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
Israeli-Arab party split over US strike on Syria The Hadash faction within the Israeli-Arab Joint List demonstrated against the American attack on Syrian chemical depots. Palestine
Egypt’s science-minded women show off their skills A competition organized by the British Council shows that young Egyptian women neither shy away from science nor think it is a man’s domain. Egypt
Tunisian president denies plan to dismiss PM A spokeswoman for Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has dismissed claims that the head of state intends to fire the prime minister as politically baseless. Tunisia
Egypt debates how to block dangerous viral games Following claims that the suicide of an Egyptian politician’s son was due to the "Blue Whale Challenge," Egyptians are seeking tighter restrictions on these types of online games. Egypt
Iranian sculptor's desire for artistic freedom takes him across region Iranian Kurdish sculptor Seywan Saeedian's life takes him across borders in a conflict-torn region, where artistic independence often comes at a steep price. Turkey
After missile strikes, Trump resumes exit strategy for Syria "No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East," Trump says. Syria
Turkey's response to US-led Syria strikes: Not enough but welcomed Immediate Turkish official reactions to the US-led airstrikes in Syria differ significantly from the public’s perceptions: While most Turks are skeptical of Western bombing of a Muslim nation, Erdogan fans afflicted by "Assad-phobia" cheered. Syria
Pentagon acknowledges US contractor presence in Syria for first time The US military revealed in a new report that some 5,500 contractors are helping fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Syria
5 potential scenarios for Iran deal With only weeks to go until US President Donald Trump faces a deadline to sign sanctions waivers, the nuclear deal with Iran could go very different places. United States
Parliament votes to disband Tunisia's truth commission The Tunisian Truth and Dignity Commission vows to continue its efforts to help victims of human rights violations, despite parliament's efforts to dissolve the group. Tunisia
Trailblazing Israeli-Druze photo artist fights against tradition Through her photos, Ameera Ziyan showcases the changes the Druze community is undergoing in its attitude toward art and gender equality. Israel
Pompeo faces Senate buzz saw over stance on Iran, Muslims President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state is in trouble amid a backlash over his administration’s hawkish bent. Congress
