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 vs. Gulen: Who has God on his side? Political secularism may be the best path to moderation. Turkey
Russia, Iran set stage for Geneva II; Turkey’s slow turnaround on Syria Russian and Iranian diplomacy have helped shape the Geneva II agenda to include a cease-fire, humanitarian relief and counterterrorism in Syria. Syria
Lifestyles of Israel's rich and rabbinical The revelations on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tax haven account are overshadowed by a bribe scandal involving top police officers, Rabbi Pinto and an American politician. Israel
Russia plays the Iran card Moscow believes that Iran's role in the Middle East will only become more prominent in the future, prompting it to further boost relations at the expense of US regional influence. Syria
Israel debates legality of 'Nazi' A new bill prohibiting the inappropriate use of the word "Nazi" brings into Israeli public debate the limits of free speech in a country dedicated to spreading the lessons of the Holocaust. Israel
Egyptian intellectuals call for fresh thinking about 'Jewish question' Writer Youssef Zeidan, with other Egyptian intellectuals, criticizes the institutionalized demonization of Jews and of Israel, calling to mend the relations between the two peoples, since this fracture affects Egypt first and foremost. Egypt
Dahlan works Palestinian street to prepare comeback Exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan prepares for the day when negotiations with the Israelis fail, and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will be forced to vacate his seat and step down. Palestine
Iran’s tourism industry struggles to meet growing demand While Iranian officials have stated they plan to grow Iran's tourism industry, challenges such as investment, visa requirements and cultural issues must be addressed. Turkey
Iranian scholar: nuclear deal key to domestic reforms In an exclusive interview, Tehran University professor Zibakalam tells Al-Monitor that President Hassan Rouhani has correctly judged that resolving the nuclear crisis will give his administration the opportunity to pursue domestic reforms. Iran
Syrian government introduces Kurdish in universities The Syrian regime has offered another carrot to the Kurdish minority: the Kurdish language as a university course. Syria
Battle for Nazareth mayor a loser for Christian-Muslim relations Ever since local elections in Nazareth three months ago, a fierce legal battle has been taking place between the Muslim candidate and his friend, the incumbent Christian mayor, over the latter's seat. Israel
Egypt threatens Hamas rule Hamas has managed to survive and even become stronger while facing years of economic pressure from Israel, but now it must cope with Cairo's ambitions to topple it. Palestine
