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
EU deals Tunisia another heavy blow The Tunisian government is embarking on a series of measures to persuade the European Parliament to back down on its Feb. 7 decision to add Tunisia to the blacklist of countries at "high risk" of money laundering and terrorist financing. Tunisia
Czechs release Syrian Kurdish leader, won't extradite to Turkey Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim has been released from detention in Prague, leaving Turkey fuming. Syria
Iranians call for soft power now to head off future water crises At a conference on water, Iranian officials called for moving to resolve potential water disputes with neighbors peacefully, in light of expected drought and other water problems. Iraq
Iranian conservative duo rumored to be gearing up for parliament run Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s conservative rivals appear to be gearing up to enter parliament. Iran
Russia, Qatar move forward on military cooperation The Kremlin tightens its military relationship with Qatar, with Doha finalizing the purchase of S-400 air missile defense systems from Russia. Saudi Arabia
US ambassador to Israel lobbies in favor of settlers US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman acts more like an ambassador of the settlers vis-a-vis the Trump administration. Palestine
Russia's call for dialogue with Assad irritates Ankara Pro-government Turkish analysts say Moscow’s call for dialogue between Ankara and Damascus over Afrin is an effort to sideline Turkish aims in Syria. Syria
Jordan and Turkey get cozy Jordan and Turkey are boosting political, trade and economic ties amid regional challenges and shared interests in the outcome of nearby conflicts. Saudi Arabia
How the occupation seeped into Israel's judicial system Case 4000 has exposed the use of detention by Israeli police and court officers in Israel to pressure suspects into breaking, a tactic typically used by the Shin Bet on Palestinians in the occupied territories. Palestine
Graduates of Gaza universities demand jobs, degree recognition Gaza university students and graduates are calling on the Ramallah government to restore the accreditation of their schools while a committee sounds the alarm about soaring unemployment rates. Palestine
Egypt launches renewable energy curriculum to boost promising sector In anticipation of the expected increase in employment opportunities in the solar and wind power sectors, the Egyptian government has launched training programs in renewable energy for students at technical schools in various governorates. Egypt
Salih Muslim: Syria's Kurdish problems will be solved by Syrians, not Turkey In an interview just days before being arrested in Prague at Turkey's request, Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim spoke to Al-Monitor about his relations with Ankara. Syria
