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
Senate takes hard-line tack on Iran sanctions Hawkish Republicans introduced their own bills as bipartisan alternative struggles to materialize. Congress
So IS is committing genocide. Now what? Congress expects the secretary of State's determination to mean something. Iraq
Congress threatens to go ballistic over Russian arms sales to Iran Lawmakers demand tough sanctions on conventional weapons violations. Congress
Will Congress pick Qatar over Israel? To the chagrin of Israel, lawmakers of both parties want the Obama administration to go through with jet sales to Gulf countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran missile tests fuel sanctions push in Congress Lawmakers demand response after latest rocket launches. Iran
Tunisian envoy: Counterterrorism cooperation with US is new normal Tunisian Ambassador to the United States Faycal Gouia opens up about the war in Libya, US assistance and his country’s economic needs. Tunisia
Nobel winner: Peace in Libya will solve 80% of Tunisia's problems Employers federation chief Ouided Bouchamaoui presses the United States for greater involvement in North Africa. Tunisia
House panel decries Islamic State genocide The Foreign Affairs Committee also voted to label Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a war criminal. Iraq
TIMELINE: Key players reflect on US policy in Syria In this interactive timeline, US lawmakers and former administration officials open up about their failure to prevent disaster in Syria. Syria
Congress goes after Assad for war crimes A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 29. Syria
Who's behind vote to label Muslim Brotherhood a terror group? After the House Judiciary panel voted along party lines to force a State Department ruling, opinions remain split over the true motivation behind the step. Saudi Arabia
