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
Iran official cites 'intense disagreements' between Iran, P5+1 As nuclear negotiations resume, the spokesman for Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has revealed that major differences remain between Iran and the P5+1. Iran
Lebanon approaches presidential deadline If Lebanon’s parliament fails to elect a president by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of midnight on May 24, the ensuing vacuum could further exacerbate the already tense situation in the country. Lebanon
Would PUK cut separate deal with Maliki? The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) did well in the Iraqi national elections, and may be flirting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to strengthen its hand in Iraqi Kurdish politics. Iraq
Hamas, Fatah near deadline on new government Negotiations to form a Palestinian unity government are continuing, but hurdles remain as the deadline approaches fast. Palestine
Likud leaders claim Netanyahu blocks settlements Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu freezes construction in settlement blocs, hoping to keep the diplomatic process underway — not for the sake of reaching an agreement — and reduce international pressure. Palestine
Turkey locked in regional rivalry with Iran, Saudi Arabia Differences over Egypt and Syria are far from resolved, despite some feints at strengthening regional cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian graffiti artists protest Sisi Renowned Egyptian graffiti artist Ganzeer has protested military rule on the walls of the streets of Cairo, drawing attacks from media supporting military leader and presidential candidate Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Israel adjusts to Syrian insurgents on Golan border Israel is assessing the consequences and contingencies for dealing with Syrian insurgents on its northern border and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's holding on to power. Israel
Sistani keeps distance from Iraqi election politics Although there have been attempts to embroil Iraqi cleric Ali al-Sistani in the country’s ongoing political disputes, he has continued to stress his non-involvement in these issues. Iraq
Iran military warns against 'baseless' criticism of Rouhani The Iranian armed forces’ chief of staff, who reports directly to the supreme leader, has threatened to “confront” conservative Iranian media outlets that target the administration. Iran
Are Greeks returning to Turkey? Ankara’s softening minority policies have encouraged several Greek families to return to their native lands in Turkey, but a genuine reconciliation requires farther-reaching steps. Turkey
Sabahi offers alternative for Egypt While Hamdeen Sabahi is unlikely to win Egypt’s presidential election against Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Sabahi could still surprise, and his postelection decisions will influence the direction of Egyptian politics. Egypt
