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
US fails to shield humanitarian trade with Iran as sanctions loom European governments are urging the Trump administration to identify a legal means for their companies to continue to provide food and medicine to Iranians after the Nov. 5 re-imposition of secondary sanctions begins. United States
Democratic newcomers challenge pro-Israel status quo Three Democratic candidates willing to challenge the bipartisan orthodoxy on Israel are likely to win seats in Congress next year. Palestine
US mosque strikes point to looser targeting rules in fight against Islamic State A spate of airstrikes against mosques in Syria hints at the American military accepting fewer restrictions on battlefield targeting, with higher risks for civilians. Syria
Amid famine, anger at Khashoggi murder, will Saudis be pressed to end Yemen war? UN warnings of unprecedented famine in Yemen, combined with US disgust at Saudi Arabia’s killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, could spur Congress to pressure the Donald Trump administration to force an end to the Saudi-led war. Saudi Arabia
Congress calls out Pompeo over Egypt aid waiver Democratic senators warned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that a recent US waiver to allow military aid to Egypt could be seen as an “endorsement” of human rights abuses. Egypt
Democratic midterm win threatens to constrain Trump’s Middle East policies Democrats' victory in the House could impact US policy on Iran, Syria and Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Trump slams Saudi Khashoggi plot, US announces visa sanctions US President Donald Trump heaped scorn on ally Saudi Arabia, saying the operation that killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi was “very bad” and the cover-up in weeks afterward was the “worst … ever.” Saudi Arabia
Khashoggi killing undercuts Trump campaign against Iran The US campaign to convince the world to cut off Iran has taken a hit two weeks before oil sanctions are set to kick in. Saudi Arabia
