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 pays homage to Palestinian 'Lady Photographer' with exhibit In a neighborhood in Amman, a photography exhibition honors Karimeh Abbud, also known as the "Lady Photographer," who stood apart from her male contemporaries with her unique access to Palestinian women in their homes. Palestine
Trump national security strategy doubles down on Iran The US president’s first national security strategy outlines the White House’s growing campaign to turn the screws on Iran. United States
Theater on wheels to reach Palestinian children in isolated areas The Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation launches a mobile theater to reach children who have never seen a show before. Palestine
Houthis broach talks after Saleh slain, but war continues Yemen's civil war demonstrates that despotism leads to more of the same, no matter who's in power. Saudi Arabia
Gaza fashion house combines tradition, style A female-run fashion house in Gaza boasts two boutiques that sell its original designs melding traditional Palestinian aesthetics with modern tastes. Palestine
Turkish feminist artist takes on Mount Qaf An exhibition in Istanbul by the Turkish artist CANAN defies gender stereotypes and sexual taboos, marrying the personal with the political. Turkey
Congress acts to jump-start Jordan’s private sector A key House panel voted this week to establish an enterprise fund that Amman had previously resisted. Jordan
Russia seeks well-rounded relations with Libyan factions Russian envoy on Libya Lev Dengov talks with Al-Monitor about Moscow's plans with Libya. Libya
Jordan’s refugees struggle through winter of discontent The UNHCR in Jordan tries to raise funds for refugees before the harsh winter through a handicrafts bazaar. Jordan
Palestinians reject US mediation Palestinian leadership was shocked by US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Palestine
US envoy to the UN points finger at Iran in Yemen war Ambassador Nikki Haley vowed a tough US response after displaying what she called “concrete evidence” that Iran provided missiles that Houthi rebels used to target Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Congress advances bill imperiling Iran nuclear deal The House today passed a bill that could undermine the Iran nuclear deal by complicating civilian aircraft sales to Iran, but its future in the Senate remains murky. Congress
