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
Congress eyes Syrian refugee threat — from Canada A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 1. Israel
Pro-Israel groups split over Obama's West Bank labeling requirements New guidance from the US Customs agency warns that it will be cracking down on settlement goods that say "Made in Israel." Palestine
Will Iranians be able to increase voter turnout in the next election? Even though Iran's Reformist movement suffered a huge setback during the election qualification process, Reformist leaders are encouraging members to cast their votes. Iran
Democrats launch Iran deal offensive Pro-deal senators are touting Iran's denuclearization amid continued Republican pushback. Iran
Russia, Qatar pushed to compromise. But will they? A recent visit between Qatari and Russian officials indicate that in spite of their many differences, the two states may seek to cooperate. Qatar
Is Iran deal gateway to Israeli-Palestinian peace? J Street aims to put $3 million behind pro-diplomacy lawmakers in 2016 election cycle. Palestine
Gas price hike, subsidy cuts shake up Saudis The Saudi government's new year is off to a shaky start financially — a burden it's sharing with its citizens, leaving them to wonder just how bad things will get. Saudi Arabia
EU shuts down pro-Israel congressional hawks The EU’s top diplomat dismisses congressional attacks against its settlement labeling policy. Palestine
Rouhani: Not even the first Shiite imam was this strict Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is criticizing the Guardian Council for disqualifying parliamentary candidates for "non-adherence to Islam." Iran
Senate Democrats use Trump card to block Syrian refugees bill The Senate defeated GOP-backed restrictions on refugee resettlement. Iraq
Fed-up Iranian women organize to take more seats in parliament Only 3% of incumbent Iranian members of parliament are female, but Iranian women are campaigning to drastically change the parliament's huge gender imbalance through the ballot box. Iran
Will US retaliate against Iran for detaining sailors? The Obama administration has repeatedly challenged Iranian restrictions on freedom of navigation. Will that continue after the nuclear deal? Iran
