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
Turkish teacher on why she embraces Sufi lifestyle In an interview with Cemalnur Sargut, a renowned writer, researcher and teacher of Sufism, she explains how it is not a philosophy but a lifestyle. Turkey
Parliamentary presence sticking point for Lebanon's women Although Lebanon is considered a pioneer country in terms of female empowerment, women are still timidly represented in politics, as these usually access parliament following the death of their relatives. Lebanon
The 'Red Lips High Heels' movement In an interview with Al-Monitor, Pamela Chrabieh, holder of a doctorate in theology-sciences of religion, talks about her passion for work and the steps she has taken throughout her life to change how men view women in the workplace. Lebanon
Will Nadine Moussa be Lebanon's next president? Lawyer and activist Nadine Moussa, the first woman in Lebanon to submit her candidacy for the presidential elections, tells Al-Monitor that women are still struggling to break the political traditions of a patriarchal country. Lebanon
Democrats slam brakes on Iran action Forget about voting on anything before March 24 deadline, House and Senate Democrats warn. Israel
Enas Hamed on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Enas Hamed shares her thoughts on journalism. Egypt
Retired Israeli general combats stereotypes In an interview with Al-Monitor, retired Brig. Gen. Israela Oron emphasizes that contrary to traditional Israeli perception, men have no superiority over women in matters of security. Israel
Riada Asimovic Akyol on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Riada Asimovic Akyol shares her thoughts on journalism. Culture & Society
Iran's female editors rise to the top despite challenges Despite a growth of female journalists in Iranian media, they still face various barriers and limits. Iran
Former Turkish first lady urges progress through education Al-Monitor's exclusive interview with Turkey's former first lady, Hayrunnisa Gul. Turkey
What a Houthi-controlled Yemen means for women Female activists in Yemen say that their situation under the Houthis’ control of the country is much worse than before the 2011 protest, when women were able to achieve significant gains. Yemen
Meet Estayqazat, Syria’s online feminist movement Estayqazat, a Syrian feminist movement, seeks to empower women to accept and freely talk about their sexuality, which is a taboo subject in Syria's patriarchal society. Syria
