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
Gregory Meeks elected next House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Meeks has a lengthy voting record on the Middle East and has been praised by a variety of Israel- and Iran-focused groups. Originals
UAE responds to criticism from US senators on F-35 sale A group of bipartisan senators has introduced legislation rejecting the Trump administration's planned sale of the advanced fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
US confirms Greece is seeking to buy F-35s amid tensions with Turkey The US acknowledgment follows a report earlier this month that Athens formally requested to buy as many as 24 of the advanced fighter aircraft. Turkey
Kushner to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar to try to mend Gulf rift Jared Kushner's planned trip to the Gulf comes after the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist and a high-profile visit between Israel and Saudi Arabia's leaders. Originals
Intel: Rights groups urge US to nix arms sales to UAE The organizations warned the major weapons sale could contribute to further instability and violent conflict in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
US sanctions Libyan militia, leader loyal to Hifter The US Treasury Department blacklisted the Kaniyat militia and Mohamed al-Kani over alleged human rights abuses. Libya
Progressives divided over Biden’s expected pick for Pentagon chief Michele Flournoy's stated openness to curtailing offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may have reduced opposition from progressive Democrats Saudi Arabia
Archive Upfront from Nov 23, 2020 Biden’s new secretary of state ready to take on the Middle East Antony Blinken, President-elect Joe Biden's choice to lead the State Department, has worked alongside Biden for nearly two decades. United States
Intel: Senators move to block US F-35, drone sale to UAE A bipartisan group of US senators say they received no reply from the Pentagon or State Department after inquiring last month about implications of the sale of advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
The Takeaway: Iran’s mixed messages include diplomatic opening for Biden Iran escalates tensions in Trump’s final days, while Zarif opens window to diplomacy; Israel, Palestinians, Gulf ready themselves for Biden; Woman coaches Egyptian men’s soccer team; More mummies in Egypt! Iran
Trump asked advisers about options to strike Iran nuclear site The outgoing president's inquiry has raised concerns of a last-minute strike that could ignite a messy conflict. Iran
US to reduce troops in Iraq but not Syria, official says US national security officials say Trump's order to end wars will not halt the Pentagon's counterterror operations abroad. Iraq
