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
US election 2016: Global chaos upends US election Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of July 11. United States
Watchdogs: US aid to Syria at high risk for fraud US partners could do more to ensure that humanitarian assistance gets to the right people, the GAO told Congress. Syria
Moscow’s turnaround on Turkey Common national interests such as security and economic issues remain the prime core of improved relations between Moscow and Ankara. Syria
EU lawmakers warn Congress against Saudi terrorism bill The Dutch parliament registered its opposition ahead of a July 14 hearing on the issue. Saudi Arabia
Slow response to Yemen’s crisis points to government incompetence As Yemen is facing its worst humanitarian and economic crisis in its modern history, the Saudi-led coalition needs to step up and restore security in the liberated areas by eliminating militias. Saudi Arabia
Algeria rips House appropriators over Sahara coercion Algiers is furious at pro-Moroccan language in the annual foreign aid bill. Algeria
US election 2016: Hillary dodges email server bullet The FBI exonerated Hillary Clinton on the email scandal, but Republicans are no less hungry to make the Democratic presidential candidate pay for her "extremely careless" actions. United States
Can Bahrain count on Moscow to fill Washington’s shoes? As Bahrain seeks closer ties with Russia, other Arab countries have their doubts about the relationship, yet they recognize Moscow’s growing role in the region amid Washington’s receding influence. Saudi Arabia
Congress weighs restrictions on Boeing sales to Iran A number of Democrats appear willing to join Republicans in setting conditions on aircraft sales to the Islamic Republic. Congress
Will US, Russia start coordinating against Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria? The United States, increasingly concerned about the threat posed by al-Qaeda’s Syria affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, is continuing to discuss with Russia a proposal to target Jabhat al-Nusra and IS. Syria
Will IS attacks bring about change in Saudi foreign policy? The three attacks across Saudi Arabia on July 4 revived dark memories of al-Qaeda's campaign of terror in the mid-2000s. Saudi Arabia
