A summit with leaders from six Gulf Arab states, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq saw the US president walking a tightrope to bolster Washington's influence in the Middle East.

During his campaign for the US presidency, Joe Biden described Saudi Arabia as a 'pariah state' in the aftermath of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But since taking office, Biden's language has changed. This week, he is making his first trip to the oil-rich kingdom as president, as global energy prices soar in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To discuss the trip (which also includes Jordan and Israel), we talk to Middle East expert and former CIA officer Douglas London, who is adjunct associate professor at the Center for Security Studies at Georgetown University.

Middle Eastern countries are still on the fence when it comes to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their citizens are pointing out the West's double standards around conflict and refugees. Should Europe be worried?

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees have entered Greece, where they enjoy international protection. For non-Ukrainian refugees, however, the situation remains tense and frustrating.

Middle Eastern and North African countries rely heavily on wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine. The current war could lead to a severe food crisis in a region already under pressure.

Germany's foreign minister was in Egypt when she called on German nationals to leave Ukraine. During her whirlwind Middle East tour, she was preoccupied by the crisis in Eastern Europe, DW's Rosalia Romaniec reports.

By 2050, the Middle East and North Africa could be dealing with 400 million more elderly people suffering from dementia. A lack of facilities, specialists and local knowledge means the region is woefully underprepared.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has moved to reassure allies of US commitment to the region and said Washington would look at all other options if Iran didn't engage "seriously."

The Taliban's victory in Afghanistan could raise the morale of various Islamist extremist groups. Analysts believe that this will lead to new alliances and an increased danger of terrorist attacks.

The Biden administration is to move Patriot anti-missile batteries from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan. The Pentagon refused to say where the technology is being relocated.

China has long portrayed itself as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause while also building closer political, economic and military links with Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges both Israel and the Palestinians to lower tensions as violence flares in the Middle East. More than 300 people were injured Monday as clashes erupted between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is sacred both in Islam and Judaism.