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 Jordan agree to set up a 'safe zone' on Syrian border? Jordan is considering the option of establishing a safe zone along its border with Syria, amid lack of US support for Turkey’s attempts to do the same on its southern border. Jordan
Will US sanctions disrupt Iran-Russia economic ties? Washington’s concerns about Russian actions, including its relations with Iran, and Moscow’s diminishing interest in accommodating them seem set to heighten competition and tensions in the Middle East. Russia
IRGC head warns Rouhani President Hassan Rouhani drew the ire of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for criticizing the Guardian Council's role in approving candidates for the elections. Iran
Moroccan cartoonists fight for their right to express themselves It doesn’t seem like Morocco is the perfect place to be for daring caricaturists and satirical writers, but despite restrictions, some are still fighting for freedom of expression. Morocco
Beirut close to striking deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for release of servicemen A source confirmed to Al-Monitor that Lebanon might be holding negotiations with al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra over the possible release of Lebanese prisoners in exchange for financial compensation. Lebanon
Sisi left without a prayer in Egyptian mosques The Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments has prohibited praying for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in mosques. Egypt
US plays politics with Patriot missile removal Patriot batteries deployed in Turkey against possible air and missile threats from Syria are being withdrawn in controversy. Syria
After Israeli settlers left, these Gazans planted more than eggplants Since Israeli settlers withdrew in 2005 from south Gaza, the Palestinian government allowed investments in these lands that turned into crops that generate considerable profit despite the water crisis. Palestine
XXX trumps IS as Iraqi lawmakers focus on eradicating Internet porn A number of Iraqi parliamentarians recently signed a draft bill to block pornographic sites in the country, an effort some call a narrow approach to a complex issue. Iraq
Abbas must accept Gaza, West Bank will not unite A long-term truce between Israel and Hamas could perpetuate Gaza's separation from the West Bank, but that might be the price of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians toward a future comprehensive agreement. Palestine
Israel's natural gas cartel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adamance in pursuing a deal for exploiting Israel's natural gas, despite it being roundly criticized by regulators, appears to have tentacles to casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and the US-Israel Business Initiative. Israel
Netanyahu playing chess, not checkers on Iran deal Behind closed doors, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concedes that he can't muster the required congressional majority to override a presidential veto on the Iranian nuclear deal and is therefore aiming for a "resounding moral majority." Israel
