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
After political shake-up, is Turkey heading for economic crisis? By sidelining Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken full control of the political reins but ambiguity about his economic policies is creating concerns. Turkey
Baby steps: Lebanon's municipal elections inspire hope Lebanon's parliament members are working on a new law they think will result in legislative elections and a new president. Lebanon
Beware of the failure of Yemen’s central bank The Central Bank of Yemen continues to set new policies to tackle the rising inflation and devaluation of the Yemeni rial, knowing its policies will not be effective as long as there is no political will to stabilize the situation. Saudi Arabia
Why Shiites are divided over Iranian role in Iraq Shiites have started to act based on political orientations instead of their sectarian affiliations, which is viewed as an edge in the Shiite public awareness. Iraq
In Israel, life imitates satire Polls indicate that a majority of Israelis do not object to the occupation, yet many of them are clamoring to watch a play mocking the policy. Palestine
Why is Congress keeping its powder dry on Iran sanctions? Republican leaders are determined to craft the most comprehensive legislative package they can get through Congress. Iran
Iranian official says prominent Saudi jihadist 'man in control' in Syria In Syria, a Saudi jihadi is becoming a paramount figure for militants opposed to President Bashar al-Assad — but will he become the "new bin Laden"? Syria
Head of Iran TV resigns after just 18 months Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Abdul Ali Asghari as the new head of Iranian television after the previous head resigned abruptly only 18 months into his five-year term. Iran
How will Egypt police its police force? Police assaults on civilians have put the Interior Ministry in the hot seat as the public demands action to curb police violence. Egypt
As Davutoglu exits, Erdoganists demand 'obedience to the leader' The departure of Ahmet Davutoglu as prime minister marks the opening of a new narrative that makes obedience to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a religious duty. Turkey
How will Turkey gain power abroad when it can't protect its borders? Turkey's ineffectiveness in protecting the city of Kilis on the Syrian border points to how unlikely it is that the government will fulfill its ambition to become a regional power. Syria
Who are Syria's Alawites? Alawite doctrine differs in many ways from Sunni and Shiite Islam, but Alawites believe they should be respected and accepted as an independent Muslim sect. Iraq
