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
Egypt poised to approve changes to citizenship law Amendments to Egypt’s citizenship law could be approved amid fears they would be used to repress the regime’s opposition. Egypt
Erdogan's border-security bluster a snarl at Moscow The Turkish president has renewed threats to move against Syrian Kurdish forces, playing to his nationalist base with promises to secure Turkey's borders, but is unlikely to take action yet for fear of Russian retaliation. Syria
Iran’s conservative-dominated judiciary under attack — from conservatives Iran's conservative-dominated judiciary finds itself on the receiving end of allegations of corruption. Iran
Iran’s supreme leader points finger at Saudi Arabia, US, Israel over unrest Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei distinguished between peaceful protesters and those who damaged public property during the recent unrest. United States
Erdogan's 'soldiers' and their threat to dissent After a controversial decree introducing judicial immunity for citizens involved in the suppression of terrorist acts, many in Turkey are concerned that it will be used to shield pro-government vigilantes. Turkey
Abbas' electricity deal an olive branch to Gaza By convincing Israel to restore Gaza's power supply, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hopes to regain the trust of Gazans ahead of a Palestinian National Council meeting. Palestine
Supermarket law buys Netanyahu's coalition more time This week, Likud members voiced clear messages directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the supermarket law promoted by ultra-Orthodox coalition partners. Israel
Israel's betrayal of African refugees Israel's right-wing government is set on expelling African illegal immigrants, who face great danger in their home and host countries. Israel
Tension keeps rising in Cairo over Turkey-Sudan island pact The Turkish-Sudanese deal over Suakin Island has sparked angry reactions to the possibility of Turkey building a military base on the island, posing a threat to Egypt’s national security. Egypt
Egypt moves to tame lawless e-commerce sector While Egypt's e-commerce activities witnessed significant growth in 2017, laws governing electronic sales and purchases are expected to further boost the sector. Egypt
Saudis watch Iran protests intently While Saudi Arabia's economy is suffering due to low oil prices and discontent at home grows, the kingdom is following the protests in Iran with great interest, hoping national issues will distract from Iran's regional advances. Saudi Arabia
'Water war' escalates between Egypt, Sudan Amid ongoing disputes over Nile water supply, tensions between Cairo and Khartoum escalated after the latter hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and handed Ankara control of a Red Sea island. Legacy: Gulf
