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
How Biden will roll back Trump’s ‘America First’ legacy on foreign aid Early foreign aid priorities for the new administration will include restoring aid to the Palestinians and potentially Yemen. United States
Libyans agree on plan to hold elections in 18 months, UN says Acting UN envoy Stephanie Williams called the agreement a "breakthrough." Libya
Cairo to turn 15th century sultan's caravansary into heritage hotel to boost tourism The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Oct. 24 that it will convert the 15th century Wakala al-Sultan Qaytbay into a heritage hotel after its restoration. Egypt
Israeli settlers visit Dubai to discuss business ties Palestinian officials are angry the Gulf state welcomed Israeli settlers from the West Bank. Originals
Saudis say Biden’s threats are ‘election talk' Although there are political tensions on human rights issues, the US-Saudi relationship could be vital for the United States to address Russian and Chinese influence in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia
Who really won in south Caucasus? While the conventional wisdom is that Russia allowed Turkey to soften Armenia for the kill, then swooped in and imposed its own terms, talk of Russia’s big win may be somewhat overstated. Turkey
Bahrain's longtime prime minister dies at 84 Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was among the world's longest-serving prime ministers. Bahrain
Egypt holds its first Islamic exhibition in Saudi Arabia Egypt is trying to attract Saudi tourists by holding an exhibition of Egyptian Islamic antiquities in Saudi Arabia, which includes 84 artifacts from the collections of Islamic art in Cairo. Saudi Arabia
Trump White House proposes sale of 50 F-35s to United Arab Emirates The proposed sale includes 18 MQ-9B weapons-ready drones and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. United Arab Emirates
Netflix airs its first Egyptian original series The US streaming giant Netflix has started airing "Paranormal," the first original Egyptian Arabic-language series, as part of its efforts to boost its activity in the Middle East and draw a larger audience. Originals
Biden administration's Middle East policy could be determined by Senate elections Several Senate races remain undecided. If Republicans maintain their majority, it could complicate President-elect Joe Biden's Iran policy. Originals
James Jeffrey, top US official on Syria and Islamic State, retiring The veteran diplomat will be replaced by his Syria deputy, Joel Rayburn, and top counterterrorism official Nathan Sales. Syria