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
France promotes regional framework for Mideast conflict French President François Hollande has decided to promote an initiative to convene an international Middle East peace conference out of concern that the current political stalemate might lead to further escalation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Palestine
Kerry calls Iran airstrikes on Islamic State 'positive' Iran takes action against the Islamic State in Iraq; Obama administration cautious on Turkish buffer zone proposal; Turkey’s border under scrutiny; Russia’s diplomatic surge; Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman says "courageous" peace plan offers "painful concessions." Israel
Turkey and the politics of coal The Turkish government distributed 17 million tons of free coal to the needy, which was widely seen as an election bribe. Turkey
Low turnout expected in Israeli elections The 2013 Israeli government promised reforms in education, transport, housing prices and cost of living, but the early elections set for March 17 have cut short the formulation of these reforms, disappointing large parts of the public. Israel
Oil deal a sign of hope between Baghdad, Erbil An oil agreement signed by the Iraqi and Kurdish governments over the management of oil proceeds could be a new step in the normalization of relations between them. Iraq
Concern grows over Abbas’ autocratic tendencies Several Fatah figures are worried that President Mahmoud Abbas is overstepping his authority and trying to impose his rule over the legislative and judicial branches. Palestine
Iran considers ending death penalty for drug offenses Iranian judicial officials have once again stated publicly that the country's criminal prosecution and punishment of drug-related crime need to be reformed. Iran
Turkey’s war in Libya The Turkish government denies that it is taking sides in Libya, between the governments in Tobruk and Tripoli. Turkey
Hamas wants to extend unity government but with conditions Hamas wants changes for the unity government as its six-month term has come to an end, criticizing President Mahmoud Abbas for failing to address Gaza’s woes. Palestine
Ahead of elections, Lapid rebukes Netanyahu on US tensions Elections in Israel are usually decided over issues such as security, the economy or the personalities of the candidates, but this time it seems as if the serious crisis between the United States and Israel will be part of the agenda. Israel
Russian envoy helps advance Iranian nuclear deal Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has played a highly constructive role in helping to advance an Iran nuclear deal despite tensions between the Kremlin and the West. Russia
Egyptian politicians accuse US of violating rights in Ferguson Egyptian authorities are calling for an investigation into the US' alleged violation of the right to peaceful protest, when US police forces used excessive force against demonstrators in the city of Ferguson, Mo. Egypt
