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
Biden transition, Gulf leaders should start talking about Iran Saudi Arabia and the UAE should reach out to the Biden team now, creating a back channel to promote both Gulf and US security interests in the final months of Trump's presidency. Iran
US to reduce troops in Iraq but not Syria, official says US national security officials say Trump's order to end wars will not halt the Pentagon's counterterror operations abroad. Iraq
Trump's national security adviser says ending Gulf rift 'priority' Qatar has been under a land, sea and air blockade by four regional states since 2017. Qatar
Gulf oil exporters look past Biden’s green energy platform The possible return of Iranian crude to global markets is a short-term concern for Gulf oil producers, which expect to be the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. Saudi Arabia
Russia to establish naval base in Sudan The combat capability of the Russian navy in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean would be significantly increased with a military base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast. Russia
UAE narrows search for next Emirati astronauts The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center will select two applicants from a shortlist of 61 potential astronauts. United Arab Emirates
Etihad to start daily Tel Aviv flights in 2021 Air travel is a major part of the newly established relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Originals
Intel: US to activate air defense batteries to test Israel's Iron Dome Both Iron Domes are expected to arrive at Fort Bliss by January Israel
Intel: US blames ‘scheduling issue’ for no Pompeo-Erdogan meeting A State Department official said Pompeo's "tight schedule" will keep him from meeting Turkish officials when in Istanbul next week. Turkey
US threat to shutter Baghdad embassy 'ongoing,' says Syria envoy Outgoing US Syria envoy James Jeffrey says the State Department's threats to close the US Embassy in Iraq is "very serious." Iraq
Art perseveres in Istanbul despite coronavirus The city’s traditional fall art season is underway as curators take new approaches to exhibit work safely and sustainably during the coronavirus pandemic, despite confusing government restrictions about what would be allowed to go ahead. Turkey
Meet Egypt’s first female coach of a men's soccer team Fayza Haidar has become Egypt’s first female coach to train a male soccer team, breaking all norms in a conservative society like Egypt. Egypt