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
Parliament votes to disband Tunisia's truth commission The Tunisian Truth and Dignity Commission vows to continue its efforts to help victims of human rights violations, despite parliament's efforts to dissolve the group. Tunisia
Do recent border protests mark turning point for Hamas? By endorsing calls for peaceful protests along Gaza's border, Hamas is likely looking to capitalize on international sympathy with the Palestinian cause, but some question whether the movement can break its tradition of violence. Palestine
Ethiopian dam talks jammed with no compromise in sight Another meeting between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on the massive Nile dam ended in an impasse, leaving many questions about its construction unanswered. Egypt
Disgraced former Israeli PM drums up support for unlikely pardon Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has asked the president to expunge his criminal record so he will be again eligible for political office. Israel
Saudi leadership offers Israel a chance Open declarations alongside discreet talks indicate that Saudi Arabia is ready to engage with Israel, in parallel with a two-state solution process. Saudi Arabia
Pompeo faces Senate buzz saw over stance on Iran, Muslims President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state is in trouble amid a backlash over his administration’s hawkish bent. Congress
Jilted Kurds ignore Western hand-wringing over Syria gas attack The Syrian Kurds have been notably silent on US President Donald Trump’s threat to punish Damascus over a suspected chemical attack on Douma, likely disillusioned and choosing to focus on condemning Turkey's ongoing offensive in Afrin. Syria
Trump's threats fuel nuclear ambitions among Iranian conservatives Iranian conservatives renew the prospect of exiting the nonproliferation treaty in case the United States withdraws from the nuclear deal. Iran
Turkey's running out of time to pick a partner in Syria Turkey's been playing the field in Syria, but as the crisis escalates, Ankara may have to make a commitment to either its NATO allies or Moscow. Syria
Turkey’s controversial wealth fund stumbles badly since hasty creation Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund, which holds key public assets worth $160 billion, has stumbled badly since its hasty creation in 2016. Turkey
Farmers' efforts fruitless after Israeli military drills Israel's army drills are razing thousands of acres of the Jordan Valley used by Palestinians for farmland and pastures. Israel
Will Iraq's new 'tribal court' undermine rule of law? A group of tribal sheikhs will be appointed by the Ministry of Justice to intervene as arbitrators to resolve disputes and conflicts between Iraqi tribes, which some fear will undermine the rule of law in Iraq. Iraq
