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
US stands alone on Iran at Security Council President Donald Trump threatened "severe consequences" for anyone resisting US sanctions. United States
What are prospects of limited engagement between Iran, US in Afghanistan? While tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating, their shared interest in Afghanistan’s stability could promote compartmentalized cooperation between the two sides. United States
Iraqi women push for cafes of their own Iraqi women have started opening women-only cafes and restaurants where they can just avoid harassment. Iraq
'Diamond Dust,' a poisonous pleasure for Egyptian moviegoers The book "Diamond Dust" and its adaptation for the stage didn't ruffle any feathers when they appeared in Egypt, but the movie version has proved to be controversial for taking on a political subject no one previously dared touch. Egypt
Bolton, Pompeo cheered at Iran conference near UN After a lack of response from the UN, Trump officials take anti-Iran stance to private forum. United States
Republican rebels block restrictions on Saudi nuclear deal A handful of Republicans are holding up a GOP resolution calling for a "gold standard" civil nuclear deal with Riyadh despite a Saudi lobbying blitz. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Why Trump is putting OPEC on notice In a speech at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump assailed OPEC for "ripping off the rest of the world" — seeking lower oil prices before the crucial 2018 mid-term elections. Saudi Arabia
Russia raises stakes with Israel over downed plane Moscow doubled down on its harsh rhetoric vis-a-vis Israel over the downed plane by promising to deploy the S-300 and other advanced weapons in Syria. Israel
2018 'year of archaeological discoveries' for Egypt The Egyptian government has delivered on its promise that the year 2018 would be filled with notable archaeological discoveries in Egypt. Now the government has to find a way to boost tourism based on these archaeological treasures. Egypt