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
Art exhibit showcases Syrian history, culture An exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto is changing how its Western audience — and Syrians living in Canada — conceptualize Syria. Syria
Why Syrian refugees don't go to Russia With little help from the Russian government and a very small chance for asylum, few Syrian refugees travel to Russia. Syria
What Exxon's Rex Tillerson might mean as secretary of state Democrats and some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about the extensive business dealings in Russia of Trump’s nominee to be secretary of state, but several former diplomats said ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson brings significant global experience negotiating in complex environments. Russia
Fighting in Aleppo makes headlines in Tehran Conservative news outlets in Iran celebrate victories of the Syrian army in Aleppo. Syria
Former Iraqi PM: US could have stopped IS with 2008 security deal In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki discussed the country's relationship with the United States, the ongoing battle against the Islamic State and the role of the Popular Mobilization Units. Iraq
Netanyahu's 'Job Act' could win him Trump-like appointment powers Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to have an American-type administration in which he and his associates decide who is appointed to key positions. Israel
How Trump emboldens Netanyahu Has the victory of US President-elect Donald Trump reignited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dream of becoming an all-powerful president of Israel? Israel
Putin lays out Moscow’s new Mideast strategy A new foreign policy strategy document released by Russia includes a comprehensive section on the Middle East — but will there be a shift in Moscow’s priorities in the region? Legacy: Gulf
Will Putin invite Netanyahu, Abbas to Moscow? The United States, France and Russia could join forces to form a new Middle East axis that will promote the two-state process. Palestine
Iran hawks lay out their wish list for Trump era Outright repeal is out, sanctions and military pushback are in. United States
US presidential transition adds turmoil to Syria diplomacy As the Syrian regime makes rapid gains to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo, renewed diplomatic efforts to try to broker a pause in the fighting remain uncertain. Syria
Hifter in Moscow: Russia’s shifting interests in Libya Russia’s interest in Libya evolves as Gen. Khalifa Hifter transforms from a strongman for the army into a politician. Libya
