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
Yemen's free-falling economy worsens famine The UN is increasing its calls for support of the deteriorating economy in Yemen, where three-fourths of the population is struggling just to survive. Yemen
UN pushes back Yemen peace talks With UN talks on Yemen delayed amid escalating fighting, veteran diplomats say Pompeo should work with the UK to revive the Friends of Yemen and give UN efforts to end the conflict more sustained, high-level attention. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon braces for leaner Mideast war budget after Democrats win House The Defense Department is preparing for another era of lean budgets after Democrats took control of the House in Tuesday’s elections. Congress
Russia braces for new diplomatic push on Syria Russia's frenzy of diplomatic and military activity around Syria in recent days suggests Moscow is pushing its own initiatives before a new UN envoy on Syria takes the reins and before Democrats take control of the House in the United States. Syria
Midterms revamp Middle East policymaking in Congress Tuesday’s elections will re-order the committees in charge of foreign policy. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon's only carnivorous plant kept safe in private nature preserve Two decades ago, a restauranteur bought a chunk of unique land that he considered paradise — and now he's discovered just how special it is. Lebanon
Al-Bab’s historical covered marketplace back in business Store owners at a market in al-Bab have reopened their shops, which were heavily damaged in the fight against the Islamic State. Syria
Egypt's trees threatened by urbanization Egypt, which has one of the most alarming levels of pollution in the Middle East, needs to preserve its green spaces, but government bodies shirk responsibility. Egypt
Turkey caps off Year of Troy with new museum As Turkey celebrates the 20th anniversary of Troy's inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage List, a new museum brings its 4,000 years of history and legends to life. Turkey