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
Egypt's authorities seek to wipe out graffiti artists Egyptian graffiti artists keep a low profile, fearing that they will be arrested both for vandalism and political charges. Egypt
Artists turn to walls, internet in war-torn Yemen Galleries and cultural centers in Yemen have long been a casualty of war. Local artists, however, use walls to express their creativity and anger. Yemen
Can Tunisia’s economy be saved? Due to financial crisis, Tunisia's foreign currency reserves have hit a record low, and some goods have been banned from importation. Tunisia
Female graffiti artists show their colors on Amman's walls Suha Sultan is one of the few female graffiti artists in Jordan, but she is inspired to dismantle stereotypes and revitalize the city walls of Jordan's capital with colorful artwork. Jordan
Artists use calligraphy to bring together hostile neighbors in Lebanon's Tripoli Lebanese graffiti artist duo Ashekman have created a 1-mile-long message of peace on Tripoli's rooftops to unite two estranged neighborhoods in the city. Lebanon
US adds Hamas political leader to terrorist list By designating the head of Hamas’ political arm, Ismail Haniyeh, on the American list of global terrorists, the US State Department added another obstacle to Palestinian reconciliation. Palestine
Trump radicalizes US Mideast policies After US President Donald Trump’s statements in Davos, Europeans and Palestinians fear radicalized US policies on the Middle East. Palestine
As US disengages in North Africa, France's Macron looks to boost his profile During his visit to Tunisia, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster the country’s faltering economy. Tunisia
With countering migration in mind, Italy to deploy troops to North Africa As elections are approaching in Italy, questions arise about why parliament approved the increase of Italian troops in North Africa. North Africa
Hamas chief's inclusion on US terror list will further derail peace efforts By adding moderate Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to its terror list, the United States is signaling further escalation in the political brinkmanship game that aims at imposing a political solution to the Palestinian conflict rather than negotiating one. Israel
Israel presses Russia to help contain 'Iranian threat' Israel is looking to Russia to help dial back Iran's ambitions to expand its presence and influence. Israel
Gaza youth debate political, social issues Several youth debate initiatives in the Gaza Strip are encouraging young Palestinians to question partisan thinking, collect facts and consider other points of view. Palestine
