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
Meet the Lebanese artist who has created the heart of revolution A sculpture by artist Hayat Nazer delivers a message of compassion, peace and reconciliation amid the going protests in Beirut. Lebanon
Intel: Trump administration seeks to extend UN arms embargo on Iran Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress today that the United States will appeal to the international community to extend the United Nations arms embargo on Iran that is set to expire in October under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. United States
Hook to Al-Monitor: 'Diplomatic malpractice' to let UN arms ban on Iran expire this year Top US diplomat Brian Hook tells Al-Monitor they are "looking at what we can do” to assist the Iranian people during the coronavirus outbreak and he has confidence in the new Swiss humanitarian channel, but "the regime has first responsibility to its own people." United States
Will Russia, Turkey go to war over Syria's Idlib? Matters have gone from bad to worse in Idlib and the stakes for Moscow and Ankara are rising. Syria
Yemen’s Hadi hopes new governor calms Mahra tensions In the wake of clashes between Saudi forces and local tribesmen in Mahra province, Yemen’s president appointed a new governor in the hope of preventing further violence. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Trump administration eases humanitarian trade restrictions on Iran amid coronavirus fears The Donald Trump administration slightly eased sanctions on Iran today to allow for trade in medical supplies and food as Tehran struggles to respond to the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country. United States
A Jordanian dinner table pushes for social change Every other week since 2016, dozens of near-strangers gather at the Shams Community house in Amman to discuss hot topics, from sex to religion. Jordan
Egypt faces calls for stricter laws after young girl dies from genital mutilation Public anger over the death of a girl after she underwent female genital mutilation has forced both the Egyptian government and top clerics to take a stand. Egypt
Coronavirus gives kiss of death to Iran’s tourism industry before Nowruz A coronavirus outbreak in Iran is hitting the country’s already battered tourism industry, and the timing couldn’t be worse as many would normally travel for the Persian New Year. Iran
US threatens to stop Yemen aid if Houthis don’t cooperate USAID has informed Houthis rebels in Yemen that it will halt humanitarian aid deliveries to areas the rebels control if they continue to interfere in the distribution of assistance. Yemen
Intel: Tunisia's new government wins vote of confidence from legislators Tunisia’s parliament approved Prime Minister-designate Elyes Fakhfakh’s new coalition government early Thursday. Libya
Israel 2020: unconventional love In a multicultural, multi-ethnic state like Israel, there are all kinds of "mixed couples," who overcome prejudice together. Israel
![-PHOTO TAKEN 10APR06- Palestinian Muslim Osama Zatar, 26, spends some quiet time with his Israeli Jew wife, Jasmin Avissar, 25, near the West Bank village of Qarawat Bani Zeid near Ramallah, April 10, 2006. The couple's "Romeo and Juliet" struggle to live together is a rare tale of cross-border love in a land riven by years of [violence] between Israel and Palestinians. Picture taken April 10, 2006. - PBEAHUNNQCY](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2020/03/RTXOLB9.jpg/RTXOLB9.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=ffuCtjJL)
