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
Biden approves airstrike on Iran-backed militias in Syria following Iraq attacks Officials suggested the late-night precision bombing was designed to minimize casualties while avoiding backlash from the Iraqi government. Iraq
Emirates to resume flights to Newark The resumption means the Dubai-based airline will soon have two flights to the New York City area as it continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. United Arab Emirates
Biden calls Saudi king as US readies report on Khashoggi killing Reuters reports the US intelligence assessment concluded "the crown prince approved and likely ordered the murder of Khashoggi.” Saudi Arabia
CENTCOM chief warns Iran over strikes on Erbil, Saudi Arabia Gen. Kenneth "'Frank" McKenzie warned Iran in the boldest statement yet from the Biden administration over the attacks. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Blinken tells Egypt that human rights are 'central' to US relationship Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed concern over Egypt’s planned procurement of Su-35 fighter aircraft from Russia. Egypt
RAND report advocates development over defense in the Middle East The report said US policy is outdated and has not led to security in the region. Originals
Kataib Hezbollah denies role in recent Iraq rocket attacks The high-profile, Iran-backed militia denied responsibility for attacks on US targets in Iraq. Iraq
Biden's UN ambassador nominee confirmed by Senate Linda Thomas-Greenfield was easily confirmed, despite Republican opposition to her views on Iran and China. Originals
UAE, Qatar officials meet in Kuwait amid Gulf thaw Kuwait hosted delegations from the two countries more than a month after Saudi Arabia and its allies agreed to end their blockade on Qatar. United Arab Emirates
Qatar Airways to introduce touchless entertainment technology Qatar's flagship airline will allow passengers to access in-flight entertainment without touching the screen in March as a way to limit the spread of COVID-19. Originals
Libyan interior minister says he survived assassination attempt The security force involved in Fathi Bashagha's motorcade collision dispute the claim, saying the interior minister's men fired on them. Libya
Erik Prince violated Libya arms embargo, UN report alleges The Blackwater founder and associates sought to buy helicopter gunships from Jordan to aid Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter's assault on Tripoli, investigators believe. Jordan
