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
When conflict arises, these Iraqis go to the madeef Madeefs have become a popular alternative to the traditional legal system in Iraq, with Iraqis seeking the assistance of tribes to settle disputes and conflicts. Iraq
State Department nominees face grilling over Iran deal Congressional angst over the JCPOA could spell trouble for diplomatic nominations. Congress
Iran enters Syria talks without preconditions Iranian officials have entered the negotiations to find a political solution to the Syrian civil war though they will not accept conditions for President Bashar al-Assad's removal. Syria
Israeli politicians wary of being shocked by electricity union Even with the mass power breaks following the flash floods this week, Israeli politicians didn't dare confront the mighty electricity labor union. Israel
Is Abadi key to resolving Kurdish conflict? As the political divide and violent protests worsen in Iraqi Kurdistan, will Baghdad be able to keep the situation under control through peaceful means? Iraq
Turkey's peace pipe to Cyprus The water pipeline slated to reunify Cyprus faces strong opposition on environmental, cultural and political fronts from both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Turkey
Congress muted ahead of Turkish elections The US is largely staying silent ahead of this weekend's controversial snap poll. Turkey
On eve of Syria peace talks, Saudi Arabia questions Russian, Iranian intentions The United States welcomed the decision by Iran’s foreign minister to attend international talks on trying to end the Syrian war, while Saudi Arabia remained cautious. Syria
Why are Iran’s environmental workers protesting? Employees of Iran's Environmental Protection Organization are protesting corruption, negligent budget management and low wages. Iran
Is Turkey setting a Kurdish trap? In the lead-up to Turkey's Nov. 1 parliamentary elections, skeptics of the government are wondering if Ankara will resort to something "extreme" in Syria. Syria
Israel goes back to business as usual in post-Iran deal era The visit of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon this week to Washington and the upcoming visit there of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will both focus on Israeli demands for US military support. Israel
Russia puts brakes on Turkey's truck traffic Moscow responds to Ankara’s threats to cancel natural gas and nuclear power station contracts by closing its borders to Turkish trucks. Syria
