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
Jordan's king tells Congress 'gloves are off' in fight against IS Key lawmakers endorse $1 billion aid package after airman slain. Jordan
Is Erdogan's daughter running for office? Critics say an effort to shield Turkey's first family from corruption investigations lies behind the expected move to win President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's daughter a seat in Ankara. Turkey
Islamic State covets Libya as global terror base, envoy warns Libyan diplomat Aref Ali Nayed urges Washington to step up its involvement in the country. United Arab Emirates
Tough choices ahead for US-Saudi relationship The longstanding relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is in need of review, for Saudi human rights abuses and its domestic politics, for instance, are increasingly talked about topics by Americans and the world. Saudi Arabia
Israel offers to mediate talks between Ukraine, Russia Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman believes his country is uniquely positioned to negotiate with Russia and Ukraine. Israel
Saudi King Salman quickly makes his mark King Salman has shuffled key Cabinet positions to consolidate power in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian Authority in the hot seat A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 2. Palestine
Congress takes first step on Iran sanctions The Senate Banking Committee voted 18-4 in favor of repercussions if talks drag on. Congress
Russia's nuclear diplomacy Russia's continuing negotiations and agreements with countries of the Middle East about nuclear power will continue to be a sore point with the West. Russia
Congress gives Obama two more months to strike Iran deal Hawkish Democrats announce they won’t vote for sanctions before March 24 deal deadline. Iran
Yazidi girls tell of escape from IS Yazidi girls recount their harsh ordeal and the scars remaining from being captured by Islamic State militants. Iraq
After Qaboos, who will be Oman's next sultan? Now that Saudi Arabia has seen its succession through, attention has moved to who will succeed Oman's Sultan Qaboos, who has been in Munich since the summer for unspecified health reasons. Saudi Arabia
