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
Hamas says it's open to dialogue with US A senior Hamas leader has said the movement is willing to engage in talks with the United States, which some believe to be an attempt to replace the PLO. Palestine
Hamas pursues conflicting paths While preparing for the March of Return and conducting massive military exercises, Hamas is also sending conciliatory messages to Israel and the US. Palestine
Jordan, Turkey mending fences over trade agreement dispute During a time of shifting alliances, Ankara views Jordan as an important potential ally — which no doubt has been a factor in Turkey's decision to renegotiate a free trade pact that Amman says favors Turkey. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon plans to overhaul its public transportation sector The World Bank has approved a $295 million financing package to reform public transportation in Beirut. Lebanon
Deciphering Russia's delivery of Tell Rifaat to Turkey Now that Russia has reportedly handed over the area around Tell Rifaat to Turkey, all eyes are on Turkey’s performance in the expanded area controlled by its allied Free Syrian Army forces west of the Euphrates. Syria
Why economic growth has not led to job creation in Iran Low capital formation and productivity are holding back the Iranian economy. Iran
Will Khamenei dismiss Iran’s judiciary chief? Reports are being circulated in Iranian media about the possible dismissal of Iran’s judiciary chief amid rising criticism of his performance. Iran
Police roam university campus in Istanbul after students criticized government Several Turkish university students remain in police custody for protesting Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria as the president leads a crackdown on academics who have dared to voice their opposition. Turkey
Egypt women fight for right to army combat posts Amid recurrent calls to allow Egyptian women to join the army, some Egyptian experts say this is an inherent right, while others deem such calls to be illogical and against Sharia. Egypt
Trump’s steel tariffs add to US-Turkish bickering Turkish manufacturers see “great injustice” in Washington’s new steel tariffs, as Ankara seeks compromise on the issue amid the tense political climate between the two countries. Turkey
IDF unfazed by challenges of integration Despite objections from religious quarters and the logistical hurdles they pose, the IDF has no intention to end the integration of women into fighting roles. Israel
What's behind Israeli police chief’s interview frenzy? The latest interviews granted by Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh to news outlets identified with the right have raised concerns that his efforts to protect his image could have unintended consequences. Israel
