Ortagus: MBS prioritizing security, succession over Israel normalization

The Hormuz homestretch?

Today’s Daily Kickoff covers potential U.S.-Iran agreements, Donald Trump’s latest intelligence nominations, U.S.-Israel defense tech cooperation, and growing Orthodox opposition to permanent daylight saving time legislation.

Anti-Israel left takes a page from AIPAC in spending big in primaries

The far left is gaining traction in its electoral battle against the mainstream pro-Israel political community, notching a recent string of victories in high-profile Democratic primaries as it now finds itself on stronger financial footing compared to past campaign cycles. Thanks in part to a range of new super PACs created to counter AIPAC’s political... <a href="">Read More</a>

UAE president honors Marty Edelman with prestigious Order of the Union

Real estate attorney Martin Edelman, a key advisor to the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates, was awarded the country’s Order of the Union, the second-highest civilian honor, on Thursday by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. WAM, the Gulf state’s official news agency, reported that the honor bestowed on Edelman, who... <a href="">Read More</a>

Permanent daylight saving time legislation gains momentum with Trump’s backing

Efforts to eliminate annual time changes and make daylight saving time permanent are picking up momentum in Congress with strong backing from President Donald Trump — a proposal long opposed by the Orthodox Jewish community. Orthodox groups say that changing to permanent daylight saving time would have a significant impact on daily Jewish morning prayers,... <a href="">Read More</a>

Experts warn Trump White House isn't sufficiently engaging Iranian public to pressure regime

Experts said on Wednesday that the Trump administration has failed to adequately tap into pro-Western sentiment among the Iranian public following the regime’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests earlier this year, arguing that the White House is missing a key opportunity to cultivate internal pressure within Iran. Robert Satloff, executive director of The Washington Institute... <a href="">Read More</a>