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
UN envoy Mladenov: Absence of political process 'dangerous' In an interview with Al-Monitor, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov stressed the UN's commitment to supporting peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine. Palestine
Why Israelis should pay attention to recent US Supreme Court decision The US Supreme Court's rejection of a petition for a Jerusalem-born American to be registered as born in Israel in his passport should make Israelis realize that the only way to gain international recognition of its capital is a compromise with the Palestinians and therefore an end to the conflict. Palestine
Egypt demolishes Mubarak’s party headquarters The Egyptian government ordered the demolition of the National Democratic Party’s headquarters in the center of Cairo, despite criticism as the building is considered part of Egypt’s architectural history. Egypt
Iraqis demand better security for religious pilgrimages After vandals attacked Sunni properties in Adhamiya, Iraqis are calling for official regulation and organization of religious events to avoid sectarian violence. Iraq
Khomeini's supporters defend extravagant shrine Critics have assailed the apparent lavishness of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's shrine, saying he would have opposed the "palace-like" building. Iran
Iran MP emerges as Instagram rabble-rouser Conservative Iranian parliament member Mehdi Koochakzadeh has taken to Instagram to attack his political rivals, attracting over 2,000 followers in just over a month. Iran
The future of Turkey's Syria policy Election results have made Turkey’s current Syria policy hard to implement. Turkey
Tension rises between Amman, Ramallah Amman and Ramallah are not seeing eye to eye at the level of politics and coordination, threatening national unity in both Jordan and Palestine. Palestine
Why Russia's Mideast agenda doesn't appeal to GCC Both Russia and the Gulf states have pursued divergent foreign policies for years, though some may be ready for an alliance. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanese Christian leaders focus on need for president The visit of the Vatican's envoy to Lebanon coincided with a meeting between the country's top Christian leaders, Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea, who revealed a joint statement that could pave the way for a president to finally be elected. Lebanon
Netanyahu's 'autumn restart' plan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to reduce international pressure during the last 18 months of US President Barack Obama's term and will begin a diplomatic initiative to that end this autumn. Palestine
New Turkish parliament to be more inclusive Following Turkey's general elections on June 7, Armenian, Syriac, Yazidi, Roma, Kurdish, and Alevi deputies are entering parliament, for the first time ever or after an extended absence. Turkey
