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
Erdogan's divisive politics will give him first-round victory Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's fervent ethnic and religious discrimination will enable him to win in the first round of Turkey's presidential election. Turkey
Israeli media wakes up to Gaza destruction, criticism With the war nearing its end, Israeli media features the destruction of Gaza, not only in numbers but in images, exposing the Israeli public to the suffering of the Palestinians and to harsh criticism voiced by European leaders. Palestine
Moscow sees opportunity in Iraq instability Moscow is continuing arms sales to Iraq and pursuing a policy that may allow it to weaken US influence in the country. Iraq
Feeling heat, Maliki warns Sistani against opposing third term Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani hinted at Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s intention to seek a third term, saying that Iraqi officials should not cling to their positions in power. Iraq
Gaza war brings Hamas, Hezbollah closer The war on Gaza offers an opportunity to renegotiate the strategic relationship between Hamas and Hezbollah, whose relationship has been severed over the past three years, providing major obstacles can be overcome. Qatar
Knesset to investigate Gaza operation In an interview with Al-Monitor, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Zeev Elkin explains his decision to open an inquiry of the Gaza operation, in spite of objections from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Israel prepares for an international legal assault Israel prepares to face the UN Commission and the private complaints that might be submitted against it in the aftermath of the Gaza incursion, compiling a "defense dossier" with the footage it gathered through the operation days and even testimonies of foreign journalists who covered Gaza. Palestine
Libyan presidential candidate makes campaign stop in DC Officials meeting on the sidelines of an Africa summit in Washington discuss the deteriorating security situation in Libya, while a Libyan businessman networks to run for president back home. Libya
First Turkish film to show Armenian genocide wins harsh reception A film by German-Turkish director Fatih Akin on the Armenian genocide is under attack in Turkey even before its release. Turkey
Poor Israelis suffer from war, support it anyway In the Israeli paradox, those suffering from economic insecurity support the parties that promise to stand firm against security threats, while actually contributing to social inequality. Palestine
Najaf takes in Christians displaced by Islamic State The religious authorities in Najaf and Karbala showed their support to displaced minorities, notably Christians from Mosul, and expressed their readiness to offer their help. Iraq
Rouhani announces new guild for Iran journalists Iran's president has announced plans to open a new guild for journalists, sidestepping the issue of the closure of the previous professional association. Iran
