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
Trump undermines Iranian debate on economic role of IRGC Rather than isolating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Trump administration’s targeting of the organization in effect stymies ongoing attempts to curtail its role within the Iranian economy. Iran
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Iranian leader refuses any negotiation over ballistic missiles Iran’s supreme leader reacted to US officials’ recent talk about limits on Tehran’s ballistic missile program, saying the Islamic Republic’s missile power is non-negotiable. Iran
Talented Palestinian youths find opportunity in national student orchestra A project co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and An-Najah National University will enable musically talented youths to find a platform to develop their talent. Palestine
Lebanon looks to recreate Palestinian society in refugee camp A decade after the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp was destroyed, UNRWA is rebuilding it based on original layouts to better achieve the sense of community that existed in pre-1948 Palestine. Palestine
Prominent writer unleashes controversy around sexuality in Turkey In a recent Ted Talks presentation, Turkish writer Elif Shafak admitted being bisexual, spurring a backlash on social media. Turkey
Turkey does real business with virtual money Bitcoin usage is on the rise in Turkey, where businesses in various sectors, from informatics and engineering companies to pharmacies and taxi stands, have come to accept the virtual currency. Turkey
EU to cut aid to Turkey as accession talks trail off The European Council has decided to cut its pre-accession funds for Turkey in yet another bad sign for the country's EU membership process. Turkey
Jailed Turkish philanthropist ravaged in pro-AKP media Not much is known about the detention of prominent Turkish businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, and the ruling party and its loyalists seem to be building a slander campaign against him in the media. Turkey
How Trump has propped up Rouhani Rather than undermining Iran's government, Donald Trump's hostile rhetoric may be strengthening President Hassan Rouhani and uniting Iranians around his administration. Iran
Egypt's female performance groups on the rise All female dance groups in Egypt are becoming more popular at weddings and other cultural gatherings, but still must conform with society's conservative beliefs on music. Egypt
Egypt prepares for return of IS fighters' children Egypt is preparing to welcome and provide rehabilitation services for 15 Egyptian children who were found in Islamic State camps in Libya. Egypt
