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
Turkey-Azerbaijan pipeline offers alternative for Russian gas Ankara hopes the new pipeline, which could also carry Iranian natural gas, will break Russia’s stranglehold on natural gas prices. Turkey
Iran businessman hanged for embezzlement Iran has executed businessman Mehafarid Amri-Khosravi for crimes connected to a $2.7 billion embezzlement scheme, Iran's largest-ever embezzlement case. Iran
US, Iran cannot afford another missed opportunity In his new book, Seyed Hossein Mousavian recounts new details of how the chances for US-Iran engagement after 9/11 and the 2003-2005 nuclear negotiations were wasted, at great cost. Iran
Erdogan’s dictator defense Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, responding to critics who label him a “dictator,” can improve his image by giving up practices that generate criticism. Turkey
Turkey's Erdogan obsession Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's team should see that the hateful "Erdogano-centricity" of which they complain is mostly of Erdogan's making. Turkey
Iran nuclear talks hit snag over sanctions Lifting US sanctions, as called for in the Joint Plan of Action, would eventually require dealing with Hezbollah. Lebanon
What can Lebanon learn from Suleiman's presidency? As Lebanese President Michel Suleiman’s term ends on May 25, his successor should examine the obstacles and successes of his mandate to prepare for the path ahead. Lebanon
Israel-Egypt anti-terrorism cooperation at zenith Israel adapts to a new alliance structure based on common security interests, and in anticipation of a nuclear Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu tries again to derail Rivlin presidency bid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rushed into battle against presidential hopeful and Knesset member Reuven Rivlin, all the while offending other potential presidential hopefuls. Israel
Egypt softens stance on Ethiopian dam Egypt has toned down its rhetoric on Ethiopia’s controversial Renaissance Dam, adopting instead a conciliatory approach with Addis Ababa to resolve the dispute. Egypt
New unity government to review Hamas laws in Gaza After the formation of the Palestinian unity government, all legislation issued after Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip will be reconsidered, as Fatah officials consider them illegal. Palestine
Iraqi higher education continues decline Although Iraq has seen a sharp rise in the number of higher education institutions in recent years, the quality remains poor. Iraq
