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
How Russia views Ankara envoy's assassination Following the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Russia’s political and expert communities are mulling over potential masterminds behind the assassination and what responses Moscow has at its disposal. Turkey
KRG PM: Talk of Iraqi Kurdish independence red line for Iran, but not Turkey In an extensive interview with Al-Monitor at his office in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani speaks about the battle for Mosul, relations with Baghdad and Ankara, and aspirations for independence. Iraq
Obama administration allows Americans to train Iranians New regulations unveiled Dec. 22 allow drug, medical device and agricultural experts to travel to Iran. United States
Could ambassador's slaying bring about Russian-Turkish cooperation? Russian and Turkish cooperation in the battle against terrorism could help bring about a more stable Middle East. Syria
Is this the beginning of a revolution by Saudi women? Saudi youths of both sexes are rebelling against their religious, social and political reality in light of contradictions between the religious and political speeches and deeds. Saudi Arabia
Israelis wary, Palestinians despairing over Tillerson appointment Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson’s ties with Arab countries worry Israeli officials, while Palestinians despair that the Trump administration is an extension of the current right-wing Israeli government. Palestine
Obama administration, allies try to buy time for Iran nuclear deal In its final weeks, the Obama administration and its European allies are trying to convince the emerging Trump team that the deal is working. United States
Baghdad looks to Trump with framework agreement Following the victory by US President-elect Donald Trump, Iraq seeks to strengthen cooperation with the United States through the full implementation of the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement. Iraq
Wary Saudis silent as Trump's Israel position takes shape US President-elect Donald Trump's choice for ambassador to Israel is a sign that he still intends to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, a major shakeup in American policy if the plan is followed through. Saudi Arabia
Kremlin dilemma: Regain Palmyra or advance on Idlib? Victories in the war on the Islamic State are tempered by setbacks that call for a careful examination of how to proceed. Syria
Is Turkey turning its stern on the West in the Black Sea? The regional power balance could change if Russia and Turkey carry their rapprochement in Syria to the Black Sea. Turkey
Trump fever sweeps Iraqi Kurdistan The Kurdish people have been celebrating Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections in many different ways, in the hope that his presidency will bring more support for an independent Kurdistan. Iraq
