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
Will IAEA be able to verify Iran's nuclear program? The GAO warns that budget pressures and uncertain access could enable Iranian cheating. Iran
Did the UN ship restricted technology to Iran? House lawmakers finally hear from patent agency whistleblowers after four years of stonewalling. Congress
Kerry sells foreign aid budget A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 22. Iraq
Why did the US really bomb Libya? Does the strike on a neighboring terrorist haven signal a new commitment to the Arab Spring’s golden child Tunisia? Libya
US presidential candidates clash over Middle East peace process US presidential candidates are offering substantive differences when it comes to Israel policy. Palestine
US seeks to block sanctioned Iranian airline’s flights into Europe The Obama administration is warning EU allies to shut out Mahan Air or risk US retaliation. Congress
Obama's anti-IS envoy: Shiites saved Iraq President Obama's envoy praises all sides in a bid to keep the coalition together. Iraq
Congress gets first-hand account of war against IS A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 8. Iraq
Congress eyes Syrian refugee threat — from Canada A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 1. Israel
Pro-Israel groups split over Obama's West Bank labeling requirements New guidance from the US Customs agency warns that it will be cracking down on settlement goods that say "Made in Israel." Palestine
Democrats launch Iran deal offensive Pro-deal senators are touting Iran's denuclearization amid continued Republican pushback. Iran
Is Iran deal gateway to Israeli-Palestinian peace? J Street aims to put $3 million behind pro-diplomacy lawmakers in 2016 election cycle. Palestine
