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
Gulf-funded think tank to make Capitol Hill debut The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington promises a broader view of Gulf affairs. Saudi Arabia
Congress to probe war in Yemen A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 5. Saudi Arabia
Senate bill splits Iran deal advocates Nuclear deal skeptics seek to put the screws on Tehran without blowing up the agreement. Iran
Lebanon reaps weapons windfall from Congress The tiny state has gone from pariah to partner thanks to the Islamic State. Saudi Arabia
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Congress pursues 'death by 1,000 cuts' strategy against Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Sept. 28. Syria
Senate lays off Iranian banks in latest draft of post-deal bill The latest iteration of Sen. Ben Cardin's pending legislation addresses many — but not all — of its critics' concerns Congress
US offer of anti-Iran bomb lands as a dud in Israel Some in Congress are keen to share the latest bunker-busting technology, but Israel is skeptical. Israel
Congress presses Tunisia on security sector reform House panel says the Arab Spring poster child isn't a democracy yet. Tunisia
Congress rethinks anti-Assad stance Senate Democrats are beginning to question regime-change goals amid Islamic State gains. United Arab Emirates
Republicans prepare for next round on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Sept. 14. Palestine
Catholic Democrats leverage pope's visit to push for admitting more Syrian refugees Lawmakers hope pontiff's moral authority will overcome growing anti-Muslim sentiment. Syria
