After Assad downfall, US family clings to hope as Syria prison search unfolds The daughter of Majd Kamalmaz, an American citizen presumed dead in Syria, describes her anguish as she awaits answers on what happened to her father. Syria
US weighs how to engage as Syria’s rebel government emerges As Syria’s post-war future takes shape, Washington is debating how to deal with the blacklisted Islamist organization that’s swept into power. United States
US mounts diplomatic blitz to contain Iranian attack The Biden administration is urging Iran to temper its retaliation against Israel for the assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Iran
Republican platform a preview of Trump’s Middle East agenda The platform calls for standing with Israel, deporting "pro-Hamas radicals" and making college campuses "patriotic" again. Israel
Israel needs 'clear plan' to protect Gaza civilians, Blinken says The top US diplomat said Israel must take steps to protect civilians in southern Gaza once the fighting resumes, including creating safe zones. Israel
Blinken presses Israeli leaders on West Bank settler attacks The top US diplomat said he received a "clear commitment" from Israel's leaders that they would condemn the extremist violence in the West Bank. Israel
After Israel attack, US follows Hamas trail of money As Israel fights Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the United States is waging its own battle against the militant group’s finances. Qatar
US imposes sanctions on Hamas' envoy to Iran, IRGC trainers The sanctions targeting Hamas and its benefactors in Iran followed the Pentagon's announcement of airstrikes targeting Iran-linked facilities in eastern Syria. Iran
US, Qatar reportedly agree to pause Iran's access to $6 billion fund The Biden administration faced mounting congressional pressure to punish Iran over the surprise attack on Israel carried out by its proxy, Hamas. Qatar
Interview 'A lot of work' remains on Saudi-Israel deal, says Abraham Accords adviser In an interview with Al-Monitor, the State Department’s Senior Adviser for Regional Integration Daniel Shapiro said there's no question Israel's normalization with Saudi Arabia would “radiate out” to other countries looking to join the Abraham Accords. Daniel Shapiro US Senior Adviser for Regional Integration
Breaking | Last Updated: September 22, 2023, 5:18 pm US Senator Menendez indicted on corruption charges involving Egypt Sen. Bob Menendez, a key power broker in Washington's Middle East foreign policy, is accused of providing sensitive US government information to aid the Egyptian government. Washington Connection
US urges Houthis to negotiate with Yemen’s government US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking called on the Iran-backed rebels to "seize this unprecedented opportunity" to sit down with the Yemeni government. Yemen
US says burden on Iran to de-escalate following prisoner deal Biden administration officials say they expect Iran to take de-escalatory steps and they'll continue to exercise a variety of options to deter any aggressive moves in the Persian Gulf region. Washington Connection
US Joint Chiefs nominee emphasizes Middle East cooperation to deter Iran Air Force Gen. CQ Brown told Senate lawmakers that the United States should provide Middle Eastern states with the military capabilities they need to deter attacks by Iran. Washington Connection
New Congressional task force to take on US foreign arms sales process A bipartisan task force launched by House Foreign Affairs panel chair Rep. Michael McCaul follows internal reviews at the Pentagon and the State Department on steps to speed up the foreign arms sale process. Washington Connection
Blinken meets with Saudi Arabia's MBS, US cites 'convergence' on issues US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Al-Monitor that he and the crown prince discussed "a lot" during their meeting. Saudi Arabia
