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
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
US Navy plans for smaller fleet amid spending caps despite Middle East crisis Facing budget caps and new procurement delays, the Navy is poised to reduce the overall size of its fleet even as attacks by Iran and its proxies in Yemen have led to unprecedented disruptions of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Washington Pulse
Exclusive US government employees plan walkout over Biden’s Gaza policies By Joyce Karam , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Leaks on 'deal of the century' aimed at taking Palestinian pulse Observers viewed that while leaked details of the "deal of the century" are obviously designed to take the pulse of the Palestinians, the deal itself is a blow to the Palestinian cause. Palestine
Tillerson travels to Middle East to talk post-IS stability Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey next week. But veteran diplomats warn that US goals for Syria need to be scaled back. Egypt
Rouhani says US lost 'golden opportunity’ for bilateral dialogue Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the United States has lost a golden opportunity for dialogue with Tehran. United States
US maintains mystery about long-term intentions in Syria Remember that "border force" the US said it was, and then wasn't, forming in Syria? Apparently, it's already there. Iraq
Military audit confirms US tanks ended up with Iran-backed militias The US effort to assess Iraq’s military capabilities is plagued by weak oversight, an inspector general report found. Iraq
Assad, Turkey hamper US assistance for Syria The Assad regime’s territorial gains and the Turkish offensive in Afrin are conspiring to keep the world’s largest aid donor on the sidelines. Syria
US troop drawdown seen as boosting Iraq’s Abadi The US decision to withdraw troops from Iraq could help the Iraqi prime minister’s re-election campaign. Iraq
US adds Hamas political leader to terrorist list By designating the head of Hamas’ political arm, Ismail Haniyeh, on the American list of global terrorists, the US State Department added another obstacle to Palestinian reconciliation. Palestine
Trump radicalizes US Mideast policies After US President Donald Trump’s statements in Davos, Europeans and Palestinians fear radicalized US policies on the Middle East. Palestine
As US disengages in North Africa, France's Macron looks to boost his profile During his visit to Tunisia, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster the country’s faltering economy. Tunisia
US warns of renewed Syria gas attacks The White House has warned it could take action against Damascus if reported gas attacks continue. Syria
Latest Iran poll suggests Trump rhetoric benefits hard-liners The new poll also highlights Iranians' preoccupation with corruption, unemployment and climate change. United States
