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
Middle East leaders congratulate Biden on win Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has notably not commented on the former vice president’s victory in the US presidential election. Originals
Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper The US president abruptly fired his defense secretary via Twitter after months of reports that Esper had fallen out of favor. United States
Libya’s rival sides meet in Tunis to discuss Libya's political future Talks aim to lay the groundwork for a unity government in hope of eventually ending Libya's decadelong war. Libya
Oman’s reform plans worry activists Large budget deficits have forced Oman to accelerate the pace of economic reforms, which some activists fear are not addressing restrictions on political expression. Oman
Russia, Iraq face OPEC+ cuts, look to new deals While Iraq's dependence on imported Iranian electricity continues to worry Washington, the key to breaking this energy dependence lies in the development of its own gas fields. Iraq
Intel: Trump administration to propose $3 billion drone sale to UAE News of the proposal comes a week after the administration informally notified Congress of its intent to sell F-35 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates
Intel: CENTCOM disputes watchdog report on Yemen civilian casualties The US military denied involvement in dozens of incidents in which civilians were reportedly killed. Yemen
Intel: Departure of foreign forces from Libya in question ahead of political talks in Tunis An agreement between rival Libyan military representatives this week made no mention of the UN-backed cease-fire's demand that foreign mercenaries leave by January Turkey
Dubai-based airline announces daily flights to Tel Aviv The budget carrier flydubai will start flying to Israel's largest city later this month in the latest sign of deepening economic ties between Israel and the Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia to ease restrictions on foreign workers The labor overhaul will allow foreign workers to leave the country without their employers' approval. Saudi Arabia
Algeria's president hospitalized in Germany for COVID-19 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune flew to Germany last week after several of his aides tested positive for coronavirus. Algeria
Saudi Aramco sees massive drop in third quarter profits The Saudi oil giant's slump is indicative of the crisis in Middle Eastern and global oil as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Originals