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
English language classes set to become next battleground in Iran President Hassan Rouhani emphasized the learning of foreign languages in helping Iran’s economy, which put him at odds with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran
Will waning popularity push Egypt's Sisi to form political party? Egyptians are wondering if their president will become hungry for more political power if his star fades with the public. Egypt
French envoys bear surprising message from Mideast Christians A French delegation to Lebanon, Iraq and Syria found that many Christians in the Middle East believe Western policies place economic interests ahead of their well-being. Iraq
Will Iran's new undercover morality agents have any impact? The plan to dispatch 7,000 undercover morality agents has stirred much criticism in Persian-language media and social networks, with the backlash mostly focused on the project's social costs. Iran
Why Trump, Clinton both scare Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears that if elected president, Hilary Clinton will hit the ground running and not stop until advancing the two-state solution. Israel
Hamas watches its words in response to Jerusalem bus bombing Hamas is celebrating — but not claiming responsibility for — the April 18 bus bombing in Jerusalem, indicating it is walking a fine political line between maintaining its popularity among frustrated Palestinians and avoiding a punitive retaliation by Israel. Palestine
Israel's Arab Jews officially recognized as victims of Holocaust Roughly 1,000 of Israel's North African and Iraqi Jews have requested to receive a one-time compensation grant that recognizes the suffering of those communities under the Nazi regime. Iraq
Changes to Jordan's constitution raise concerns The newly approved amendments to the Jordanian Constitution will change the king's role in appointing key officials, though observers disagree on whether this will serve or weaken the country's parliamentary system. Jordan
Syrian rebels weigh in on cease-fire Opposition fighters in Syria consider the cessation of hostilities 'negative,' although it has reduced civilian casualties. Syria
Can Paris conference offer breakthrough on two-state solution? The Palestinian leadership considers the French initiative and international support of the Paris conference the last opportunity for diplomacy. Palestine
Cairo marks World Press Freedom Day with raid on journalists' syndicate After police raided the Press Syndicate May 1 and arrested two journalists, even the state-run daily Al-Ahram condemned the move — but what does this mean for the future of Egyptian media? Egypt
Did Rouhani call for North Korea to give up nuclear weapons? South Korean officials have welcomed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s comments about a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. Iran
