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
Arab states worry over Senate's 'Jewish State' debate An Iran bill amendment could create an uncomfortable precedent for Arab allies of the United States. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Iran both losers in Yemen war Despite the announcement of the end of Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen, Saudi Arabia seems to have failed militarily, while Iran may have lost on the political level. Saudi Arabia
Congress gives Egypt a pass on religious rights violations Lawmakers praise Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as a far better alternative than the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Saudi palace intrigue sparks speculation Saudi King Salman's unprecedented personnel changes and other moves have many wondering what might come next from the House of Saud. Legacy: Gulf
MEK uses congressional spotlight to push regime change in Iran The Iranian dissident group's leader told lawmakers that Tehran's mullahs are an inspiration for Islamists everywhere. Iran
Congressional invite to MEK sparks furious backlash Former State Department officials are refusing to testify alongside Mujahedeen-e-Khalq leader Maryam Rajavi. Congress
Is Pakistan pivoting away from Saudi Arabia? Pakistan is facing strong domestic opposition against providing support to the Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen, and its parliament came to a unanimous decision to stay neutral in the conflict, to the chagrin of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Defense bill recognizes Iraq's Kurdish, Sunni militias as a 'country' The draft House bill carves out 25% of anti-Islamic State funding for the peshmerga and Sunni tribes. Iraq
Yemen air force falls into grip of Houthis The Houthi takeover of the Yemeni air force led to the Saudi military intervention in Yemen, while al-Qaeda is using the absence of local forces to advance in strategic regions in the country. Yemen
Will Iran review bill survive Senate? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of April 27. Regional
MEK leader to testify before Congress Maryam Rajavi will discuss the threat the Islamic State poses to members of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK) at Camp Liberty. Iraq
Russia turns to soft power in the Middle East While Russia is most commonly seen as a hard power state, regional developments since the Arab Spring have positioned it as a soft power force. Russia
