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
Gazans have the hots for chili peppers Peppers — pickled, roasted, stuffed or mashed — make up an essential part of cuisine in Gaza, and for prideful Palestinians in the Strip, the hotter the better. Palestine
Saudi suppression of Shiites threatens Canadian arms deal If Canada cancels a lucrative arms deal with Saudi Arabia over the use of Canadian-sold arms against civilians, it could affect Riyadh's ability to purchase US and UK arms as well. Saudi Arabia
After decades in exile, musician finds way home to Diyarbakir After an ill-fated love story forced oud player Yervant Bostanci to leave Diyarbakir, he has returned to his homeland and says he will never leave again. Turkey
Russia re-examines relationship with Iran As the military situation shifts in Syria, so does Tehran’s once-symbiotic status with Moscow. Jordan
South Yemen leader vows to continue fight against 'rebels' in north After his return from a tour that included Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of Yemen's South Transitional Council, talks to Al-Monitor about pressing local and regional issues. Legacy: Gulf
Tulkarm aims to renovate century-old Ottoman train tunnel The Ottoman Empire’s Hejaz Railway, initially seen as Sultan Abdulhamid's folly, played a key role in World War I and later in Palestine's history. Palestine
Iraq’s legendary fashion house revived Despite pressure from conservatives and a lack of funds, the Iraqi House of Fashion revives its glory days with a museum catwalk. Iraq
US-backed forces cut off Islamic State in Raqqa The Syrian Democratic Forces have surrounded the Islamic State’s Syria stronghold. Syria
Libya’s pleas for Italian help unlikely to solve migration issue The Libyan plea to Italy to help counter the migration flow may not bring in the desired results, as the former colonial power has its own interests to serve during this election year. Libya
US vows to press ahead with Iraq bomb clearance despite criticism A State Department audit released this week criticizes the agency’s approach to oversight of efforts to clear improvised explosive devices and mines in Iraq. Iraq
US touts success of Syria cease-fire negotiated with Russia Despite recent sanctions on Russia, the Donald Trump administration sees a path forward for cooperation with Moscow in Syria. Jordan
Egyptian lawmakers rile Congress with US gun violence jab In a letter to Congress protesting a US travel advisory, an Egyptian parliamentary delegation downplayed the threats to Coptic Christians in the country, comparing the statistics on violence against them to shootings in US cities. Egypt
