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
As Iraqi Kurds vote for independence, Turkey dials up hostility Kurds in northern Iraq are holding a historic vote for independence, but opposition from their neighbors, especially Turkey, has ratcheted up regional tensions. Turkey
Can Iranian threat shield Netanyahu from police investigations? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a master at using his UN speeches to convince his Israeli electorate that he is the only person capable of defending the country from the Iranian threat. Israel
Turkey hopes to pounce on big piece of Mosul reconstruction Despite their government's past gaffes, Turkish firms want, even expect, substantial contracts to help rebuild Iraq's Mosul, which was reduced to rubble during the long battle to exorcise the Islamic State. Iraq
What's next after Kurdish independence vote? Millions in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region voted in today's independence referendum, despite threats by Iraq, Turkey, Iran and the United States. Iraq
Iran’s oil minister has big plans for likely last term Having begun yet another — and likely his last — term as Iran’s minister of petroleum, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh faces surmountable challenges in pushing the country’s energy sector into the 21st century. Iran
Iran reacts to Kurdish referendum The Iraqi Kurdistan referendum on independence received top coverage in Iranian media, drawing condemnation from both sides of Iran's political sphere. Iraq
Jordanians brace for tough times ahead amid tax changes under IMF deal Under an agreement signed with the IMF, Jordan is seeking to raise additional revenues, raising fears about the worsening economic situation in the kingdom. Jordan
Egyptian TV network's sale concerns free press advocates Private Egyptian security company Falcon acquires Al-Hayat TV network, sparking concerns over the state’s grip on the media. Egypt
Aoun calls for 'Levantine common market,' safe return of Syrian refugees Lebanon's president outlines a regional approach to combating poverty and extremism; Mahmoud Abbas nears moment of truth regarding Dahlan’s role in Fatah-Hamas talks. Palestine
Moscow welcomes Libya’s fighting factions Russia continues to boost its image as a peacemaker in the Middle East by engaging both of Libya’s warring parties. Libya
Turkey's threats against Kurdish referendum vague but deliberate Turkey’s National Security Council convened Sept. 22 to decide what measures to take against the Kurdistan Regional Government if it holds its independence referendum. Iraq
Is Iran seeking to impose its influence in Iraq's liberated Sunni areas? The opening of a school in Ninevah province under the name of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, stirred a wide debate within political and public circles in Iraq, as some saw the move as an attempt to provoke some Iraqis. Iraq
