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
Will Russia accept Turkey's proposal to split Syria's oil? Moscow weighs the pros and cons of a Turkish proposal on Syrian oil. Syria
Intel: Pentagon says Iran-backed groups 'likely' behind deadly Iraq attack Rocket attacks that left one British and two American service members dead in Iraq March 11 were likely the work of Iranian-backed militias, the top US military commander in the Middle East told Congress today. Iraq
Anti-war movement looks to take Trump to court to stop war with Iran Anti-war groups are lobbying Congress to take President Donald Trump to court on Iran war powers. Saudi Arabia
Multiple US troops dead in Iraq after rocket strike A rocket attack on a US base in Iraq killed two US service members and prompted questions of whether it was a retaliatory act by Iran. Iraq
Rap becomes battle cry of Iraqi protests Rap music has exploded among young Iraqi protesters, who bring the music with them to energize their demonstrations. Iraq
Intel: Despite new Idlib deal, Russia, Turkey look to strengthen leverage in Syria Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke by phone with his Russain counterpart Sergey Shoigu March 10 about the progress of the bipartisan protocol over Idlib that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed in Moscow on March 5. Syria
Yemen's Houthis advance in Marib, Saudi border areas The Houthis have taken over much of al-Jawf and Marib provinces and secured their main stronghold in Saada, expanding the Saudi border areas they control and gaining a short military path toward the source of wealth in Marib. Saudi Arabia
Mideast oil producers brace for impact of price slide The global coronavirus outbreak and falling oil prices could spell a massive economic slowdown for oil-producing countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
A cleric's cure for coronavirus becomes butt of jokes in Iran A cleric’s bizarre response to treating COVID-19 in the guise of Islamic medicine has provoked widespread ridicule in Iran. Iran
Palestinians rediscover vast appetite for snails Snail recipes been passed from generation to generation in the Middle East, where many historical sources suggest the dish originated, and their popularity has led to a population decline in the West Bank. Palestine
Arabic Sesame Street helps children explore emotions Sesame Workshop, the non-governmental organization behind series like "Sesame Street," teamed up with the International Rescue Committee to produce a new show for Middle Eastern children affected by war and displacement. Jordan
Turkish envoy calls for more international support for Syria refugees, cease-fire deal Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kilic said Ankara is not receiving enough support from the international community as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Brussels for meetings with the European Council and NATO. Syria