Colin Powell, top diplomat who argued for US invasion of Iraq, dies at 84

Powell would later call his now-infamous UN Security Council speech, which sought to build international consensus for the Iraq war in February 2003, a "blot" on his record.

News Brief

US envoy headed to Gulf to discuss ‘options’ on Iran’s nuclear program

With the Vienna talks stalled, US officials are warning that they have other ways to rein in Iran's nuclear enrichment.

Iran

Blinken warns Iran 'time is running short' on nuclear deal return

In a joint press conference with his counterparts from Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Blinken said the United States is prepared to pursue “other options” if Tehran doesn’t resume compliance under the nuclear deal.

Iran

Intel: US lifts Iran-related sanctions, says no connection to nuclear deal   

The US Treasury Department has delisted Iran-based entities sanctioned by the Trump administration for alleged involvement in Iran’s ballistic missile program.

Iran

Syrian opposition chief: US sanctions a deterrent for Turkish proxy fighters

During an interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian National Coalition President Salem al-Meslet discussed recent US sanctions on Ahrar al-Sharqiya, the human rights situation in northern Syria and the US military presence in the war-torn country.

Syria

Republican Congressman, pro-Israel group spar over Iron Dome funding

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a critic of foreign aid, was the only Republican to vote against funding for Israel's Iron Dome last week.

United States

Syrian Kurds, opposition take cases to Washington

Delegations from Kurdish-held northeast Syria and the Turkey-backed Syrian National Coalition will meet separately with US officials this week.

Syria

US House passes measure to end maintenance for Saudi aircraft targeting Yemen

Progressives' bid to get Riyadh to stop bombing Yemen may test Biden's commitment to Gulf allies.

Congress

US House passes funding for Israel’s Iron Dome after fiery debate

One Republican congressman accused the Democratic Party of being under the “bizarre influence of a group of anti-Semites” as a few Democratic lawmakers opposed US support for Israel’s air defense system.

United States

Pentagon says drone strike near Syria's Idlib targeted al-Qaeda official

CENTCOM fired a drone missile at at least one jihadi official near Idlib today in the first such strike in recent months.

Syria

The Takeaway: Business As Usual: US-Egypt alliance finds its center

Also: Bennett meets Sisi; Egypt announces vaccine factory; Saudi Arabia mulls Taliban ties; Syrian jihadi group announces "moral police" in Idlib; NGOs slam Palestinian Authority on human rights; a new Al-Monitor podcast; and more … all in about 1,500 words.

Egypt

After Afghanistan pullout, US pursues long-distance diplomacy from Qatar

Without a diplomatic presence on the ground in Kabul, the United States will engage with the Taliban from a remote mission in Doha.

Qatar