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
Egyptian women fight for right to top judicial positions As both the Ministry of Justice and the National Council for Women push for the appointment of female judges to Egypt’s State Council, the State Council continues to adamantly reject such appointments. Egypt
Turkey’s Islamist ‘old guard’ joins Erdogan opponents The National View, the pioneer movement of political Islam in Turkey, has joined the opposition in its efforts to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in next month’s elections. Turkey
Electoral commission attack destabilizes shaky situation in Libya The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the May 2 attack on Libya’s High National Election Commission headquarters in Tripoli, raising more security concerns for the upcoming elections. Libya
Palestinians to partner with Damascus on refugee camp reconstruction Palestinians in Syria are eagerly awaiting the end of hostilities in the Yarmouk refugee camp and its surroundings so the Syrian regime can begin reconstruction in the area. Palestine
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish HDP names jailed leader as presidential candidate Turkey’s top Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas, the only person who could deprive President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of his ambition, is officially joining the presidential race from his prison cell. Turkey
In Iran, religious titles lie at heart of political games Despite pushback from senior figures such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the politicization of clerical ranks in Iran continues unabated. Iran
Was Abbas' speech at top Palestinian council meeting his last? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' April 30 PNC speech was widely condemned and faced accusations of anti-Semitism, and it may indicate he no longer feels political restrictions. Palestine
Palestinian succession war heats up after Abbas' controversial speech Senior Fatah leaders have suggested that Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah temporarily fill the role of Palestinian president as a compromise to prevent succession battles between the movement's various factions. Palestine
Preparations in place for Iraqi parliamentary elections Iraqi election officials are keeping a close eye on the voting process this week, as some clerics and activists raise concerns about possible corruption and critics question the reliability of the country's new electronic voting system. Iraq
Saudi Arabia, Iran vie for economic influence in Iraq Saudi Arabia is seeking to enter the Iraqi market aggressively, along with a political presence, and increase the competition with its opponent Iran in the Iraqi arena. Saudi Arabia
Israeli centrist leader challenges Netanyahu on his own turf Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid’s combined media attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intended to present him as a major player in the diplomatic and security arena. Israel
US troops on Yemen border ruffle congressional feathers Recent revelations that US ground troops are helping Saudi-led coalition forces target Houthi missile stockpiles in Yemen have renewed calls on Capitol Hill for more congressional oversight in the war. Saudi Arabia
