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
Mosul's Great Mosque to be restored to its former glory The city of Mosul, which was the capital of the Islamic State in Iraq until less than a year ago, is planning to rebuild the historic Al-Nouri Mosque and its hunchback minaret with financial support from the UAE and under UNESCO supervision. Iraq
Can Al-Azhar persuade Egyptians to stay married? Al-Azhar has launched a unit to research the causes behind Egypt's exploding divorce rate and to counsel people considering divorce to reconsider. Egypt
Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy Lawmakers in both chambers want to penalize the NATO ally for detaining an American pastor and signing arms deals with Russia. Turkey
As Trump squeezes Iran, Europe squirms Europe and the Donald Trump administration are increasingly at odds, as Europe tries to rescue the Iran nuclear deal and Trump tries to squeeze it into making further concessions. United States
Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees. Lebanon
US exit from nuclear deal driving Russia, Iran closer Moscow and Tehran are willing to tackle multiple challenges to improve their business dealings despite US sanctions. Russia
US pullout from Iran deal rattles Turkey’s Syria agenda Ankara faces a navigational nightmare in Syria as each new regional development seems to push its divergent objectives further apart. Syria
With help from Copenhagen, Cairo makes room for bicyclists In partnership with the Cairo government, the United Nations and the Danish Embassy, a civil society organization hopes to cut down on traffic and encourage healthier lifestyles with bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Egypt
Libya's Hifter launches operation to retake opposition stronghold Libyan military strongman Khalifa Hifter announced the launch of the long-awaited military operation to take Derna, which is expected to boost his popularity in the country’s upcoming elections. Libya
US opens Jerusalem embassy amid Gaza bloodshed The Donald Trump administration and US lawmakers celebrated the grand opening of the new US Embassy today as Israeli soldiers killed dozens of protesting Palestinians. Palestine
Swedish meatballs just one taste of Turkey's rich kofte culture The Ottoman roots of Sweden's beloved meatballs has caused an amusing social media flurry and reminded the world of the incredibly diverse culinary heritage of Anatolia. Turkey
Egypt's women move onto soccer field As Egypt prepares to participate in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, more women move to the soccer field, both as referees and fans. Egypt