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November 7, 2026

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US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, speaks during a press conference

Explainer

Who will lead Congress? Democrats weigh Schumer alternatives, Jeffries bid

A number of contenders have emerged as challengers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, including strong critics of the Iran war and US support to Israel.

Tump

Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough?

Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East.

Latest News

Feature

Emboldened Democrats gear up to challenge Trump over Iran war, Gulf business ties

A protest sign is seen near the White House the day after Election Day

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Explainer

Democrats’ midterm sweep tests US-Israel ties as Eisenkot vows reset

An aerial view shows a campaign billboard depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, on Oct. 26, 2026, on the eve of Israel's legislative elections.

From Tehran to Tel Aviv, Democrats’ midterm triumph sparks Middle East reactions

The sun sets on the US Capitol on Election Day evening on Nov. 3, 2026 in Washington.

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Rosaleen Carroll

News Reporter and Supporting Editor

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Paul J. Saunders

In Washington, DC, reporting on Russia in the Middle East

Blame game: Who bombed Iraqi fighters in Syria?

Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units fighting in Syria were targeted recently by some country's aircraft, but no one's fessing up.

A picture taken on May 8, 2018 shows vehicles of the US-backed coalition forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij. - The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor with sources on the ground, says around 350 members of the US-led coalition -- mostly American troops -- are stationed around Manbij. (Photo by Delil souleiman / AFP) (Photo credit should read DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

How US-Turkey deal in Manbij could affect Russia's influence

Turkish patrols escorted by US Army helicopters not far from Manbij, Syria, indicate power equations that have favored Russia in northwest Syria could rapidly change.

Turkey's presidential candidates divided over military cooperation with Moscow

For the most part, Turkey's presidential candidates urge good relations with Russia, but things are more complicated when it comes to cooperation in the military field.

A handicapped man rides a bicycle past damaged buildings in the besieged town of Douma in eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria, March 1, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh - RC19231603F0

Congress wants Trump to resume aid to Syria

While Congress seeks to ensure that President Donald Trump resumes Syria stabilization aid, they also want to keep it out of the hands of Bashar al-Assad.

**HANDOUT PHOTO**
Jordanian King Abdullah meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Amman, Jordan. January 16, 2014. (Getty Images- Handout/ Jordanian Royal Court)

Why Jordan will be key to any Mideast peace deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must show that he is committed to maintaining the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites as he declared after meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

A Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft is seen at the ILA Air Show in Berlin, Germany, April 25, 2018. REUTERS/Axel Schmidt - RC1BB966C440

The congressional fight over F-35s for Turkey isn’t over

Even as a US deal to sell 100 F-35s to Turkey moves forward with a rollout ceremony this week, lawmakers may deny the transfer of crucial technology needed to operate the jets.

Iranian activists' call for talks with US met with bipartisan fire and fury

A statement signed by 100 Iranian activists calling for direct talks with the United States has been shot down by conservatives and Reformists alike.

As conditions shift in Syria, Kurds open to talks with Damascus

Factors pushing Syrian Kurds to consider negotiating with the Syrian government include their loss of Afrin and the US-Turkey accord on Manbij.

Kurdish rebels move to gain US support for operations against Iran

Buoyed by an apparent resurgence in interest in Kurdish rebel groups in Washington, Iranian Kurdish rebel leaders appear to be maneuvering to gain support from the United States as Washington moves to confront the Islamic Republic.

Is the GCC dead?

The Gulf Cooperation Council is broken and may not be fixable.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 9, 2018. Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool via REUTERS - RC1F1D4F89B0

Israel's three-way deal on Iran in Syria and Russia in the G-7

Israel’s political and security echelons are intently nurturing ties and coordinating with Russia to oust Iran from Syria.

Iraqi militias, US make nice following elections

Some factions of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units and their political wings among the Fatah Alliance are showing possible interest in rapprochement with the United States.