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
Congress slams Trump proposal to reduce military aid Key lawmakers of both parties vow to fight effort to shift aid from grants to loans. Congress
Congress wants answers from Turkey on shutdown of US aid pipeline to Syria Senate Democrats are warning Ankara not to take out its anger over US aid to Kurds on Mercy Corps. Syria
The real reason Ahmadinejad still covets media attention Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s attempts to attract attention ahead of the May 19 elections spark outrage among moderates and Reformists. Iran
Iran’s parliament speaker throws weight behind Rouhani Iran’s powerful parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has thrown his weight behind Hassan Rouhani, supporting him in the upcoming May 19 presidential elections. United States
How 'complete' is normalization between Russia, Turkey? Russia and Turkey recently agreed to cooperate in several significant areas, but there's still some question about how far their friendship extends. Turkey
Yemen war turns two Saudi Arabia and the United States need to put more thought into the endgame for the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Congress prepares for another showdown over Saudi arms sales Senators of both parties are determined to keep US bombs out of Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Congress looks to ground Emirates air route Lawmakers want US President Donald Trump to cancel planned Europe-US route. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels. Saudi Arabia
Can Congress compromise on bipartisan Iran sanctions law? Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders say they're getting closer to an agreement on non-nuclear sanctions. Congress
Iran’s Rouhani moves to form campaign headquarters In a move to perhaps end rumors of his reluctance to run in Iran’s upcoming presidential vote, incumbent Hassan Rouhani has set up a formal campaign headquarters. Iran
What is Russia’s thinking on Libya? In its effort to pursue national security interests in the Middle East, Russia is increasingly involved in the conflict in Libya. Egypt
