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 sends mixed messages on toppling Assad The House passed a defense bill with contradictory guidance for assistance to the Syrian rebels. Syria
What's driving Pope Francis' Middle East diplomacy? Pope Francis' push for Palestinian statehood is part of a series of bold initiatives to preserve the region's rich religious mosaic. Palestine
Congress decides Iraqi Kurds, Sunnis aren't countries after all The annual defense bill gets a new look after backlash from Baghdad. Iraq
Is Turkish Stream a pipe dream? Turkey and Russia appear keen on the Turkish Stream pipeline project, setting aside differences, but analysts suggest there is more political than economic logic involved. Turkey
Al-Qaeda emir's silence prompts suspicion Al-Qaeda's usually outspoken emir, Ayman al-Zawahri, has remained uncharacteristically silent through the course of recent al-Qaeda successes, leading many to question what may come next. Legacy: Gulf
House begins to weigh next steps on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 11. Congress
King Salman needs total victory in Yemen The new Saudi king must reassure his domestic audience that his aggressive foreign policy will safeguard the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Iran review bill approval sets up partisan battle Senate passage of congressional review legislation presages a bitter vote over Iran negotiations in the event of a final deal. Iran
GCC won’t get written defense guarantees at Camp David Former Pentagon official says formal defense treaty with GCC is “not in the cards” at next week’s summit. Legacy: Gulf
Oman breaks from GCC on Yemen conflict Oman sees Saudi Arabia's strategy in Yemen as misguided and dangerous for the Gulf region. Legacy: Gulf
Is Iran really to blame for Yemen conflict? Yemen's conflict is homegrown and the only way to stabilize the country's descent into civil war is through a political deal. Saudi Arabia
Congress ponders next step for rejecting Iran deal Republicans won't let a veto threat stop them from voicing their opposition. Congress
