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
Iran’s Rouhani shifts strategy in presidential race Iran’s moderate president, Hassan Rouhani, has changed his tactics, attacking his conservative rivals who are determined to unseat him. Iran
Odds appear stacked against success of Erdogan-Trump meeting Erdogan’s advisers are among those predicting his mission in Washington will fail. Turkey
How far can Egypt's prank TV shows go? Egyptian parliamentarian Galal Awara has called on the concerned bodies to stop TV prank shows, especially in the run-up to Ramadan. Egypt
What's keeping Syria’s Palestinian refugees from returning to camps? The Palestinian refugees in Syria are still waiting for the green light to go back to their camps following a wave of displacement that resulted from clashes between the Syrian regime and gunmen. Palestine
Turkish fest takes Roma culture upmarket, but Roma still down Roma music and dancing dominate the Hidirellez festivities that usher in spring in Turkey, but the country’s 4 million-strong Roma population finds little to celebrate in their daily living conditions. Turkey
Libyan rivals descend on Washington The war-wracked country’s competing factions are fighting for Donald Trump’s ear. Libya
Khamenei increases pressure on Rouhani ahead of elections Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's criticism of a UNESCO program promoting gender equality is seen as an attack on President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
Rouhani’s rivals are making pledges Iran cannot afford While incumbent Hassan Rouhani’s main challengers in the Iranian presidential race are making grand pledges of bigger cash handouts and more jobs, there is little to suggest that the promises can be realized. Iran
Bennett: We must tell Trump the 'truth' about peace process In an interview with Al-Monitor, HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett says that "the age of maneuvering is over" as the Israeli government must be honest with US President Donald Trump about the reality of creating a Palestinian state. Palestine
Nuclear deal in focus in second Iranian presidential debate The second Iranian presidential debate sees candidates trade barbs on the nuclear deal. Iran
Trump goes to Riyadh US President Donald Trump may want to learn lessons from previous presidential encounters with Saudi kings if he wants his trip to visit King Salman to be a success. Legacy: Gulf
Syria to get civilian safe zones Cease-fire mediators have agreed to establish and enforce areas free from fighting in Syria. Syria
