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
Lobbying 2015: Kuwait secures Guantanamo releases Kuwait is spending $2 million a year to convince the US to release its citizens from Guantanamo Bay. Its success ratio so far has been 11 : 1. Kuwait
Lobbying 2015: UAE asserts itself with record-smashing lobby blitz The United Arab Emirates spent a record $12.7 million last year to face down criticism from Islamists and US airlines. United Arab Emirates
Lobbying 2015: Jordan earns $1 billion bonus for battling IS The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan relies on the US-educated king’s 15-year relationship with top lawmakers and military officials to defend a strategic lynchpin at the heart of the Middle East maelstrom. Jordan
Lobbying 2015: Congress deserts Sahara activists Massively outspent by Morocco, the Western Sahara’s independence fighters have been all but deserted by Congress and the Obama administration. Western Sahara
Saving Middle East relics needs less talk, more action International action is required to stop the plundering of Middle Eastern treasures and the devastation of historic sites. Iraq
Despite fame, Gazan painter struggles to make living Renowned Gaza artist Fathi Ghaben has suffered from poverty and feels cheated, but still believes he will be rewarded for his work someday. Palestine
Has Turkey found world's oldest temple? A 12,000-year-old Stone Age temple discovered in southern Turkey is challenging conventional views on the rise of civilization. Turkey
Dabke troupes dance on in Gaza Traditional dance groups are the pride of Palestinians, and unemployed young people in the Gaza Strip are joining these groups to make a living. Palestine
Lebanon sees green future in ecotourism Ecotourism could potentially turn into a sustainable source of income for Lebanon, and some organizations have been coordinating efforts to develop the field. Lebanon
Congress gets extra dose of Iran before summer recess A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 27. Iraq
Does Turkey care about cultural diversity? More than 100 countries have endorsed a UN convention on protecting cultural diversity, but a decade after its inception, the convention still awaits ratification by the Turkish parliament. Turkey
Kerry, GOP face off over Iran deal The secretary of state said lawmakers in search of a better deal are pursuing a "fantasy." Congress
