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
US aid caught up in Middle East crackdown on civil society An analysis of the State Department budget request shows a drop in support for democracy and human rights. Legacy: Gulf
Jerusalem churches: Don't veto Palestine resolution Middle East and US religious leaders chart path forward for two-state solution. Palestine
Fight over Iran's access to dollars takes partisan turn A flurry of Republican bills are getting no love from Democrats. Congress
Congress unblocks $108 million in Palestinian aid The release follows months of pressure from the State Department. Palestine
Congress puts stranglehold on Palestinian aid Key lawmakers are incensed with terrorism support and statehood bid. Palestine
Congress cool on Kurdistan bailout KRG leaders’ Capitol Hill trek yields lots of praise but no promises. Iraq
Congress ponders next move as Egypt clogs its own funding pipeline Lawmakers question US aid priorities as Cairo blocks projects. Egypt
Will Congress rein in US support for Syrian Kurds? Turkey's concerns are starting to gain traction on Capitol Hill. Syria
Congress ponders 'Marshall Plan' for Egypt Lawmakers are split over whether they have a friend in Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Congress split over Iran's access to the dollar Key lawmakers disagree on whether banking restrictions would violate nuclear deal. Iran
Obama administration steps into Western Sahara minefield The agency is close to awarding a $1 million grant for the Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara. North Africa
US looks to sidestep UN on Iran missiles Blocked at the UN Security Council, the Obama administration considers other multilateral tools. Russia
