Jared Kushner's real estate dealings in Gaza, Qatar and the Gulf are drawing criticism as a conflict of interest while he and Steve Witkoff lead Middle East peace talks — bad news for the credibility of US diplomacy.

• Kushner stands to profit from property deals in the same region where he is negotiating peace agreements.
• Critics say it is impossible to set business interests aside while shaping the outcome of those talks.
• Witkoff and Kushner are handling talks with Russia and the Middle East directly, sidelining the State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Many official diplomatic posts remain unfilled, leaving policy to a small circle of businessmen and informal advisers like Laura Loomer.
• Critics also point to proposed legislation that would more tightly bind the US and Israeli militaries, calling it a further loss of US independence in foreign policy.

Outlook: Expect continued pressure for disclosure and ethics scrutiny as long as Kushner's business ties overlap with his diplomatic role.