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’s Larijani’s game for the parliamentary elections? As Iran is set to hold parliamentary elections, parliament Speaker Ali Larijani seems to be preparing for an increasingly important role. Iran
Slump in oil prices wallops anti-IS coalition Failure to pay Iraqi and Kurdish forces hampers their ability to fight, Congress warned. Iraq
Why Iran-Saudi fallout will be costly for Moscow The dispute between Iran and Saudi Arabia could promote instability throughout the Middle East, which will be especially problematic for Russia and its policy of not choosing sides. Saudi Arabia
US presidential candidates weigh in on Russia, Putin, Middle East Al-Monitor takes the pulse of the US presidential candidates' varied stances on the Middle East crises and on Vladimir Putin and his role in international politics. Syria
Oman, stuck between Saudi Arabia and Iran With a long history as a regional mediator and close ties with both Riyadh and Tehran, will Oman be able to cool the recent Saudi-Iranian tensions following the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr? Saudi Arabia
Congress votes again to dismantle Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 11. Iraq
Is Iran deal the GOP's new Obamacare? Iran sanctions bills have always been bipartisan. Not anymore. Congress
Hard-liners take aim at Khomeini's grandson Hard-liners' attacks against the grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder may prove futile in their effort to derail his candidacy for the Assembly of Experts. Iran
Congress sets up first showdown of the year over Iran deal The Obama administration says it "strongly opposes" sanctions bill scheduled for an initial vote Jan. 7. Congress
Will missing text message disqualify Khomeini’s grandson? Confusion over how Hassan Khomeini was informed about taking an exam may lead to his disqualification to run in the Assembly of Experts elections. Iran
Congress seeks to punish countries that fail to hinder foreign fighters The House Foreign Affairs panel will vote this week on a plan to combat international travel by terrorists. Jordan
Will Yemen’s journalists fare better in 2016? In 2015, some journalists in Yemen suffered so much harassment and abuse that they quit their jobs and fled the country. Saudi Arabia
