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
Finally, Senate action on Iran sanctions? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 26 Iran
Congress torn between Europe, Israel on Iran Lawmakers are forced to pick sides after key allies publicly come down on opposite sides of sanctions push. Congress
Yemen falls apart The death of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and the resignation of Yemen's President makes Yemen the first priority for Saudi's new King Salman. Saudi Arabia
Congress unmoved by Obama's call to back off Iran legislation The Senate kicked off legislative debate while the House invited Israel's Netanyahu to weigh in. Congress
Yemeni society changes before photographer's lens Yemeni photographer Abdul Rahman Al Ghabri speaks to Al-Monitor about his work and how it reflects the changes in Yemeni society. Yemen
GOP delays Iran sanctions vote for State of the Union The Senate Banking Committee will hold its markup next week after Democrats cry foul. Iran
Saudi Arabia beheadings in stark contrast with fight against IS Saudi Arabia's human rights record of public punishments and criminalization of dissent finds its roots in the Al-Saud ruling family's "contract" with Wahhabism. Saudi Arabia
Moscow prepares for meeting of Syrian leaders Russia is set to proctor a meeting of Syrian opposition figures, who will then meet with representatives of the Syrian regime in an inclusive and open dialogue with no preconditions, as a step toward resuming the Geneva deliberations. Syria
Will Russia's economic decline affect its Middle East influence? Russia’s economic influence in the Middle East is bound to suffer as its economy continues to decline; but whatever happens, Moscow will retain one of its most important sources of influence — its veto power in the UN Security Council. Russia
Congress takes first step on Iran sanctions A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 19. Iran
Congress to vote on toned-down Iran sanctions bill Senate bill doesn’t mandate what a nuclear deal should look like, undercutting sanctions opponents. Congress
Egyptian women take to social media to expose harassers With Egyptian police turning a blind eye to incidents of sexual harassment, women are taking the initiative to expose sexual harassers online. Egypt
