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 a bromance brewing between Sudan, the Saudis? Egypt gets the cold shoulder while Saudi Arabia helps get some US sanctions lifted from Sudan, and Khartoum remains committed to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Former US envoy: Syria may be central to Trump-Netanyahu meeting US President Donald Trump has hinted at creating safe zones in Syria in a draft executive order and in conversations with the Saudi king, while the former US ambassador to Israel says Syria will likely be a "central topic" in Trump’s upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia
Saudis hopeful but wary about Trump Saudi Arabia is hopeful in regard to the Trump administration's views on Iran and closer counterterrorism and military cooperation, but remains wary on other policy issues. Legacy: Gulf
Moscow offers stage for Palestinian talks All parties involved in Palestinian-Israeli peace talks must put long-term achievements ahead of immediate gains if the problems are ever to be solved — starting with reconciliation among Palestinian factions. Palestine
The real reason Erdoganists still love Trump despite 'Muslim ban' One wonders why all this persistent sympathy for US President Donald Trump exists in Turkey’s pro-Erdogan universe. There are two answers. Turkey
Trump’s Middle East fans get caught up in global blowback Political leaders from Israel to Saudi Arabia are quickly finding out that siding with Trump comes at a price. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu's road to Iran runs through North Korea Israel fears that if North Korea continues to develop its nuclear arsenal, Iran will no longer agree to restraints on its nuclear program. Israel
Russia offers outline for Syrian constitution Russia’s three-pronged plan for Syria’s constitution addresses secular and Kurdish concerns, as well as governmental structure, including limits on presidential power. Syria
British leader defends Iran deal in meetings with Republicans British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to urge Donald Trump not to mess with the nuclear deal after delivering the same message to congressional Republicans. Congress
How are Syrian peace talks holding up? There were no breakthroughs on the first day of negotiating between the Syrian regime and opposition representatives, but talks resumed this morning. Syria
Iranians ponder Obama’s legacy with rise of Trump Barack Obama’s departure from the White House leaves Iranians divided about his legacy, with some calling his presidency a "great opportunity for Iran that is now gone." United States
Democrats urged Obama to cease Yemen war role before Trump took over Twenty-five House Democrats wrote to Barack Obama earlier this month to ask him to stop supporting the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia
