I. Legislative Department
1) Laws
Consultant Lee Goals to Repeal 2002 Iraq Army Pressure Authorization. On October 19, Consultant Barbara Lee (D-California) introduced that she is renewing legislative efforts to repeal the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Army Pressure (AUMF), which gave President George W. Bush the ability to invade Iraq. The authorization is near being repealed, because the Home of Representatives voted to repeal it in July, following the Biden administration’s launch of a assertion in June in assist of the motion. Companion laws has gained bipartisan backing within the Senate, however Lee mentioned that she continues to be working with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) to garner sufficient Republican approval to beat a filibuster.
Consultant Banks Introduces Invoice to Sanction Iranian Supreme Chief and President. On October 21, Consultant Jim Banks (R-Indiana) launched H.R. 9203, a invoice to impose sanctions on Iran’s supreme chief and president and their respective places of work over human rights abuses and assist for terrorism.
Consultant Weber Introduces Decision Condemning Salma Al-Shehab Case. On October 21, Consultant Randy Weber (R-Texas) launched H.Res. 1444, a decision condemning Saudi Arabia’s therapy of Salma al-Shehab and different girls’s rights defenders. Al-Shehab is a Saudi PhD scholar who’s dealing with a 34-year jail sentence over her tweets in assist of ladies’s rights.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Senator Menendez Condemns Arrests in Turkey. On October 19, Chair of the Senate Overseas Relations Committee Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) condemned the politically-motivated arrest of greater than 500 individuals in Turkey, stating that the costs are proof that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “iron-fisted rule” is extra aligned with the insurance policies of China and Russia than these of NATO. Senator Menendez referred to as on the USA and different democratic international locations to induce Turkey to uphold the values underpinning NATO.
Senator Coons Condemns Demise of Asra Panahi. On October 19, Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) responded to the dying of Asra Panahi, a 15-year-old Iranian scholar who was killed final week throughout a safety raid on her faculty, which adopted a gaggle of scholars’ refusal to sing an anthem praising Iran’s supreme chief. Senator Coons referred to as the dying “one other horrific instance of Iran’s appalling therapy of ladies,” and affirmed US assist for Iranian activists protesting the deaths of each Panahi and Iranian Kurdish lady Mahsa Amini.
Consultant McCaul Calls on Biden to Tackle Use of Iranian Drones in Ukraine. On October 21, Rating Member of the Home Overseas Affairs Committee Consultant Michael McCaul (R-Texas) urged the Biden administration to “do extra to discourage and constrain Iranian terrorism” after information broke of Russia’s use of Iranian drones in Ukraine. Consultant McCaul mentioned that the USA should concentrate on Iran’s “malign exercise” and “hand over” on nuclear negotiations with the nation.
MENA Subcommittee Hosts Closed Briefing on Lebanon-Israel Deal. On October 20, the Home Overseas Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Center East, North Africa, and International Counterterrorism held a closed briefing on a latest Israel-Lebanon maritime border settlement.
Lawmakers Name on Israel to Help Ukraine. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) referred to as on Israel to extra actively assist Ukraine following latest Russian strikes on army and civilian targets utilizing Iranian drones. Murphy’s feedback observe Ukrainian requests to be used of Israel’s Iron Dome air protection system. Nevertheless, he additionally famous that Israel isn’t the one nation that might provide Ukraine with a strong defensive defend. Consultant Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois), in the meantime, echoed Murphy’s name, stating, “Iran is giving Russia drones which might be murdering civilians. Israel is out of excuses to take a seat on the sideline and faux [it] can’t do something.”
Consultant Beyer Writes to Blinken Regarding COGAT Restrictions and Israel’s Entry into Visa Waiver Program. Consultant Don Beyer (D-Virginia) despatched a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing his concern over Israel’s potential entry into the US Visa Waiver Program. Within the letter, Beyer argues that new Israeli Coordinating Workplace for Authorities Affairs within the Territories (COGAT) laws limit entry for Americans making an attempt to enter the Occupied West Financial institution, which violates the reciprocity rules of the Visa Waiver Program. Beyer urged Secretary Blinken to handle the “discriminatory insurance policies” with Israeli counterparts and urged his colleagues in Congress to hitch him in expressing concern.
II. Government Department
1) The White Home
NSC Spokesperson Confirms Iranian Troops Aiding Russia in Crimea. On October 20, Nationwide Safety Spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that Iranian troops are current within the occupied Crimean Peninsula and are aiding Russia in finishing up drone strikes throughout Ukraine. Kirby mentioned {that a} “comparatively small quantity” of Iranian forces are offering technological help to Russian drone operators. Kirby added that the USA Division of Protection is exploring air protection options for Ukraine, largely as a result of the usage of Iranian-made kamikaze drones in Ukraine has resulted in army and civilian causalities over the previous two weeks.
Human Rights Organizations Urge Biden to Strain Egypt Earlier than COP27. On October 21, a complete of 19 worldwide and US-based human rights organizations despatched a letter to President Biden urging him to not meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi on the COP27 local weather convention subsequent month because of the ongoing human rights disaster in Egypt. The letter cites the detention of Egyptian local weather activists and environmental engineers and unsustainable government-led improvement tasks that don’t align with the local weather change targets of the convention. The letter concludes with six calls for for President Sisi, and urges Biden to not meet with him till they’re met.
2) Division of State
Secretary Blinken Condemns Detention of Sanaa Embassy Workers. On October 19, Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the one-year anniversary of Houthi forces breaching the US Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen and detaining Yemeni workers members employed by the USA and the United Nations. Blinken labeled the continued detention of 12 Yemeni residents a “gross disregard for diplomatic norms” and referred to as on the Houthis to launch them. The identical day, Rating Member of the Senate Committee on Overseas Relations Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) referred to as the Houthis’ actions “appalling.”
State Division Highlights Outcomes of UN Human Rights Council. On October 17, the State Division issued an announcement on the outcomes of the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The session drew consideration to ongoing human rights abuses in Syria and urged the Assad regime to finish the torture and inhumane therapy of detainees, and to launch those that have been arbitrarily detained. America additionally signed two joint resolutions calling for neutral monitoring of the state of affairs in Yemen and condemning the Iranian authorities for violence in opposition to girls and protesters.
State Division Expresses Concern over New West Financial institution Journey Restrictions. After Israel issued new restrictions on foreigners’ journey to the West Financial institution, State Division Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel mentioned that the US authorities is “involved about potential opposed impacts that a few of these procedures may have on civil society, on tourism, on healthcare amenities, [and] on educational establishments.” The brand new laws impose a strict timeline on visits to the West Financial institution for foreigners, and critics have warned that they’ll separate households within the West Financial institution and create difficulties for Palestinian universities that depend on international educators. Patel assured reporters that the Biden administration is participating with the Israeli authorities on this problem.
State Division Warns Towards Normalization Between Hamas and Syria. On October 20, State Division Spokesperson Ned Worth denounced new normalization efforts between Hamas and the Syrian authorities, warning that restored relations will hurt Palestinian pursuits and disrupt counterterrorism efforts. Syria acquired a delegation from Hamas on October 19, a few years after the 2 events reduce ties in 2012 because of the Assad regime’s suppression of protests.
Particular Envoy Hochstein Says Lebanon-Syria Gasoline Deal Unlikely to Violate US Sanctions. On October 18, US Particular Envoy Amos Hochstein mentioned that an settlement to move fuel from Egypt to Lebanon by way of Syria is unlikely to violate US sanctions, regardless of stalled motion on a sanctions waiver from the US authorities. Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria signed the deal in June, however US lawmakers have expressed concern that the fuel transport will present monetary assist for Syria’s Assad regime, and would thus violate present US sanctions. Though a latest Israel-Lebanon maritime settlement granted Lebanon management of a doubtlessly profitable fuel discipline within the Japanese Mediterranean, Hochstein mentioned that as a result of it should take a number of years to provide fuel from the sector, it’s “essential” for Lebanon to acquire power from Egypt and Jordan within the meantime.
State Division Reiterates That Israel Does Not Meet Visa Waiver Necessities. On October 18, State Division Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel acknowledged that Israel doesn’t but meet the necessities for the US Visa Waiver Program. Patel mentioned that the USA seeks “equal therapy and freedom to journey for all US residents no matter nationwide origin” and continues to work with Israel on fulfilling these necessities. Coming into this system would enable Israeli residents to journey to the USA with out a pre-arranged visa, however efforts so as to add Israel have confronted congressional opposition attributable to Israel’s journey restrictions on Palestinian Individuals wishing to go to the West Financial institution. In June, Consultant Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) circulated a petition calling on President Biden to oppose Israel’s entry into this system.
State Division Warns Towards Russia-Iran Alliance. After studies that Russian forces attacked Kyiv utilizing Iranian-made “kamikaze drones,” State Division Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel warned in opposition to the “profound risk” of an alliance between Iran and Russia, calling on the worldwide neighborhood to pay shut consideration to their collaboration. On October 19, the State Division confirmed that the international locations’ deepening alliance was raised at this week’s UN Safety Council assembly.
State Division Points Joint Assertion on Iran Web Shutdowns. On October 20, the State Division joined the Freedom On-line Coalition’s joint assertion on web shutdowns in Iran. The assertion condemns the Iranian authorities’s restrictions on web entry and its suppression of the liberty of expression and meeting. The assertion additionally calls on the Iranian authorities to elevate present restrictions and to abide by worldwide human rights obligations.
State Division Designates al-Shabab Leaders as International Terrorists. On October 17, the State Division designated 5 leaders of al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabab as Specifically Designated International Terrorists in accordance with Government Order 13224, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed the USA’ dedication to aiding East African efforts to counter the group. Designated people embody Yasir Jiis, head of al-Shabab’s Jabha wing, and Mustaf’Ato, who has organized assaults in opposition to native targets and US army compounds in Kenya. The Treasury Division concurrently designated a community of 9 individuals as monetary facilitators for al-Shabab.
State Division Confirms Imprisonment of US Citizen in Saudi Arabia. On October 18, the State Division confirmed that Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a US citizen of Saudi origin, is at present imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for posting tweets criticizing Saudi authorities corruption and the killing of Washington Publish columnist Jamal Khashoggi. In line with his household, Almadi was charged with supporting terrorism and making an attempt to destabilize the dominion, and was sentenced to 16 years in jail on October 3, to be adopted by a 16-year journey ban. State Division Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel affirmed that the US has constantly raised Almadi’s case with Saudi authorities officers, saying that, “Exercising freedom of expression ought to by no means be criminalized.” Almadi’s son, nonetheless, accused the US authorities of neglecting his father’s case, stating that nobody from the US Embassy in Riyadh visited him till 6 months after his arrest and that US officers skipped his official listening to regardless of his household’s requests.
US Ambassador to Qatar Praises Labor Reforms, Urges Tolerance at World Cup. On October 18, US Ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis praised the nation for making “actual change” in labor reforms in recent times. Ambassador Davis acknowledged that though many enhancements nonetheless stay to be made, Qatar has enhanced its implementation of regulation reforms and prosecution of regulation breakers. Ambassador Davis additionally urged Qatar authorities to observe “tolerance” towards guests through the upcoming World Cup.
US Ambassador Responds to Turkish Accusation of US Favoritism Towards Greece. On October 18, US Ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake responded to Turkey’s criticism of the USA’ army buildup on Greek islands within the Aegean Sea close to the Turkish coast. Ambassador Flake acknowledged that there has not been a shift in US army posture within the Aegean, and mentioned that the buildup is said to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a assertion, Flake argued that, “Protection cooperation with Greece strengthens NATO’s japanese flank in assist of Ukraine.”
Assistant Secretary Leaf Travels to Kuwait and the UAE. This week, Assistant Secretary of State for Close to Japanese Affairs Barbara Leaf traveled to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Within the UAE, Leaf met with senior leaders, together with Nationwide Safety Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to debate regional safety. In Kuwait, she met with senior authorities and with civil society leaders, with whom she mentioned girls’s political participation, human rights, and freedom of expression.
Biden Administration Condemns UN Human Rights Report on Israel-Palestine. Biden administration officers condemned a 28-page report by the UN Fee of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (COI) that concludes that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal underneath worldwide regulation. US Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council Michèle Taylor mentioned that the report is “one-sided” and “contributes to the polarization of the state of affairs.” State Division Spokesperson Ned Worth, in the meantime, mentioned that Israel is being “unfairly focused.” The COI, which was established throughout Israel’s assaults on Gaza in Could 2021, has confronted scrutiny from the Biden administration and US lawmakers since its inception.
Deputy Secretary Sherman Meets with UN Envoy for Western Sahara. On October 21, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with the UN Secretary-Common’s Private Envoy for Western Sahara Staffan de Mistura. The 2 mentioned de Mistura’s efforts to advance a UN political course of in Western Sahara to attain a permanent decision to the battle.
3) Division of Protection
New Report Particulars Relationship Between Retired US Army Officers and the UAE. On October 18, the Washington Publish launched an investigation shedding mild on the big variety of retired US service members who’ve labored for the UAE following their time with the US army. The report states that previously seven years, 280 army retirees have requested work authorization within the UAE as army contractors and consultants to the Emirati authorities. The report reveals that Common Jim Mattis served as a army advisor within the UAE within the time between his function as CENTCOM commander underneath President Obama and as Secretary of Protection underneath President Trump. Federal regulation requires each State Division and Pentagon approval for US veterans, together with retirees, to take any place with a international authorities.
Army Officers Say OPEC+ Resolution Will Not Harm Army Coordination with Saudi Arabia. US army officers reportedly mentioned that latest political tensions with Saudi Arabia over an OPEC+ determination to lower oil output is not going to damage US army coordination with the dominion. Two officers reportedly acknowledged that certainly one of CENTCOM’s high priorities stays working with Gulf states to sew collectively air and missile protection networks to counter Iran, together with plans to arrange a counter-drone know-how coaching web site in Saudi Arabia.
CENTCOM Commander Visits the Arabian Peninsula. On October 17, US Central Command Chief Common Erik Kurilla started a go to to the Arabian Peninsula, assembly with leaders from the Bahrain Protection Pressure, the Royal Air Pressure of Oman, and Oman’s Ministry of Protection. Throughout his conferences, Kurilla spoke about methods to strengthen safety cooperation between the US, Oman, and Bahrain, mentioned the development of army gross sales between the US and Bahrain, and thanked the Omani authorities for its efforts in securing the discharge of Baquer Namazi, an American citizen who was imprisoned in Iran. Kurilla additionally participated in an operational replace with the Mixed Maritime Forces on the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet and boarded the USS Virginia, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
III. Judicial Department
ACLU Asks Supreme Courtroom to Hear Arkansas BDS Case. On October 20, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) introduced an Arkansas-based Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) case to the Supreme Courtroom. The ACLU is suing on behalf of the Arkansas Occasions, hoping that the Supreme Courtroom overturns the 8th US Circuit Courtroom of Attraction’s June ruling that permits Arkansas to require state contractors to pledge to not boycott Israel. The 2017 regulation, which was initially overturned earlier than the June ruling, requires state contractors to signal a pledge to not boycott Israel or be pressured to scale back their charges by 20 %, a stipulation that the ACLU argues is a First Modification violation.
French Cement Firm Pleads Responsible to Aiding Islamic State. On October 18, French cement firm Lafarge pleaded responsible to costs of constructing funds to a number of terrorist teams, together with the so-called Islamic State, changing into the primary firm to plead responsible in a US court docket to offering materials assist to a terrorist group. Lafarge Chair Magali Anderson admitted that executives of the corporate offered assist to numerous armed teams in Syria from 2013 to 2014, however mentioned that every one executives concerned within the transactions had separated from the corporate by 2017. As a part of the responsible plea, Lafarge can pay $778 million in forfeitures and fines.
Canadian Sentenced to twenty Years in US Jail for Aiding IS. On October 17, Canadian nationwide Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi was sentenced to twenty years in jail within the US for aiding the so-called Islamic State (IS). In 2014, Abdullahi helped six American and Canadian residents journey to Syria to combat for IS and likewise robbed a jewellery retailer to boost funds for the terrorist group.
