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
Iranian media workers warn of ‘death of independent journalism’ As the Rouhani administration moves to change media laws, it faces a wave of accusations that it seeks to end independent journalism. Iran
Europe might step in if Trump's Mideast initiative fails If the Middle East initiative of US President Donald Trump fails, French President Emmanuel Macron could launch his own initiative for a two-state solution in 2018. Palestine
As calls for disbanding Iraq's PMU rise, its influence expands The voices of Iraq's Western allies are rising against the Popular Mobilization Units, demanding the dissolution of these forces, while the PMU is expanding its influence in the Iraqi state, making Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi face tough choices. Iraq
Trial of Turkey’s opposition leader starts without him in court A court ruled that Selahattin Demirtas, the leader of Turkey’s second-biggest opposition party, could not attend his first hearing in person, increasing concerns his trial may not be fair. Turkey
Trump's Jerusalem move may prove blessing for Erdogan While Trump’s Jerusalem statement provided Erdogan an opportunity to present himself as the leader and spokesman of the Muslim world, the move could further polarize the region and destabilize Turkey. Israel
Can Israel contain violence after Trump's proclamation? After President Donald Trump's announcement that he recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had no choice but to ensure that Fatah's reconciliation with Hamas succeeds. Palestine
Finance minister takes hit as Israelis protest effort to shield Netanyahu Kulanu head and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is paying a price at the polls for the recommendations law, though the bill was advanced by the Likud to benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
After decades of suppression, Baha'is celebrate publicly in Baghdad Baha'is are celebrating a religious event publicly in Baghdad for the first time in their history in Iraq, as they gathered to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Baha’i faith founder Baha'u'llah. Iraq
Mystery surrounds former Egyptian premier's return to Cairo Former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq returned to Cairo from the UAE after announcing his intention to run in the upcoming presidential elections, yet questions remain surrounding his return. United Arab Emirates
Will Palestinian Authority revamp PLO? For Palestinian reconciliation to succeed, the PLO may have to make substantial changes to draw in Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. Palestine
The next battle in Syria With the war on the Islamic State winding down, other tensions in Syria are dialing up as Israel and Turkey worry over forces amassing on their borders. Israel
Palestinians ponder who may run for president next year Although the reconciliation process is moving slowly, a busy electoral season awaits the Palestinian territories, during which each of many parties might field their own candidate or end up forming electoral alliances. Palestine
