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
Israel boycott movement takes on US law enforcement Several US police departments are ending training in Israel amid pressure from pro-Palestinian activists as pro-Israel groups explore legal countermeasures. Palestine
Sotheby’s auctions off ancient Egyptian artifacts The ethics of private collections and ancient works of art sold at auction has long been a source of controversy, and Sotheby’s latest offerings in London are no different. Egypt
Congress weighs rushing Israel anti-boycott bill by year’s end Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., wants to attach controversial anti-boycott legislation before the end of the year by attaching it to a must-pass spending bill. Palestine
Congress grills incoming Middle East commander on Yemen On the heels of a vote to end support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, senators grilled President Trump’s choice to lead US troops in the Middle East about America’s role in the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Asia buoys Iran as US sanctions hit Iran is still selling considerable quantities of oil to China, Japan, India and South Korea thanks to US waivers and other mechanisms to circumvent sanctions. Iraq
Saudi Arabia's estrangement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman got into the G-20 group photo, but his brand remains very toxic. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians pay giant homage to keffiyeh The keffiyeh has long been a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, and the largest keffiyeh in history is set to break a record next year. Palestine
Can Turkish psychedelic music go global? Meet the young trendsetters spreading the word about a rich and original period of Turkish music: Turkish rock from the 1960s and 1970s. Turkey
US Syria envoy: Let's pull the plug on Russia-led talks US Syria envoy James Jeffrey would like incoming UN Syria envoy Geir Pederson to have a clear path for negotiating a solution for Syria. Syria
Last Greeks of Alexandria struggle to keep their community alive The Greek community of Alexandria long considered itself one of the main actors in the building of modern Egypt, but with their number dwindled to fewer than 1,000, they are now organizing to deepen and expand existing roots by connecting more with local non-Greek Alexandrians. Egypt
Arab Spring memories fresh as Tunisians protest MBS Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was greeted in Tunisia by hundreds of protesters, blaming him for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and calling for an end to the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Saudi Arabia