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
Florence Massena on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Florence Massena shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Maya Gebeily on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Maya Gebeily shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Here comes Bibi! Congress turns its attention away from other business this week as it prepares for the addres of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iraq
New Iran bill doesn’t mandate up-or-down vote on nuclear deal Legislation from the Senate Foreign Relations chairman would authorize — but not require — Congress to weigh in before sanctions can be lifted. Iran
Rasha Abou Jalal on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Rasha Abou Jalal shares her thoughts on journalism. Palestine
Mona Alami on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Mona Alami shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Egypt's Faten Hamama was more than movie star Egyptian actress Faten Hamama, who died Jan. 17, was behind the amendment of the Egyptian Personal Status Law, allowing women to file for divorces. Egypt
Despite Hamas restrictions, Gaza actresses seek stage The Hamas-led security apparatuses in Gaza limits the ability of actresses to play parts in high-profile movies as they are forced to wear the veil and avoid contact with male co-stars. Palestine
Kurds push for delay of Mosul attack Some in Congress share concerns that Sunnis aren't ready to take on the Islamic State. Iraq
Female journalists excel in Gaza's sports media Despite societal barriers, more women journalists in Gaza are covering sports, but their numbers are still low relative to men. Palestine
Are Egypt's women really better off under Sisi? Life for women in Egypt has improved significantly under the reign of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi compared to the era of the Muslim Brotherhood, although some female activists say that women still have a long way to go toward emancipation. Egypt
Is Congress backing Sisi's battle against Islamists? Lawmakers declined to grill Secretary of State John Kerry on military assistance to Egypt. Egypt
