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
Iraq halts oil exports to Iran as new US sanctions begin Iraq has announced that it will stop the export of oil to Iran from Kirkuk fields to abide by the new wave of US sanction on Iran imposed Nov. 5. Iraq
The second assassination of Yitzhak Rabin Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates encouraged and benefited from the incitement that led to the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, but are now portraying themselves as the real victims. Palestine
US gives Iraqis an out on Iran sanctions Although Iraq continues to accuse Washington of meddling in its internal affairs, both countries have made concessions on Iran sanctions. Iraq
Why Erdogan is unhappy with return of nationalist student oath After the Turkish judiciary announced it would be bringing back a nationalist school oath done away with in 2013, President Erdogan has seized on the opportunity to benefit him in several political battles. Turkey
Turks spooked as government's inflation efforts fall flat Inflation has hit a new recent high of 25% in Turkey and the president's son-in-law and finance minister is struggling to convince the public his anti-inflation plan is getting anywhere. Turkey
Iran to fight US sanctions but will leave door open for talks Iranian officials are striking a defiant tone as US sanctions are reimposed on Iran, but they aren't closing the door to future talks with the United States. United States
Woman tapped as head of Presidential Diwan in Tunisia A woman has been appointed as head of the Presidential Diwan for the first time since Tunisia’s 1956 independence. Tunisia
Will Oman broker Israeli-Palestinian peace talks? The Sultanate of Oman has been making the headlines by receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, followed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising speculation about an Omani mediation to advance the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. Oman
Saudi Arabia ignores Trump administration on Yemen US officials have called for confidence-building measures leading up to peace talks for Yemen, but the Saudis don't seem to be listening. Saudi Arabia
Is Bibi’s restraint on Gaza a sea change, or last act before war? Israeli prime minister, for now, claims “no interest” in toppling Hamas. Palestine
US to exempt eight nations from Iran sanctions snapback US sanctions on Iran's oil exports go into effect Nov. 5, though the United States has issued sanctions waivers for eight unidentified countries. United States
Khashoggi crisis boosts Iran but could complicate ties with Turkey While the outcry over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has weakened Saudi Arabia, Iran’s chief Arab rival, the prospect of Turkey emerging as a victor may complicate the regional landscape. Turkey
