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
Saudi Wahhabi leaders see Turkish threat over caliphate Saudi Wahhabi leaders have gone on the attack to promote what they believe is the sole, Saudi claim to the restoration of the caliphate. Legacy: Gulf
US can help heal GCC rifts The United States is leading efforts to resolve the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but uncertainty over the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council remains. Legacy: Gulf
US, Saudi drifting apart despite Obama visit The core pillars that sustained the US-Saudi alliance for decades are crumbling, as changing geopolitical, energy and regional dynamics strain relations. Saudi Arabia
The Saudi succession question Although Saudis welcomed the elevation of Prince Muqrin, 68, as deputy crown prince, many wonder whether a younger, more energetic leadership might be better equipped to handle future economic and development challenges. Legacy: Gulf
Marginalized Saudi youth launch virtual protests Some Saudi youth have taken to social media to express their grievances with Saudi government policies. Saudi Arabia
Israel-Russia ties strong despite Ukraine Both Israel and Russia value their growing strategic relationship. Israel
House bill demands tougher line against Hezbollah Bipartisan legislation introduced Monday in the House Foreign Affairs Committee pushes sanctions against financial institutions and satellite providers that aid Hezbollah. Lebanon
Hezbollah sanctions bill targets central banks The House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to unveil a new sanctions bill targeting the Iran-backed militia Lebanon
Yemen's children in crisis School conditions in Yemen are among the worst in the world, as Yemen's government fails to invest in education, and 2 million Yemeni children do not even attend school. Legacy: Gulf
The Saudi-Turkey cold war for Sunni hegemony Saudi Arabia views Turkey's mix of democracy and Islam as a threat to its own regional role. Saudi Arabia
Russia considers natural gas expansion in North Africa, Near East Russia sees potential for LNG expansion in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
One Arab woman in Israel Independence Day event Of 14 women, only one Arab will be among those participating in the traditional torch-lighting ceremony. Israel
