After Jordan, Emirates also furious with Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only managed to get into a diplomatic row with Jordan, he also succeeded in angering the Emiratis. Israel
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
Lawsuit filed to close pro-Kurdish party after lawmaker stripped of parliamentary seat Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party deputy known to focus on human rights abuses, was stripped of his parliament seat and a lawsuit was filed to close the party March 17. Turkey
Netanyahu courts Arab voters as 'Abu Yair' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a new strategy for the Arab public: cynically rebranding himself as "Abu Yair." Israel
Did Iran’s president sideline his own brother? Iranian media are speculating as to why Hossein Fereydoun, brother and special adviser to President Hassan Rouhani, has not attended Cabinet meetings for two months. Iran
Iranians in uproar over executive pay at state-owned company Leaks of executive pay at Iran’s main state-owned insurance company spark a public backlash, with a hint of what President Hassan Rouhani may face as the country enters election season yet again. Iran
What's in store for Lebanon's nascent oil, gas sector? There is a new twist in the debate about Lebanon's best strategy for developing its offshore oil and gas resources. Lebanon
Switzerland gets active on Palestinian reconciliation After the Swiss Paper in 2014, Switzerland gets active on the Palestinian reconciliation in an attempt to solve some of the outstanding issues between Fatah and Hamas, most notably the issue of Gaza’s employees. Palestine
Saudi Arabia's post-oil plan enters slippery slope Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which foresees a post-oil economy for the kingdom, contains many contradictions. Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi Arabia bringing sexy back? The Saudi government's recent decision to open entertainment venues to promote internal tourism is drawing some solid applause, but critics say there are more pressing domestic issues to resolve. Saudi Arabia
Is this the last nail in coffin of women, minors' rights in Turkey? An AKP-led parliamentary commission releases a draft report on how to protect the sanctity of the family in Turkey by providing controversial suggestions. Turkey
Hamas leader: We made Gaza security oasis In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ziad al-Zaza, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, addressed several internal and foreign issues, including Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, Israel and Palestinian legislative elections. Palestine
Back home after clashes, Kurds in Turkey's Sur find only debris Some look for their homes, others for the bodies of relatives as Kurdish civilians are finally allowed to return to devastated neighborhoods in Diyarbakir after months of clashes between Kurdish militants and the security forces. Turkey
How Turkey plans to boost home sales to foreigners Preparations are underway to offer work permits in addition to residency to buyers of real estate in Turkey, and citizenship could be next on the table. Turkey
Is the Islamic State fueling Shiite infighting in Iraq? The Islamic State has adopted a new strategy that consists of provoking Shiite infighting, in a bid to distract attention of the Shiite majority government and Shiite opposition from liberating the remaining areas controlled by IS. Iraq
'Utter failure' prompts political retirement of Palestinian official In an interview with Al-Monitor, member of the PFLP Central Committee Zulfikar Suergo says that the Palestinian leadership has failed to put an end to the people's dire situation. Palestine
