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 a 'political war zone' on eve of elections Turkey's leaders look to Syria as a distraction from the latest domestic political crisis; the US Congress considers new sanctions on Hezbollah; Al-Monitor expands coverage of Russia and the Middle East. Syria
Netanyahu and Abbas are not Begin and Sadat Documents released from Israel's State Archives this week on the Israel-Egypt peace negotiations reveal the commitment of both leaders to achieve such an agreement, unlike current negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Palestine
Iraqi judiciary accused of bias, failure Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is accused of using the judiciary to fight his political opponents. Iraq
Tourism is Lebanon’s biggest missed opportunity A new report highlights the wasted potential of the tourism sector in Lebanon. Lebanon
Olmert soap opera tries Israeli judicial system Charges against former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and a complaint of sexual harassment against Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom emphasize the freedom of the Israeli legal system to act. Israel
Is Turkish-Israeli reconciliation back on track? The shifting regional picture may be forcing Israel and Turkey to rebuild ties, but only after Turkey’s elections on March 30. Israel
Foreign journalists accuse Hamas of SMS threats Hamas officials deny they had anything to do with the messages allegedly sent by the party's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Palestine
Secrets of the Israeli treasury In an interview with Al-Monitor, Knesset member Stav Shaffir of the Labor Party reveals the treasury’s concealed budget transfers to the settlements, but her Google generation isn’t fooled by lack of government transparency. Palestine
Low turnout at Hamas rally sign of declining support? A lower-than-expected turnout at the anniversary of the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has added to speculation about its declining popularity. Palestine
Archive Upfront from Mar 27, 2014 Syrian Kurds, rebels find common enemy in ISIS Bitter enemies less than a year ago, the Kurdish Democratic Union Party and the Free Syrian Army are cooperating to fight the extremist Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham. Syria
Iraq-Saudi ties need strategic context While Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorist groups, Baghdad should instead work on establishing effective channels of communication to cooperate in anti-terror efforts. Saudi Arabia
The incitement paradox While Israel complains about Palestinian incitement, the political class pays tribute to IDF warrior Meir Har-Zion, omitting mention of his responsibility for the death of four Bedouin youths in 1955. Palestine
