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 dismisses US threat about buying Russian S-400 air defense system Turkey does not appear to be budging from its purchase of S-400 air-defense missiles from Russia despite US threats to cancel delivery of F-35 jets Turkey has ordered. Turkey
US struggles to get European troops for Syria European allies are wary of committing troops for a Syria mission when the Donald Trump administration has given conflicting signals about its engagement in Syria. Syria
Iran spy services claim infiltration of foreign-based opposition in new series Iran's state broadcaster is airing a documentary series to show off the country’s intelligence services’ infiltration of the foreign-based opposition. Iran
Why artists are speaking up against ‘dirty money’ in Iranian cinema The increasing emergence of “dirty money” in Iranian cinema has sparked an outcry among artists, producers and directors, who are urging action to stop the phenomenon from ruining the industry. Iran
US government no longer excludes MEK as leadership option for Iran The group, once on a State Department list of terrorist organizations, has influential supporters in the Donald Trump administration. United States
As Iran mulls joining financial watchdog, Israel sees win-win situation If Iran joins the FATF anti-money laundering organization, the Islamic Republic might find it harder to fund militant organizations in the region, but if Iran does not join, it may lose what few international banking connections it already has. Israel
Clock winding down on Israel's Bab al-Rahma ultimatum After Palestinians broke open the Bab al-Rahma gate and decided to keep the prayer house open and renovate it, Israel has given them a deadline to close it up again — which isn't expected to happen. Palestine
US diplomats speak out against closure of Palestine mission Several former US diplomats have expressed anger and disappointment over the administration’s decision to merge the mission that handled diplomatic contacts with Palestinians with its new embassy in Jerusalem. Palestine
Kuwait’s steady hand in Gulf affairs Amid disputes among the GCC states and beyond, Kuwait's efforts to bridge regional and international approaches to diplomacy remain vital. Legacy: Gulf
Tobruk parliamentarian explains south Libya's support for Hifter In an interview with Al-Monitor, a member of the Tobruk-based parliament talks about Gen. Khalifa Hifter’s operation to cleanse the south from armed gangs and secure oil fields. Libya
Fatah suspicious after Egypt releases Hamas members The recent release of four Hamas members abducted in Egypt in 2015 raises speculation about the price the movement might have paid for their release. Palestine
Signal jamming promises to rile Palestinian prisoners in Israel Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan's push to jam cellphones in prisons has infuriated Hamas prisoners and security heads warn the move could backfire on Israel. Palestine
