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
Treasury secretary says US financial system will stay closed to Iran US refusal to allow “U-turn transactions” involving the US dollar undermines sanctions relief for Iran. Iran
What triggered Egypt’s Cabinet reshuffle? Just six months after the government’s formation, a major Cabinet reshuffle replaced 10 ministers, which raises questions about the state's ability to implement its plans. Egypt
Why did Rouhani pull out of Austria visit? The recent abrupt cancellation of a planned visit by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani to Austria is raising a great deal of speculation. Iran
Kerry’s comments on Iranian missiles strike nerve in Tehran Iranian officials have rejected Secretary of State John Kerry’s suggestion of a “new arrangement” with Iran over issues such as their missile program. Congress
Why some in Western Sahara oppose $1 million US grant The Obama administration is planning to approve a $1 million grant for civil society organizations in Western Sahara, but many Sahrawis have concerns about the move. Algeria
Turkey witnesses 'unprecedented onslaught on critical media' Since coming to power in 2002, Turkey’s ruling party has employed unprecedented means to expand pro-government media and curb critical media, acting in cooperation with crony businessmen and using public funds. Turkey
April showers bring … growing violence in southeast Turkey? Both the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers Party are feverishly preparing for expected heavy clashes in the spring. Turkey
Palestinian PM says he is 'bitterly disappointed' in US In an interview from Ramallah with Al-Monitor, PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah says Palestine is ready for statehood as soon as Israel ends the occupation. Palestine
Will government seize Turkey's largest bank? Isbank, Turkey's largest private bank, is seen as a government takeover target. Turkey
Will reports of hospital segregation spark debate on racism in Israel? The scandal on the segregation of Jewish women and Arab women in Israeli hospitals has succeeded in breaking the long-held public silence on racism and discrimination. Palestine
Will Ya'alon leave Likud? With the Likud veering toward the radical right, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon might be tempted to leave in favor of a moderate-right party. Israel
Currency crash adds to Syrians’ woes The crash in the Syrian pound’s value against foreign currencies has resulted in higher food prices and increased demand for other currencies. Syria
