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
Hamas could be next victim of Qatari-Gulf brawl Qatar politely sent some Hamas leaders packing after several nations, including Saudi Arabia, cut diplomatic ties with Doha. Saudi Arabia
Russia’s reading on what’s at stake in Qatar crisis Moscow has pricked up its ears as Qatar’s diplomacy problems grow more raucous. Legacy: Gulf
The curious timing of the Qatar crisis The latest Middle East crisis, the rift between Qatar and its Gulf Cooperation Council partners, has come at a sensitive time for the Gulf states. Legacy: Gulf
Applying the ‘Bosnian model’ to Syria’s crisis Could the United States and Russia learn from the Dayton Agreement to reach a lasting peace deal in Syria? Jordan
Egypt, Russia cover lots of common ground in recent meeting Many countries were paying attention when Russia sent two top ministers to Cairo last week. Egypt
Egyptian film about revolutions soon in cinemas Egyptians disagree over whether or not there is sufficient documentation available to produce a film depicting the political conflicts that led to the January 25 Revolution and the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi following the June 30, 2013, protests. Egypt
Syrian women in Egypt work to build strength out of hardship Six years into the devastating war, Syrian women who sought refuge in Egypt have become stronger and acquired new survival skills. Egypt
Turkey wary of NATO's decision to join fight against IS Turkey didn't veto NATO’s decision to join the anti-Islamic State coalition in Syria and Iraq, but it does consider the move part of a plan to strengthen the Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
This young Iranian rapper may have cost Raisi the presidency Iranians wonder whether hard-line presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi’s attempt to attract young voters by meeting with an underground rapper cost him the election. Iran
Turkish town gets ready to smell the roses The Turkish town of Isparta is in the midst of this year's rose harvest, a flower the Ottomans revered for its fragrance, taste and medicinal qualities. Countries
Russia’s Syria strategy hinges on Jordan Russia’s relationship with Jordan has shifted as Moscow looks to Amman as its mediator with the Sunni world and the United States in the Syrian crisis. Jordan
In wake of Trump visit, Saudi-led Sunni bloc already splintering Less than two weeks after Trump's summit in Saudi Arabia, "Arab NATO" is showing signs of division due to fears of widening the regional political divide and doubts over Washington's reliability. Saudi Arabia
