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
Russia shows no signs of ditching Iran over Syria Turkey rallies jihadi armed groups to its side in Idlib; Lebanon backs Russian plan for Syrian refugees. Lebanon
Palestinian refugee dances his way to top in Germany Tarek al-Turk startles his audience with his combination of acrobatics and dance on top of buildings; yet none of his dance figures are as dangerous as his escape journey to Europe. Palestine
Russia eyes role in formation of Syria’s National Defense Forces Amid the uncertainty over the future of Idlib, Russia eyes its participation in reforming Syria's National Defense Forces as a tool for balancing Iran's influence in the country. Syria
Congress dangles Turkey trade deal as carrot to Trump’s stick Lawmakers are floating a free trade agreement with Turkey as the president doubles steel and aluminum tariffs on Ankara for its ongoing detention of a US pastor. Turkey
Iraqi Kurds throw lifeline to Iranian Kurds as sanctions begin to bite Iraqi Kurds, who remember the help they received from Iranian Kurds in the past, want to return the favor now that their brethren are suffering under US sanctions. Iraq
Russia, US looking for common ground on Syria US national security adviser John Bolton met in Geneva with Russian National Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev to outline the range of issues the two nations can jointly cooperate on. Syria
Russia, Turkey seek greater engagement amid US sanctions Russia plans to lift visa requirements for some Turks and to begin delivery of the S-400 missile-defense system to Turkey next year in an attempt to further sway Ankara away from the United States. Turkey
Congress ratchets up pressure on Trump, Russia over Syria President Donald Trump wants to work with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to remove Iran from Syria, but Congress remains skeptical. Syria
Pompeo names high-level Syria team as Trump looks for the exit The Donald Trump administration has named former US Ambassador to Iraq and Turkey James Jeffrey to coordinate all aspects of US Syria policy. Syria
Egypt's large secondhand book market delivers bargains, rare gems In Egypt, book prices have doubled or tripled in the last few years, driving people to secondhand book stalls in Soor al-Azbakeya. Egypt
Plans to replace Catholic school with mall appalls Iraqis Al-Aqeeda, a Catholic girls high school built in 1921, is at the center of a controversy highlighting preserving Iraq's cultural heritage. Iraq
'Lived here' initiative spotlights homes of Egypt's most famous residents In an effort to introduce Egypt's famous figures to the next generation, 100 signs now mark where celebrated Egyptians like Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz or diva Umm Kulthum once lived. Egypt