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
Film about interfaith dialogue opens in Egypt to praise "The Sultan and the Saint," an award-winning film about interfaith dialogue at the height of the Crusades, has found an enthusiastic reception in Egypt, where the true story played out. Egypt
Raqqa win pulls US deeper into Syria conflict The fall of the Islamic State capital could put the US military on a collision course with Assad. Syria
Iraq's female booksellers turn the page on gender roles Iraqi women have started operating their own bookstores in different Iraqi cities, challenging the country's book selling industry that has been dominated by men. Iraq
Congress threatens to withhold arms from Baghdad Allegations that Shiite-majority militias allied with Iraq’s central government have used US military equipment against Kurds in the disputed Kirkuk province has sparked outrage among US lawmakers. Iraq
Egyptian doctors, therapists explore healing powers of music Though new and experimental treatments are slow to be adopted in Egypt, some medical professionals see great potential in music therapy. Egypt
Tunisian women break taboo saying no to children A women's association in the Tunisian countryside works on breaking the societal taboo of women remaining childless by choice. Tunisia
Israel’s first international film festival hits 33 The Haifa Film Festival, known for its fine selection of documentaries, launched new categories this year, such as foodie and environmental cinema. Israel
Turkish government revives its anti-divorce report The Turkish government has relaunched a debate on its controversial investigative report that seeks to prevent divorce and strengthen family unity. Turkey
Trump, Congress play game of chicken with Iran After refusing to certify that the Iran nuclear deal is in the US interest, Trump has called on Congress to unilaterally eliminate the deal’s sunset provisions. Congress
Trump punts fate of Iran deal to Congress President Donald Trump's announcement that he will not be certifying the Iran nuclear accord was met with domestic and international criticism. Congress
Erdogan’s antics keep Russia on its toes Turkey’s president takes actions that sometimes seem like self-sabotage, like surprising Moscow with his recent statements on the Crimean Peninsula and his decision to complicate Russia’s export procedures. Syria
US diplomats cast doubt on America’s ability to constrain Iran With the Donald Trump administration poised to announce a more confrontational stance, career diplomats fear it could be too late to contend with a rising Tehran. United States
