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
Hakim calls for return of Iraq's National Alliance The leader of the Iraq Citizen Coalition is calling for a renewed National Alliance among Iraq's Shiite political parties. Iraq
Iran news publications suspended over bail reports The Reformist newspaper Ghanoon and conservative news site Dana have both been suspended by the Tehran judiciary, likely for reporting on the enormous bail set for a government official. Iran
McCain calls Homs a ‘huge victory’ for Assad Senator’s comment comes as Syrian opposition leaders seek congressional allies in their bid for more weapons. Syria
Aleppo's rebel fighters disillusioned with war Rebel fighters in Aleppo look to Homs as a potential model for a cease-fire to end the war in the city. Syria
Peres says Netanyahu 'stopped' peace talks in 2011 On the eve of his departure from office, President Shimon Peres has revealed that three years ago, he brokered an agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, only to be rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Sunnis, Kurds vie for Iraqi presidency Although the post of president in Iraq has been held by a Kurdish politician, Jalal Talabani, since 2005, there are reports that some Sunni politicians may be looking to assume the post. Iraq
Turkey’s currency prepares for a fall After years of efforts to keep its currency valuable, Turkey’s government seems to be shifting to a cheaper lira policy in an attempt to boost exports and reduce the country’s gaping current account deficit. Turkey
Netanyahu campaigning early for next term Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues his assault on the left. Palestine
State Dept. rejects Davutoglu’s denial of media watchdog report While the Freedom House report was expected to cause a stir, the statements by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stand out, eliciting a rebuke from the State Department. Turkey
Iran’s former intelligence minister discusses clash with Ahmadinejad Former Iranian Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi has commented on his near-firing by former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a conflict that revealed deep divisions between Iran’s conservatives. Iran
Attacks on Lebanese patriarch’s Jerusalem visit unjustified Media attacks against Lebanon Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai’s upcoming visit to Jerusalem are based on an antiquated logic, and may be aimed at diverting attention from other issues. Lebanon
Egyptian women scared to speak out against sexual harassment Sexual harassment leads all crimes against Egyptian women, and experts say it is abetted by toothless laws, lax enforcement and societal acceptance of the phenomenon. Egypt
