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
Trump’s Mideast peace plan puts heat on Biden, Buttigieg ahead of Iowa caucuses Pro-Palestinian activists are urging Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg to push for a cut Israeli military aid in the crucial days before the Iowa caucuses. Palestine
US to boost Egyptian air defenses despite congressional anger The Trump administration plans to provide Egypt with excess military equipment even as members of Congress seek sanctions against the country over the death of a US citizen. Egypt
Intel: Will Russia, Turkey de-escalate tensions over Syria’s Idlib? The Kremlin has fired back at Turkey’s complaints that Moscow is violating its commitments in the northeastern Syrian province of Idlib. Syria
White House sends Congress mixed messages on Iran war votes President Donald Trump told lawmakers to “vote with their hearts” on war powers legislation, but the White House is playing hardball with Republican defectors. Iraq
Magnitsky law spawns cottage industry of sanctions lobbying The Magnitsky Act is being used in unexpected ways, with lobbyists pushing for human rights sanctions against nations on behalf of corporate clients. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Democrats push Trump administration to crack down on Saudi prince Emboldened by the latest United Nations report implicating Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in hacking Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ phone, Democrats are pushing the Donald Trump administration to toughen up on the Saudi heir. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon: Turkey’s deployment to Libya threatens escalation The United States' top military officer in Africa has warned that Ankara's decision to send troops to Libya "risks a significant escalation." Turkey
How this Palestinian initiative helps women deal with their scars Alorkedea, an initiative in Gaza, provides psychological support, health tips and networking opportunities for women with physical disfigurations. Palestine
Teacher translates Quran to save endangered Kurdish dialect The Kurdish dialect of Hawrami is on the path to extinction, according to UNESCO. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Intel: Why Russia’s warming ties with Israel may lead Moscow to embrace Trump’s peace plan Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned a young Israeli accused of drug charges ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today. The release of Naama Issachar, who had been sentenced to 7½ years in prison, ends a bitter controversy that had plagued relations between the two countries. Palestine
Intel: Pro-Israel super PAC attacks Sanders with $700,000 Iowa ad buy A pro-Israel super PAC has launched a $700,000 television ad campaign targeting presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as he rises in the polls in the crucial days before the Iowa caucuses next week. Israel
Trump’s Israeli-US deal is not a peace plan Donald Trump's 'deal of the century' may have started out as a peace plan, but his administration's conflict with the Palestinian leadership turned it into a plan to give Israel the green light to annex one-third of the West Bank. Palestine
