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
Yemen’s Red Sea 'time bomb’ is a Beirut-like disaster in waiting An abandoned oil tanker is a looming catastrophe off the coast of Yemen’s most vital port, threatening the livelihoods and health of vast numbers of people. Yemen
Etihad cancels Shanghai flights following positive virus tests Future travelers to the Chinese city will have to comply with stricter regulations from the Abu Dhabi-based airline. United Arab Emirates
Intel: US engaging with Libya players for possible demilitarization of Sirte US officials have discussed with foreign governments the possibility of establishing a demilitarized area in and around the Libyan city of Sirte, Washington’s Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said Monday. Originals
Ilhan Omar wins primary election despite pro-Israel groups' efforts Omar has been accused of anti-Semitism for her views on Israel, but easily won the Democratic primary election in her Minnesota district. Originals
What are vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris' views on the Middle East? Joe Biden's running mate has views on Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Syria that fall in line with the Democratic party establishment. Saudi Arabia
State Department legally skirted Congress freeze on Saudi arms sales, inquiry finds An inspector general's report redacted by the State Department says that while the department found ways to legally bypass congressional restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, measures that Congress had called for were not taken. Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s rebels say UNESCO sites in Sanaa collapse amid heavy rains The old city of Sanaa is home to more than 100 mosques and over 6,000 houses built before the 11th century. Originals
Gulf states ask UN to extend arms embargo on Iran The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sent a letter to the UN Security Council amid US efforts to extend the weapons ban. Iran
Islamic State's ‘Beatles’ could finally face justice for alleged role in beheading Americans Following a phone call with Attorney General William Barr, the parents of Americans killed by the Islamic State (IS) are hopeful two IS detainees will face justice. Syria
Gulf migrant workers face crisis of unpaid wages amid pandemic Unscrupulous employers have exploited chaotic coronavirus mass repatriations to avoid paying migrant workers. Originals
Trump Pentagon nominee questioned about firm's link to killing of Saudi journalist The Senate Armed Services Committee is holding up the nomination of Louis Bremer over questions whether his firm trained those implicated in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. United States
Trump administration goes for ‘360 degree’ diplomacy to help end Libya war White House calls for cease-fire as Egypt-Turkey rivalry spills over into eastern Mediterranean. Libya