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
Congress takes first step on Iran sanctions The Senate Banking Committee voted 18-4 in favor of repercussions if talks drag on. Congress
Congress gives Obama two more months to strike Iran deal Hawkish Democrats announce they won’t vote for sanctions before March 24 deal deadline. Iran
Finally, Senate action on Iran sanctions? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 26 Iran
Congress torn between Europe, Israel on Iran Lawmakers are forced to pick sides after key allies publicly come down on opposite sides of sanctions push. Congress
Congress unmoved by Obama's call to back off Iran legislation The Senate kicked off legislative debate while the House invited Israel's Netanyahu to weigh in. Congress
GOP delays Iran sanctions vote for State of the Union The Senate Banking Committee will hold its markup next week after Democrats cry foul. Iran
Congress takes first step on Iran sanctions A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 19. Iran
Congress to vote on toned-down Iran sanctions bill Senate bill doesn’t mandate what a nuclear deal should look like, undercutting sanctions opponents. Congress
Palestinians, Libya, Qatar go on lobbying binge Some of last year’s biggest losers on Capitol Hill are spending big to avoid a repeat in 2015. Palestine
US House preps its own Iran sanctions bill The lower chamber says it won't just pass whatever bill the Senate comes up with. Iran
Paris attack rekindles debate over freedom of expression US officials' united show of support for slain journalists hides bipartisan ambivalence over Western governments' role in standing up for unpopular speech. Congress
Sanctions talk heats up after second extension to Iran talks Lawmakers are making the case for a new round of sanctions in a Republican-controlled Congress. Iran
