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
Pompeo pick pleases Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates officials see a shift at the US State Department in their favor, but are unlikely to see all their hopes realized under Mike Pompeo. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's break with dollar easier said than done The Iranian authorities’ move to ban import orders registered in US dollars presents yet another challenge for the private sector. Iran
Explosive art in Beirut explores power of cultural identity In an exhibition at the Saleh Barakat Gallery in Beirut, Lebanese artist Katya Traboulsi celebrates cultural diversity while highlighting the way that fear of difference drives a never-ending cycle of conflict. Lebanon
Foreign ministers set stage for Putin-Erdogan meeting in April Expect to see an effort to boost Russian-Turkish collaboration when the presidents of both countries meet in two weeks. Turkey
Turkey doubles down in pastor row with US American pastor Andrew Brunson, behind bars in Turkey on terrorism-related charges, risks up to 35 years in jail in a politically loaded case that critics describe as “an eclipse of reason.” Turkey
Young Egyptians start campaign to battle sexual abuse A group of young Egyptians launched a graduation project that turned into a public campaign on sexual abuse of children in Egypt. Egypt
State Department shake-up leaves Qatar hanging President Trump’s ouster of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson knocks out a leading champion for resolving the monthslong Qatar crisis in the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian-Americans launch human rights push ahead of Sisi re-election Trump helped free NGO worker Aya Hijazi from prison. Now she’s leading the charge against his Egypt policy. Egypt
Tillerson's departure could disrupt US-Turkey progress With US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson leaving office, critical Turkey-US plans to meet about Syria could be delayed as Ankara recalibrates to face incoming Mike Pompeo. Syria
No end to Yemen war in sight as Saudi Arabia, Iran lock horns The war in Yemen drags on even as it continues to bleed Saudi Arabia while increasing international pressure on Iran. Saudi Arabia
Iranian media compares Trump to Ahmadinejad amid Tillerson dismissal Iranian media draw parallels between President Donald Trump and Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad amid the dismissal of Rex Tillerson. United States
Egyptian campaign speaks up for architectural heritage Inspired by the plight of an Alexandria villa that has played an important literary role, a group of Egyptians are working to educate the public and protect the remaining palaces and other architectural wealth of Egypt. Egypt
