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
Palestinians fear Turkey will drop condition that Israel lift Gaza siege Turkey has long insisted that Israel lift its siege on the Gaza Strip before Turkish-Israeli relations can be normalized, but a recent warming of ties suggests this may change. Palestine
Turkey lobbyists bring Ankara’s war with Gulen to Washington Ankara has hired a British law firm to go after Erdogan’s main rival in his self-imposed US exile. Turkey
Rouhani faces pressure to address crippling smog in Tehran Iranian President Hassan Rouhani continues to take political pressure for being unable to address three weeks of smog that has shut down schools. Iran
Why solving Israel-Palestine conflict is still key for regional stability The West-pragmatic Arab coalition against the Islamic State must realize that a viable Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic peace process has to be part of any regional anti-terrorist strategy. Palestine
Turkey-Israel dialogue works 'miracle' for Istanbul’s Jews Turkey’s Jews hold an unprecedented public celebration of Hanukkah amid renewed efforts to normalize Turkish-Israeli ties. Israel
Palestinian factions rush to denounce Kuntar's assassination Many observers believe Palestinians and Hezbollah both stand to lose more than they would gain if Gaza becomes a scene of retaliation for Samir Kuntar's slaying. Palestine
Are clashes spreading to western Turkey? If pressure on the PKK becomes too intense in the clashes in the southeast, there are signs the group might mobilize its proxies to spread violence to western Turkey. Turkey
Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units warn against 'renewed occupation' by US Iraqi factions, namely the Popular Mobilization Units, reject the presence of US troops on Iraqi soil, as some claim that their presence benefits the Islamic State. Iraq
Likud's first openly gay Knesset member finds mixed reception Amir Ohana, the Likud's first openly gay Knesset member, won't be able to do much to advance LGBT rights in the ruling right-wing coalition, which depends on ultra-Orthodox support. Israel
Why Turkey’s beaches, hard liquor are losing allure among Iranians The deteriorating security situation in eastern Turkey coupled with Ankara's hostile rhetoric toward Iran is decreasing the allure of Turkey's liberal beach resorts among Iranians. Turkey
Will Green Movement haunt Iran’s upcoming elections? The body that vets candidates in Iran says it will review statements made by candidates as part of the contested 2009 elections. Iran
Rivals jockey for control in Egypt’s parliament Egypt's parliamentary election is over, but now the battle begins for control in shaping a new government. Egypt
