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’s passion for Jerusalem does little for Palestinians Despite the frequent and lofty promises by Turkish officials, major steps that would seriously contribute to the Palestinian economy hinge on Turkey’s attention to sensitive points in its relations with Israel. Palestine
Will Erdogan acquiesce to ally’s amnesty pressure? Turkey’s Nationalist Action Party is likely to use its kingmaker’s position in parliament to press for a comprehensive amnesty, a proposal the government has so far dismissed. Turkey
Turkish opposition bickers over defeat as Erdogan sends out inauguration invites President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will assume a vastly empowered presidency on Monday when he takes his oath of office while the opposition is still trading blame over its loss, setting off leadership challenges and fracturing alliances. Turkey
How a Turkish translator landed in court on terror charges A Turkish translator risks a jail sentence on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda simply for translating news reports on Twitter. Turkey
Iranian media claim MEK member behind Paris terror plot Iran says the couple arrested in Belgium for an alleged bomb plot are members of the group they were attempting to bomb. Iran
5 reasons Rouhani’s rivals want him to stay put Despite loud calls for President Hassan Rouhani’s resignation, Iranian conservatives are unlikely to genuinely seek his ouster. Iran
Russia, Jordan discuss Syria in run-up to Trump-Putin summit A visit by Jordan's foreign minister to Moscow comes as one link in a chain of Russia's recent consultations with key regional players on the state of affairs in Syria. Syria
Palestinian leaders underwhelmed by Israeli port plan Israel is floating a plan to set up a seaport in Cyprus to ease Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, but neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority has any praise for the proposal. Palestine
Egyptians debate efforts to bring back Mubarak's billions Egyptians are divided over whether former officials should be offered the chance to pay back looted funds in exchange for dropped charges as authorities work to bring back the estimated billions of dollars smuggled abroad during the reign of former President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt
Cairo creates Sahel-Saharan anti-terror center Egypt is ready to open its new anti-terrorism center in Cairo for a network of African states (CEN-SAD) to support and coordinate counterterrorism efforts and bolster security, economic and political ties among member states. Egypt
Assad critic seizes chairmanship of key Iran parliament commission Far from a game of musical chairs, the shift in the leadership of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission is set to alter the stances of the body. Syria
Development of public beaches sparks outrage in Lebanon The opening of the Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel on the Beirut coast was inaugurated despite allegations that it did not have an occupancy permit from the municipality. Lebanon
