Druse Militia Refuse to Join Syria’s New Army

The Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC) in Sudan, the only research facility dedicated to mycetoma, has been destroyed amid the ongoing conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, according to its director, Ahmed Fahal. Mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease that severely affects manual laborers, was the focus of this center, which had treated thousands of patients and stored over 40 years of vital research data. The destruction of the MRC marks a significant setback for Sudan's...

Israel's military acknowledged that its forces mistakenly attacked a U.N. guesthouse in Gaza on March 19, killing Bulgarian staff member Marin Valev Marinov and wounding six others, leading to the withdrawal of a third of the U.N.’s international staff from Gaza. This incident marks the second admission of wrongful fire on aid workers by Israel in a week, with the U.N. calling for greater accountability for attacks on its personnel, as at least 285 U.N....

Tunisian authorities recently set fire to tents housing sub-Saharan African migrants as part of a campaign to dismantle informal camps near Sfax, where thousands have been stranded after failing to reach Italy. Approximately 3,300 migrants were ordered to leave the olive grove camps, with Tunisia's National Guard emphasizing the state’s strategy to prevent the country from becoming a settlement for illegal migrants. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of over...

In a recent update from Al-Monitor Washington, it has been reported that Syria’s new leader, who has past ties to al-Qaeda, is open to the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel. This development signifies a potential shift in diplomatic relations within the region. For more insights into US-Middle East diplomacy, readers are encouraged to sign up for the full newsletter. Full Article

Iran is insisting on its right to uranium enrichment for its civil nuclear program, rejecting the U.S. demand for reliance solely on imported nuclear fuel, leading to a significant negotiating hurdle in ongoing talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed a compromise allowing Iran to enrich low-purity uranium under strict inspections, while Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi emphasized the need for equal treatment and respect for Iran's rights as a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signatory. Concerns...

Israeli air strikes in Gaza on Thursday resulted in at least 55 deaths, prompting military threats of a larger offensive if hostages taken by Hamas during an October 7 attack are not released. The military's resumed assaults followed the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, with evacuation orders issued for northern Gaza ahead of planned attacks. The ongoing conflict has led to 1,978 casualties since operations resumed, contributing to a total death toll of 51,355, while...