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
Egyptians returning from the Gulf face uncertain economic future While studies expect an economic catastrophe in Egypt due to the coronavirus-related recession of the Gulf economy and the resulting demobilization of thousands of Egyptians working abroad, some observers believe that the return of Egyptian workers will develop an efficient Egyptian labor market. Legacy: Gulf
Settlers lash out at Trump, spark war of words with Netanyahu Settler leaders are now attacking the Trump administration as they resist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's annexation plan, which they fear will lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. Israel
What to expect from entente between Moscow, Ankara in Libya As Moscow intensifies its involvement in the Libyan conflict, the US State Department is stepping up pressure against Russian destabilization. Libya
Turkey to reopen border crossings with Iran, Iraq By opening two border crossings with Iran and Iraq, Turkey is seeking to boost the economy, and many businesses resume operations in the country this week. Iraq
Israel denies policy change on deducting payouts to Palestinian assailants from PA taxes The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied any change in the policy of deducting funds paid by the Palestinian Authority from the tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel. Palestine
Emirati ambassador: West Bank annexation will make region ‘unstable’ The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al-Otaiba discussed Israel's annexation plans on Al-Monitor's podcast following criticisms by another Emirati diplomat. Originals
Settlers accuse Netanyahu of misleading right on annexation Settler leaders and Yamina are campaigning against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan, suspecting the initiative will lead to Palestinian statehood. Palestine
Iraqi forces team up for anti-IS operation in Kirkuk A large joint operation to root out Islamic State sleeper cells began in Kirkuk in a show of strength and unity after a rash of attacks in the area in recent weeks. Iraq
COVID-19 crisis returns spotlight to Gulf migrant communities Contract migration schemes make citizenship acquisition nearly impossible for migrant workers in the Gulf, and recent economic and health crises make any imminent changes further unlikely. Legacy: Gulf
Egyptian archaeologists rely on technology to preserve past Prominent Egyptian archaeologist Monica Hanna is using modern technology, including Google tools, to help protect Egypt’s heritage and teach students. Egypt
Iran turns to bonds to solve budget crisis Tehran has chosen to issue domestic bonds to address its expected budget deficit, a policy that promises to have complex impacts on Iran's economy. Iran
IDF instructed to start preparing for possible annexation It is not yet clear if and when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present his annexation plan, but the army has already been instructed to prepare for escalation scenarios. Palestine
