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 authorizes Trump to arm Syrian rebels with anti-aircraft missiles The House passed a defense bill that conditionally allows the provision of MANPADs to anti-Syrian regime forces. Syria
Kerry urges Senate Democrats to back off Iran sanctions renewal The US secretary of state is on a mission to protect President Barack Obama's foreign policy legacy — and his own. Congress
Top Senate Democrat challenges Trump on Russia, Iran Senate Foreign Relations Comittee ranking member Ben Cardin laid out a foreign policy platform for the Trump era. Congress
Congress votes to box Trump in on Syria sanctions The House easily passed tough new sanctions amid concerns President-elect Donald Trump will cozy up to Syrian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Trump urged to stay the course on aid to the Middle East The president-elect is under pressure to rethink some of his nationalist campaign rhetoric. Egypt
House rushes to block Boeing sales to Iran The Rules Committee will set up floor action on the measure on Monday. Congress
Is this the beginning of the end for the Iran deal? Proponents of the nuclear pact fear the worst under a Trump administration. United States
Jordan seeks US government's help in fight against terror finance lawsuit The Jordanian Embassy has hired Hogan Lovells to lobby the US government over a billion-dollar lawsuit against Jordan’s biggest bank. Jordan
Saudis turn to US states in bid to repeal 9/11 bill Riyadh’s latest lobbying push aims to enroll state governors. Saudi Arabia
Arabs seek new partnership with next US president A new poll shows widespread distrust but reliance on the United States. Saudi Arabia
US shifts Egypt aid to other countries The Barack Obama administration has reallocated $108 million in obstructed assistance. Egypt
US elections 2016: Don't bury the GOP just yet Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of Oct. 10. United States
