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
Lebanon explores potential roles with Russia As Russia works to put the finishing touches on Syrian civil war negotiations, representatives from many Mideast countries are showing up at Putin's door, including Lebanon, which has much to give and gain in the situation. Saudi Arabia
How Israel's support is swaying Kurdish sentiment ahead of referendum Turkey’s Kurds may have divergent views on Israeli backing for the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan, but their support for the independence bid remains robust. Iraq
Events in the Middle East force realism on Erdogan After his Islamist-driven expectations fell by the wayside, Erdogan finds he has to cooperate with leaders he would rather not have talked to. Turkey
Israeli right wing takes on Supreme Court The claim by HaBayit HaYehudi leaders that their latest initiative is intended to create a balance of power between the different government branches is nothing but a smoke screen; their real purpose is to undermine the Supreme Court. Israel
Trial begins for Turkish journalists accused of Gulen links The Zaman newspaper trial has opened with 31 journalists accused of membership in the network of preacher Fethullah Gulen. Turkey
Is Hamas offering too little too late? Hamas is willing to display flexibility in order to ease the heavy isolation it faces, but what its leaders view as a significant compromise is likely far from what Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is willing to accept. Palestine
Peres' secret plan for two-state solution Late Israeli President Shimon Peres never gave up on peace, even during the last few years of his life when he developed an initiative for a two-state solution. Palestine
Rouhani tries to talk Europe into saving nuclear deal Iranian media is abuzz with reports of Rouhani’s attempts to rally Europe to stand up against Trump’s efforts to kill the nuclear deal. Iran
Tunisia's next elections will put governing alliance to test After the founder of the secularist Nidaa Tounes Party Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi expressed his disappointment toward Islamist ally Ennahda, talk is growing about the future of the alliance between the two. North Africa
Palestinian Authority looks to reinvent itself A member of Fatah’s Central Committee has taken to the media to declare a shift in focus for the Palestinian Authority toward more revolutionary politics. Palestine
Abbas pushes forward with plans for PNC by year-end Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ insistence on convening the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah has continued despite objections from Hamas and other Palestinian factions. Palestine
Saudi Arabia stuck with self-inflicted wounds in battle with Iran Policies driven by a narrow-minded focus on Iran have left Saudi Arabia with self-inflicted wounds, but it is not too late for a course correction. Saudi Arabia
