Provides background information on the boycott of Israeli companies and goods maintained by the 22 countries of the Arab League since 1948 and on U.S. efforts to end its enforcement.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the U.S. Department of State Foreign Press Center

Describes which agency in each of the nine nuclear club nations is responsible for research and development of nuclear weapons, whether these agencies are military or civilian, and the evolution of this agency in the U.S. from 1942 to date.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Describes past U.S. foreign aid for the Palestinians, the objectives for such aid, reasons behind opposition, and issues for Congress in determining future aid.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Advanced unedited version of the report that is critical of Israeli settlement policy in the occupied territories.  From the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Discusses how recent events have increased concerns about Israel’s security especially with regard to Iran and the long-standing peace treaty with Egypt.  Also discusses the question of control over Jerusalem and relations with the Palestinians.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Provides a brief discussion of Jordan’s government, economy, role in promoting Arab-Israeli peace, and other U.S. policy objectives for the Middle East.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Analyzes key factors that may influence Israeli political decisions relating to a possible military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.  Includes a section on developments from Late March to September 2012.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Provides an overview of current key issues for Congress related to Egypt and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Documents the step-by-step approach of U.S. diplomacy to bring about disengagement agreements between Israeli, Egyptian, and Syrian military forces as a step toward more comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli disputes.  From the State Department

Examines the question of whether U.S.-Russia negotiations for nuclear arms reductions in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Talks are compatible with nuclear activities of such other states as China, India, Israel, and Pakistan.  From the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College

Discusses the current situation in Syria and the problems posed by the fighting including refugee flows, terrorist involvement, control of Syrian weapon stockpiles, and the spread of violence to neighboring countries like Israel, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Latest in a series of reports reviewing the threat posed by Iran and its nuclear development program, the status and efficacy of the economic sanctions, and the threat of Israeli military action.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

This report analyzes key factors that may influence current Israeli political decisions relating to a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.  These include views of Israeli leaders, regional and international stances as perceived by Israel, potential effects and risks of a possible strike, and responses anticipated by Israel from Iran and its allies.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Explains how the Arms Export Control Act  places restrictions on the use of U.S. supplied defense items and provides examples of U.S. responses to possible violations by Argentina, Israel, Indonesia, and Turkey.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II.  This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel, including past aid programs, data on annual assistance, and an analysis of current issues.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

This report assesses some of the foreign policy implications of recent events in the Middle East region, provides an overview of U.S. responses to date, and explores selected case studies to illustrate some key questions and dilemmas that Congress and the executive branch face.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Provides a brief summary of recent developments in selected countries of the Middle East including Egypt, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Libya, and Syria as well as a statistical table about the region as a whole.  From the Library of the House of Commons

Tries to envision the consequences of the fall of the  Asad regime for Syria, Iran, Israel, and Middle East developments in general.  From the National Defense University Institute of Strategic Studies

Latest in a series of reports reviewing the threat posed by Iran and its nuclear development program, the status and efficacy of the economic sanctions imposed on Iran, and the threat of Israeli military action against the Iranian nuclear facilities.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Argues that the direction of the Arab revolutions in the Middle East since December 2010 will vary depending on the individual characteristics of each country.  This paper looks at some of those characteristics including the legitimacy of ruling regimes, the effect of societal divisions along confessional lines, and the role of the region’s militaries. Concludes with a look at U.S., UK and EU policies toward the region.  From the House of Commons Library

Provides information on United Nations  and membership/observer status, and the prospects for a settlement of the membership question through Israel-PLO agreement.   From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the U.S. Department of State Foreign Press Center

Provides an overview of current issues in U.S.-Palestinian relations, including how to deal with the divided Palestinian leadership, the question of Palestinian representation in the United Nations, and the questions relating to Gaza.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Documents U.S. policymaking during the Arab-Israeli dispute before, during, and immediately after the Arab-Israeli War of October 1973.  From the State Department

Analyzes bilateral issues between the U.S. and Syria including citizen unrest, the government’s violent response, and support for terrorism.  Also considers current issues for Congress, including arms sales from Russia, Syria’s role in Mideast peace processes, nuclear proliferation and human rights. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.com

Reports that the Palestinian Authority is ready for carrying out the governing functions of a state, according to progress made in six key areas.  Warns of constraints resulting from unresolved  issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  From the Office of the UN Special Coordiinator for the Middle East Peace Process

Reports that hourly compensation costs in manufacturing industries in the U.S. in 2009 were lower than in 12 European countries and Australia, but higher than in 20 other major manufacturing countries.  Average hourly compensation costs in manufacturing in the U.S. rose about 4% to $33.53.  From the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Offers statistical comparisons of about 36 countries showing worker pay, productivity, unemployment, gross domestic product, and prices (for most countries).  From the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militia, a political party, a social welfare organization, and a U.S. State Department-designated terrorist organization.   This report provides background information on Hezbollah’s origins,  its ideology and policies, and the implications for Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.  Also discusses possible Congressional options for weakening Hezbollah.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Latest report of the Secretary General on the response to resolutions relating to the Gaza Conflict and the Goldstone Report.  Large, slow-loading file.  From the United Nations

Describes the background to current events, including Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza but retention of border control, the rise to power of Hamas, and the Israeli blockade of the territory.  Also reviews the May 2010 altercation between Israeli forces and Turkish-sponsored ships attempting to bring supplies to Gaza. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org