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
Congress gives Egypt a pass on religious rights violations Lawmakers praise Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as a far better alternative than the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Congressional invite to MEK sparks furious backlash Former State Department officials are refusing to testify alongside Mujahedeen-e-Khalq leader Maryam Rajavi. Congress
Defense bill recognizes Iraq's Kurdish, Sunni militias as a 'country' The draft House bill carves out 25% of anti-Islamic State funding for the peshmerga and Sunni tribes. Iraq
Congressional terror finance task force targets Iran The potential lifting of sanctions has led Congress to seek other avenues to block Tehran from funding terror. Congress
Defense bill takes aim at Iran The must-pass legislation requires Pentagon strategy for countering Iran's "growing unconventional warfare capabilities." Iraq
Turkey awaits Obama’s Armenian statement Former Turkish ambassadors to Washington say there are limits to what Ankara can do if President Barack Obama refers to Armenian massacres as genocide. Turkey
Turks link Armenia to US foes in bid to derail genocide nod Ankara's allies raise concerns with Yerevan's ties to Iran and Russia. Turkey
US relations with Egypt: one problem at a time American-Egyptian relations are structured in a piecemeal fashion, lacking strategic thinking and planning for long-term stability. Egypt
How will Bibi meddle in next US presidential race? Associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu estimate that casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, and subsequently Netanyahu, will soon decide whom to back in the US presidential race. Israel
IRGC supports nuclear framework deal The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has thrown his support behind Iran's nuclear negotiators and the framework deal announced on April 2, despite expressing doubts about the United States. Congress
Negotiators work through night on Iran deal Foreign ministers from the P5+1 countries must now contend with the clock as they work out remaining hang-ups. Congress
Two issues remain in push for Iran deal The last round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran are focusing on two sticking points as the deadline approaches. Congress