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
Journalist killings in Egypt remain unresolved A year after his death last December, justice may yet come for Egyptian reporter Al-Hosseiny Abou Deif as deposed President Mohammed Morsi faces trial for the 2012 killing of protesters. Egypt
Demand for women-only buses in Istanbul Demands for women-only buses indicate a deeper debate about Islamization of Turkish public space. Turkey
Syrian events continue to develop in Geneva, Ghouta Though the battles taking place in both places take different forms, the events going on in Ghouta and Geneva will bear significantly on the near future of the conflict. Iraq
Turkey and EU attempt to re-energize ties Despite their half-century of hot-and-cold relations, Ankara and the European Union are trying to mend fences for Turkey's EU membership bid. Turkey
Egypt bids farewell to Fagoumi, the 'poet of the people' Egyptians mourned the death on Dec. 3 of renowned poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, whose work inspired generations of revolutionary activists. Egypt
Syrian FSA fades in shadow of Saudi-backed opposition front This week, the United States and the United Kingdom suspended nonlethal aid to the Syrian opposition, fearing equipment could fall into the wrong hands. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani’s first budget reflects realism, discipline Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s budget submission to the parliament implies hope for sanctions relief and private sector investment. Iran
Kerry, evangelist of Israeli security and Palestinian peace Secretary of State John Kerry employs all the US expertise to first resolve the security problem between Israelis and Palestinians, hoping that such a compromise will allow discussion of the core issues. Palestine
Suleiman: Parliament should not boycott presidential election Lebanese President Michel Suleiman criticized Hezbollah for going to fight in Syria and called for fixing some of the constitution’s flaws. Palestine
Abu Zaida calls on Abu Mazen to hold elections Despite the gunshots fired at his car and threats on his life, Fatah official Sufian Abu Zaida continues to demand that democratic elections be held in the Palestinian Authority: “Nothing will stop me from expressing my views.” Palestine
Israelis witness Lapid change course, back peace talks Yesh Atid Chairman and Minister of Finance Yair Lapid has changed course, openly supporting the talks with the Palestinians, but his statements must be followed by deeds. Palestine
Egypt’s 'Rocca the giraffe syndrome' Like the giraffe that died in the Giza Zoo last week, Egyptian political forces seem to be knocking their heads against the wall. Egypt
