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
New Russian arms deals could shake up Mideast market As Russia considers expanding in the Iranian and Saudi arms markets, the rest of the world is asking what such moves would mean for Moscow’s foreign policy and security role in the region. Saudi Arabia
Head of new Reformist group in Iran resigns from party Sadegh Kharazi, who started the Reformist group Neda, resigned from the group. Iran
Hard-liners rage against Rafsanjani as elections near Ayatollah Rafsanjani's announcement that he intends to run in the upcoming Assembly of Experts elections prompts hard-liners to launch a wave of attacks. Iran
Egypt's Nubians refuse to allow heritage to fall through cracks of history Faced with threats from damming projects, Arabization and marginalization, Nubian communities in Egypt and abroad are exerting efforts to preserve their language and unique cultural heritage. Egypt
Weak security plagues Egypt’s archaeological sites Security is tight in Egypt’s state institutions, but neglect is slowly destroying the country’s rich heritage as archaeological sites lack trained and armed security guards to protect them from terrorists and looting. Egypt
Historic Yemeni city struggles to survive war, corruption The ancient city of Zabid, located in Yemen’s western coastal plains, is threatened by the ongoing fighting in the country and the corruption of local officials. Yemen
Turkey's Temple of Apollo may decode gray mysteries of antiquity Recent restoration efforts at the Temple of Apollo in western Turkey seek to answer questions about the history of this ancient structure. Turkey
Moscow's revolving door of Arab monarchs, Syrian opposition Russia continues to navigate the complex process of tackling the Syria crisis, slating Damascus as a hopeful ally against the Islamic State. Syria
Khuzestan tells story of Persia’s rise, fall Iran's Khuzestan province, with its many ancient sites and artifacts, tells the story of Persia’s rise and fall. Iran
'100 Works by 100 Artists' nurtures Tehran art scene The Golestan Gallery in Tehran just celebrated its 23rd annual exhibition showcasing Iranian art of all styles and prices. Iran
Which ancient leader is really buried in colossal Tower of Tughrul? Controversy surrounds a 12th-century tomb tower carrying the name of the founder of the Seljuk dynasty, Tughrul Beg. Turkey
Esfahan’s bridges to history threatened by development, neglect The Iranian city of Esfahan is renowned for it centuries-old bridges, but these architectural marvels are under threat due to pollution, neglect and a governmental water diversion scheme. Iran
