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
Why Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince still needs his father The influential, yet polarizing, Mohammed bin Salman still relies on his father King Salman's legitimacy and credentials as the country faces challenges at home and abroad. Saudi Arabia
Culture Alert: July marked by festivals in the Middle East In Istanbul, Baalbeck, Jerusalem and Ras El Bar, the Middle East becomes a vibrant scene of outdoor festivals in July. Palestine
Russia, Jordan discuss Syria in run-up to Trump-Putin summit A visit by Jordan's foreign minister to Moscow comes as one link in a chain of Russia's recent consultations with key regional players on the state of affairs in Syria. Syria
Jerusalem tram seeks to fast track Arabic learning for Israeli Jews For Arabic Language Week, Jerusalem Light Rail is distributing Arabic phrase books, conducting Arabic classes and displaying posters to introduce Hebrew speakers to the language with the goal of helping the city's residents communicate better. Israel
Architects from Middle East, beyond tear down barriers in Venice Turkey’s national pavilion and other entries from the region are among the highlights at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, whose theme "Freespace" has prompted curators to investigate national boundaries, the human toll of migration and the concept of freedom. Saudi Arabia
'Hipstanbulites' struggle to preserve their city's heritage Istanbul, a magnificent city, has become a victim of its own beauty by overpopulation. Now, college students, young professionals, artists and others find ways to preserve breathable spaces in Istanbul. Turkey
Egyptians outraged at plans to leave best beaches to tourists Egypt has a bad record when it comes to tourist harassment, but keeping locals out of beaches in Alexandria may not be the best way to prevent it. Egypt
Hifter may be pushing his luck by manipulating Libya's oil Libya’s Gen. Khalifa Hifter appears to be using his control of oil ports as a political bargaining chip, but his success seems doubtful. Libya
Congress sounds alarm over Tunisia’s proposed NGO law Lawmakers who have long championed the fledgling democracy are worried about potential efforts to rein in civil society. Tunisia
Trump administration denies pursuing regime change in Iran The US "maximum pressure" campaign lets the Donald Trump administration look like it is being tough on Iran while reducing US involvement in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. United States
Decks and the City: Artist proposes gardens over car parks in Beirut This year's Beirut Design Week focuses on urban design, and the projects and showcases include street revival and creative new green spaces. Lebanon
Instant verbal divorce rips families apart in Iran's Kurdish region An uncommon Sunni practice granting immediate verbal divorce has wreaked havoc on the lives of many Kurdish-Iranian families, and some legal and religious parties argue it should be abolished. Iran