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
Khamenei warns of subtle US influence on elections Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said in a speech that while the United States has been quiet on the Iranian elections, Iranians must be wary of attempts to polarize their society. Iran
Will IAEA be able to verify Iran's nuclear program? The GAO warns that budget pressures and uncertain access could enable Iranian cheating. Iran
Death, starvation haunt southern Yemen The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen’s besieged Taiz calls for immediate action to lift the siege that has strangled the city for almost a year. Saudi Arabia
Did the UN ship restricted technology to Iran? House lawmakers finally hear from patent agency whistleblowers after four years of stonewalling. Congress
Everything you need to know about this week's elections in Iran Thousands of contenders are rushing to make use of Iran's short campaigning window in a contest that will determine crucial support for President Hassan Rouhani's policy efforts. Iran
Kerry sells foreign aid budget A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 22. Iraq
Why did the US really bomb Libya? Does the strike on a neighboring terrorist haven signal a new commitment to the Arab Spring’s golden child Tunisia? Libya
How Iran's supreme leader prepares for election day The website for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei published a number of fatwas about the elections. Iran
US presidential candidates clash over Middle East peace process US presidential candidates are offering substantive differences when it comes to Israel policy. Palestine
Are latest war games just a face-saver for Riyadh? Saudi Arabia is hosting over 150,000 troops from 20 countries for military exercises in the northeast, but while officially aimed at deterring Iran, they could have a very different purpose. Saudi Arabia
Iran MP: We’ve created artificial red lines on free speech While official campaigning has not yet begun, Iranian candidates have begun speaking at universities. Iran
How Oman is helping Obama shut down Guantanamo Bay As the primary destination for transferred Guantanamo Bay prisoners, Oman solidifies its role as a diplomatic back channel for the United States. Legacy: Gulf
