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
The female body on display in Haifa At the tiny Mane-Katz Museum in Haifa an exhibition embraces feminine sculptures by Chana Orloff and her artist colleagues. Israel
Erdogan scores big with Afrin operation, but problems remain Military experts say taking Afrin will be a tactical success for Ankara, but Turkey’s Kurdish concerns in Syria appear to be far from over. Syria
Iranian painter's mouthless women speak volumes at Istanbul exhibition Maryam Salahi, an Iranian artist living in Turkey, taps into her "foreignness" for an exhibition in Istanbul exploring identity and freedom in the Middle East. Turkey
Gazan artists, intellectuals seek to revive culture cafes The mushrooming cultural salons in the Gaza Strip provide writers and artists with an outlet for expression. Palestine
Why Israel-Jordan crisis lasted so long After a tough reconciliation effort, Israel and Jordan have mended relations from the crisis that erupted over the shooting incident in Amman. Palestine
As Yemeni riyal is in free fall, worst may be yet to come The Yemeni riyal's loss of more than 15% of its value in a matter of days will make establishing peace more difficult by exacerbating inequality. Saudi Arabia
Can Palestinians bear halt of US aid? As the United States withholds more than half of its financial contribution to UNRWA, fears arise about the repercussions the decision will have on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economy. Palestine
Fired teacher tells story of Turkish purge onstage A teacher who was dismissed from her job in the aftermath of the coup attempt is using drama to give a voice to Turkey's 150,000 civil servants in similar situations. Turkey
Award-winning talk show for Arab youth tackles religion, sex An Arabic-language talk show gives Arab youth a space to speak and express themselves on everything from religion to sex. Qatar
Turkey plays catch-up with militarization in Red Sea A scramble for military influence along the Red Sea could lead to a trade disaster as Turkey also looks to establish a military foothold in the area. United Arab Emirates
Pentagon says confronting Iran now tops terrorism concerns As the Pentagon shifts its focus from terrorism to competing against China and Russia, the US military will also look to counter nations that are deemed hostile, such as Iran. Syria
Jerusalem community center offers new tune to ultra-Orthodox Abiya Beit Midrash community center opens new perspectives for ultra-Orthodox young people who are curious about what goes on beyond their sector. Israel
