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
Is freedom of expression on the rise in Saudi Arabia? The decision to list 5% of Saudi Aramco’s shares has raised wide criticism from the Saudi public while sheding light on the issue of freedom of expression and disapproval in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Why was deal to evacuate Syrian towns brokered by Qatar and Iran? A deal brokered by Qatar and Iran that ignores Turkey and Russia — the largest respective sponsors of the opposition and the regime in Syria — threatens to derail broader peace talks aimed at ending the tragic civil war. Qatar
Congress raises specter of rupture with Turkey if referendum passes A House panel slammed Ankara's authoritarian drift ahead of the April 16 vote. Turkey
Tehran mayor steps aside as conservatives rally forces ahead of presidential vote Tehran’s mayor, a two-time presidential candidate, has announced that he will not run in the May 19 vote. Meanwhile, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad holds his first press conference in almost four years. Iran
Congress demands Trump action on Syria after Idlib gas attack The president is under fire for backing off Obama's regime change policy. Syria
Dismissed Fatah leader rules out reconciliation with Abbas In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Mohammed Dahlan confirmed that reconciliation efforts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are currently stalled and warned that Abbas' internal weakness would reflect the fragility of his political position vis-a-vis the Israelis. Palestine
Congress rains on Sisi’s parade Lawmakers don’t all share Trump’s fondness for the Egyptian strongman. Egypt
Is there a road to Raqqa for Turkey? Syria won't be the only country affected by the fate of Raqqa, as Turkey's hopes for involvement dwindle. Syria
Iran's conservatives still undecided on presidential candidate As the deadline for Iran's presidential candidates to register their nomination approaches, conservatives are unable to reach a consensus over a single nominee. Iran
Congress raises alarm over US confrontation with Yemen's Houthis House members want the legislative branch to sign off before any escalation against the Iran-backed group. Saudi Arabia
Ahmadinejad retakes spot on Iran's political stage, despite ‘advice’ Even though Iran's supreme leader has publicly "advised" him not to run for office, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appears to think that it doesn't apply to his inner circle. Iran
The surprising rise of the head of Iran's most influential charity Ebrahim Raisi, head of one of Iran’s wealthiest organizations, appears to be using his position to put himself in the national spotlight ahead of presidential elections. Iran
