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
Senate aims to set up vote on Iran deal by month's end The Foreign Relations panel expects to soon vote on legislation that would give Congress a say over a nuclear agreement. Congress
Russia and Egypt's 'new partnership' Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's new relationship could shift the dynamics of the Middle East. Egypt
Why did Velayati meet with Putin? Despite points of disagreement on specific issues, Iran and Russia seem to be working diligently to develop a deep and strategic friendship. Russia
Former Egyptian diplomat cites progress on women's rights Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has made some gestures toward women, though his overall human rights record remains controversial. Egypt
Saudis struggle to reconcile IS fight, Wahhabism While it might not be what the West wants to hear, Wahhabism and Salafism offer young Saudis clear boundaries and a blueprint for changing the self and the world through action. Legacy: Gulf
Russia looks to Egypt for Mideast foothold Russia wants to increase its regional presence in the Arab world, and having Egypt share the Russian narrative of regional dynamics is a way out of its isolation. Egypt
Turkey offers cash rewards for marrying early The Justice and Development Party government is offering incentives to encourage university students to get married before graduation and to have more than three children. Turkey
Congress to scrutinize Obama’s Islamic State strategy A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 9. Iraq
US-Saudi mark 70 years of rocky alliance Seventy years ago, FDR and Ibn Saud met on a cruiser to initiate an alliance that has persisted ever since. Saudi Arabia
AKP's views on sexuality create uproar President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s dream of raising a "pious generation" fails to deal with taboo matters of sexuality. Turkey
Who is Saudi activist Raif Badawi? The author talks about Saudi activist Raif Badawi, who was sentenced to 1,000 lashes, as he has personally known him. Saudi Arabia
Congress may re-examine special arms deals with Israel The US policy of giving Israel a Qualitative Military Edge policy over its neighbors has been called into question now that they are fighting on the same side against the Islamic State. Israel
