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
Congress approves waiver for Lloyd Austin to become defense secretary The Senate is expected to confirm the former CENTCOM commander as Pentagon chief Friday. Congress
French president says no apology for colonization of Algeria Algeria asked France to apologize for its actions during the more than 100 years of occupation. Algeria
Intel: House Democrats call on Biden to reform Middle East war powers California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and House committee leaders wasted no time calling on the new president to rein in two-decade-old legislation on the authorization of military force. United States
Dubai suspends nonessential surgery as COVID-19 cases soar The emirate is also pausing live entertainment at hotels and restaurants until further notice. United Arab Emirates
Biden to talk Iran deal in early calls with foreign leaders, White House says Incoming Biden administration officials have suggested a return to the nuclear deal is a long way off. United States
The Takeaway: Who goes first in return to Iran nuclear deal? Iran President Hassan Rouhani says ‘we are ready’; US Secretary of State designate Blinken says Iranian compliance, consultations with allies critical to new deal; Al-Monitor archive interviews with two members of Biden team; Egypt’s animal problems. Iran
What Democrats' Senate majority means for the Mideast Incoming Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez opposed the Iran nuclear deal and has been a proponent of the US recognizing the Armenian genocide. Congress
US soldier arrested for allegedly advising Islamic State on attacks Pfc. Cole James Bridges' arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny on extremism in the military. United States
Biden team picks Dana Stroul to lead Pentagon's Middle East desk Stroul, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will join a roster of Obama-era veterans when she returns to the Pentagon. Syria
Biden ends Trump’s ban on travel from Muslim-majority countries Immigration advocates hailed Biden's decision, but said undoing the effects of the travel ban won’t happen overnight. United States
United Arab Emirates signs deal to buy F-35s, drones just before Biden sworn in President Joe Biden has suggested his administration might review or impose conditions on arms sales, but it is not yet clear he will oppose the deal. United Arab Emirates
Blinken: 'Vitally important' to engage with Israel, Gulf on Iran nuclear deal Antony Blinken also said the administration would immediately review the terror designation of Yemen's Houthi rebels. Legacy: Gulf
