US-sponsored scholarships have found themselves in limbo after the Palestinian Authority declined further US assistance following enactment of the US Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act. Palestine
'The Guest' gets cold shoulder from Egyptian Islamic scholars Egyptian religious scholars want “The Guest,” an award-winning film, banned. Egypt
Kurdish lobby struggles to slow US pullout from Syria An upstart Syrian Kurdish delegation urging the Donald Trump administration to slow the Pentagon pullout from Syria faces significant hurdles to get its message in front of a wary US administration. Syria
Turkish menus celebrate cherished regional soups In Turkey, soup is more than a dish; it is the bearer of a vast culture. Turkey
Intel: How McConnell is forcing Democrats to side with Trump on Syria Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., managed to rebuke both President Donald Trump and Democrats with one vote. Syria