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
Congress seeks to lift last restrictions on aid to Egypt The US House foreign aid bill eliminates previous requirements that Egypt hold "free and fair" parliamentary elections and take steps to foster democracy and protect human rights before $1.3 billion in military aid can be released. Egypt
Congress deals blow to IS looting in Syria The House passed legislation that would make it illegal to import stolen artifacts. Iraq
Russia and the nuclear-free zone While Russia blames the US, the UK and Canada for not supporting a recent international agreement on a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy firm is said to be exploring the options of providing Saudi Arabia with a nuclear power plant. Russia
Capitol Hill counts down days until Iran nuclear deadline A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 1. Iraq
Why Saudi Arabia is vulnerable to Islamic State After recent Islamic State attacks on Shiite mosques in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's sectarian vulnerabilities have been further exposed. Saudi Arabia
Shiites reel from attack in Saudi province Saudi authorities need to curb hate speech against Shiites and take positive action to help its Shiite community, as well. Saudi Arabia
Does US have right tools to help success story like Tunisia? Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi’s Washington visit lays bare the limitations of US reliance on military aid. Tunisia
Why Saudi Arabia's Yemen war is not producing victory Saudi Arabia is seen as having jumped into the war in Yemen without having thought out the consequences for itself, the United States and the struggle against the Islamic State. Saudi Arabia
Congress debates greater US role in Iraq Lawmakers are putting pressure on President Barack Obama to rethink Islamic State strategy after fall of Ramadi. Iraq
Defense spending bill provides boost to Jordan House Defense appropriators released a FY 2016 bill that seeks to help Jordan fight the Islamic State. Iraq
Bahrain bristles at threat to move 5th Fleet The House passed an annual defense bill that requires the Navy to plan for a potential relocation. Legacy: Gulf
Washington fetes Tunis A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 18. Tunisia
