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
War-ravaged Yemen reports first case of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has officially struck Yemen, which war and poverty have left with a health care system in shambles. Yemen
Coronavirus changes Iraq’s traditions of physical touch The imposition of social distancing in Iraq to avoid the spread of the coronavirus has affected Iraqi cultural habits such as shaking hands and kissing. Iraq
Shops reopen in Bahrain as government rolls back restrictions Bahrain is allowing stores to reopen if they follow social distancing guidelines but theaters and tourist locations remain closed and food delivery and takeout remain the order of the day for restaurants. Legacy: Gulf
Is Oman’s model of governance about to shift? Oman's debts are piling up as oil prices crash, putting at risk its wide-reaching social welfare system. Oman
Intel: Why Russia is getting involved in Mideast COVID-19 fight Syria has requested assisted from Moscow to fight the coronavirus outbreak, as Russia implements a campaign to cultivate its image as a "caring power," approaching Middle East leaders to work together against the spread of the virus. Near East
No sanitizers, fresh food or distance in some of Gaza's quarantine centers Gaza quarantine centers, which are mostly converted from schools and hotels, lack the basic necessities such as fresh food and sanitation that are necessary to survive the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
COVID-19 pandemic intensifies Iran sanctions debate Iran hawks are doubling down on sanctions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Democrats can’t agree on how much relief the United States should give Iran. United States
Intel: State Department backs up watchdog report on Syria chemical weapons use The United States agrees with the recent assessment of a global chemical weapons watchdog that found the Syrian regime used banned weapons against its own people, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday. Syria
Amid Saudi-Russia price war, US on track to become net oil importer: Report The coronavirus and the Saudi-Russia oil price war are contributing to a fall in US oil production and the United States is expected to become a net oil importer again in the fall. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Saudis to discuss oil price war with new Republican detractors Saudi officials will hold a phone call to discuss the kingdom’s record high oil output with two Republican senators that have become the ringleaders in conservative efforts to pressure Riyadh into ending the price war. Saudi Arabia
Is Israel's Gantz crafting his political demise or a new beginning? Even if Blue and White's Benny Gantz fails in his attempt to form the next Israeli government, he could emerge from the effort looking like the adult in the room and the person who put the interest of the state above his own. Israel
Services emerge to help Middle Eastern men beat high costs of marriage In Gaza and Egypt, men are seeking help from religious authorities and matchmaking services to persuade their prospective brides' families to lower financial demands. Palestine
