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
Will Beirut bombing spur Lebanon into finding a new president? The attacks in Beirut have opened a window for consensus, and it is likely that presidential hopefuls Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea will stand aside to make room for a third, less divisive candidate. Lebanon
Veiled women detained, handcuffed spark public outcry in Turkey The latest controversy in Turkish society places people either in favor of or against the Justice and Development Party, in the ongoing fight of the "parallel state." Turkey
Why cemetery-dwelling Gazans fear the living, not the dead A cemetery in central Gaza City is home to dozens of families, who receive only minimal aid from the Ministry of Social Affairs. Palestine
How Iraq just legalized discrimination of minorities A new National Identity Card Law passed by the Iraqi parliament legalizes discrimination against non-Muslim minorities. Iraq
How banning Islamic Movement betrays Israel's democracy The government's decision to outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement tramples numerous principles inherent to a democratic society. Palestine
Are the attacks in Paris connected with attacks in Israel? The Israeli right is claiming that Israel and France are fighting against the same kind of terrorism motivated by religious fundamentalism. Israel
Will Iran pursue high-cost strategy in Syria? A previously unpublished speech by an Iranian general who was killed in Syria may reveal efforts to justify Iran's growing involvement in Syria. Syria
Is it time for China to step up its engagement in the Middle East? It is time for China to capitalize on its position as the only great power with good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia to facilitate regional engagement. Saudi Arabia
In the battle against IS, where is the Arab coalition? Arab countries claiming their opposition against the Islamic State have stood down in their battle against the self-proclaimed "Caliph Ibrahim," creating a political void in the coalition. Saudi Arabia
Some in Turkey still balk at EU's 'indecent proposal' What's the real value of the EU's offer to pay Turkey 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion), ease visa restrictions and expedite accession negotiations in return for keeping refugees from entering Europe? Turkey
What's the difference between habbeh and intifada? Palestinian media and politicians have yet to agree on the terminology of the ongoing events in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Palestine
How outlawing the Islamic Movement could backfire on Israel The decision to outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel might actually strengthen its status among Palestinians there. Palestine
