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
Qatar works to revive Iran nuclear deal Qatar's foreign minister said the Gulf state is seeking to bring back the 2015 agreement. Qatar is in the unique position of having good relations with both the United States and Iran. Originals
Family of American held in Syria pins hopes on Biden This month marks four years since psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz disappeared in Syria. Syria
Inside Alexandria's bunker-turned-art space In the basement of an old building in Alexandria lies an art space that once served as a bomb shelter. Egypt
US stands firm as Turkey proposes to ‘find solution’ over S-400 The State Department urged ally Ankara to get rid of the Russian air defense system Turkey
Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues The sultanate's anti-virus committee announced several new restrictions on travel and gatherings on Wednesday. Oman
Houthis claim responsibility for drone attack on Saudi airport The attack comes less than a week after the US administration announced it was rescinding the Iran-aligned group's terror designation. Saudi Arabia
Fifty-four Senators sign letter criticizing Turkey's human rights record The group led by Sens. Wyden and Rubio want the Biden administration to press Turkey on its domestic policies and actions in Syria. It follows months of criticism of Turkey from both parties in Congress. Originals
Intel: US unsatisfied with Turkey's response to Syria rights abuses The US government continues to raise reports of human rights abuses in Syria with Turkey, according to a new watchdog report. Originals
Iran, Russia, China to conduct joint naval exercise in Indian Ocean Russia continues to seek opportunities to expand its influence in the Middle East, the head of CENTCOM said Monday. Russia
Islamic State kills two dozen pro-regime fighters in Syria A firefight in the Deir ez-Zor desert is the latest sign of the Islamic State terror network's lingering presence. Syria
Russia seeks to outplay the US in Libya While Russia's preferred candidates lost in last week's vote for interim leadership in Libya, Moscow still has a strategy for reinforcing its influence in the country. Originals
Iran’s foreign minister discusses ending war in Yemen with UN envoy Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Martin Griffiths in Tehran on Monday as the US renews a push to end Yemen's war Yemen
