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
Jordan tones down rhetoric in response to US move against UNRWA Amid US threats to cut funding for UNRWA, Jordan appears to have opted for quiet diplomatic engagement with the United States rather than a confrontational approach. Palestine
Syrian stars look to shine at Egyptian soccer academy An academy that helps gifted Syrian kids play in big soccer clubs sees talent and hope in Egypt. Egypt
Yazidis in Turkey camp wish for IS captives to return home Yazidis who have been in a camp near Mardin wish for their women and children to return home safely from IS captivity. Turkey
Egyptians continue book swap despite theft The street library initiative launched by an Egyptian-German businessman offers novels, poetry and nonfiction books in the busy streets of Cairo. Egypt
Russia, Iran in sync on preserving nuclear deal Russia's UN ambassador says the United States has "an irrational allergy" to Iran and should stop trying to constrain Tehran's influence in the Middle East by undermining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Russia
US touts military build-up against Iran in Syria The Donald Trump administration’s stated goal of using US troops in Syria to contain Iran, while failing to offer a formal Syria policy, is irritating lawmakers. Syria
Trump stays in Iran nuclear deal for now, targets rights abusers US President Donald Trump once again waived Iran nuclear sanctions to stay in the deal, but he warned it will be for the last time if he does not get a legislative fix that meets his demands. United States
US caught in crossfire amid flaring Jordan-Saudi tensions US Vice President Mike Pence will face flaring tensions between Saudi Arabia and Jordan over Amman’s alleged ouster of royals close to Riyadh during his upcoming trip to the region. Saudi Arabia
Europe takes center stage as Iran weighs response to Trump Though suspicion and mistrust lingers, Iran maintains hope that Europe will resist US pressure to torpedo the nuclear deal. United States
Palestinian artist draws vivid picture of women's suffering, rage Palestinian artist Hanaa Hamash pays homage through her artworks to the Palestinian women living under occupation. Palestine
Palestinian national dish fuels Al-Aqsa protests Maqluba, the beloved Palestinian dish, has become a tradition of the protests in Jerusalem and elsewhere, reinforcing Palestinian community and solidarity. Palestine
US sanctions hinder Iranian protesters’ ability to organize online As the Iranian protests die down, hawkish lawmakers and dovish advocates are united in their concern that US sanctions are inhibiting protesters’ ability to organize. United States
