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
Is Russia pulling support from Libyan strongman Hifter? While Russia doesn't want to see Khalifa Hifter’s self-styled Libyan National Army collapse, there are signs Moscow’s interests may align more closely with other figures in the country’s eastern government. Libya
Intel: Trump congratulates Iraq’s new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi President Donald Trump has congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on his confirmation by Iraq’s Council of Representatives. Iraq
UAE students stir fashion market demand amid COVID-19 Two UAE students are taking advantage of the lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak in order to grow their sustainable fashion line. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Biden adviser says Iran deal supporters, detractors both wrong on sanctions' effectiveness A longtime foreign policy adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden argued on Monday that President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal has proven both the accord’s supporters and detractors wrong “about a critical thing.” United States
Intel: WHO suspends Yemen staff activity over 'credible threats' in Houthi-held territory The World Health Organization has suspended its staff activity in certain areas throughout Houthi-controlled territory. Yemen
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Iraq
Intel: Trump administration singles out Russia’s role in Libya war The Donald Trump administration stepped up its criticism of Russia’s role in Libya’s civil war on Thursday. Syria
Intel: US approves $2.3 billion upgrade for 43 of Egypt’s Apache helicopters The US State Department approved a sale of $2.3 billion worth of equipment to refurbish 43 of Egypt’s Apache helicopters. Egypt
Intel: US to withdraw Patriot missile systems from Saudi Arabia The Pentagon is set to pull Patriot missile defense systems from Saudi Arabia amid internal pressure to transfer military assets to counter China. Saudi Arabia
Intel: US renews waiver for Iraq to import Iranian electricity after Kadhimi forms government The Donald Trump administration on Wednesday announced that the United States will renew a sanctions waiver for Iraq to continue importing Iranian electricity shortly after Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi managed to form a new government following months of political gridlock. Iraq
Pentagon report: US military killed 132 civilians in conflicts in 2019 While the number is lower than independent monitors claim, some have still recognized the report as a step forward in accountability. United States
Trump administration announces $225 million in emergency Yemen aid The Donald Trump administration announced $225 in emergency food aid for Yemen today, but the United States is still refusing to cooperate with the World Health Organization on vital programs. Yemen
