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
Historic Jerusalem market reopens with new purpose The ancient market of Tankiz Khan has been restored and has found new life as Al-Quds University's Jerusalem studies center. Palestine
Trump says he's ready to meet Iran 'anytime' US President Donald Trump said Monday that he’d be willing to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani anytime Iran wants, without any preconditions. United States
Residents of Cairo's historic buildings make plea to prevent demolitions Cairo's governorate is destroying architectural heritage in Egypt as part of the Maspero Triangle investment plan. Egypt
Cave restaurant becomes latest attraction in Jordan’s mosaic city The Jordanian city of Madaba is internationally known for its Byzantine church mosaics, but its latest attraction takes visitors underground. Jordan
Yemen war escalates as Houthis threaten UAE, Saudi Arabia Escalating threats by Yemen's Houthi rebels indicate the group is still not intimidated by the Saudi-led coalition, portending more suffering for Yemeni civilians. Saudi Arabia
Is Russia a better fit than the EU to help relieve Iran from sanctions? While Iran would prefer EU help when it comes to relief from US sanctions, Moscow might be better suited to this role than Europeans. United States
Russia-Turkey ties face 'moment of truth' over Syria's Idlib Presidents Putin and Erdogan met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg to discuss growing tensions over Idlib, where Russia and Turkey may be facing their moment of truth. Turkey
Egyptian street dancers face fines, jail time over 'Kiki challenge' Egypt's religious and law enforcement authorities have demanded Egyptians stop participating in an internet trend that has people dancing alongside moving cars. Egypt
Washington ratchets up sanctions threats against Turkey President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on the same day the Senate advanced a bill restricting Turkey’s access to financial assistance. Turkey
Day trippers flock to Afrin’s orchards as Aleppo restores security As stability returns to Afrin, locals are flocking back to the area's peaceful nature and archaeological attractions faster than the tourist industry can reopen to benefit from renewed tourism. Syria
Summer exhibition displays Cairo's contemporary art scene Zamalek Art Gallery's traditional summer exhibit brings old masters together with budding young talent in Cairo. Egypt
Israel detects Russian shift on Iran's presence in Syria Israeli military sources sense that President Donald Trump, President Vladimir Putin and even Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wouldn't object to Israel pushing Iran out of Syria. Israel