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 2014: Podesta plays matchmaker for estranged US, Iraq The United States and Iraq find themselves in intensive couples counseling as they try to save a failing marriage of convenience that could hold the key to defeating the biggest terrorist threat since al-Qaeda. Iraq
Archaeological excavations in Iraq continue despite security chaos In spite of the precarious situation in Iraq, a series of excavations is still uncovering the buried historical ruins in Iraq, where the ruins of Ur are only a sample of the landmarks that are yet to be unveiled. Iraq
Turkish artisans keep ceramic craft alight In the Turkish city of Kutahya, ceramic artisans preserve a centuries-old craft, looking both for foreign markets and interaction with fellow craftsmen across the world. Turkey
Kerry begins Iran deal sales push on Capitol Hill A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 20. Israel
Russia looks for new regional footing post-Iran deal Beyond diplomatic niceties, real challenges and opportunities await Moscow, as the Iran deal is not the culmination but rather the beginning of some serious and complicated work. Russia
Senate hits the brakes on Tunisia aid boost President Barack Obama wants to almost double assistance to Tunisia, but Congress is split. Tunisia
Russia views Iran agreement favorably, for now Russia's leaders have greeted the agreement on Iran's nuclear program favorably, although its repercussions down the road might not be welcomed. Russia
Republicans come out swinging against Iran deal Republican lawmakers are vowing to derail the Iran deal, declaring their opposition before the ink is dry. Iran
House, Senate clash over aid to Egypt The Senate’s spending bill keeps human rights restrictions in place despite resistance from the House. Egypt
Iran nuclear deal with West could help it pivot East A nuclear deal could bring about the membership of Iran in the Russia and China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Egypt
25 years later: Did Kuwait invasion doom Iraq? This week marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the 1990 Kuwait crisis, which played a decisive role in altering the region. Saudi Arabia
Congress seeks to help Tunisia, hinder Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 13. Tunisia
