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
R&D potential could be key to spark Saudi economy The impact of COVID-19 and low oil prices has led to even further expected declines in Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product, but research and development could hold the key to an economic reset. Saudi Arabia
UK to resume issuing Saudi Arabia arms export licenses Licensing had been suspended last year after a British court ruled that the government violated British law by selling arms without examining whether the weapons may be used to harm noncombatants. Originals
Yemeni economy in free fall amid collapsing currency, COVID-19 The majority of Yemeni society bears the consequences and stands alone, unable to confront the ravages of war, division and the ongoing economic deterioration. Yemen
UAE seeks turnaround in relations with Somalia for help in Yemen war The United Arab Emirates has offered Somalia to reopen a hospital in the capital, in exchange for backing the UAE’s involvement in the Yemeni war, but Somalia rejected this amid deteriorating relations between the two countries. United Arab Emirates
Will formation of new government in Yemen lay groundwork for peace? Despite agreeing to a cease-fire in south Yemen, it seems the chances of ending the conflict between the Saudi-backed government forces and the UAE-backed southern separatists and forming a new government are dim. Saudi Arabia
House Democrats revive bid to fully restore Palestinian aid The Democratic-held House is launching another bid to increase Palestinian economic aid while facilitating people-to-people programs with Israel. Palestine
Lebanon's Baalbeck Festival moves world audience with dramatic online performance Lebanon's beloved Baalbeck Festival has survived various challenging times, and this year was no exception. Lebanon
Intel: AIPAC rebukes Democrats again for bill to keep US aid out of annexation The American Israel Public Affairs Committee issued its third rebuke of Democratic lawmakers in as many weeks over their repeated attempts to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from annexing significant portions of the West Bank. Israel
Dubai welcomes back tourists The Emirati city wants visitors to come back as the country emerges from its coronavirus closures. Originals
Gaza band plays music to uplift spirits, bring hope The Street Band plays music for free in Gaza's public places, in a attempt to help Gazans forget their daily sufferings. Originals
Intel: Senators berate Pentagon failure to sever F-35 cooperation with Turkey The Pentagon is still allowing Turkey to produce components for US F-35 fighter jets, violating a defense law that President Donald Trump signed in December. Turkey
Abu Dhabi to host 'Fight Island' MMA event The United Arab Emirates will hold the isolated UFC event on Yas Island with health precautions in place, as the combat sport continues to grow in the Middle East. Originals