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
Intel: Libya’s Hifter threatens to meet Turkey’s forces ‘with bullets’ Eastern Libya’s Gen. Khalifa Hifter vowed to fight Turkey’s forces as Libya’s Government of National Accord is poised to press its counteroffensive against the key coastal city of Sirte with Ankara’s military support. Originals
Moscow, Damascus shadowbox in Syria’s grey zones The newest twist in Syria involves a Russian-backed military group working to carve out an autonomous zone for itself in the southwest and even clashing with regime forces, perhaps paradoxically seeking to boost regime's legitimacy. Syria
Kuwait to allow international travel again, but not from everywhere Kuwait will allow citizens and residents to travel to and from the country starting Saturday, but people from India, Iran and some other nations will still not be allowed to enter. Kuwait
Bahrain to allow private employers to hire foreigners after four-month suspension Beginning Aug. 9, employers in the private sector can resume hiring workers from abroad. Bahrain
Libya’s ground fighting leads to surge in civilian casualties: UN Between April and June, more than 100 civilians were killed and over 250 were injured due to an escalation in ground fighting and by explosive remnants and airstrikes. Originals
Egyptian designer creates virtual runway for fashionistas at home COVID-19 restrictions led Egyptian fashion designer Farida Temraz told put on an online fashion show July 20, a first for Egypt. Egypt
Pilgrims wear masks, socially distance during Hajj Saudi authorities instituted several health measures for this year's Islamic pilgrimage, and the number of attendees was greatly reduced. Originals
Will there be a new military confrontation in Syria’s Idlib? The possibility of renewed conflict continues to simmer in the war-torn province of Idlib months after Ankara and Moscow reached a cease-fire agreement. Syria
Intel: Turkish defense minister asks Congress to halt bill sanctioning Ankara Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar asked US lawmakers today to abandon legislation that would sanction Ankara over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system that the House passed last week. Turkey
Yemen’s southern separatists abandon self-rule to pursue power-sharing plan The news comes three months after the Southern Transitional Council announced self-rule in parts of southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Destruction of historical tombs raises controversy in Egypt Architects and archaeologists in Egypt are angered by the demolition of the Tombs of the Mamluks in Cairo to establish a road project. Egypt
Potential China-Iran pact has major implications for Pakistan As speculation abounds over a leaked draft of an economic and security deal between Iran and China, its potential effects on Pakistan stand out as particularly dramatic. Iran