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
America's 'Made in Israel' policy that you've probably never heard of Much has been said about the EU's new guidelines for labeling Israeli settlement goods, but the US has had similar rules for decades. Palestine
Rouhani challenges Guardian Council...again Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has once again raised the issue of the Guardian Council's role in the elections. Iran
Congress focuses on Islamic State threat from Europe A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Dec. 7. Iraq
The high price of Russian bombs in Syria Russia’s use of blind aerial bombings could win the war in Syria cheaply, yet at a great cost. Syria
Is US preparing to crack down on IRGC? A key House panel is inching closer to slapping additional sanctions on the IRGC. Congress
Larijani hopes to expand his political power Iranian parliament Speaker Ali Larijani is trying to transform the Followers of the Leader faction into a political organization. Iran
US threatens to bypass Baghdad, arm Sunnis against IS Congress and the Obama administration are demanding that Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi do more to combat sectarianism. Iraq
The tumbling turban: Who is behind attacks on Reformists in Iran? Protesters have disrupted a number of speeches and gatherings by Reformist groups in Iran, indicating some of the candidates could have a tough time in the upcoming elections. Iran
Islamic State extends its tentacles into Yemen So far, the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have not faced off militarily in Yemen, but that possibility is growing as IS escalates its violence, pushing for greater control. Yemen
Congress threatens to shut down government over Syrian refugees A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Nov. 30. Iraq
Who is Iran's Nategh-Nuri? The possible leadership of Ali Akbar Nategh-Nuri in Iran's upcoming parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections may very well change the nature of the game in Iranian politics. Iran
Rouhani: Jets are not toys to shoot down While the Rouhani administration has urged restraint and emphasized the need to focus on fighting terrorism, Iranian conservatives have condemned Turkey's shooting down of a Russian jet. Syria
