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
Syrian opposition defends eastern Ghouta situation In an interview, Jaish al-Islam spokesman Capt. Islam Alloush told Al-Monitor that the group is confident its goals will be achieved in besieged eastern Ghouta as it is transforming its "militia into a real army." Syria
Jordanians protest Israeli gas deal Jordanians continue to oppose the natural gas deal struck with Israel, arguing that it threatens the country’s economic and political independence. Israel
Reformist media welcomes rare appearance of Hajjarian The presence of Saeed Hajjarian, the main Reformist theoretician, has energized Reformist media. Iran
Turkey restricts academic research on Syrian refugees Turkey's Interior Ministry now requires academics to get prior approval before conducting research on the country's 2 million Syrian refugees. Syria
Netanyahu caves, hands Elkin Jerusalem portfolio After assigning the Strategic Affairs portfolio to Gilad Erdan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compensated Immigration and Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin by handing him the delicate Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs. Israel
Netanyahu zigzags on two-state solution Throughout his political career, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has battled the 1993 Oslo Accord, backed it, objected to the two-state solution and then supported it again. Palestine
What's behind Taliban's trip to Tehran? A visit to Tehran by a Taliban delegation has sparked wild speculation, especially since administration officials were unable to confirm the event. Iran
Lebanon hopes for return of kidnapped soldiers As Lebanese media outlets report a deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for the release of 16 Lebanese soldiers kidnapped during the battle of Arsal in August, questions remain about support for the terrorist organization in Lebanese territory. Lebanon
No promises in Netanyahu's offer to negotiate settlement annexation The Israeli prime minister’s overtures to discuss settlements to be annexed to Israel under a peace agreement is an effort to legitimize the settlements in the guise of a concession without making any commitments to the Palestinians. Palestine
Egypt’s disabled seek fair representation in parliament In accordance with the 2014 constitution, the disabled in Egypt are granted representation in parliament, which the Egyptian movement to empower people with disabilities is seeking to achieve through its We love Egypt list. Egypt
Hamas struggling with emerging Islamist parties Hamas has allowed some Salafist organizations to openly carry out their activities while trying to shut down others. Palestine
Israel's realpolitik embraces regional extremes Israeli President Reuven Rivlin warmly eulogized the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, perpetuating Israel's approach to its neighbors that is based on common interest and alliances, not moral standards. Saudi Arabia
