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
Iraqi artists transform derelict tobacco factory into culture hub The sprawling grounds of Sulaimaniyah's old tobacco factory are finding a second life as an arts center, although financial and bureaucratic obstacles have greatly hindered its progress. Iraq
Pentagon set to enhance Jordan’s counterterror troops The Pentagon is sending more than $22 million to help Jordan outfit its emerging special operations command and quick reaction force. Jordan
Palestinian cartoonists capture Great Return March in pen and ink Despite economic and social hardships, Palestinian caricaturists stick to their art as a peaceful means of telling the world about their people's struggle. Palestine
Putin, Macron explore what they have to offer each other on Iran, Syria The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum set the stage for French President Emmanuel Macron to pursue a broad agenda and perhaps bring his country and Russia closer regarding Syria and Iran. Syria
F-35 sale to Turkey runs into congressional buzz saw The sale of more than 100 fifth-generation fighter jets is in jeopardy amid worsening US tensions with its NATO ally. Turkey
Mosul’s Fine Arts Faculty picks up pieces in destroyed city Cleaning up burned classrooms and destroyed statues, professors and students have reopened the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Mosul and even launched an art exhibition. Iraq
Gadhafi supporters arrested during peace talks in Tripoli A group of Gadhafi-regime supporters say they were on a peaceful mission in Libya when they were arrested and accused of planning violent acts to destabilize Tripoli. Libya
Turkey's traditional carpets meet quantum physics The Turkish artist Belkis Balpinar adds new interpretations, including inspirations from science, to the tradition of symbolism in Anatolian kilims. Turkey
Kuwait's careful balancing act with Iran, Saudi Arabia The muted responses to the US withdrawal from the Iran deal among smaller Gulf Cooperation Council member states reflect careful policies designed to balance ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Death does not stop voice of this Palestinian singer A posthumous album by Rim Banna titled "Voice of Resistance" expresses her hope and despair for Palestine through her own texts while she battled cancer. Palestine
Pompeo calls for review of security assistance to Lebanon The State Department and congressional hawks are taking a second look at US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces after Hezbollah and its allies won a parliamentary majority in this month’s elections. Lebanon
Congress rebels against Trump’s Middle East war secrecy Fed up with increased restrictions on information and less on-the-ground access, some Democrats are seeking more transparency regarding the Donald Trump administration’s military operations throughout the region. Kuwait