CENTCOM commander acknowledges he did not try to stop Taliban from entering Kabul “If someone actually made a decision, that would’ve been me,” Gen. Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie told House lawmakers during a hearing today. Congress
US House passes measure to end maintenance for Saudi aircraft targeting Yemen Progressives' bid to get Riyadh to stop bombing Yemen may test Biden's commitment to Gulf allies. Congress
House Democrats back away from delaying Israel arms sale amid Gaza conflict The Biden administration will brief lawmakers on the proposed $735 million sale of JDAM guidance conversion kits and other weapons equipment. Congress
Republicans quash Democrats’ bid to force the US out of Yemen war House Republicans have temporarily stopped a vote instructing President Donald Trump to end “hostilities” against the Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia
Congress seeks more control over North Africa counterterror program Lawmakers want a coherent strategy for the desert region from the Donald Trump administration. North Africa
Israeli right fears new Congress For the next two years, Israeli settlers and their right-wing supporters will no longer enjoy unlimited access to the House of Representatives. Palestine
Pentagon braces for leaner Mideast war budget after Democrats win House The Defense Department is preparing for another era of lean budgets after Democrats took control of the House in Tuesday’s elections. Congress
Midterms revamp Middle East policymaking in Congress Tuesday’s elections will re-order the committees in charge of foreign policy. Saudi Arabia
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
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
Hunt for Khashoggi's body continues in Istanbul As a search continued for a dissident Saudi journalist's body in Istanbul, Turkey's president said more will be revealed Tuesday; a Saudi official tells Reuters the body was rolled up in a carpet and given to a collaborator for disposal. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia says Khashoggi killed in ‘brawl' In a statement Friday night, Saudi Arabia said Jamal Khashoggi died in an Oct. 2 fistfight at the country’s Istanbul consulate, after days of denying knowledge of the dissident journalist’s whereabouts. Saudi Arabia
