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
Defense bill could keep sanctions pressure on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 8. Qatar
Congress seeks to lift last restrictions on aid to Egypt The US House foreign aid bill eliminates previous requirements that Egypt hold "free and fair" parliamentary elections and take steps to foster democracy and protect human rights before $1.3 billion in military aid can be released. Egypt
Congress deals blow to IS looting in Syria The House passed legislation that would make it illegal to import stolen artifacts. Iraq
Capitol Hill counts down days until Iran nuclear deadline A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 1. Iraq
Does US have right tools to help success story like Tunisia? Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi’s Washington visit lays bare the limitations of US reliance on military aid. Tunisia
Congress debates greater US role in Iraq Lawmakers are putting pressure on President Barack Obama to rethink Islamic State strategy after fall of Ramadi. Iraq
Defense spending bill provides boost to Jordan House Defense appropriators released a FY 2016 bill that seeks to help Jordan fight the Islamic State. Iraq
Bahrain bristles at threat to move 5th Fleet The House passed an annual defense bill that requires the Navy to plan for a potential relocation. Legacy: Gulf
Washington fetes Tunis A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 18. Tunisia
Congress sends mixed messages on toppling Assad The House passed a defense bill with contradictory guidance for assistance to the Syrian rebels. Syria
What's driving Pope Francis' Middle East diplomacy? Pope Francis' push for Palestinian statehood is part of a series of bold initiatives to preserve the region's rich religious mosaic. Palestine
Congress decides Iraqi Kurds, Sunnis aren't countries after all The annual defense bill gets a new look after backlash from Baghdad. Iraq
