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
Does nationality bill threaten Israeli democracy? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Israeli Democracy Institute President Yohanan Plesner argues that the proposed nationality bill would project the image of a state where democratic values are eroded and non-Jewish citizens are not seen as equal to Jewish ones. Israel
Lebanese officials file lawsuit against the state Six Lebanese nationals, including former and current deputies, filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing successive governments of illegally collecting and spending funds in the absence of a clear, lawful budget. Lebanon
Iran leader: Nuclear issue won’t bring Iran to its knees Reactions have been mixed inside Iran to the announced extension of the nuclear talks as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains defiant. Iran
As Syrian army closes in, Douma residents turn against rebels Douma’s residents protested against Jaish al-Islam for monopolizing food supplies to the Damascene suburb, while Syrian government forces edge closer to retaking the rebel stronghold. Syria
Turkish government, military at odds over Gulenists Turkey’s military is back in the headlines, but this time as an “injured party,” defending itself against allegations of Gulenist soldiers in its ranks. Turkey
Netanyahu unpopular, but still alone at top Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provoked a coalition crisis this week, signaling that though normally he shies away from elections, with his sinking popularity, his best bet might be running to the voting booth now. Israel
Egypt debates health care reform New legislation has been proposed to revamp Egypt’s outdated and ill-functioning health insurance system and cover all Egyptians under one universal insurance umbrella. Egypt
Israeli mayor responds to racism charge In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni argues that the decision to halt work by Arab Israeli construction workers in his city was intended only to allay tensions, saying, "I believe that Arab Israelis are part of us." Israel
Iran talks: Obama’s legacy, Netanyahu’s failure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's focus this week on a coalition crisis and not on the nuclear talks in Vienna indicates the loss of his influence as much as the lack of US interest in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, now that Iran talks with the United States. Israel
Russia's Middle East policy after the G-20 summit Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ever skeptical of US intentions, elaborates on Russia's policies in the Middle East — and risks alienating the West. Palestine
How rumors hurt the Palestinian cause Publishing rumors about the death of a Palestinian bus driver is damaging the credibility of the Palestinian press, delegitimizing the legitimate claims of the Palestinian people and fanning the flames of hatred. Palestine
EU, US discuss options for renewing Mideast talks The European Union and the United States are elaborating three options to revive the peace process: renewing talks on the basis of latest understandings, an international conference or a unilateral American statement on a framework agreement. Palestine
