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
Turkey Calls for Help Receiving Syrian Refugees Turkey's foreign minister is concerned that another chemical weapons attack could increase the number of refugees from neighboring countries. Syria
Understanding Egyptian Nationalism The newest version of Egyptian nationalism is the strongest challenge to Islamism in recent history. Egypt
Putin: US on Dangerous Course In Syria Russia may no longer consider the US a reliable partner. Syria
Yemen’s Modern Coffee Shops Progressive, Yet Exclusive Modern, Western-style coffee shops are popping up in the affluent neighborhoods of Yemen’s capital, but the venues known for attracting intellectuals exclude the poor and conservative majority. Yemen
Turkey’s Kurdish Strategy Muddled By Talk of US Syria Strike A slowdown in the peace process with the PKK and anticipation of a US military strike has pushed the Rojava, or Western Kurdistan, opening to the back burner. Syria
US Should Keep Focus on Syria, Not Iran Iran's nuclear threat should not be part of the US congressional debate over whether to authorize airstrikes in Syria. Syria
Iran Plays Supporting Role In House Panel Debate on Syria Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee focus on potential adverse fallout from a US strike on Syria, including emboldening extremist opposition to Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Egypt Needs Proportional Electoral System Elections based on single-member districts may contribute to sectarianism, corruption and instability in Egypt. Egypt
Israel's Checkpoint Princesses The Israeli women of Machsom Watch mediate between Palestinians traveling through checkpoints and the Israeli soldiers who operate them. Palestine
Israelis Amazed by Open Debate In US Congress on Syria If Israel was to discuss striking Syria, it would never have taken place in a Knesset open debate — as is the case in the US Congress — but behind closed doors. Israel
Israel Awaits Cyberattack From Syrian Electronic Army The Syrian Electronic Army, related to elements supporting President Assad, intensifies its targeting of government bodies and global media outlets. Israel
Israel's Right Wing Does Not Care About US Credibility Israel's right wing seeks to score propaganda points at US expense. Israel
