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
Iran under fire ahead of deal deadline A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of March 16. Iran
Iranian singers push boundaries, face restrictions Iranian authorities have begun to crack down on female singers and musicians, despite attempts by the culture minister to issue more licenses for performances. Iran
Maysaa Shuja al-Deen on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Maysaa Shuja al-Deen shares her thoughts on journalism. Yemen
Tulay Cetingulec on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Tulay Cetingulec shares her thoughts on journalism. Turkey
Ayah Aman on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Ayah Aman shares her thoughts on journalism. Egypt
Lebanon's creative entrepreneurs Many Lebanese female entrepreneurs and designers have made it internationally, revolutionizing the perception of Lebanon’s fashion. Lebanon
Female DJs find the beat in Beirut Beirut's female DJs are multiplying in the city's clubs, bringing their own unique sounds to a scene once dominated by males. Lebanon
Palestinian women demand quota increase Palestinian feminist movements are discussing with PLO factions the possibility of increasing the female quota system, while women’s representation within Hamas remains timid. Palestine
Infographic: Meet the Senate's Iran hawks As the Senate prepares to vote on new legislation, Al-Monitor takes a deeper look at the motivations guiding those lawmakers most wary of negotiations Iran
Palestine's first female governor recounts her struggle Palestine's first female governor, Laila Ghannam, talks to Al-Monitor about her journey in politics and stresses that she owes her success to her supportive family. Palestine
Israel's female filmmakers move to center stage The year 2014 reflected the changes that the Israeli film industry has been undergoing for the last few years, with many more female filmmakers, complex leading women's roles and an unprecedented number of awards. Israel
Turkish MP overcomes tragedy Safak Pavey, who lost a leg and an arm in a train accident, spent years working on humanitarian missions in conflict zones and is now fast rising in politics as an active female member of Turkey’s parliament. Turkey
