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Midterms revamp Middle East policymaking in Congress

Tuesday’s elections will re-order the committees in charge of foreign policy.
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi reacts to the results of the U.S. midterm elections at a Democratic election night party and rally in Washington, U.S. November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RC1889CBEC00

Democrats took control of the House during Tuesday’s elections, positioning them to exert greater oversight over President Donald Trump’s Middle East policies. While both parties have become increasingly critical of the US relationship with Saudi Arabia, a Democratic House paves the way for a vote on ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition’s bombing campaign in Yemen. Furthermore, Republicans can no longer block Democrats’ efforts to subpoena Trump, his family and his administration over scandals that could implicate Israel and US allies in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Israel has to contend with three Democratic newcomers in the House who have uncharacteristically pro-Palestinian views. 

Conversely, the GOP held the Senate. And with several Republican Trump critics leaving the upper chamber, the three key foreign policy committees will be under the control of ardent Trump supporters.

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