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
Egypt ripped at Senate foreign aid hearing Senators urged to rethink $1.5 billion annual US aid package to Egypt as the country fails to progress in human rights. Egypt
Congress-mandated panel accused of whitewashing Israeli discrimination against Christians The US Commission on International Religious Freedom is under fire from one of its own. Israel
Nuclear deal critics silent as Trump says Iran complying Lawmakers who once insisted Iran was cheating aren’t taking the administration to task for saying otherwise. United States
Congress raises specter of rupture with Turkey if referendum passes A House panel slammed Ankara's authoritarian drift ahead of the April 16 vote. Turkey
Congress demands Trump action on Syria after Idlib gas attack The president is under fire for backing off Obama's regime change policy. Syria
Congress rains on Sisi’s parade Lawmakers don’t all share Trump’s fondness for the Egyptian strongman. Egypt
Congress raises alarm over US confrontation with Yemen's Houthis House members want the legislative branch to sign off before any escalation against the Iran-backed group. Saudi Arabia
Congress cautiously takes on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps A bipartisan Senate bill to slap terrorism sanctions on the Iranian military raises questions about its practical impact. Congress
Congress takes aim at Iran's ballistic missiles The House and Senate have wrapped up sanctions legislation just in time for AIPAC confab. Congress
Congress reintroduces Syria sanctions The House Foreign Affairs panel is expected to take up the bill promptly, but its fate is uncertain in the Senate. Syria
Congress races to craft Iran sanctions bills ahead of AIPAC conference Lawmakers hope to have bipartisan legislation ready when thousands of pro-Israel advocates descend on Capitol Hill next week. United States
Congress slams Trump proposal to reduce military aid Key lawmakers of both parties vow to fight effort to shift aid from grants to loans. Congress
