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
Italy, Egypt renew relations despite unresolved murder The return of Italy’s ambassador to Egypt more than a year after the torture and slaying of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo heralds new opportunities for cooperation between the countries. Egypt
Fatah pressures Abbas to change strategy After US President Donald Trump's speech at the United Nations, many Palestinian leaders are advancing the idea of a binational state to pressure Israel and the United States into negotiating a two-state solution. Palestine
Turkey indulges in schadenfreude as German right triumphs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says mainstream German politicians paid a price for dragging Turkey into their campaign, but he may find the new government in Berlin even more reluctant to mend ties with Turkey. Turkey
Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum. Iraq
Iran’s judiciary files lawsuit against Telegram founder Iran’s judiciary has filed a lawsuit against the Russian founder of the most popular messaging app in Iran. Iran
Israel's highest court in spotlight as right celebrates 50 years of settlement Instead of clarifying that they are against the government’s occupation policy, Israeli centrist and leftist politicians apologized for avoiding the ceremony celebrating the settlement enterprise. Palestine
Arab states coordinate efforts to block Israel's UN Security Council bid Arab League member states have formed a committee aimed at preventing Israel from obtaining a seat on the UN Security Council in next year's elections, yet some argue the move comes too late in light of Israel's extensive outreach to gain support. Near East
Turkey’s threat of sanctions against Iraqi Kurds rattles its own traders The economic sanctions that Turkey threatens against the Iraqi Kurds have sparked anxiety inside its own borders, where many depend on bilateral trade to make a living. Turkey
Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations. Iraq
Hamas takes another step on path to Gaza handover The Palestinian government will be heading to the Gaza Strip to take over its responsibilities and overcome the challenges represented by the Gaza employees and security issues. Palestine
Ultra-Orthodox play long game with Sabbath soccer debate Israel's Ultra-Orthodox may not really be bothered by soccer being played on the Sabbath, but the complaint offers useful leverage for other political demands. Israel
Israel unsure about 'day after' Abbas, and even 'day before' The latest Israeli intelligence assessment raises concerns about explosions of violence not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank in light of the diplomatic stalemate and uncertainty surrounding President Mahmoud Abbas' remaining time in office. Palestine
![Israeli security forces stand guard during a demonstration organized by Peace Now in the Gush Etzion settlement block on September 27, 2017, against the 50th anniversary of the creation of the first Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights.
Israel's government hosted a celebration of 50 years of Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights, angering the Palestinians and triggering a row with the supreme court. / AFP PHOTO / Thomas COEX / The erroneous mention[s] appear](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/09/GettyImages-854748754.jpg/GettyImages-854748754.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=C3YHn7QQ)
