Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
One year on Sudan’s war: 14,700 killed, 8.6M displaced, 4.9M face starvation As the war in Sudan enters its second year, the humanitarian situation is worsening by the day with no prospects of an imminent end of the hostilities. North Africa Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
Kirkuk governor: US must work with Iran to stabilize Iraq Kurdish leader Najmaldin Karim lays out his vision for post-IS peace. Iraq
Congress wants to make Iran, Palestinians pay terror verdicts Senators are weighing a slew of legislative proposals to ensure terrorism victims get compensated. Palestine
Congress probes US, Russia face-off in Syria A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Nov. 2. Palestine
State Department nominees face grilling over Iran deal Congressional angst over the JCPOA could spell trouble for diplomatic nominations. Congress
Congress muted ahead of Turkish elections The US is largely staying silent ahead of this weekend's controversial snap poll. Turkey
Pentagon outlines its '3Rs' Islamic State strategy Democrats and Republicans alike have misgivings about the Pentagon's push for a greater US role in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
How to end the war in Yemen All involved in the war in Yemen, which has created a horrific humanitarian disaster, have paid a high price. A political solution is needed immediately. Saudi Arabia
Senate to grill Kerry on Russian war in Syria A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 26. Iraq
US sends 'message' to Abbas with $80 million aid cut The State Department has notified Congress that it's cutting FY 2015 assistance to the Palestinians by 22%. Palestine
Bibi's Holocaust comments muddle congressional case against Palestinian 'incitement' Prime Minister Netanyahu accidentally undermines US lawmakers' singular focus on Abbas. Palestine
Can Iraq meet US, Russia halfway? As political forces have called for Russia to intervene in Iraq, as it has in Syria, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has been cautious about what steps to take regarding Russia and the United States. Iraq
Europe seen as wild card as Iran nuclear deal goes into effect Critics of the nuclear agreement with Iran urge US President Barack Obama to set firm limits on international sanctions relief early on. Iran
