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
Coronavirus robs Bethlehem of Easter festivities Easter, along with Chrismas, has been a high point for tourism in Bethlehem, the birthpace of Jesus, but alas, not this year. Palestine
Meet Syria’s female doctors Syrian women stepped up and took on medical work to fill the void left by men in the health care sector in northern Syria. Syria
Artists reflect on age of anxiety in Sharjah A group of contemporary artists explore the ways everyday technologies have altered our collective consciousness and created the age of anxiety, but the exhibit in Sharjah has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. United Arab Emirates
Don't let the music die: Istanbul's nightlife grinds to halt due to COVID-19 Istanbul's taverns and halls close their doors as the residents of the metropolis stay in due to the coronavirus outbreak in Turkey. Turkey
Intel: Lebanon frees jailed US citizen after Washington threatens sanctions Lebanon released Amer Fakhoury, who is suffering from stage 4 cancer, after Washington threatened to move ahead with sanctions. Lebanon
Congress pushes for Syria funding boost A bipartisan congressional effort is underway to maximize US aid intended for stabilization efforts in Syria. Syria
Upper Egypt publisher fights for survival Hypatia Publishing House, which takes its name from an executed Platonic thinker, aims to put Upper Egypt on the literary map. Egypt
Coronavirus spurs regional humanitarian outreach to Iran The UAE, Kuwait and Qatar provide help to Coronavirus-stricken Iran, while there is talk that the United States could ease the way for aid to Iran while Iran released American prisoners who could be prime COVID-19 targets. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Bernie Sanders uses coronavirus crisis to push for Iran sanctions relief Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., called on the Donald Trump administration to ease its Iran sanctions regime as Tehran struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. United States
Algeria cites coronavirus amid ban on anti-government protests Algeria's president called for measures that would prioritize citizens' health but restrict their freedoms. Algeria
Fresh fighting in Yemen’s Marib province leaves dozens dead Tuesday's clashes in Yemen between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels have killed dozens of fighters from both sides. Yemen
Yemen conflict leaves impact on judiciary A Houthi-run court in Sanaa sentenced to death 35 parliamentarians on charges of treason, which risks further dividing society in Yemen. Saudi Arabia