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
How to stop Islamic State recruitment Efforts to identify susceptible young people early can protect them from the approaches of the Islamic State. Syria
Kerry enlists Netanyahu in congressional fight over UNESCO funding Israel has dropped its opposition to restoring UNESCO budget despite Palestinian statehood vote. Congress
House panel approves peshmerga bill that Baghdad deems 'unwise and unnecessary' The House Foreign Affairs panel voted to directly arm Kurdish forces. Iraq
What's the one thing that Arabs, Turks and Iranians can all agree on? Majorities in eight Muslim countries blame “corrupt, repressive and unrepresentative governments” and wrong-headed religious leaders for the rise of extremist groups such as the Islamic State. Congress
America's 'Made in Israel' policy that you've probably never heard of Much has been said about the EU's new guidelines for labeling Israeli settlement goods, but the US has had similar rules for decades. Palestine
Congress focuses on Islamic State threat from Europe A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Dec. 7. Iraq
Is US preparing to crack down on IRGC? A key House panel is inching closer to slapping additional sanctions on the IRGC. Congress
Despite Russian airstrikes, FSA continues to confront regime Although recent Russian military strikes in Syria have provided air cover for government forces, the Free Syrian Army continues its battles against the regime. Syria
GOP blames Obama for anti-refugee backlash Republicans say a failed Middle East strategy has fueled "fear and panic" in the United States. Iraq
Congress tackles terrorism after Paris attacks Following Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, this week Congress will be addressing issues related to a rise in radicalism and President Obama’s plans to increase the number of refugees admitted from war-torn countries. Syria
Is it from Israel or Palestine? EU labeling guidelines spur more controversy Congress — and Israel — say new European labeling guidelines are an anti-Semitic ploy; the EU says they’re in line with 15 years of trade law. Palestine
Is Congress paving the way for a Christian safe zone in Iraq? A bipartisan effort to denounce an ongoing genocide is picking up steam. That's just the first step. Iraq