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
Indonesian cleric’s call for compassion lost in controversy over Jerusalem visit During a visit to Israel, Yahya Staquf, leader of the world’s largest Islamic organization, expressed his vision for the peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and his strong support of the Palestinian cause. Palestine
Iran may become third wheel in Saudi-Russian relationship Saudi Arabia and Russia have been overlooking their differences, focusing instead on their mutual energy interests, but it might prove hard to ignore the elephant in the room indefinitely. Saudi Arabia
Why Egypt wants China's Sphinx replica beheaded Egypt’s war on a Chinese replica of the Giza Sphinx has resumed after theme park owners replaced the forbidden statue's head two years after agreeing to remove it. Egypt
Sharp increase in Iranian visitors revitalizes Turkey's tourism sector Passenger trains between the Turkish city of Van and Tabriz in Iran are resuming, providing further good news to the Turkish tourism industry that counts on Iranian tourists while other nationalities stay away. Turkey
Saudi crown prince, Putin boost energy cooperation in Moscow meeting The recent meeting between the Russian president and the Saudi crown prince appears to have moved the two countries closer to a grand bilateral energy deal. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran won’t leave Syria just yet While Iran and Russia certainly have points of divergence in Syria, their bottom lines will likely continue to intersect, compelling Moscow to manage tension between Iran and Israel. Syria
Why do Iranian conservatives hate this top-rated TV series? “Don’t Leave Me,” a family saga, got top ratings in Iran’s Ramadan TV. But its rape scene and secular tone raised the ire of conservatives. Iran
Egyptian censors succumb to 'Karma' Egypt’s General Authority for Censorship made a swift U-turn after its ban on screenings of Khaled Youssef’s “Karma” was met with resistance, confusion and parliamentary pledges to investigate. Egypt
Syrians injured in war find hope for employment The Farah Organization provides vocational education to Syrians in Daraa and Quneitra provinces who have been injured during the civil war and those with congenital deformities. Syria
Does Mhebis, a Ramadan tradition, have a future in Iraq? Al-Muhaibis, or Mhebis, a traditional game centered around finding a ring, is being played by Iraqis this Ramadan, but some foresee its disappearance as younger generations prefer spending time online playing electronic games. Iraq
US gives 'yellow light' to UAE assault on Yemen port A top United Arab Emirates official urged the international community to pressure the Houthi rebels to withdraw from the key Yemeni port city. Saudi Arabia