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
Divided Syrian opposition tries for unified army again As the Syrian opposition faces major setbacks on the battlefield, the Syrian Interim Government and FSA factions have been discussing the formation of a unified national army in hopes of changing the tide. Syria
US waives Iran sanctions, but says no final decision made on nuclear deal The United States waived nuclear-related Iran sanctions, but President Donald Trump has not yet made a decision on the nuclear deal or Iran policy more broadly. United States
Turkey’s spectacular growth has darker side Turkey may have achieved an impressive 5.1% economic growth in the first half of the year, but the risks are still there with myriad problems accumulating on the other side of the coin. Business
Iran, US align against Iraqi Kurdistan referendum Iran and the United States jointly but separately are putting the screws on Massoud Barzani to halt his drive for Iraqi Kurdistan to hold its upcoming independence referendum. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Ankara hardens opposition to KRG referendum As the Sept. 25 referendum approaches, Ankara seems to be toughening its stance against Iraqi Kurdistan's independence move, while a mob attacked the funeral procession for the mother of a Kurdish politician. Turkey
Prospect of Kurdish independence raises talk of war Friction is growing between Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government as the latter's independence vote approaches. Iraq
Ahead of UN meeting, Abbas prepares united Arab position Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is conducting consultations with Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in order to present US President Donald Trump with a united Arab position for the two-state solution. Palestine
The rise and fall of Israel's ultra-Orthodox party Under the renewed leadership of Aryeh Deri, the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party has abandoned its roots and is now facing its demise. Israel
Zarif, Putin meet to discuss nuclear deal, Syria Iran’s foreign minister traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin. Russia
Turkey's Erdogan defends Rohingya to enhance image Big political ambitions lurk behind Erdogan’s vocal defense of suffering Muslims in Myanmar, as Ankara’s own human rights record casts doubt on his credibility. Turkey
Israel eats up more Palestinian land rights in Hebron Israel recently decided to form a municipality that would run the affairs of settlements in the Old City of Hebron, raising concerns about the expansion of settlements. Palestine
Europe urges Trump to keep Iran deal while exploring other pressure points European allies are urging the Trump administration to stick with the JCPOA even as they discuss other ways to address Iranian threats. United States
