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
Peshmerga general: KRG political problems won't affect fight against IS A Kurdish general calls for more ammunition, aid and NATO troops to join the peshmerga in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq
GOP blames Obama for anti-refugee backlash Republicans say a failed Middle East strategy has fueled "fear and panic" in the United States. Iraq
Is the Chechen 'bogeyman' heading to Syria? Russia is playing up similarities between its past struggles and Syria’s civil war. Syria
In the battle against IS, where is the Arab coalition? Arab countries claiming their opposition against the Islamic State have stood down in their battle against the self-proclaimed "Caliph Ibrahim," creating a political void in the coalition. Saudi Arabia
Democrats warn Syrian refugee ban would empower Islamic State Congressional Democrats say discriminating against Muslims would harm war effort. Syria
Hawkish Republican candidates don’t mince words on radical Islam While some Republican presidential candidates have been quick to declare a war on radical Islam, there has been little focus on the causes behind its rise. Syria
Congress tackles terrorism after Paris attacks Following Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, this week Congress will be addressing issues related to a rise in radicalism and President Obama’s plans to increase the number of refugees admitted from war-torn countries. Syria
How to defeat the Islamic State To defeat the Islamic State, the world powers need a clear-cut, unified strategy to guide the war on terrorism. Legacy: Gulf
Is it from Israel or Palestine? EU labeling guidelines spur more controversy Congress — and Israel — say new European labeling guidelines are an anti-Semitic ploy; the EU says they’re in line with 15 years of trade law. Palestine
Oman looks East As Oman practices diplomacy in the Middle East, it also is strengthening ties with China as a potential long-term partner. Oman
Qatar adopts cultural diplomacy to combat 'clash of ignorance' Cultural diplomacy is a tool needed now more than ever to develop dialogue and respect among different peoples and nations, and Qatar is moving on several fronts in this regard. Legacy: Gulf
Is Congress paving the way for a Christian safe zone in Iraq? A bipartisan effort to denounce an ongoing genocide is picking up steam. That's just the first step. Iraq
