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
Congressional terror finance task force targets Iran The potential lifting of sanctions has led Congress to seek other avenues to block Tehran from funding terror. Congress
The Kremlin's unexpected decisions Moscow’s current Middle East policy is characterized by, among other things, maintaining a strong focus on bilateral relations, striving to diversify or to develop relations with states that are at conflict and wishing to play a mediating role in conflict situations without claiming a monopoly or opposing other players, in particular the United Nations. Russia
The human cost of Yemen's war As the war on the streets of Yemen is raging, 5,000 Yemenis remain stuck abroad, while those inside are suffering and on the brink of facing a major humanitarian crisis with no solution in sight. Yemen
Defense bill takes aim at Iran The must-pass legislation requires Pentagon strategy for countering Iran's "growing unconventional warfare capabilities." Iraq
Saudi elites divided on Yemen war A brief survey of Saudi opinion reveals that many elites consider Operation Decisive Storm a legitimate attempt to halt Iranian expansionism, while some view the intervention in Yemen as a sectarian war. Saudi Arabia
House probes Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of April 20. Iran
Nasrallah to Saudi Arabia: Enough is enough In a recent address to his supporters Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah voiced his disapproval of Saudi Arabia's regional policies, blaming the kingdom for inciting destruction across the region. Saudi Arabia
Will Russian missile deal complicate final Iran agreement? The timing of Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a missile deal with Iran raises questions on the impact this may have on the final nuclear negotiations. Russia
Turks link Armenia to US foes in bid to derail genocide nod Ankara's allies raise concerns with Yerevan's ties to Iran and Russia. Turkey
White House OKs Senate's Iran bill President Barack Obama is expected to sign the congressional review of the Iranian deal into law. Iran
Why Pakistan said no to King Salman Pakistan's unanimous decision to stay out of the conflict brewing in Yemen, and to push for a political resolution rather than a military one, puts significant strain on bilateral relations, complicating Saudi-Pakistani diplomatic relations. Legacy: Gulf
Iran suspends Saudi pilgrimages over youth assault allegations After assault accusations of Iranian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, Iran has suspended umrah pilgrimages. Saudi Arabia
