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
Time for decisions on Iran deal The US and Iran signaled negotiations to reach a political agreement for an Iran nuclear deal are likely to go down to the wire March 31. Congress
Rouhani writes Obama as Iran talks enter endgame Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrote US President Obama and called other P5+1 leaders as foreign ministers from six world powers are expected to join Iran talks over the weekend to try to reach a political agreement on an Iran nuclear deal by March 31. Congress
US sees path to Iran accord US officials say they see a path forward to reaching an agreement with Iran by the end of March for a final nuclear deal. Congress
Iran's past nuclear activities come under scrutiny A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of March 23. Congress
Iran, P5+1 tackle final hurdles to accord While progress has been made, Iran negotiators are looking to resolve differences with the P5+1 on the issues of research and development and lifting of UN Security Council resolutions. Congress
Congress marks 100 years since Armenian genocide Lawmakers introduce resolution ahead of bitter anniversary. Countries
On Iran deal, Republicans cut off their nose to spite their face A letter written by 47 Republican senators to the Iranian government highlights the deepening divide in US Congress on the pending Iran nuclear agreement. Congress
Lawmakers see Iran's rise as key concern in fight against IS Republicans focus on Tehran in first hearing since Tikrit offensive. Iraq
US still considering no-fly zone for Syria Two top US officials differ about the prospects for identifying, training and equipping a new moderate Syrian force to oppose the group that calls itself the Islamic State. Syria
Kurds push for delay of Mosul attack Some in Congress share concerns that Sunnis aren't ready to take on the Islamic State. Iraq
AIPAC objects to Netanyahu's Congress address Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress might be his last major card to play before the March 17 elections, which is why he is determined to deliver it despite objections at home and by AIPAC. Israel
Lawmakers prep defense bill, Kerry defends budget A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 23. Qatar