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
Syrian opposition iced out of White House The Donald Trump administration held off on the opportunity to talk to Syrian opposition officials in town this week even as it outlined a tougher stance against Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Tillerson says US troops to stay in Syria; US huddles with allies over Sochi Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US military will stay in Syria to prevent the return of the Islamic State, deter Iran and bolster post-war diplomatic efforts. Syria
War rages in Turkish media in anticipation of military operation News outlets loyal to the Turkish state and sympathetic to the Kurds are each busy framing the conflict ahead of possible Turkish military moves against Syrian Kurds. Syria
Will Erdogan defy Russia, US over Afrin? Turkey’s plan to launch an operation to take Syria's Afrin faces major difficulties, yet if Erdogan succeeds even partially it will boost his image at home. Syria
Rouhani unblocks Telegram; hard-liners send message Iran’s president is under fire from hard-liners for unblocking a popular messaging app. Iran
Hosting Syria talks in Sochi presents challenges for Russia There's plenty of suspicion and finger-pointing to go around leading up to the Syria peace talks in Sochi this month. Syria
Israel dismisses Abbas' threats to end security coordination Israeli sources estimate that by delivering a fiery speech before the Palestinian Central Council in which he promised to cut security coordination with Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cornered himself with promises to his people that he cannot fulfill. Palestine
Turkish civilians arm themselves ahead of crucial 2019 polls As a critical election cycle looms next year, alarm is growing in Turkey over individual armament, especially in pro-government quarters where some have formed dubious groups and openly called on peers to arm themselves. Turkey
Can Netanyahu scratch Americans from Jewish roster? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made his choice of siding with the ultra-Orthodox against US Reform and Conservative Jews. Israel
Another general 'testing the waters' of Egypt's presidential race Gen. Sami Anan has reportedly announced his candidacy in the upcoming Egyptian presidential elections, but there is some doubt being cast about his intention to run. Egypt
Defiant Palestinians boycott US projects, products US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has prompted various Palestinian boycotts of US-funded projects and programs. Palestine
Who will run against Sisi in Egypt’s elections? Would-be candidates for the Egyptian presidential elections will most likely be unable to ensure enough support to participate in the race. Egypt
