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
Theater returns to Aleppo amid war Locals in rebel-held Aleppo defied air raids and artillery shells to see the first play to be held in the area since the Syrian uprising began. Syria
Erbil, Baghdad strengthen ties in face of Islamic State As the Islamic State continues its relentless campaign in Iraq and Syria, the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government are realizing the benefits of cooperation and compromise. Iraq
Route to Mecca shortened for Arab Israelis Arab-Israeli pilgrims can now fly from Israel via Jordan to Mecca, without a long and expensive stopover in Amman. Israel
Despite diplomatic stalemate, Livni clings to her seat Despite being a strong public advocate for peace, Tzipi Livni remains a member of an Israeli government hostile to the diplomatic process with the Palestinians. Palestine
Iran minister: WhatsApp, Viber shutdown won't solve problem Iran's Communication Minister Mahmoud Vaezi, in response to the judiciary's request to shut down WhatsApp, Viber and Tango, said it would not solve the issue at hand. Iran
Israel should create 'Marshall Plan' for Gaza Israel should seek a regional alliance — supported by the European Union, Russia, United Nations and United States — to enable the creation of a Palestinian state and peace between Israel and most neighboring countries, and form a strong axis to fight radical Islam. Palestine
Abbas destroyed hopes of Israel's peace camp Accusing Israel of "genocide" would not prompt the UN to grant President Mahmoud Abbas a Palestinian state on a silver platter, but it did destroy whatever was still left of the bridge between the two people. Palestine
Secular Turkey to build an 'International Islamic University' Turkey’s International Islamic University could be a meaningful contribution to the Islamic world, but only if it is not dominated by the ultra-conservative school of jurisprudence and theology. Turkey
Banks remain fearful of US-approved transfers to Iran An Iranian-American doctor tells Al-Monitor that his charity’s efforts to send money to Iran for an orphanage led to his US bank account being closed. Iran
IDF chief of staff speaks out on IS, Syria, Iran Chief of Staff Benny Gantz does not exclude the possibility that in the future, Israel will have to deal with the Islamic State, saying, "If they would take us on, they would fail." Israel
Iran official says satellite jamming can cause cancer An Iranian official has said that the practice of jamming satellites can cause cancer and recommended that Iran's jamming efforts be eliminated. Iran
Shas Party is losing its electoral base The battle between current Shas leader Aryeh Deri and former Chairman Eli Yishai will surely affect voters, who might prefer other parties over Shas. Israel
