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
UAE shows path for peaceful nuclear development Fuel assemblies have been loaded into the first of four UAE nuclear power plants following the country's yearslong effort to develop major national and international support for nuclear energy. United Arab Emirates
How will Russia, China support Iran's military after UN arms ban ends? Moscow and Beijing could strike weapons deals with Tehran after the UN arms embargo expires later this year, but their anticipated support will face hurdles. Russia
Jordanian artist taps absurd for 'Camel in the Room' With iconic imagery such as camels and locks, artist Raed Ibrahim explores the complexities of Middle Eastern identity, memory and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Palestine
Civil war rivals vie for Yemen's strategic Socotra island Despite stepping back from its military role in Yemen, UAE influence remains strong in the country's south, especially on Socotra island. United Arab Emirates
How an Iranian director defied ‘repression’ and won Golden Bear The Golden Bear-winning Iranian movie “There Is No Evil” revolves around the power to say no, the very same concept that has characterized the filmmaker’s overall mission. Iran
Why women in the Middle East find little to celebrate on March 8 From Beirut to Khartoum, women in the Middle East held demonstrations calling for the elimination of discriminatory laws and improvement of their situation. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi female activists launch women's magazine in Ninevah Plains Woman of Ninevah, a magazine that aims to give voice to women in the region, was launched on March 8, on International Women's Day. Iraq
Intel: Suicide bombing strikes near US Embassy in Tunisia Two suicide bombers on a motorcycle blow themselves up near the US Embassy in Tunis, killing a police officer. Tunisia
What was Hamas leader doing in Moscow? Ismail Haniyeh eyes Russia as a “brotherly nation” and expects Moscow to help reconcile the Palestinians. Palestine
Women bid goodbye to their submerged homes in ancient town of Turkey Women whose houses are left underwater due to the Ilisu Dam vow to keep their memories alive. Turkey
Why new Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib matters The new deal between Russia and Turkey over Syria’s Idlib is temporary — but important. Syria
Iran’s coronavirus has no politics and can’t be contained UAE, Gulf take proactive steps to get ahead of outbreak, but region is already paying a heavy price. Saudi Arabia