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
Egypt extends state of emergency for ninth time Egypt has been under a state of emergency for about 2½ years now, and some experts say this goes against the Egyptian Constitution. Egypt
Palestinian Authority looks to cryptocurrency to scrap shekel Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh believes the Palestinian economy's future lies in encrypted digital currency, though there are plenty of pitfalls. Palestine
Would Israel’s left succeed in uniting ahead of elections? The left-wing Meretz and Labor parties know that running on one ticket could garner more votes, but have failed so far to reach an agreement. Israel
PM Shtayyeh discovers genuine love for Palestine in Iraq The state visit by a Palestinian delegation headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to Iraq appears to have produced a number of economic and political breakthroughs that will contribute to Palestinian economic independence. Palestine
Can Russia, the US find new basis for cooperation in Syria? A US-Russian quid pro quo in Syria may still be possible if the parties get down to the nitty-gritty of their respective interests in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: US boots Turkey from F-35 program after Russian arms deal The Donald Trump administration said today it would formally kick Turkey out of the F-35 program after Ankara took delivery of a Russian air defense system that could threaten the American fighter’s stealth capabilities. Turkey
Israel and Hamas agree: Gaza to soon get new hospital Israel and Hamas are on the same page for a change, with the two agreeing on the erection of a field hospital near the Erez crossing to enable international medical teams to help address some of the health care problems plaguing Gaza residents. Qatar
What is behind Likud mayors’ secular moves? Are the secular initiatives — operating buses on the Sabbath — by the mayors of Ramat Gan and Modi'in, both from the Likud, meant to neutralize Avigdor Liberman’s claim that the Likud is bowing to the ultra-Orthodox? Israel
Gunmen kill Turkish diplomat in Erbil A restaurant shooting that left a Turkish diplomat and an Iraqi civilian dead has regional leaders rushing to Erbil to manage the fallout. Iraq
Iran says missiles remain 'nonnegotiable' and vows more nuclear deal breaches Iran has dismissed US claims that it is ready to negotiate its controversial missile program, as the country's supreme leader defiantly says more nuclear deal commitments will be breached. United States
Hamas set to counter Israel’s systematic campaigns The Hamas movement abroad has announced its intention to develop a plan aimed at countering Israel’s systematic campaigns that are affecting the movement at several levels. Legacy: Gulf
Improved Turkish-Chinese ties come at a cost to Uighurs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rhetoric on protecting Uighurs' human rights has become subdued as he attempts to lure Chinese investment and other funds to Turkey. Turkey
