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
House, Senate clash over aid to Egypt The Senate’s spending bill keeps human rights restrictions in place despite resistance from the House. Egypt
Congress seeks to help Tunisia, hinder Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 13. Tunisia
House starts its review of Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 6. Congress
Critics make last-ditch effort to hamper Iranian deal US skeptics are putting maximum pressure on negotiators ahead of June 30 deadline. Iran
State, Congress face off over Palestinian aid Key lawmakers want to block Palestinian Authority funds over cooperation with International Criminal Court probe. Palestine
Emails to Hillary contradict French tale on Libya war Ex-CIA source says French intel service “created” Libyan rebel group in fight against Moammar Gadhafi. Libya
Congress sharpens its knives ahead of Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 22. Congress
Is State Department skirting US law on sanctions? The US government watchdog says the State Department is three years late on its reporting to Congress. Iran
US suspends aid to Yemen for one year USAID has put $12 million in development aid on ice while Congress punts on future funding. Yemen
Senate to wrap up defense bill A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 15. Iraq
Congress seeks to kill Obama's counterterrorism fund The Senate spending panel approved legislation to defund the president's signature proposal. Congress
Gulf countries rake in billions in Ex-Im Bank subsidies Several Middle East nations are taking full advantage of a US export financing program whose loans and guarantees supporters say create American jobs and critics claim undermine the US economy. Scroll down to see our interactive table. Saudi Arabia
