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
Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum. Iraq
Online portal offers Palestinian diaspora piece of home A Palestinian businesswoman has adopted the tradition of gift baskets to bring a taste of homeland to Palestinian diaspora. Palestine
Egypt’s experimental theater raises ire of traditionalists The Cairo International Festival for Contemporary and Experimental Theatre remains one of the most prestigious events for theater groups that opt for novelty on stage — but is there an audience in Egypt? Egypt
King of pop remembered in Egyptian film Egypt has nominated "Sheikh Jackson," a film that portrays the torments of a cleric upon learning that his childhood hero is dead, for the 2018 Academy Award for best foreign language film. Egypt
Congress warns Kurds against further steps after independence vote The Kurdistan Regional Government’s decision to go ahead with its referendum has tempered years of robust congressional support for the Iraqi Kurds. Iraq
Turkish court frees leading journalist as press trial drags on Prominent Turkish journalist Kadri Gursel has walked out of prison after 330 days, though the often ludicrous proceedings against him and 17 other Cumhuriyet journalists are far from over. Turkey
Is Trump about to reveal his Mideast peace plan? The meeting in New York between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US President Donald Trump revived Palestinian optimism on the US Mideast peace plan. Palestine
Palestinian, Italian chefs share their love for food A joint cultural exchange program between Palestinians and Italians focused on food preparation and sports in two refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Europeans: Trump can win on Iran without ending nuclear deal Envoys to Washington say trans-Atlantic cooperation against Tehran needs to build on the 2015 nuclear accord, not undermine it. United States
Arab identity at heart of Beirut Art Fair At the eighth annual Beirut Art Fair, contemporary artists were given free rein to create works that explore sensitive topics such as Arab identity, politics and conflict. Lebanon
Egypt’s millennials act out their discontent on stage With its earnest tone and simple production, the play “1980 W Enta Taleh” offers a glimpse into the turbulent lives of Egypt's young adults. Egypt
Moscow welcomes Libya’s fighting factions Russia continues to boost its image as a peacemaker in the Middle East by engaging both of Libya’s warring parties. Libya
