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
How Turkey fits into the Qatar puzzle Turkey's military presence in Qatar seems to be complicating an already complex situation for the coalition that recently cut ties with Doha. Legacy: Gulf
Corker hold puts Saudi arms deal at risk Congressional aides say the Senate Foreign Relations chairman’s threat to block arms sales to the Gulf until the Qatar crisis is resolved could have a wide-ranging impact. Saudi Arabia
French shift on Syria could open doors in Russia France’s newly elected president has indicated he is open to talks that could leave Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in power, bringing the country closer to Russia’s stance. Saudi Arabia
Congress threatens to cut payments to Iraqi Kurds if they break with Baghdad The House defense bill makes continued peshmerga funding contingent on participation in a “unified Iraq.” Iraq
Moscow carefully assessing international energy scene Russia’s long-term energy plan relies heavily on gas sectors in the Middle East and Eurasia as it struggles with low prices and sanctions. Saudi Arabia
Saudi foreign policy pushes Iran, Turkey closer Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Qatar appears to open space for Iranian efforts to engage in regional diplomacy and cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Stakes high for Kuwait as mediator in Qatar crisis Kuwait has established its neutrality in the Qatari crisis, but it has a lot at stake. Legacy: Gulf
Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved. Legacy: Gulf
Kushner bolsters Trump Middle East peace push By dispatching his son-in-law, the president has made it clear to both sides that he’s serious about wanting a deal. But will that be enough? Palestine
The long-term cost of Saudi succession shake-up The king of Saudi Arabia has replaced his successor with his favorite son Mohammed bin Salman in a move that was not entirely unexpected, but perhaps poorly timed for Saudi stability. Saudi Arabia
US attack on Syrian jet puts Putin under pressure Russia’s response to the US downing of a Syrian plane Sunday was more measured than some observers seem to realize, but the Kremlin’s patience does have its limits. Syria
Settlers pressure Netanyahu to reject Palestinian building plan Settler leaders rebuke Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman's already approved plan for 14,000 housing units to be built at the West Bank Palestinian Qalqilya refugee camp. Palestine
