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
Transgender Egyptians face abuse, discrimination for asserting their identity Farida Ramadan is struggling to earn a living and lead a normal life, which speaks volumes of the challenges facing transgender Egyptians. Originals
Behind the scenes of Egypt’s project to face-lift Khedivial Cairo The Egyptian state has started unifying the facades of buildings and shops in the downtown area of Khedivial Cairo. Egypt
Biden's CENTCOM pick to head Pentagon raises concern over civilian leadership Gen. Lloyd Austin has emerged as the president-elect's likely pick over former Pentagon policy chief Michele Flournoy. United States
Houthi missiles latest threat to fragile Yemeni government Any incoming government in Yemen will need to stop the infighting in the south and address issues related to essential services, as well as be prepared to face a likely torrent of Houthi missiles. Yemen
Gregory Meeks elected next House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Meeks has a lengthy voting record on the Middle East and has been praised by a variety of Israel- and Iran-focused groups. Originals
Cyberattacks in UAE up 250% during pandemic, Emirati cyber chief says Emirati cybersecurity chief Mohamed al-Kuwaiti said his country is experiencing a “cyber pandemic.” United Arab Emirates
Gulf oil producers scramble to catch up on renewables The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Gulf leaders to realize the region needs to accelerate its shift toward renewables; environmental activists accuse the Gulf states of double-talk. Gulf
UAE responds to criticism from US senators on F-35 sale A group of bipartisan senators has introduced legislation rejecting the Trump administration's planned sale of the advanced fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Inside Mar Saba Monastery in the West Bank Mar Saba Monastery near Bethlehem attracts thousands of tourists each year, all the while facing constant attacks by Israeli settlers. Palestine
Tunisian activists struggle to rein in police power Tunisians eager for justice and reform are fighting another bill to increase the powers of the country's already virtually untouchable police force. Tunisia
OPEC and Russia agree to boost production in 2021 The agreement follows recent increases in global oil prices. The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt oil markets and, subsequently, the economies of several Middle Eastern states. Originals
Hunger crisis in Yemen should be a ‘wake up call,’ UN warns The number of Yemenis experiencing “catastrophic food insecurity” could triple by the end of June 2021. Yemen