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
Tunisian protesters get seven-year itch The austerity measures announced by the Tunisian government as part of this year's budget seem to be targeting the most vulnerable groups in society, including the middle class and the poor. Tunisia
Russian jury still out on Turkey's Afrin offensive Though reports in Turkey suggest the Russians have greenlit plans for an operation in Afrin, Turkey’s top military and intelligence brass emerged from talks in Moscow today looking glum. Syria
Rouhani doubles down on Iran's conservatives with 'digital economy' plan Unlike conservatives, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sees opportunities rather than threats in the expansion of the country's cyberspace. Iran
Iranian directors see little respite despite support for Rouhani Despite their support for moderate President Hassan Rouhani, Iranian film directors remain under the same kind of pressure from the authorities they faced during earlier administrations. Iran
No safety in exile as Turkish dissidents attacked abroad Relentless social media harassment of Turkish dissidents abroad has now transformed into death threats and physical assault. Turkey
Ankara might be awaiting Russian OK for Afrin operation Although Turkey keeps signaling an imminent operation against Afrin in northern Syria, it appears Moscow hasn’t yet given the green light. Syria
Iconic lawmaker's ouster a gloomy deja vu for Turkey The crackdown on the Kurdish political movement in Turkey has caught up with iconic politician Leyla Zana, who lost her parliamentary seat for the second time in 25 years. Turkey
Fearing aid slash, PA to collect more customs duties The Palestinian Ministry of Finance is increasing customs duties on a range of goods, allegedly to protect local production, in light of a budget deficit of $1.07 billion in 2017 and threats of a drop in international aid to the PA. Palestine
Israeli nationalists' messiah complex The political leaders of Israel's settler sector are abusing Judaism, a dangerous weapon in irresponsible hands. Palestine
Israeli female pilot raises rabbis’ ire Efforts by extremist rabbis to undermine the historic achievement of Major T., the first woman appointed squadron commander in the Israeli air force, is evidence of the panic they feel. Israel
Abbas' security coordination challenge The Palestinian Central Council called for ending security coordination with Israel in response to the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, but it is a move the Palestinian leadership can hardly afford to make. Palestine
Anbar governor thanks PMUs, tells them to get out The new governor of Anbar province faces critical challenges regarding providing services to the recently liberated area from the Islamic State and dealing with the Shiite Popular Mobilization Units coming from outside the province. Iraq
