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
The female 'rock stars' of terror Women such as Saja al-Dulaimi and Joumana Hmayed are often used for smuggling messages, money and arms by extremist groups in addition to suicide bombing operations. Lebanon
Iran's female MPs show mixed record Iran's female members of parliament have been few in number but have had a large impact on national policies. Iran
Two women shape Israel's politics Young female Knesset members Ayelet Shaked from HaBayit HaYehudi and Stav Shaffir from the Labor Party have both gained top spots on their respective slates, ready to reshape Israeli politics. Israel
Congress races to act on Iran after Bibi's speech The Senate is to take up a bill demanding a say on the nuclear deal next week. Iran
10 Middle East artists to watch Many female artists in the Middle East and North Africa are redefining their mediums. Bahrain
Cyprus port deal gives Russian navy alternative to Tartus An agreement allowing the Russian navy access to ports in Cyprus sends a message to the EU and gives Moscow an alternative to its facility at Tartus, Syria. Syria
Qatar’s UN ambassador looks to break barriers H.E. Sheikha Alya Bint Ahmed Bin Saif Al Thani knows how to shake up the status quo but argues that gradual change is the most effective way to advance women in the region. Qatar
US, EU battle Netanyahu for public's trust on Iran Israeli leader sees Congress as crucial backstop against "bad deal." Israel
Women's roles in Hamas slowly evolve The Hamas movement is keen to encourage women’s participation in military and social life, depending on women to mobilize support. Palestine
Grandmothers bear the brunt of Syrian orphan crisis Fractured families and orphaned children mean that Syrian grandmothers are now playing the role of parents. Jordan
Asmaa al-Ghoul on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Asmaa al-Ghoul shares her thoughts on journalism. Palestine
Jordanian jeweler flashes into international spotlight In an interview with Al-Monitor, Jordanian jewelry artist Lama Hourani opens up about her childhood and her path toward designing world-inspired pieces. Jordan
