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
Saudi Arabia's post-oil plan enters slippery slope Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which foresees a post-oil economy for the kingdom, contains many contradictions. Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi Arabia bringing sexy back? The Saudi government's recent decision to open entertainment venues to promote internal tourism is drawing some solid applause, but critics say there are more pressing domestic issues to resolve. Saudi Arabia
Hamas leader: We made Gaza security oasis In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ziad al-Zaza, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, addressed several internal and foreign issues, including Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, Israel and Palestinian legislative elections. Palestine
Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria? Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria. Lebanon
Does Obama administration oppose key Iran bill? Congress blows up over the administration's refusal to endorse renewal of the expiring Iran Sanctions Act. Iran
Expect repercussions from deadly Latakia attacks All players in the Syrian war are scrutinizing the recent bloody assaults on Syrian civilians and the range of results that are likely. Syria
Saudi takes rare turn on congressional hot seat Riyadh's support for extremist clerics is under scrutiny as Congress debates whether to allow terror victims to sue the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
As climate changes, has Mideast refugee crisis just begun? New reports are drawing attention to the possibility that global warming could worsen the refugee crisis in the Middle East and North Africa. Pan Arab
US election 2016: Can Democrats and Republicans unite around their chosen candidates? Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of May 16. Congress
Last year's disaster offers Saudis excuse to clamp down on hajj The Saudi Interior Ministry is doing everything it can to keep this year's hajj season tragedy-free — including, conveniently, shutting out Iranian pilgrims over visa problems. Saudi Arabia
Congress rolls out red carpet in Washington for jilted GCC The Senate is getting ready to extend diplomatic courtesies to the Gulf Cooperation Council as it prepares to open a Washington office. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish ambassador calls joining EU Ankara’s 'strategic objective' In a wide-ranging interview with Al-Monitor, Turkish Ambassador to France Hakki Akil discussed Turkey’s perspectives on a safe zone in Syria, the migration crisis, Turkey’s progress toward EU membership, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Russian intervention in Syria and the possibility of international intervention in Libya. Syria
