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
Did whales originate in Egyptian waters? A group of Egyptian scientists discovered a 43 million-year-old fossil in "Whale Valley" — now in the Western Desert. Culture
Taliban to seek Qatar’s help running Kabul airport Report of request comes after Afghanistan's new rulers requested Turkey's assistance running Hamid Karzai International Airport. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Kabul evacuations continue despite Islamic State suicide attack Pentagon sees little choice but to make do with Taliban security perimeter until Tuesday's withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
Disabled Gazans compete in basketball tournament Disabled Gazan basketball players are competing in a fifth annual tournament put on by the Palestinian Paralympic Committee and other organizations. Culture
No plans to increase troops at Kabul airport as deadline looms, Pentagon says Evacuation flights peaked over the past 24 hours, but security fears are growing amid Taliban warning. Washington Pulse
Egypt promotes yacht tourism after dip from COVID-pandemic Egypt is promoting yacht tourism due to the economic returns it brings to the state, as the Delta variant picks up. Culture
Gaza’s astronomy fans gaze longingly at heavens Gaza's astronomy enthusiasts lament that the siege on the Gaza Strip prevents them from establishing quality laboratories and traveling abroad for educational events. Culture
Qatar praised by Senate leader for assisting US with Afghanistan evacuation Kuwait is also receiving people evacuated from Afghanistan by the US military amid the chaotic withdrawal from the country. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Yemen's Houthis hope Afghan turmoil will speed up agreement to end war Yemen's Houthi rebels are drawing comparisons between the Taliban takeover of Kabul, which caused President Ashraf Ghani to flee Afghanistan, to their own takeover of Sanaa and Aden in 2014 and 2015. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Gulf states call for calm in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were two of the only three countries to recognize the Taliban the last time the Islamist group ruled Afghanistan. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
More US troops arrive at Kabul airport to bolster Turkish mission Pentagon says forces could potentially remain in Kabul beyond original withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
AIPAC doubles down on ad about US Rep. Omar The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has received criticism for an ad with Rep. Ilhan Omar's image reading "Stand AGAINST terrorists." The Muslim congresswoman receives frequent criticism for her views on Israel and US foreign policy. Washington Pulse
