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
GCC states race for foreign investment Despite the Saudi-led effort to bury the hatchet with Qatar, unified economic policies are coming up against by GCC countries’ needs to win foreign investment post-COVID. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon chief reaffirms defensive support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reaffirm strategic ties. Saudi Arabia
Egypt uncovers brewery that served pharaohs An American-Egyptian mission recently uncovered an ancient brewery that paints a vivid picture of beer in ancient Egyptian life. Egypt
Oldest water tunnel in Palestine yet to be fully explored The Balama tunnel is the most ancient water tunnel discovered in Palestine, but it still needs to be fully explored so it can turn into a tourist attraction. Palestine
Does ‘Syrian trio’ of Russia, Iran and Turkey have a future? There are signs that the Astana talks on the Syrian war — which began in 2017 and are sponsored by Moscow, Ankara and Tehran — have little prospect of making progress going forward. Syria
Bahraini phone app launches vaccination certificate Users of the BeAware Bahrain mobile application can receive a certificate proving they have received the vaccine against COVID-19. Originals
UN: Houthi attack on Marib may displace hundreds of thousands The potential for a Houthi offensive poses a major test for the Biden administration. Originals
Gulf states’ quest to find ‘new oil’ turns to hydrogen Unrivaled expertise in the energy industry and a growing global market for hydrogen is pushing Gulf oil exporters to invest in the global realignment toward cleaner energies. Originals
Pentagon ‘comfortable’ with troop levels in Middle East ahead of review Whether the United States pulls forces from the Middle East to counter China may well depend on the success of Biden's diplomacy with Iran Legacy: Gulf
Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur loses at Australian Open Ons Jabeur is the highest-ranked Arab woman in tennis history. She hopes more women from the region will pick up rackets. Originals
Winners and losers in Libya’s political deal A major political settlement in Libya has recently been agreed to after lengthy complicated negotiations. But unless the outcome is viewed as a win-win game, it could end up being just another round of empty talks. Originals
