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
Congress wants answers from Turkey on shutdown of US aid pipeline to Syria Senate Democrats are warning Ankara not to take out its anger over US aid to Kurds on Mercy Corps. Syria
Congress prepares for another showdown over Saudi arms sales Senators of both parties are determined to keep US bombs out of Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Congress looks to ground Emirates air route Lawmakers want US President Donald Trump to cancel planned Europe-US route. Legacy: Gulf
Can Congress compromise on bipartisan Iran sanctions law? Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders say they're getting closer to an agreement on non-nuclear sanctions. Congress
Defense spending bill bans funding for MANPADS in Syria Congress released legislation on Thursday that would hamstring the Trump administration's ability to deliver shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles to vetted rebels. Syria
Benghazi blowback hamstrings US role in post-IS Iraq Congress is weighing America's role after Mosul amid looming budget cuts and paralyzing partisanship. Iraq
GOP divided over calling out Assad war crimes Two-thirds of the Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee declined to join their chairman’s call for accountability for Syrian war crimes. Syria
Jewish lawmakers rip Trump over two-state walkback Jewish Democrats warn that the Israeli right's push for a one-state solution risks endangering bipartisan support for the Jewish state. Palestine
Congress preparing new round of Syria sanctions The House and Senate are ready to take on Russia's support for Damascus but differ on timing. Syria
Trump nominee’s support for Israeli settlement draws scrutiny David Friedman has played a key role in supporting Bet El near Ramallah. Palestine
Trump urged to name religious freedom envoy to smooth out bumpy Mideast policy Former ambassadors say Donald Trump is in dire need of an expert to "school" him on Islam. Iraq
Noted 'neocon' finds surprising support from Democrats in Trump's America Iraq war cheerleader Elliott Abrams is in the running for the No. 2 spot at the State Department. Will Democrats put their misgivings behind them in order to rein in Trump? United States
