Analysis As pro-Palestinian candidates gain ground, will AIPAC's influence wane? The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s influence has weakened in the Democratic Party and may also be at risk among Republicans. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran Uncertain how to interpret the American regional redeployment, Israel is focusing on efforts to destabilize the Iranian regime and stop its nuclear program. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign defense pact Houthi attacks kill 58 Yemeni government troops; Syria says bomb near Damascus wounds 14; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel strikes south Lebanon after 2 soldiers killed Tehran says Iran, Oman agree on Hormuz shipping route; US lifts sanctions on Iraqi airline linked to Iran's IRGC; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Qatar Airways announces expansion of flights to US Qatar's flagship airline will resume flights to Seattle and Atlanta and increase daily and weekly flights to other cities in the United States. Qatar
UAE confirms F-35 agreement inked with Trump administration The weapons package, which includes dozens of the stealth fighter jets, drones and other munitions, is valued at $23 billion. United Arab Emirates
Blinken warns Nile Dam talks could ‘boil over’ Biden’s nominee to be secretary of state promises "fully engaged” US policy in Horn of Africa, as the crisis between Ethiopia and Sudan escalates. Egypt
Congress approves waiver for Lloyd Austin to become defense secretary The Senate is expected to confirm the former CENTCOM commander as Pentagon chief Friday. Congress
Intel: House Democrats call on Biden to reform Middle East war powers California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and House committee leaders wasted no time calling on the new president to rein in two-decade-old legislation on the authorization of military force. United States
Biden to talk Iran deal in early calls with foreign leaders, White House says Incoming Biden administration officials have suggested a return to the nuclear deal is a long way off. United States
Turkey's scapegoating of McGurk rooted in revisionism National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has worked closely with the Turks for many years on a range of knotty issues, and the growls from Ankara suggest that Turkey continues to pin US policies that it doesn’t like on "rogue" individuals. Turkey
Israel’s UN envoy takes second role as ambassador to US Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan will start serving today also as the country’s ambassador to the US. Israel
Biden offers Israeli left chance to regain relevance With a new and friendlier US administration, Israeli progressives have an opportunity to promote their ideals, including the two-state solution. Israel
King Abdullah engaged regional leaders in preparation for Biden’s presidency In the week ahead of President Joe Biden's inauguration, Jordan engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity. Jordan
US soldier arrested for allegedly advising Islamic State on attacks Pfc. Cole James Bridges' arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny on extremism in the military. United States
Biden team picks Dana Stroul to lead Pentagon's Middle East desk Stroul, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will join a roster of Obama-era veterans when she returns to the Pentagon. Syria