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
Turkish appeals court upholds conviction of top Kurdish politician Two weeks after a European rights court calls for Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas' release from prison, a Turkish appeals court confirms his conviction. Turkey
Congress grills incoming Middle East commander on Yemen On the heels of a vote to end support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, senators grilled President Trump’s choice to lead US troops in the Middle East about America’s role in the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Asia buoys Iran as US sanctions hit Iran is still selling considerable quantities of oil to China, Japan, India and South Korea thanks to US waivers and other mechanisms to circumvent sanctions. Iraq
Saudi Arabia's estrangement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman got into the G-20 group photo, but his brand remains very toxic. Saudi Arabia
Iranians question French democracy as protests rage Iranians are keeping a close eye on the ongoing protests in France, lashing out at the government of President Emmanuel Macron for its heavy handed response. Iran
Why Turkey will protect trade with Iran from US sanctions The warming of ties between Iran and Turkey in recent years, coupled with the changing regional landscape, is likely to keep bilateral trade largely impervious to US sanctions. Turkey
Israel tests waters for truce talks with return of Gaza fishing boats Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip have recovered the boats that Israel had confiscated years earlier — but is this development political rather than judicial? Palestine
Turkish doctors say hospital violence out of control Turkey's health care workers have long asked for government action to curb the verbal and physical assaults they too often face at work, but the government’s latest bill does little to help them. Turkey
Jordan, Syria make headway in resuming normal ties The Syrian and Jordanian governments appear to be moving forward with normalizing relations, with the resumption of official visits and talk of cooperation. Jordan
Likud party hostage in Netanyahu’s hands Even after the publication of police recommendations to indict him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not consult with his party seniors, nor did he involve them in his intentions. Israel
Israeli bill to end civil administration part of annexation scheme A proposed bill would close the Israel's civil administration in a bid to advance the gradual annexation of the West Bank. Palestine
