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 takes aim at UN over Israel stance Lawmakers are preparing a slew of measures aimed at curbing what they see as anti-Israel discrimination at the United Nations. Palestine
Trump's pick for Israel envoy to undergo unprecedented Senate grilling Senate Democrats vow tough hearing on David Friedman as advocates of a two-state solution ramp up their lobbying. Israel
Trump’s Middle East fans get caught up in global blowback Political leaders from Israel to Saudi Arabia are quickly finding out that siding with Trump comes at a price. Saudi Arabia
British leader defends Iran deal in meetings with Republicans British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to urge Donald Trump not to mess with the nuclear deal after delivering the same message to congressional Republicans. Congress
Democrats urged Obama to cease Yemen war role before Trump took over Twenty-five House Democrats wrote to Barack Obama earlier this month to ask him to stop supporting the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia
US strike rekindles debate over Trump plans for Libya Barack Obama made a show of battling the Islamic State in conjunction with Tripoli's UN-backed unity government. Will the new president drop the GNA for an anti-Islamist strongman? Libya
Trump's UN nominee reassures advocates of Iran deal, two-state solution South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley offered a measured counterpoint to Donald Trump's inflamed rhetoric during her confirmation hearing Jan. 18. Palestine
Tillerson faces tough questions on Iran, Russia Portraying himself as a clear-eyed realist, Rex Tillerson showed keen insight into Russia but faced tough questions from senators, both Republican and Democrat, on whether he would stand up for American values. Congress
Political Islamists brace for Trump era The president-elect and his advisers take a dim view of the Muslim Brotherhood and its cousins, but could shutting them out end up hurting America the most? Egypt
Obama administration allows Americans to train Iranians New regulations unveiled Dec. 22 allow drug, medical device and agricultural experts to travel to Iran. United States
Iran hawks lay out their wish list for Trump era Outright repeal is out, sanctions and military pushback are in. United States
Democratic lawmakers slam Trump over Bahrain reception Manama critics on Capitol Hill assail decision to host independence celebration at president-elect's Washington hotel. Bahrain
