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
Can Russia return to Iranian arms market following end of weapons embargo? With the end of the UN arms embargo, Iran could be looking to purchase new additions to its defense system — could Russia become a main supplier again? Saudi Arabia
Democratic senators demand inquiry into alleged Turkish and Azerbaijani human rights abuses Turkey has responded to some of the recent criticisms it has received from Democrats in Washington. The recent call from the Senate focuses Turkish support for Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia. Turkey
Sudan to recognize Israel after US rescinds Khartoum’s terror designation The White House said Sudan would be the latest country to recognize Israel after it leveraged lifting Khartoum's terror sponsor designation United States
Egyptian PM’s visit to archaeological site set to boost tourism Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly's historic visit to the Saqqara archaeological site took place ahead of the inauguration of several new museums in the coming months. Egypt
Egypt’s city of Esna is slowly regaining its glory amid renewed interest in its heritage The Ministry of Antiquities and an urban development company, with US funding, are advancing a major project to revive tourism in the city of Esna in Luxor governorate, by not only promoting its ancient heritage but also by implicating the locals. Egypt
Trump, Biden talk reported Iranian election interference at final debate US intelligence said that Iran was responsible for threatening emails sent to voters this week; the policy toward Iran has come up frequently during the election. United States
Israel, Bahrain sign air travel agreement The two countries agreed to establish weekly passenger and cargo flights between each other. It follows a similar arrangement between Israel and the UAE. Bahrain
Senate praises Library of Congress for agreeing to use term 'Armenian genocide' The national library refers to the killings of Armenians in early 20th-century Turkey as "massacres," but agreed to call them "genocide" after being urged to do so by Senate Democrats. Originals
Can Russia benefit from Turkey-Greece spat? In light of the conflict in the eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece, Russia may be looking to strengthen its ties with Greece in order to further its interests in the region. Russia
US won’t change Syria policy to free missing Americans, Pompeo says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was asked if the Trump administration would consider meeting the Syrian regime's terms, which reportedly include withdrawing all American forces from the country. Syria
Hundreds of European Union lawmakers demand Egypt’s Sisi release political prisoners The letter follows a similar one addressed to Sisi by 56 members of the US Congress on Monday. Egypt
Intel: UN Libya envoy ‘very optimistic’ about cease-fire as civilian travel set to reopen Acting UN Libya envoy Stephanie Williams said Wednesday the two sides agreed to cooperate on restructuring the forces that guard petroleum fields. Libya