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
Can new startup law revitalize Tunisia’s economy? Tunisia’s startup scene has grown in the past several years, but some question whether a new law aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs can have a significant impact amid numerous economic woes. Tunisia
Israel's activists turn food waste into tasty meals With 33% of all food produced annually in Israel ending up as waste, a number of organizations and volunteers are determined to repurpose it to feed the needy. Israel
Egyptian companies pledge to stand behind Sisi’s promises to the disabled The Egyptian government and the private sector are working to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Egypt
Trump emerges from Macron meeting ready to take on Iran in Syria The French president appears to have convinced his host to confront Iran in Syria. Syria
Trump hints he may be open to 'bigger' Iran deal US President Donald Trump suggested he might be open to French President Emmanuel Macron’s idea for a bigger deal to address concerns about Iran. United States
Egypt's camel bone sculptors gather to sustain ancient art The historic Egyptian art of camel bone sculpture is threatened in modern Egypt, where the carvers are fast disappearing. Egypt
J Street celebrates 10 years changing Washington’s outlook on Israel The liberal Jewish group has seen its influence soar by offering an alternative take on the Iran deal and Middle East peace. Israel
Saudi belligerence on Iran threatens US Saudi Arabia’s anti-Iran and anti-Shiite policy is creating a toxic environment in which the US administration must exercise great care. Saudi Arabia
Has Egypt's Nobel laureate lost his appeal among country's youth? Naguib Mahfouz's books have sold less than 1 million copies over the last 12 years. Are Egyptian youth indifferent to the country's Nobel laureate or can they simply not find a copy to buy? Egypt
Trump has threatened to blow up the Iran deal — here are his options While the US president vows that he’s done waiving sanctions, the amount of damage he intends to do — from letting Tehran’s trade partners off the hook to reinstating UN sanctions — remains an open question. United States
Russia rotates its Mideast diplomats Key players involved in the Russian Foreign Ministry's Middle East policy are changing positions, and there will be a new ambassador to Syria; will this also involve policy change? United Arab Emirates
Iraqi comic strip collective tells stories of war, rebirth Mesaha, an Iraqi comix group, had its first European debut at Switzerland's Fumetto festival, yet visa obligations stopped the artists from presenting their own works. Iraq
