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
Chechnya's silent diplomacy in the Middle East Russia is working to turn domestic challenges into opportunity. Turkey
Saudi strategy includes alliance with Pakistan Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan a pivotal ally, both to contain Iran and to further Riyadh’s leadership bid in the Arab world. Saudi Arabia
Yemen-Saudi love story highlights political tensions The recent story of a Yemeni man and a Saudi woman who fell in love and fled to Yemen highlights long-standing political and social tensions between their two neighboring states. Saudi Arabia
Russia's Syria policy linked to Chechnya, terrorism The United States and Russia cooperate to combat terrorism in Syria. Syria
Longtime Sharon associate calls on parties to close peace deal Former Knesset member Majallie Whbee, a close associate of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, deplores Israeli leaders for not seizing the moment: “We have a window of opportunity of just a few years to complete an agreement.” Palestine
Saudi labor reform opens new opportunities for economy Recent reforms enacted by the Saudi government aim to crack down on illegal immigrants and curb the use of migrant laborers. Saudi Arabia
Ahmad Tibi: Netanyahu does everything to prevent an agreement Knesset member Ahmad Tibi warns Israel that PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will not concede on East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine nor on the refugees issue. Palestine
Yemeni tribal checkpoints take travelers off guard In the past two years, checkpoints set up by gangs and tribes have become widespread in Yemen. Yemen
Saudi Arabia's Gulf Union project includes military dimension Saudi Arabia begins 2014 with an assertive plan for regional leadership. Saudi Arabia
Young Knesset member: Pension funds are Israel's time bombs Knesset member Michal Biran warns of the collapsing pension system: "If we don't adopt emergency measures, then everyone who saves up today for their pension will remain without a pension when they get older." Israel
Yemen wastes time Yemen's National Dialogue is hindered by a lack of accountability and effective time management. Yemen
Saudi Arabia moving ahead with Gulf union Opposition from Oman will not deter Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from seeking strength in GCC unity. Saudi Arabia
