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
Khamenei adviser slams US over Fordow Iranian officials have said that the United States has gone back on its statements regarding the underground enrichment facility of Fordow. Iran
Morocco’s Amazighs still feel marginalized It has been four years since the Amazigh language was officially recognized by the Moroccan Constitution, but there is still no law in place to guarantee the cultural minority’s rights. Morocco
Egyptian atheists launch web video series An Egyptian couple regularly transform their bedroom into a studio to produce an online TV program on atheism. Egypt
NATO taps Turkey to counter Russian threat Turkey recently hosted a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, who discussed efforts to transform the organization into a highly maneuverable body that can rapidly intervene in crises with the support of regional alliances. Turkey
Will US endorse French UN resolution on Palestinian statehood? In view of the composition of the new Israeli government and its policies, France could replace the United States in leading the efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, by advancing a UN resolution on Palestinian statehood. Palestine
The story behind Palestine's canonized nuns The Vatican has lifted Palestinian spirits with its recognition of the state of Palestine, canonization of two Palestinian nuns and reference to President Mahmoud Abbas as an “angel of peace.” Palestine
How Morsi matters in Turkish politics Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is convinced that the forces that toppled former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi would have toppled him as well, had he not stood his ground against them. Egypt
Obama, GCC leaders forge consensus on Iran Summit statement concludes that a “comprehensive, verifiable” nuclear deal “is in the security interests” of all parties; Kerry emphasizes need for US-Russia cooperation on Syria. Legacy: Gulf
Washington fetes Tunis A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 18. Tunisia
Congress sends mixed messages on toppling Assad The House passed a defense bill with contradictory guidance for assistance to the Syrian rebels. Syria
Are tribes in Sinai really unifying against terrorism? Egyptian media are rushing to claim that tribes in Sinai are fighting terrorism, but the news seems to be premature. Egypt
Iranian dissident praises Rouhani's health care reform Dr. Mehdi Khazali, an Iranian political dissident, says that health care reform is the one place that the Hassan Rouhani administration has made improvements. Iran
