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: Trump’s Syria envoy promises 'significant' Syria aid amid new US sanctions The United States will provide a “significant amount” of new humanitarian aid for Syria even as stringent new sanctions take effect, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the war-torn country announced today. Originals
Saudi Arabia lifts coronavirus curfew, reinstates hajj Residents of Saudi Arabia can now move around at all times, but other restrictions remain in place as coronavirus cases continue to rise by the thousands. Originals
Young Libyan atheists seeking refuge online Since the 2011 revolution and the expansion of the Islamic State, more Libyan young people have reneged on their Muslim beliefs and are now part of a secret community on Facebook with fellow atheists. Libya
How Libya’s war is poisoning Tunisia’s politics The war in neighboring Libya has further polarized Tunisia's political landscape and imperiled the country’s fragile governing coalition. Libya
How the Engel, Omar primaries became proxy wars over Israel House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel and freshman Ilhan Omar are fending off Democratic primary challengers backed by the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel wings of the party. Israel
Saudi Arabia to reopen Mecca mosques as cases surpass 150,000 Saudi health officials confirmed an additional 4,301 cases of the virus Friday, raising the case count to more than 150,000. Saudi Arabia
UAE camel racing to resume following a five-month hiatus The United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of camel racing, coupled with precautionary guidelines, which is among the most popular sports in the Gulf with prizes sometimes reaching millions of dollars. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Democrats condemn US broadcasting CEO’s Middle East purges after expanding office’s powers President Donald Trump’s new CEO of the US Agency for Global Media on Wednesday fired the heads of at least three of its outlets who collectively oversaw its Middle East and Iran coverage. The move sparked immediate condemnation from key Democrats despite their previous bipartisan support for expanding the CEO’s powers. Congress
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul and Beirut The Dubai-based airline has been adding destinations since resuming passenger flights in late May. Originals
Egypt’s top fatwa authority raises controversy after describing Ottoman control of Constantinople as 'occupation' Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta described the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople as an invasion, raising controversy in Turkey and among critics who believe religious authorities should not get involved in politics. Egypt
Saudi Arabia approves dexamethasone as coronavirus treatment The kingdom's Ministry of Health has begun using the cheap drug on critically ill patients. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Pompeo speaks with Iraq’s new foreign minister Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Iraq’s new Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein by phone on Tuesday. Iraq