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
What wave of suicide attacks means for Riyadh's anti-terror efforts July 4 saw three consecutive attacks against Saudi Arabia, suggesting an infrastructure of terrorism has developed inside the kingdom that authorities must confront. Saudi Arabia
US election 2016: Clinton veep talk heats up Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of June 27. Congress
Who’s next in line for Saudi throne? Don’t ask Speculating about Saudi royal succession can result in confusion — and jail time. Saudi Arabia
Has Turkey finally made nice with Russia? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s apology appears to have broken the ice with Russia, but the relationship still needs time to thaw. Syria
What Bahrain’s opposition crackdown means for country’s Brotherhood Manama’s exclusion of popular political groups from Bahrain’s political scene, accompanied by a wide crackdown on opposition figures, could lead to militancy gaining broader power and appeal in the Shiite opposition. Legacy: Gulf
US election 2016: Brexit buoys Trump Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of June 20. Congress
Poker-faced Netanyahu gambles with US aid money Top Israeli politicians and security officials are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the aid package offered by the United States and not take the needless risk of holding out for more. Israel
Why this Ramadan TV comedy inflames, yet entertains The second season of the Saudi show "Selfie" is winning popular praise but riling up critics during the particularly sensitive holy month. Saudi Arabia
Soleimani issues rare political statement on Bahrain The head of Iran’s Quds Force, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, condemned the decision by Bahrain to strip the citizenship of Shiite leader Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim. Bahrain
Iranian economists worry about both Clinton and Trump Iranian economists aren’t terribly excited about the departure of US President Barack Obama. United States
Is Mohammed bin Salman gaining upper hand in Saudi Arabia? Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed's visit to Washington this month has some observers believing he might be the man behind all the major decisions in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Can Saudis ease Egypt-Qatar tension after Al Jazeera death sentences? Saudis want to bridge the divide between Qatar and Egypt so that its Sunni coalition can focus on Iran. Saudi Arabia
