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
Syrians in Turkey baffled by Trump’s safe zones plan A state of confusion and uncertainty prevails among Syrians living in Turkey, after the announcement by US President Donald Trump at the end of last month of his decision to create safe zones for civilians in Syria. Syria
Noted 'neocon' finds surprising support from Democrats in Trump's America Iraq war cheerleader Elliott Abrams is in the running for the No. 2 spot at the State Department. Will Democrats put their misgivings behind them in order to rein in Trump? United States
How Russia's Muslims view Trump's anti-Islam stance Russia is home to 20 million Muslims, yet many officials and citizens are withholding judgment — at least publicly — on the US ban to keep out people from seven Muslim-majority countries. Russia
Why this Iranian conservative-turned-moderate will succeed Rafsanjani Conservative-turned-moderate Iranian parliament Speaker Ali Larijani increasingly appears the most suited figure to assume the influential role that was played by Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. United States
Khamenei thanks Trump for 'revealing real face of US' Iran’s supreme leader on Feb. 7 thanked President Donald Trump for revealing “the real face of the US.” Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister stated that the international community will not accept a renegotiation of the nuclear deal. United States
Why the US might cut Palestinian aid drastically The Palestinian Authority worries that the new US administration will withhold aid, in part to pressure Palestinians to return to the negotiating table with the Israelis. Palestine
Armed Iraqi factions threaten to target Americans in response to travel ban While the Iraqi government cautiously follows up on the impacts of the US executive order to ban Iraqis from the United States, some Shiite militias threaten to target Americans in Iraq in response to the new US policy. Iraq
Will Iran challenge Russian interests in European natural gas market? Iranian gas exports have been held back not only by sanctions, but also by Iran's lack of energy infrastructure and the country's domestic calculations. Russia
Why GCC has been silent on Trump's 'Muslim ban' Gulf states have failed to criticize the Trump administration for its recent "Muslim ban" in an attempt to keep the new US administration on their side in light of the economic and security challenge the Gulf region faces. Legacy: Gulf
US wrestlers barred from Iran in retaliation for Trump visa ban As US-Iran relations deteriorate over visa bans and missile launches, sports exchanges are collateral damage. United States
Congress takes aim at UN over Israel stance Lawmakers are preparing a slew of measures aimed at curbing what they see as anti-Israel discrimination at the United Nations. Palestine
Trump's pick for Israel envoy to undergo unprecedented Senate grilling Senate Democrats vow tough hearing on David Friedman as advocates of a two-state solution ramp up their lobbying. Israel
